Montclair Pre-Law Program Delivers an Impactful LSAT Prep Experience

Ahead of the August and September LSAT dates, the Pre-Law Program partnered with Rise LSAT and LSAT Lab to launch the University’s first LSAT prep program.

According to LSAC data on LSAT scores, students from underrepresented groups statistically score lower than the national average. With more than 50% of Montclair’s students identifying as underrepresented minorities, Pre-Law Program Director Isabelle Ramos saw a great opportunity to provide test preparation and help Montclair students maximize their potential.

Rise LSAT’s founder and LSAT Lab’s director, Laura Damone, specifically sees the importance of bridging the score gap between students from marginalized backgrounds and the national average.

“I was pleased to learn of Laura’s extensive experience with LSAT preparation and her commitment to work with minority serving institutions who have limited budgets and high-need students,” says Ramos.

She also explains the goal of the program is to deliver a “supportive LSAT prep experience that allows participants to connect with each other, access virtual LSAT prep instruction and come together in-person for proctored tests.”

The course begins with three days of in-person sessions, which sets a strong foundation of personalized instruction for students, before transitioning to an online format of three 90 minute sessions per week.

The intensive course design is meant to simulate the reality of the LSAT exam, which can be overwhelming and difficult for many. Underrepresented students typically suffer the most from these challenges as they are less likely to have the time or financial ability to enroll in programs that will prepare them for the rigors of the exam.

“A lot of the required preparation for the LSAT includes practice and carving out the time and place for a test that is two and a half hours, (and that) can be a challenge for participants with jobs and households to maintain,” Ramos acknowledges. “The cost of LSAT prep and the class schedules can be a barrier for law school candidates and this initiative is to help students access resources and education that will accelerate their LSAT performance and develop the skills needed in law school.”

Montclair’s prep program came at no cost to the students, other than the $114 purchase of LawHub if they did not receive an LSAC fee waiver, which most participants qualified for. All other  expenses were covered by the University’s annual NJ Law School Admissions Day, which is approaching its 42nd anniversary.

Students who wished to apply needed to write a simple 400-700 word essay on why they would be a suitable candidate, focusing primarily on their ability to tackle challenges and be dedicated students in an in-person and virtual classroom environment.

Peace Adeniyi-Idowa, a participating junior with a double major in Political Science and Philosophy and a minor in Pre-Law Studies, feels that Montclair’s new LSAT prep program “is one of the best initiatives” the University has introduced. Within weeks of enrolling in the program, her practice test scores have increased by several points and Adeniyi-Idowa is confident she will achieve a competitive score come her test date in August.

“I feel very fortunate to be part of this program,” she says. “The instructors have been supportive and knowledgeable, offering valuable insights that have significantly enhanced my understanding of the material.”

Among those insights is something Laura Damone shared during their very first session: “Slow is steady and steady is fast.” This was helpful for Adeniyi-Idowa who admits she initially struggled with the complex material and wanted quicker results than she was seeing. Since being advised to take her time becoming more familiar with the content, Adeniyi-Idowa has sped up her ability to answer questions.

“This approach has taught me the importance of patience, understanding, and mindfulness. These are skills that will be valuable well beyond my exam,” she says.

Similarly, Mona Shujaieh, a senior majoring in Jurisprudence, Law and Society with double minors in Political Science and Business, appreciates the LSAT prep program for helping her sort through what is often overwhelming for students anticipating taking the LSAT.

“The preparation made the LSAT much more manageable and accessible,” Shujaieh says. “The in-person meetings with Laura were incredibly beneficial, allowing me to ask questions and learn everything I needed to know and making the experience more tangible.”

Beyond the studying of material and exam preparation, the course also explained the various fee waivers and accommodations available to students, which Shujaieh feels was extremely helpful.

The Rise LSAT Lab offered students a comprehensive 13-week study plan and provided weekly “LSAT Prep Insight,” which tracked each student’s individual productivity and accuracy while highlighting areas for improvement.

Shujaieh predicts that the skills she’s developed while being enrolled in the program will follow her past the exam: “These skills—critical reading and analysis, time management, and discipline—will be incredibly useful beyond the LSAT. They are essential for success in law school and in a legal career. This preparation has not only equipped me for the LSAT but also for the demanding journey ahead in law school and beyond.”

Come this August, Shujaieh says, “I am aiming for a high LSAT score to apply to top law schools confidently.”

We wish both Peace Adeniyi-Idowa and Mona Shujaieh luck on their LSATs!

Written by Sarah Ramirez