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Abstract

This study employs student survey data and statistical analysis to reveal whether demographics, forms of capital, and anticipatory socialization factors determine pre-law students' intent to pursue a law degree and their perceptions of LSAT scores as an indicator of admissibility. Descriptive statistics show that 72 percent of the respondents were concerned about financial debt and 68 percent of respondents were concerned about their chances of being admitted. Female and racial/ethnic students held negative perceptions about their LSAT scores. Regression analysis shows that six factors held associations with the respondents’ intent to pursue a law degree and perceptions of LSAT scores. We discuss our findings in the context of the increased calls for diversification of legal profession and law school enrollments and concerns about a continuous reliance on LSAT scores in admission decisions.

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