Scholarships to Diversify Texas Law Schools

• Scholarship Information
  
  
  

  • Five diagnostic tests administered under test-like conditions,
  • In-depth review using real LSAT questions,
  • A personalized study plan with targeted instruction from an outstanding Kaplan teacher, and
  • Extra help when needed.

  REQUIREMENTS please read carefully
  In the 2008 Diversity Scholars Program, there are three rounds of scholarship awards:

  Application Rounds	Deadline for Applications	LSAT Test Date 1
  Round 1/or alternate test date for Sabbath observers	January 31, 2008	June 16, 2008
  Round 2	April 30, 2008	October 04, 2008
  Round 3	August 15, 2008	December 06, 2008

  Round 1/or alternate test date for Sabbath observers

  Scholarship recipients must:

  (a) Take the LSAT on the designated date that corresponds to their Application Round . Example: Round 1 scholarship recipients must take the June LSAT test.

  (b) Apply to at least one law school in Texas for Fall 2008 or Fall 2009 admission.

  To apply, applicants must submit all of the following : include your full name on each item submitted.

  1. Completed 2-page application, including applicant signature.
  2. Resume.
  3. Copy of college transcript (and any graduate school transcripts).
  4. Financial need documentation (tax return or proof of financial aid received at college).
  5. Two letters of recommendation (at least one academic or professional).
  6. A personal statement that discusses the qualifications that make you a strong candidate for this scholarship; be sure to include your career goals and your reasons for wanting to attend law school (no more than 500 words).
  7. An essay question (750-1000 words).

  All application materials must be postmarked by the deadline and should be returned in one envelope to:

  Texas Appleseed
  Diversity Legal Scholars Program
  1609 Shoal Creek, Ste. 201
  Austin, TX 78701
  

  Texas Appleseed and Kaplan reserve the right to alter the Diversity Legal Scholars program at their discretion.

• Diversity in Texas Law Schools
  
  In the wake of the Hopwood v. Texas (1996) decision barring the use of race as a factor in admissions to Texas public law schools, reliance on the LSAT as an admissions tool increased and minority admissions declined. In the fall of 1997, the year the Diversity Legal Scholarship Program began, only four African American and 26 Hispanic students were part of the University of Texas Law School's class of more than 400. These numbers have improved, but minorities remain significantly underrepresented in a majority of Texas law schools. Scholarships to LSAT review courses remain critical to leveling the playing field for law school admissions.
  
  Diversity in Texas law schools is critical if we are to prepare lawyers who can understand and serve the needs of the state's growing multicultural population. Texas Appleseed, Kaplan © , and the Texas law firms and attorneys supporting this program believe that Texas law schools should be accessible to all qualified students. The goal of this program is to help motivated students reach their potential and expand their law school options.
  
  We have now assisted over 200 minority scholars in attending the Kaplan LSAT preparatory course, which enables talented students to be fully prepared for the LSAT. Due to the continued support of many firms, we have been able to expand our outreach and our partnerships with professional associations such as the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin.

• Application & Contact Information
  
  2008 Application
  Please read carefully as there have been changes made to the application.

  Contact information:
  Texas Appleseed
  Erica Terrazas
  Diversity Legal Scholars Program
  1609 Shoal Creek, Ste. 201
  Austin, TX 78701
  Phone: 512-473-2800, ext.106
  Fax: 512-473-2813
  Email: eterrazas@texasappleseed.net
  

What Others Are Saying

"I look forward to giving back to the community through service in the law. In many ways the work that I perform is a tribute to those who helped me get where I am."
- Forrest Deegan, Diversity Scholar 1998

"The LSAT is a tough test, and I would not have been able to afford a preparation class to take the LSAT. Luckily, Texas Appleseed strives to see minorities and other diverse individuals succeed."
- Starlett Carter, Diversity Scholar 2003

Letter From Former Scholar 

Links

Hispanic Bar Association of Austin

Kaplan 

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