Indigenous Summer LSAT Prep Program
Source: https://law.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply-jd-programs/Indigenous-LSAT-Prep-Program Parent: https://law.ucalgary.ca/
For Indigenous low-income and high-potential students interested in pursuing a law degree.
Applications for 2026 are open from March 1 - April 15.
On this page
About the Program
In summer 2024, we offered our first Indigenous LSAT® Preparation Program: A Pipeline Project, Funded from the Law School Admission Council, Inc. and continued this partnership into the 2025 Program.
This year, we are proud to offer this Summer LSAT Program for Indigenous students who are low-income or high-potential in their last two years of studies, or have previously completed their undergraduate degrees. The program, which runs from May to August, will prepare Indigenous students to write a Fall LSAT and apply to law schools in the upcoming admissions cycle.
As a provider of legal education, the Faculty of Law recognizes our responsibility to create meaningful pathways for Indigenous individuals to apply to law school. As the LSAT is a requirement for many complete applications, our goal is to provide skill-based education and cultural programming so that Indigenous candidates can complete the LSAT, while retaining and embracing their identity in their applications and education.
Classes will be held twice a week in the evening, online. All participants must commit to attend at least 90% of the classes, and attendance will be checked throughout the program.
The course is taught by a current UCalgary Law student.
Program Details
- Course will run the week of May 7 to the week of August 6 (14 weeks)
- Class days: Tuesday and Friday
- Some weeks may feature joint-programming with UCalgary Law’s LSAT Summer Prep Course, and may occur on Monday or Wednesday evenings, with holiday consideration also a factor.
- A detailed schedule will be made available in advance and provided to successful candidates so students can schedule accordingly.
- Times
- Mandatory instruction time and review: 6 – 8 p.m.
- Location: Online
- Some cultural programming may be held in-person if appropriate
- Fees: Free for qualified participants
- Class size: Up to 20
Program features
Comprehensive preparation for the Fall LSAT
- Includes study materials and practice tests, and additional study group support
**NOTE: Materials can only be accessed online.
Law school admissions and financial aid information and support, including:
- The admissions process and the impact of your LSAT and GPA
- How to draft an effective Statement of Interest
- How to draft an application as an Indigenous applicant
- How to complete a strong writing sample
- How to finance your legal education
Exposure to law school and the legal profession
- Opportunities to hear from current Indigenous law students and practicing lawyers
Ongoing support
- Access to coaching from Course Instructor
- Access to coaching from Specialist, Indigenous Education & Reconciliation
- Access to Law School Admissions Staff
Cultural programming
- Cultural programming, relationship building, and mentorship with Elders, members of the legal community, students, and professionals
Eligibility
You are fully committed to writing a Fall LSAT and submitting an application for Fall admissions, and you satisfy the following:
- You self-identify as an Indigenous person in Canada and submit documentation of citizenship and/or membership
- Please review the University’s published guidelines for documentation
- You are either:
- Currently an undergraduate student, in third or fourth year
- A graduate from a Bachelor’s degree program
- You have an average GPA of at least 3.00 (B) in your last 20 half courses (60 unit equivalent)
- You have received an LSAC Fee Waiver
- All applicants must apply for an LSAC Fee Waiver and provide Confirmation of that application or approval in their application email. Applicants denied a Fee Waiver are still eligible for admission to the program, but are strongly encouraged to appeal the Fee Waiver decision with LSAC.
Applications to the program are competitive. A holistic assessment process will be utilized. Candidates who receive regrets will not receive individual feedback.
Application Form
To apply for this program, please fill out this application form.
Instructions on how to submit your package are included in the form.
Supporting Documents
1. Transcripts
A scanned copy of one up-to-date transcript for eachpost-secondary institution attended/attending.
2. Statement of Interest (maximum 500 words; PDF or Word file only)
- Why are you interested in the program?
- How have your previous experiences and academic choices influenced your decision to pursue law school?
- What would you like to do with your law degree?
Applicants may also optionally share information related to their Indigenous identity and how it relates to the above questions or their lived experience as an Indigenous person in Canada, including connections to their community, history, and heritage.
Please do not feel compelled to share elements of personal or family trauma that you have not yet fully processed or information that through the act of sharing would feel harmful to your wellbeing. The success of your application is not dependent on demonstrating trauma related to your Indigenous identity or otherwise. Supports are available and some can be found on our website atAcademic Success and Personal Wellness.
What to include in your application package
Application form
A completed and signed application form.
Transcripts
A scanned copy of one up-to-date transcript for eachpost-secondary institution attended/attending.
Statement of Interest
See details above.
Receipt of LSAT Fee Waiver
Confirmation that you have applied for or received the LSAT Fee Waiver.
Indigenous identity documentation
See details above
Questions?
Please contact Coordinator, Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation: adshowal@ucalgary.ca