The LSAT is a comprehensive test that most applicants to law school take.  Similar to the SAT’s, the LSAT’s are a standardized and nationwide test, and part of the admissions process.  There are some people who think that this test is over emphasized, however the way law school admissions currently treat an applicant’s LSAT scores are completely warranted.  The LSAT’s, along with GPA and extracurriculars, are all factors considered in a potential candidate.  A student’s LSAT score should be the highest regarded part of this process.

Premises:

1)       The GPA of a graduating student can not be compared fairly with that of a student from a different school. [common knowledge]

a.       There are hundreds of different types of colleges and universities in the United States, and the world.

b.      Each institution designs its own unique curriculum.

c.       Each curriculum is constructed of courses run and taught by different professors.

2)       The LSAT is not arbitrarily unfair. [sourced]

a.       Studies show preparation time directly correlates with success.

b.      The average scores span less than 15 points between 28 different majors.

3)       Success in the first year of law school directly correlates between success on the LSAT’s. [sourced]

a.       Students who perform better on the LSATs on average had higher grades in his or her first year of school.

b.      Undergraduate GPA had a much weaker correlation to first year law school success.

4)       GPA is not as reliable an indicator of competency as the LSAT [common knowledge]

a.       All LSAT’s are comprehensive (multiple sections, writing, multiple choice)

b.      All LSAT’s given out at one particular time are the same, and scored the same.

c.       The test graders of the LSAT use a predetermined curve.

d.      GPA can be affected by grade inflation.

e.      Not all Institutions and/or professors have the same definition of an A.

f.        GPA can be affected by the curve, although some curves can be influenced by peers.

This is my tentative thesis statement and premises for my paper this semester.  I definitely think that it needs some more work, and maybe a few more premises to solidify the structure of the argument.  Any advice or comments are welcome!