Luther graduates have had a high degree of success in gaining entrance to law school. While factors such as GPA and the LSAT score have a role in narrowing a student's law school search, much of the decision has to do with personal preferences. These preferences may have to do with school location, prestige, program specifications, or placement for work after law school.

In talking with students about law school we tend to think of three levels:

• Top Tier. Some students desire to attend a prestigious national law school, which would benefit those looking to practice at top law firms. In recent years Luther alumni have earned law degrees at University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Texas, NYU, Duke, Georgetown, Northwestern, and Harvard.

• State Universities. Because the public law schools in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois have national reputations and are more affordable than the most prestigious private law schools, many Luther students prefer to stay home for law school. Also, for students looking to practice in the Midwest or work in firms nationally, an education at a state university has proven to be an effective option. In any given year there will be multiple Luther graduates studying at University of Minnesota, University of Iowa, and University of Wisconsin.

• Regionally Acclaimed. In addition, we are fortunate to have a number of first-rate regional law schools located in the Midwest, which have served our graduates well. Regionally acclaimed law schools work well for students who wish to practice law in the Midwest. In recent years, Luther alumni have studied at Drake, Hamline, William Mitchell, St. Thomas, Loyola, Valparaiso, Ohio Northern, and Creighton.

In recent years more students have chosen not to go directly to law school. Some do a volunteer program for a short period of time and others work, sometimes for five to ten years, before continuing their legal education.  Not only is this is a national trend, we think for those who are unsure of their career path or who want to take a break from intense studying, this can be a good choice.

No matter which path is taken to earn a law degree, Luther's liberal arts education helps to prepare its students for each of these higher education paths. So whether one is looking to work in the nation's capital, the Twin Cities, or the Quad cities, students are prepared for their continued education at each of the three types of schools that would take them there.

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)

Law schools rely heavily on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) in the admissions process. The test evaluates reading comprehension, critical-reasoning ability and logical analysis. Luther is a recognized test center and offers the test in June, October, December, and February. Most students take the test either in June following their junior year or in October of the senior year. Because the test does not include substantive sections, there are no particular courses that students need to take in preparation for the test.