Frequently Asked Questions
If you have specific questions, please contact us directly. A representative from TRIALS will get back to you shortly.
TRIALS is the product of a unique partnership among Harvard Law School, NYU School of Law, and the Advantage Testing Foundation. It is a residential summer scholarship program for students who are currently underrepresented at the nation’s leading law schools. Our aim is to help talented students of modest means gain admission to these schools by providing intensive LSAT preparation and a broad-based exposure to diverse aspects of the legal profession.
The TRIALS program is hosted in alternate years on the campuses of Harvard Law School and New York University School of Law. The 2025 TRIALS session will be held at New York University School of Law.
TRIALS 2025 will begin on Saturday, June 28th, and end on Sunday, August 3rd. The program will be held in person at NYU School of Law.
The instructional component of the TRIALS program consists of rigorous preparation for the LSAT including: (1) a step-by-step analysis of every question type on the test and (2) an intensive testing regimen in which students refine their skills on actual LSATs administered under simulated test conditions. Students will also attend lectures on diverse aspects of the legal education and profession, from getting into law school to understanding various practices and specialties of the law.
Students study logical reasoning, argumentation, critical reading, and essay writing with Advantage Testing instructors.
InstructorsZero. TRIALS is a needs-based scholarship program. There is no fee to apply, and students admitted to TRIALS will have no expenses associated with attending the program. Please see the Benefits page of this website for further details.
The TRIALS program is intended for students of modest means who come from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented at the nation’s top law schools. Those who feel they fit these criteria are encouraged to apply. We will not disqualify any candidates on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identification, or annual household income. Rather, we consider each candidate’s complete academic profile, individual circumstances, and personal history when weighing admissions decisions. See the Eligibility page of this website for further details.
Visit the application section of this website to begin the online application process.
How to ApplyYou will receive an admissions decision by April 15th of the year for which you are applying. For specific questions regarding your application, please contact us.
Yes. The LSAT is not a test of innate intelligence. It is designed to test your critical reasoning abilities under time-intensive conditions. Like many standardized tests, the LSAT is based on core principles that can be learned, exercised, and refined. Advantage Testing instructors present methods for identifying and understanding the specific question types encountered on the exam, while providing a detailed evaluation of each individual student's strengths and weaknesses. Our intellectually rigorous approach to LSAT preparation consistently leads to significant score improvements, sharper reasoning skills, and heightened self-confidence for our students.
The Advantage Testing Foundation is the public service arm of Advantage Testing, a private tutorial service dedicated to academic rigor, long-term educational development, and the proposition that tests can be powerful vehicles for learning. For more than 35 years, Advantage Testing has been helping students of every background achieve educational success. Advantage Testing instructors have outstanding academic qualifications, and they have all scored in the 99th percentile on any test they teach. Advantage Testing exhibits an exceptional commitment to public service that has made it a philanthropic leader in the field of academic tutoring and test preparation.
Students will have occasional free time but are expected to attend scheduled activities daily. We recommend avoiding other plans during the program. Calendars will be provided before the program begins.
No, students do not pay for housing or meals. Students will be housed on campus in the dormitories. Details are provided before your arrival.
No, visitors are not allowed on campus. Each law school has its own rules that must be followed. Details will be provided on the first day of your arrival.
Yes, during the program students are given a campus address for receiving packages. Details will be provided on the first day of your arrival.
You will be given a packing list about a month before the program begins.
TRIALS is a full-time program. We understand that emergencies or illnesses may happen. The Program Coordinator can assist if you need help. Participants are expected to attend all planned activities.
Yes, however, they are not allowed to stay for a prolonged period.
During the application process, you may be required to submit two letters of recommendation. You may wish to begin securing two references who are willing to write for you and who would be available to submit a letter in March or April.
Letters of recommendation should come from your professors or a professional relationship and be 1-2 pages long. Instructions for submitting your letters will be provided if we need them. Please do not submit the letters until we request them.
No. TRIALS is a 5-week, full-time commitment.
International students are not eligible for TRIALS unless they are studying or have studied full-time at a college or university in the U.S.