How do law schools use the LSAT writing sample?
A. Law schools vary in how carefully they review the LSAT writing sample, depending on their admissions process and the number of applications received. Some schools will compare the writing style in the sample to the personal statement to ensure that the same person wrote both. Many schools review the statement for an idea of how well you write under pressure – the same conditions under which you will be writing law school exams. To do well, think before you write (perhaps do a quick outline), use your clearest print (so that faculty reading your writing sample won’t worry that you’ll write messy exam answers), use short, declarative sentences to describe your reasons for picking one option over the other (it really doesn’t matter which) and make your answer two-sided by addressing not only why you picked one option but why you did not pick the other. Your LSAT writing sample will be reviewed most carefully by those law schools where your academic credentials place you in the possible
