Admissions and Outcomes: Evaluating the Predictive Power of the LSAT and UGPA
Date of Award
4-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Patrick Donnay
Abstract
Law schools have long relied on Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores and undergraduate GPAs to predict student success, but the effectiveness and fairness of these metrics remain debated. This study examines whether LSAT scores and UGPA accurately predict bar passage and employment outcomes, analyzing data from the American Bar Association’s Required Disclosures for 197 U.S. law schools. Using statistical methods, including correlation and regression analysis, findings reveal that LSAT scores are a stronger predictor of bar passage than UGPA, while financial aid significantly reduces first-year academic attrition. Additionally, law schools with lower acceptance rates tend to produce better employment outcomes, though institutional reputation and specialization also play key roles. Despite the LSAT’s predictive power, alternative admission factors, such as financial support and academic engagement, influence student success. This research contributes to the ongoing debate about law school admissions, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to evaluating applicants. By reconsidering traditional metrics and expanding financial aid, law schools can foster a more equitable and effective legal education system.
Recommended Citation
McMonigal, Lindsey, "Admissions and Outcomes: Evaluating the Predictive Power of the LSAT and UGPA" (2025). Political Science Theses and Capstones. 134.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/capstone-polisci/134
