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Here are a few points to bear in mind about the Writing Sample:

Be aware of time limits: You get 30 minutes (not 35) to read the topic, decide what you want to say, plan it, write it, and proofread it.

Be brief: Most people find that they can fit, at maximum, 250-300 words in the space provided.

Stay on topic: The task is very clearly delineated. Don't deviate from it. Law schools are fussy about following directions to the letter.

There is no "correct" answer: Basically, you have to choose among two equivalent solutions to a problem, and argue for why it's better. The key here is "equivalent." Don't worry about which one "they" want you to choose; it's not an issue.

Write legibly: It doesn't matter how good your essay is if no one can read it.

The first paragraph will set the stage. The two bullet points explain the considerations at issue. Sticking to these considerations demonstrates your ability to stay on-point.

Each case given has strengths and weaknesses, and again, there's no one "correct" choice. Just make the best case you can for either one.

Learn the directions ahead of time. The directions never change, so learn them before you go into the test.

INSTRUCTIONS: You are to write a brief essay on the topic below. You will have 30 minutes in which to plan and write. Read the topic carefully. You will most likely benefit from spending several minutes organizing your response and planning your essay before you begin to write. DO NOT WRITE ON A TOPIC OTHER THAN THE ONE GIVEN. WRITING ON A TOPIC OF YOUR OWN CHOOSING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. There is no "correct" and "incorrect" answer to this question. Law schools are primarily interested in seeing how clearly and carefully you argue your position. No specialized knowledge is required. Schools are interested in the level of vocabulary, organization, and writing mechanics that you employ. They understand the time constraints and pressured condition under which you will write. Limit your writing to the space given. You will have sufficient space in which to write if you plan your response carefully. Keep your handwriting and margins to a reasonable size. Do not skip spaces. Be sure to write legibly!

In order to make up for a shortage of qualified high school science teachers, Washington Regional High School intends to purchase a videotape instructional series as a learning supplement. Write an argument supporting one of the following equally-priced series over the other, keeping the following considerations in mind:

The school wants to encourage students to continue their study of science.
The school wants to provide as complete coverage as possible of basic high school science.

The Science Teacher, a popular production of a large textbook publisher, follows the normal progression of high school science courses. The series consists primarily of authoritative lectures by leading experts in each scientific discipline. It also contains field interviews with a wide range of scientists, and demonstrations conducted in laboratories across the country. The Science Teacher has been marketed for 15 years and is revised every 5 years to keep up with new developments. Among college educators, it has an excellent reputation for preparing students for university-level science courses.

Science Time is produced by the education department of a large state university. This series presents its material through the eye of a typical high school student, played by a popular television star. It is a fast-paced, upbeat story of how the study of science becomes important in this student's life. Science Time includes skits, animation, and contemporary musical numbers in addition to brief lectures. It has been on the market for three years and has received rave reviews from national magazines and the small number of high schools that have used it to date.

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