Widener Law Commonwealth Expands LSAT Prep Program for First-Gen Students, Reaching 1,000+ Nationwide
Widener University Commonwealth Law School has more than doubled the reach and impact of its efforts to assist potential law students in their efforts to prepare for the Law School Admissions Test, known as the LSAT. The effort comes through the Guided Journey PLUS program administered by the Law School Admissions Council. The LSAT preparation program has now provided assistance to more than 1,000 first-generation and historically marginalized law school hopefuls across the country.
The initiative—led by Widener Law Commonwealth’s Center for Equity & Justice—recently secured a $110,000 contract from the Law School Admissions Council, or LSAC, marking the second consecutive year of partnership and signaling growing national confidence in Widener Law Commonwealth’s approach to equity in legal education.
“The LSAT was originally established as a barrier to entry,” said Dean andré douglas pond cummings. “And for years, women, people of color, and first-generation students were excluded from the profession. This program dismantles those barriers and replaces them with a blueprint for success.”
The PLUS, Guided Journey program first launched in 2024 with support from the LSAC and was designed specifically to assist first-generation college students as they prepare for the LSAT, a high-stakes exam critical for law school admission. The Center for Equity & Justice now leads the program’s day-to-day operations and instructional design of the LSAT preparation portion, operating with just two faculty advisors and three student fellows—but reaching hundreds more.
“The program is really just bigger in every way,” said Ely Zeigler, a rising third year law student, fellow at the center, and LSAT instructor in the program. “We have more students, more instructors—many of whom came up through the program—and more support both financially and in terms of access. We didn’t just grow the program; we doubled it and then some.”
“It is significant because we are literally helping the next generation of lawyers get into law school,” said Tara R. Smith, a third-year law student, fellow at the center, and program manager. “By helping scholars navigate the LSAT, we’re also helping them connect to others across the country who share the same dream. This program is rare, and it’s incredible that we have the opportunity to administer it.”
This year’s contract nearly doubles LSAC’s initial investment of $65,000, made in 2024. Zeigler said that speaks volumes about the results.
“You don’t nearly double funding unless you’re happy with what’s happening,” he said. “I think LSAC understands that for the price being paid, this is a great return on investment.”
cummings echoed that sentiment: “There are over 200 ABA-accredited law schools in the country. LSAC could have partnered with any of them—and they chose Widener Law Commonwealth to run this program based on our very successful Pathway Program. That speaks volumes about who we are and what we’re accomplishing here.”
Smith agreed, noting the contract signals growing trust in the program’s mission.
“It tells me this program is invaluable,” she said. “LSAC sees the collective power in connecting students to take on the challenge of the LSAT together. That changes the dynamic of the legal profession—away from adversarial, toward collective support.”
Widener Law Commonwealth’s impact is reaching far beyond central Pennsylvania. The students benefiting from the program represent a wide range of backgrounds, and many face challenges that go beyond academics.
“Some students are first-(generation) high school grads, some are first in their families to go to college, and some will be first to go to law school,” said Zeigler. “We’re trying to lighten that load and level the playing field so that merit climbs to the top—not just access or resources.”
The program also offers more than just test prep. Smith emphasized its value as a support system, especially for first-generation students.
“It shows them they belong in law school and in the legal profession,” Smith said. “We’re connecting students to peers, mentors, and instructors who are 100 percent invested in their success. And I think it’s even more meaningful that our dean shows up for them every day. That sends a powerful message.”
cummings underscored that point: “This is how we build belonging. We meet students where they are, and we walk with them. We’re showing them they are not alone—and that they absolutely belong in this profession.”
Instruction is collaborative, not competitive. Zeigler describes his classroom vibe as “relaxed” and focused on collective understanding. “If I ask for the conclusion to a question and someone gives me a line, I turn to the class and ask how we feel about it,” he said. “When students get over the fear of being wrong in front of others, participation goes way up.”
Students take 10 full LSAT pretests throughout the program—a strategy that helps combat test-day anxiety and builds familiarity through repetition.
“There’s no shortcut to success,” Zeigler said. “Sometimes you have to run through something 10 times so that on the 11th, you’re calm.”
For Smith, supporting students through the pressure of LSAT prep means helping them regain focus and confidence.
“My goal is to always leave them feeling empowered and ready to take the next step,” she said. “Sometimes they just need a reminder that they are capable of whatever they set their mind to.”
Both fellows said the heart of the program lies in building community—among students, mentors, and instructors alike.
“In this new digital age, something that is truly lacking is connection,” Smith said. “We are cultivating that here. Community and connection are crucial to success, and we help students build that from day one.”
The significance of the program isn’t just in Ivy League acceptances, Zeigler emphasized—it’s in the lives it changes.
“There are students who, without this program, might’ve scored a 142 and not gotten into law school,” he said. “If we help them get to a 149—that’s a law school score. That’s someone who now gets a chance to prove themselves and become a great lawyer.”
Smith said the most rewarding part of the job is seeing that impact firsthand.
“We have over 1,000 determined students, and helping them reach their dream is truly an honor,” she said. “We are actively breaking down barriers and creating real access. I genuinely love every hour I put into this work.”
The Center for Equity & Justice plans to continue expanding the program and building out its instructional team with scholars who both know the test and know how to teach.
Widener Law Commonwealth’s leadership believes the program has positioned the law school—and the center—as a national hub for LSAT instruction rooted in access, community, and equity.
“We are helping to transform lives,” said cummings. “And that’s exactly what legal education should do.”
