According to U.S. News, any change to the current weight of the LSAT isn't going to happen for at least another year. The earliest that decision could be made is 2012. However, it could be even longer before the ABA decides. The decision would be of large importance to U.S. News, as admissions data from individual law schools make up 25 percent of their criteria for ranking in their annual list of best law schools.
Specifically, the LSAT scores of students' account for 12.5 percent of a school's ranking. With such weight, it is likely that most law schools-at least those whose student bodies have high LSAT scores - will continue to require that LSAT scores be reported prior to admission. In fact, none of the current top-ranked schools in U.S. News' report are LSAT-optional schools.
In any case, the LSAT does have its place in law school admissions. According to many sources, the test is the most accurate and reliable predictor of a student's success throughout his or her first year in law school. Currently, the ABA committee is reviewing the exam's place in law school admissions. Once they are finished, they will make their recommendation to the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. The latter committee would be the final decision maker with regards to any change in accreditation rules.
