Bar Passage: GPA and LSAT, Not Bar Reviews

31 Pages Posted: 11 Aug 2013 Last revised: 26 Nov 2014

See all articles by Nicholas L. Georgakopoulos

Nicholas L. Georgakopoulos

Indiana University - Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Date Written: September 19, 2013

Abstract

Probit regressions of bar passage on law GPA, undergraduate GPA (uGPA) and LSAT show GPA to have a very strong relation, LSAT a weaker one, and uGPA not to have any relation. 1L and upperclass GPA both have strong predictive power, favoring an interpretation of significant learning in small and elective courses compared to the mandated large ones of the first year. Linear regressions of GPA on uGPA and LSAT show a noisy relation to exist only for first-time bar exam takers, none for 2nd time takers. Analysis of bar review courses does not show the choice among them to have consequence. Possible interpretations favor legal education over innate skill and the training in legal analysis over memorization.

Keywords: LSAT, Bar Passage, Bar Examination, Law School Curriculum, 1L Curriculum, Bar Preparation, Probit Regression

JEL Classification: Z00

Suggested Citation

Georgakopoulos, Nicholas L., Bar Passage: GPA and LSAT, Not Bar Reviews (September 19, 2013). Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Research Paper No. 2013-30, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2308341 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2308341

Nicholas L. Georgakopoulos (Contact Author)

Indiana University - Robert H. McKinney School of Law ( email )

530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
United States
317-274-1825 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.nicholasgeorgakopoulos.org

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