[KIM_SAYS:]

Do you (meaning anyone who has input to offer) think it's even possible to raise your score 10 points in a little less than a month? To be more specific, I just took a diagnostic (3rd one for Test Masters) and received a 167 (very disappointing, though it went up 8 points from my initial diagnostic). I've gotten over 170 before when doing practice diagnostics on my own, but I've only taken a few complete tests. I'm aiming to take the LSAT in September, but I definitely need 170+ for the schools I'm aiming for (to make up for my 3.6 GPA). Sigh, It's so stressful =/.

I don't think it's impossible, but you really need to buckle down and hit those (timed AND complete) PTs hard. If you really want a 170+/get into the schools you're aiming for and if you work hard, then I think you can get a 10 pt. increase. What sections do you think are holding you back from getting a 170+? But yeah I feel ya. I need a 170+ too.

Will being in a community college my first 2 years, effect my chances in getting into law? Are they only looking for Smart University students?

I was planning on being in cc for 2 years, then transfering to a University for 4.

I don't think it has any effect at all. There are lot of people who go to a community college and get into good schools. Just keep the GPA high.

I have a question: is Stanford an absolute out for someone with a 3.5, regardless of what the LSAT score is? I checked Law School Numbers, and I only saw a column of rejections/WL for people with a 3.5ish. There was even a person with a 3.5 and 177 LSAT who got rejected.

[delightful123]

^ I think I might not even bother applying to Stanford, and I have about a 3.6 =/. I don't know if that's just me being pessimistic though... Stanford is just along the lines of Harvard and Yale... and so yeah =/. Chances aren't so great.

My worst section right now is logical reasoning (surprise, surprise). I get so frustrated because after looking back on the questions I missed, I realize I just didn't read carefully enough or something... like it hits me why I missed what I did. This sounds good on the surface, but really.. it's just frustrating. Hahaha... I mean mistakes can happen so easily, you know? : ( Logic games, I feel, are really hit or miss.... it's been my best section lately (max -1 or 2), but I'm afraid on the real thing, I'm going to get hit with some ridiculous games.. haha. Reading comp is pretty difficult too.. ah. Whatever. The whole test is hard.

[ronmexico]

Do you (meaning anyone who has input to offer) think it's even possible to raise your score 10 points in a little less than a month? To be more specific, I just took a diagnostic (3rd one for Test Masters) and received a 167 (very disappointing, though it went up 8 points from my initial diagnostic). I've gotten over 170 before when doing practice diagnostics on my own, but I've only taken a few complete tests. I'm aiming to take the LSAT in September, but I definitely need 170+ for the schools I'm aiming for (to make up for my 3.6 GPA). Sigh, It's so stressful =/.

Since you've already been studying, there's not much chance you'll improve your average by that much. But there's always a chance that you'll do dramatically better than your practice scores. The trend has been toward easier logic games and harder reading comp, so you should make sure to take recent tests.

Will being in a community college my first 2 years, effect my chances in getting into law? Are they only looking for Smart University students?

I was planning on being in cc for 2 years, then transfering to a University for 4.

It probably won't hurt much. It's not going to help, but it won't be too big of a deal as long as your grades don't drop off dramatically when you transfer.

[V12Juice]

How was OCI? (nvm if you're a 1L)

[ronmexico]

How was OCI? (nvm if you're a 1L)

I graduated last year. OCI for me was fine, but I interviewed in 2006. Some of the firms I interviewed with no longer exist and at least one has canceled its summer program for next year. I'm guessing this year's group had a pretty rough time. A lot of summers didn't get offers, or weren't given a decision (this is what my firm did), so they're trying to re-interview and not having much luck.

[V12Juice]

How many hours do you work a week? Do you feel like quitting because of the stress? What range is your firm at? (v5,v10,etc.) Don't even know if I want to pursue biglaw anymore..

[B L o T T - ii]

in terms of job prospects and satisfaction, would u guys recommended a major in law or a major in accounting?

[B L o T T - ii]

click here to know more

HAHAS. very funny >_>" go freeze urself why don't u.

[V12Juice]

in terms of job prospects and satisfaction, would u guys recommended a major in law or a major in accounting?

Don't know how it is in Aussie but here in the US, you can't major in Law so most people major in whatever in College and then apply to law schools with GPA/LSAT. Job prospects here are pretty bad right now in this economy, but it really depends on what school you go to and your rank.

[itachi]

hi! the info in here is great! i have some questions.

Well, I'm a 3rd year URM at UC Davis and I'm shooting for Berkeley, UCLA, UM or UC Davis Law School. Double majoring in Soc and Poli Sci with a current 4.0 GPA. Even with Straight A's in the rest of my upper division courses, I will only peak at 3.6-3.65 for my LSAC GPA (cuz of 1 F and 2 D's, all 3 repeated) i messed up in a CC when I was younger.

I want to take as many classes as possible to fluff up my GPA. Which means I have to take classes during the summer and will have less time to study for the September LSAT. I'd like to take the test in December 2010 for Feb 2011 deadline.

Will taking the LSAT in Dec hurt my chances for admission? I heard that some T14 schools are on rolling admissions and spots will be taken if i take the test later.

thanks for your time.

[nailbunny]

I read through this entire thread

And it is freaking depressing. I want to go to UChicago so bad. But my GPA kinda...sucks (at least according to these numbers I'm seeing). I thought I'd just try to do really, really well on the LSAT but even then. Um. Not that I ever considered Yale for anything, but those numbers on Yale are insane. And the recent job prospectus isn't making the situation any better xD I was planning on taking the LSAT next year but..ehhh...maybe I'll look into the GMAT instead? lol Why isn't there a business school thread?

Looks like all my med school friends made the right decision here. Except I could never do that because I really dislike biology and get squeamish at the sight of blood...even fake cartoon blood.

[ronmexico]

How many hours do you work a week? Do you feel like quitting because of the stress? What range is your firm at? (v5,v10,etc.) Don't even know if I want to pursue biglaw anymore..

I don't really work that much. Most associates are slow right now, which is why firms are continuing to lay people off and why more layoffs may be in store.

Will taking the LSAT in Dec hurt my chances for admission? I heard that some T14 schools are on rolling admissions and spots will be taken if i take the test later.

thanks for your time.

Taking the LSAT earlier would be preferable. I'm not saying you should take it in September if you don't think you can prepare adequately for it, but won't you be taking classes prior to the December exam, too? Since you'll probably be a borderline candidate for some of those schools (and why not look at USC, out of curiosity? I assume you want to stay in California), it could help to get your application in early.

I read through this entire thread

And it is freaking depressing. I want to go to UChicago so bad. But my GPA kinda...sucks (at least according to these numbers I'm seeing). I thought I'd just try to do really, really well on the LSAT but even then. Um. Not that I ever considered Yale for anything, but those numbers on Yale are insane. And the recent job prospectus isn't making the situation any better xD I was planning on taking the LSAT next year but..ehhh...maybe I'll look into the GMAT instead? lol Why isn't there a business school thread?

Looks like all my med school friends made the right decision here. Except I could never do that because I really dislike biology and get squeamish at the sight of blood...even fake cartoon blood.

As far as I know, most business schools will only consider applicants with at least a couple years of work experience, meaning full-time, post-college work experience, not internships or summer jobs. That may be part of the reason there aren't as many business school threads.

[LUX.]

Would you say taking an LSAT class helped at all?
Studying and practicing on my own, or perhaps one-on-one with a friend, definitely helps me a lot, but I'm the type of person who learns well in a classroom setting with an organized syllabus. Would you recommend taking a class? If so, which in your opinion, is the best?

[hello-jelo]

is it possible to go to a good and prestigious law school if you graduated from your undergrad college in 2 years?

yeaa of course
but yer gna have to study really hard
cause yer gna have a LOT of competition
and some of them will come from prestigious universities.
but dont let that bother you just work hard and you'll get what you want :]]
fighting !!

[s u n d a e_]

hey guys


im an aussie law student and reading this thread makes me really curious- how does the US law school system work? in australia we just get a score from high school exams and assessments then use it to get straight into law at university...

[rich.paekk]

hey ronmexico! its pretty cool to see you're working now...i remember getting advice from you when you were still going to school. so do you think law school is worth it?? what area of law do you practice?

btw are there any engineers out there trying to go to law school? i get confused looks when i tell my classmates my future plans...

[starsintheskyee]

I'm currently a first semester freshmen planning to transfer to another school and i'm already nervous because of the grades i've been receiving (they arent bad compared to most of my peers, but horrible compared to the grades of those wishing to attend a prestigious law school). I've got a possible D (in math, just my luck) & a possible C but the majority of my grades are A's or B+'s. All this talk about applying/prerequisites for law schools got me stressing out (although i do admit i have plenty of time to stress). My parents want me to start preparing for the LSAT this summer & looking for internships so i have plenty of "cushion" room. *sigh* Is it too early? I mean, it wouldnt hurt to start now, right?

Currently, Stanford is at the top of my list (but i'm gettin increasingly discouraged due to the near-impossible standards the school upholds)
But how does Vanderbilt fare in the job market these days if i plan to work in either DC or NY?
(its one of the schools i'm looking at , i'm considering working for the government or big law ($), idk yet- the prospect of law school seems fun (no, i'm not a masochist) - hard work but i;m sure it should pay off.)

Anything i can do to get a head start right now?

Should a break in between law school & UG be considered? (is it a good idea?)

and as for the job market... i'm guessing i'll be okay... considering the fact that i'll be the Class of 2016 or 17 -.-

[rubyx]

Does anyone here go to Santa Clara University? I'm interested in the law school since one of my heroes teaches law there. I also live in the Bay Area, so it's a good choice since its nearby. However, my grades STINK. What should I do? I read that taking time off helps, but is there anything else I can do to redeem myself?

[ronmexico]

I'm currently a first semester freshmen planning to transfer to another school and i'm already nervous because of the grades i've been receiving (they arent bad compared to most of my peers, but horrible compared to the grades of those wishing to attend a prestigious law school). I've got a possible D (in math, just my luck) & a possible C but the majority of my grades are A's or B+'s. All this talk about applying/prerequisites for law schools got me stressing out (although i do admit i have plenty of time to stress). My parents want me to start preparing for the LSAT this summer & looking for internships so i have plenty of "cushion" room. *sigh* Is it too early? I mean, it wouldnt hurt to start now, right?

Currently, Stanford is at the top of my list (but i'm gettin increasingly discouraged due to the near-impossible standards the school upholds)
But how does Vanderbilt fare in the job market these days if i plan to work in either DC or NY?
(its one of the schools i'm looking at , i'm considering working for the government or big law ($), idk yet- the prospect of law school seems fun (no, i'm not a masochist) - hard work but i;m sure it should pay off.)

Anything i can do to get a head start right now?

Should a break in between law school & UG be considered? (is it a good idea?)

and as for the job market... i'm guessing i'll be okay... considering the fact that i'll be the Class of 2016 or 17 -.-

It's far too early to think about preparing for the LSAT. You can just focus on your grades, and maybe trying to find an internship. A "break" before law school isn't especially helpful unless you're doing something worthwhile during the break.

Does anyone here go to Santa Clara University? I'm interested in the law school since one of my heroes teaches law there. I also live in the Bay Area, so it's a good choice since its nearby. However, my grades STINK. What should I do? I read that taking time off helps, but is there anything else I can do to redeem myself?

What year are you in college? Obviously, the best thing you can do is try to bring your grades up. As I said, taking time off before applying doesn't help a lot if you don't do anything between UG and law school. Santa Clara isn't super-selective, though; if you can break 165 on the LSAT, you've got a great shot at getting in.

[cikayelle]

I'm a senior in high school at the moment; however, I'm fairly certain about going to law school, and I've already started my subscriptions to dense reads like The Economist and The Smithsonian and Scientific American (per tips I've gleamed from the toplawschools forum) as well as getting a copy of the Logic Games Bible. I certainly don't want to go overboard, but I believe that by starting this early, I would not just be practicing for the LSAT per se, but also developing a habit for quick but comprehensive reading/problem solving. Along these lines, is there anything else I could probably do right now in preparation? I'm talking something akin to doing an LSAT problem a week on my own pace, NOT feverishly doing entire practice exams under replicated test conditions every night. Something not immediately intense, but perhaps over the span of years will come to be very helpful and effective.

Like, would reading cases be advisable, and if so, which ones are the most common or important? Should I just go out and get a 1L casebook? Which law reviews/journals are good one to start with?

I know someone will answer and say I'm worrying about it way too early, or that I'm going to experience burnout before I even finish my undergrad, but regardless if I decide halfway through college that the law track isn't really for me, it's not as if all this will be for naught.