Researching law schools can be a daunting process. My advice is to get as much information about potential schools early on; I started my research my freshman year of undergrad when I attended a law school fair.
Law school fairs are basically the same as college fairs -- each school has a booth with information and a representative trying to sell you the school. Over my undergraduate career, I went to two of these. The first was at 30th Street station in Philadelphia and held by Drexel Law, and the second was in Washington, DC and facilitated by LSAC. The LSAC website posts dates about upcoming law school fairs. Typically they are held in big cities -- DC, Philadelphia, New York, etc.
The LSAC website also lists every ABA (American Bar Association) accredited law school in the US and its territories and has a GPA and LSAT calculator. The calculator, based on previous incoming classes, calculates your percentage of getting accepted, which is very helpful in finding "safe" schools.
Another tool I found to be very useful was the US News & World Report website. It ranks all ABA accredited law schools in a four tier category and places the top tiered schools from 1 to 100. It allowed me to compare the schools I got accepted into and see which were rated best.
It's important to take into account the various concentrations -- sort of like your major in undergrad -- each school offers as well. While it is not necessary to graduate law school with a concentration, research which schools you are considering have the area you want to specialize in and go from there.
Happy hunting!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Updates - Apartment Hunting
This morning I started apartment hunting online. Yikes! Seems to be that all the good places are already leased for the fall semester, which means I had to bust a move today to find decent housing.
Also, I've been bugging my dad about guest blogging about the rewarding/horrifying experiences of a law-school hopeful's father. I'm sure he'll have some interesting insight about the process from a father's POV.
Sorry for the short post, but I'm unbelievably busy with finding an apartment.
Check back soon for my posts about the application process -- it's quite long and often times confusing.
Also, I've been bugging my dad about guest blogging about the rewarding/horrifying experiences of a law-school hopeful's father. I'm sure he'll have some interesting insight about the process from a father's POV.
Sorry for the short post, but I'm unbelievably busy with finding an apartment.
Check back soon for my posts about the application process -- it's quite long and often times confusing.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Roarrrrrrr
I am officially a Drexel Dragon! Roar! Do dragons roar or growl? Perhaps they just breathe fire -- either way please insert correct dragon noise here!
I feel so accomplished. The check is in the mail, and now I start hunting for apartments and loans. This should get interesting.
Anyone know any good apartments for lease in University City? Let me know!
I feel so accomplished. The check is in the mail, and now I start hunting for apartments and loans. This should get interesting.
Anyone know any good apartments for lease in University City? Let me know!
(Logo from Drexel Website)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Updates - I had a Revelation.
I was on the phone speaking with my dad 20 minutes ago, and I had an epiphany; I want to go to Drexel for law school. The decision just all of a sudden made perfect sense, and I truly believe Drexel is the best place for me at this point.
By then end of the week, I'll send off my 300 dollar nonrefundable deposit, and I'll begin searching for housing in Philadelphia.
I am still waiting to see if U of Baltimore will throw me a substantial scholarship; however, at this point, I am Drexel bound.
Go Dragons!
By then end of the week, I'll send off my 300 dollar nonrefundable deposit, and I'll begin searching for housing in Philadelphia.
I am still waiting to see if U of Baltimore will throw me a substantial scholarship; however, at this point, I am Drexel bound.
Go Dragons!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The LSAT - Getting your Scores
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Charles Dickens put it best; the day you get your scores back can be the best time of your life, or it can be the worst. The first time I got mine back, I experienced more of the worst of times scenario. Allow me to elaborate.
142
That was my score, a dismal 142. I was devastated. I couldn't believe that all my hard work and countless practice tests had boiled down to this one number. I started questioning myself. How could everything I had worked for in the past 6 months be meaningless?
For most law schools, the magic number to hit for acceptance is 150. If you break 150, you basically get a golden ticket to law school. (I'm exaggerating of course, but a 150 and a decent GPA usually equal law school. It's basic law school math). For me, without that golden 150, I was out of luck.
So, I cried. I cried all morning. I laid in bed, boyfriend beside me, sobbing like a two year old. I was crushed and spent the next week sulking. By the end of the week, I had decided that my only option was to retake the LSAT. I signed up for the December test and spent that following weekend as far away from my LSAT prep materials as possible. I had to clear my mind.
The reason I did so poorly the first time around was because I had a mini panic attack in the middle of the test. I freaked out. I read the same question 15 times and still couldn't understand what it was saying. I couldn't relax and focus on the task at hand. All I could think about was that this test was the culmination of all my efforts and would dictate whether or not I would get into law school.
Take it from me -- this is not the way to go into the test.
So, I cried. I cried all morning. I laid in bed, boyfriend beside me, sobbing like a two year old. I was crushed and spent the next week sulking. By the end of the week, I had decided that my only option was to retake the LSAT. I signed up for the December test and spent that following weekend as far away from my LSAT prep materials as possible. I had to clear my mind.
The reason I did so poorly the first time around was because I had a mini panic attack in the middle of the test. I freaked out. I read the same question 15 times and still couldn't understand what it was saying. I couldn't relax and focus on the task at hand. All I could think about was that this test was the culmination of all my efforts and would dictate whether or not I would get into law school.
Take it from me -- this is not the way to go into the test.
My only solution was to recruit the campus psychologist and learn some relaxation techniques. It truly helped me.
So, if this happens to you -- you freak out, you are sick the day of test, or just not fully prepped -- and you get a bad score, allow yourself to spend that first week feeling bad. If you don't feel bad for awhile, you will never be able to move on. Taking one step back and relaxing, allows you to take two steps forward after the initial week and buckle down for the retake.
So, if this happens to you -- you freak out, you are sick the day of test, or just not fully prepped -- and you get a bad score, allow yourself to spend that first week feeling bad. If you don't feel bad for awhile, you will never be able to move on. Taking one step back and relaxing, allows you to take two steps forward after the initial week and buckle down for the retake.
(Image from www.chicagometroarearealestate.com)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The LSAT - Writing Section
You will have to forgive me...
In my eagerness to prep you for the night before and day of the test, I forgot to detail the final section of the test to you. A thousand apologies.
The last timed section of the LSAT is the Writing Section. Just like the multiple choice sections, this part is 35 minutes in length. However, unlike the rest of the test, the writing sample does not contribute to your raw score. While not scored, it is still sent out to all schools to which you apply.
The writing sample is pretty self explanatory. You will be given a set of conditions and asked to write a brief and logical argument for one side of the presented conditions.
Admissions Committees look for clarity and conciseness in your writing, grammatical correctness, and cohesiveness in your argument.
To achieve these goals, make sure to brainstorm your ideas on the scratch paper provided before you begin writing. Write clearly and neatly and do not erase any mistakes. Instead, cross out mistakes and rewrite accordingly. Make sure to budget your time, so you will be able to go back and proofread your work.
To prep for this section, you can practice on your own under the 35 time constraint. Any LSAT prep book would have a sample question.
This is the final leg of the test and even though it is not scored, do not let these aspects hinder your performance. Poor writing skills do not help with getting into law school.
In my eagerness to prep you for the night before and day of the test, I forgot to detail the final section of the test to you. A thousand apologies.
The last timed section of the LSAT is the Writing Section. Just like the multiple choice sections, this part is 35 minutes in length. However, unlike the rest of the test, the writing sample does not contribute to your raw score. While not scored, it is still sent out to all schools to which you apply.
The writing sample is pretty self explanatory. You will be given a set of conditions and asked to write a brief and logical argument for one side of the presented conditions.
Admissions Committees look for clarity and conciseness in your writing, grammatical correctness, and cohesiveness in your argument.
To achieve these goals, make sure to brainstorm your ideas on the scratch paper provided before you begin writing. Write clearly and neatly and do not erase any mistakes. Instead, cross out mistakes and rewrite accordingly. Make sure to budget your time, so you will be able to go back and proofread your work.
To prep for this section, you can practice on your own under the 35 time constraint. Any LSAT prep book would have a sample question.
This is the final leg of the test and even though it is not scored, do not let these aspects hinder your performance. Poor writing skills do not help with getting into law school.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The LSAT - Day of the Test
Test day. One of the most intense days of your life. Allow me to walk you through what will happen...
For the February, October, and December test dates, you will be required to show up to the testing center between 8:00 and 8:30am. The June test requires you to be there before 12:30pm. I had my parents drive me to the test the first time, and my good friend drive me the second. I strongly suggest either hitching a ride or knowing percisely how to get to the test center. Easing any source of tension is key.
Remember your Admission Ticket, which can be printed off-line from your LSAC account, and a "...current valid government-issued (not expired) photo ID bearing your signature." Both will be required for entry into the testing center. You will be thumbprinted and asked to copy a certification statement and sign your name before the administration of the test.
You are allowed to bring only specific items into the testing center, and they must be carried in a one gallon, clear, plastic ziplock bag. In the bag you can have your LSAT ticket stub, valid ID, wallet, keys, analog wristwatch, medical or hygiene products, #2 wooden pencils (NO mechanical pencils), highlighter, erasers, pencil sharpener, tissues, beverage, and snack. (Note: they are very particular about this, and there are no electronic devices allowed -- so leave your cell phone in the car!) Also, remember not to wear any hats or hooded sweatshirts to the testing site.
The test site administrators will assign you a seat and keep the time for each section. During the timed sections, you will be allowed to have only certain items on your desk, and the remaining items will be kept under your desk in your plastic bag.
After section III of the multiple choice, you will be allotted a 10-15 minute break to use the bathroom and eat a snack.
These are the basics of the test; however, LSAC has outlined several more particulars for the day. I strongly advise going to the website the day or two before your test and reading over everything. In this scenario, ignorance is NOT bliss.
Get informed, and you'll be fine. Half the stress of taking the test is not knowing what will happen on that day. Educate yourself, and you'll reduce the anxiousness associated with the big day.
Good Luck!
For the February, October, and December test dates, you will be required to show up to the testing center between 8:00 and 8:30am. The June test requires you to be there before 12:30pm. I had my parents drive me to the test the first time, and my good friend drive me the second. I strongly suggest either hitching a ride or knowing percisely how to get to the test center. Easing any source of tension is key.
Remember your Admission Ticket, which can be printed off-line from your LSAC account, and a "...current valid government-issued (not expired) photo ID bearing your signature." Both will be required for entry into the testing center. You will be thumbprinted and asked to copy a certification statement and sign your name before the administration of the test.
You are allowed to bring only specific items into the testing center, and they must be carried in a one gallon, clear, plastic ziplock bag. In the bag you can have your LSAT ticket stub, valid ID, wallet, keys, analog wristwatch, medical or hygiene products, #2 wooden pencils (NO mechanical pencils), highlighter, erasers, pencil sharpener, tissues, beverage, and snack. (Note: they are very particular about this, and there are no electronic devices allowed -- so leave your cell phone in the car!) Also, remember not to wear any hats or hooded sweatshirts to the testing site.
The test site administrators will assign you a seat and keep the time for each section. During the timed sections, you will be allowed to have only certain items on your desk, and the remaining items will be kept under your desk in your plastic bag.
After section III of the multiple choice, you will be allotted a 10-15 minute break to use the bathroom and eat a snack.
These are the basics of the test; however, LSAC has outlined several more particulars for the day. I strongly advise going to the website the day or two before your test and reading over everything. In this scenario, ignorance is NOT bliss.
Get informed, and you'll be fine. Half the stress of taking the test is not knowing what will happen on that day. Educate yourself, and you'll reduce the anxiousness associated with the big day.
Good Luck!
The LSAT - Understanding Your Scores
The LSAT is not a computerized test like other graduate school entrance exams (GRE and GMAT), so it takes about four weeks to get your scores back. Believe you, me, these four weeks will be the longest in your entire life.
If you signed up for the LSAT online through LSAC, you will receive an e-mail at the end of the month in which you took the test. Otherwise, you will get a letter in the mail detailing your scores. I suggest signing up online since most test-takers get their scores quicker via e-mail than snail mail.
As I mentioned previously, your score is based on how many you answer correctly (this is your raw score). Your raw score is then converted on a scale from 120 to 180. 120 is the lowest possible score, and 180 is the highest. This is done through a procedure known as equating, which adjusts for minor differences in diffculty between tests.
When you receive your scores, you will be given your raw scaled score (score band) plus a precentile rank. Schools often look at the score band and percentile rank to determine candidacy and scholarship eligibility.
With your score you'll also receive a copy of your answer sheet and answer key. If you are unhappy with your score, study your mistakes and learn from them. You can always retake the test 2 more times in a 2 year period.
For more particulars about LSAT scores, be sure to check the LSAC website.
If you signed up for the LSAT online through LSAC, you will receive an e-mail at the end of the month in which you took the test. Otherwise, you will get a letter in the mail detailing your scores. I suggest signing up online since most test-takers get their scores quicker via e-mail than snail mail.
As I mentioned previously, your score is based on how many you answer correctly (this is your raw score). Your raw score is then converted on a scale from 120 to 180. 120 is the lowest possible score, and 180 is the highest. This is done through a procedure known as equating, which adjusts for minor differences in diffculty between tests.
When you receive your scores, you will be given your raw scaled score (score band) plus a precentile rank. Schools often look at the score band and percentile rank to determine candidacy and scholarship eligibility.
With your score you'll also receive a copy of your answer sheet and answer key. If you are unhappy with your score, study your mistakes and learn from them. You can always retake the test 2 more times in a 2 year period.
For more particulars about LSAT scores, be sure to check the LSAC website.
A Little Too Late?
Some say that once a law school application deadline has passed, you're just plain out of luck. To them I say, it's never a little too late to submit an application.
Just yesterday, I applied to Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. The school's application deadline was March 13th; however, after doing a little extra research, I was compelled to apply anyway. I felt strongly about the school's program and the fact that it is located in the heart of DC. Having spent the past two summers interning in the capitol, I wanted to return and study there.
I called the admissions office and inquired about whether or not there was any way I could still apply. To my relief, I was informed that the school was still accepting late applications, but that my application would be marked late and considered last. I took the chance and filed out the online application yesterday. I also added an addendum explaining my father's recent job loss and how that affected me with proceeding to apply to the school.
Hopefully, I will hear soon. I have to make the bulk of my decisions before April 1st. Ahhh, the stress of it all is becoming quite unnerving!
Just yesterday, I applied to Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. The school's application deadline was March 13th; however, after doing a little extra research, I was compelled to apply anyway. I felt strongly about the school's program and the fact that it is located in the heart of DC. Having spent the past two summers interning in the capitol, I wanted to return and study there.
I called the admissions office and inquired about whether or not there was any way I could still apply. To my relief, I was informed that the school was still accepting late applications, but that my application would be marked late and considered last. I took the chance and filed out the online application yesterday. I also added an addendum explaining my father's recent job loss and how that affected me with proceeding to apply to the school.
Hopefully, I will hear soon. I have to make the bulk of my decisions before April 1st. Ahhh, the stress of it all is becoming quite unnerving!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Night Before the Test
The night before the LSAT can be a stressful one. So, what's a law school hopeful to do?
Nothing.
My suggestion for the night before is to relax and enjoy time with friends or family who aren't a source of stress for you. In my case, I went to the gym after my classes (to help me sleep later), rented a movie, and ate comfort food. Just be careful that your favorite food isn't something that can keep you up all night with stomach pains. Avoid the caffeine as well.
The first time I took the LSAT, the night before was hellish for me. My mind was racing, and I couldn't get to sleep. The second time around, I got a relaxation tape and listened to it right before bed. It helped me immensely by relaxing my body and mind. Relaxation is key.
You've been prepping, drilling yourself, and taking practice tests for months. The night -- or few nights before -- allow yourself to be laid back, and I promise it will pay off.
Nothing.
My suggestion for the night before is to relax and enjoy time with friends or family who aren't a source of stress for you. In my case, I went to the gym after my classes (to help me sleep later), rented a movie, and ate comfort food. Just be careful that your favorite food isn't something that can keep you up all night with stomach pains. Avoid the caffeine as well.
The first time I took the LSAT, the night before was hellish for me. My mind was racing, and I couldn't get to sleep. The second time around, I got a relaxation tape and listened to it right before bed. It helped me immensely by relaxing my body and mind. Relaxation is key.
You've been prepping, drilling yourself, and taking practice tests for months. The night -- or few nights before -- allow yourself to be laid back, and I promise it will pay off.
(Image from pro.corbis.com)
LSAT Prep Continued
Below is a helpful link on the LSAC website to help with LSAT prep work. If you have any further questions on preparing yourself for the big test, let me know!
LSAT Prep
LSAT Prep
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The LSAT - Logical Reasoning Questions
The final type of multiple choice section on the LSAT is the Logical Reasoning Questions. This section differs from the other two types, because this section has 25-28 separate questions, which do not correspond to one another in any way.
For this you will be required to read a short passage and then answer one question about it which tests your ability to reason logically and think critically. Examples include brief paragraphs about a certain subject or two sides of the an argument. Often, you will be asked to identify the type of reasoning involved in the submitted passage or its flaw.
To study for this section, it's best to use a general tutorial book to drill yourself on the various types of questions that could appear and time yourself. Unlike the other two sections, it will not hinder you by skipping questions you are unsure about. (NOTE: Remember to always answer or even guess on any section, because the LSAT does NOT take points off for wrong answers!)
Another helpful tool would be a logic class to help with identifying types of fallacies. Most colleges offer a general education Logic class. I definitely recommend taking one.
It's important to work on your timing with this section, because it is easy to get caught up in a few questions and lose track of time.
For this you will be required to read a short passage and then answer one question about it which tests your ability to reason logically and think critically. Examples include brief paragraphs about a certain subject or two sides of the an argument. Often, you will be asked to identify the type of reasoning involved in the submitted passage or its flaw.
To study for this section, it's best to use a general tutorial book to drill yourself on the various types of questions that could appear and time yourself. Unlike the other two sections, it will not hinder you by skipping questions you are unsure about. (NOTE: Remember to always answer or even guess on any section, because the LSAT does NOT take points off for wrong answers!)
Another helpful tool would be a logic class to help with identifying types of fallacies. Most colleges offer a general education Logic class. I definitely recommend taking one.
It's important to work on your timing with this section, because it is easy to get caught up in a few questions and lose track of time.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
So You Got Waitlisted... What Now?
Some choose to sit back, wait, and hope they are eventually admitted. However, receiving that acceptance letter can take months, and some students do not find out they have been admitted until mid August -- just a few weeks before the semester starts. Being accepted so late can be problematic for your housing and financial situations.
My advice -- the same I will be taking here shortly with Penn State -- is to write a letter to the admissions office explicitly stating why you wish to attend that school. The admissions committee searches for individuals who express a genuine interest in attending their institution, and if you are able to convey why you wish to attend their school, they will be more apt to pick your application from others on the waitlist.
Below is a list of some topics you could address in the letter.
Good luck!
My advice -- the same I will be taking here shortly with Penn State -- is to write a letter to the admissions office explicitly stating why you wish to attend that school. The admissions committee searches for individuals who express a genuine interest in attending their institution, and if you are able to convey why you wish to attend their school, they will be more apt to pick your application from others on the waitlist.
Below is a list of some topics you could address in the letter.
- Write about why you wish to attend the school
- Explain previous experiences you've had which will lend to a diverse academic community
- Do research and write about the programs or areas of concentration you are interested in at the school
- Research the school's extra curricular activities (published journals, moot court, pro bono work, etc) and express why you would like to get involved in these activities
- Explain any circumstances not addressed in the application process which may lend to extra consideration with your candidacy
- Talk about anything you feel the admissions council ought to know
Good luck!
Monday, March 9, 2009
UPDATES - So what is Waitlisted?
Hello all! I have updates to share with you...
First, I finally heard back from Penn State and Rutgers. Sadly, I got rejected from Rutgers law school in Newark; however, I was waitlisted for Penn State. Both of these schools were reaches for me, so I'm happy that I got waitlisted at Penn State.
"Waitlisted" means that you aren't rejected from the school you have applied to, but you aren't accepted either. In my case, I will be put on an unrated list of other waitlisted applicants. I have the option of choosing to stay on the waitlist, and then I just wait to hear back. At this point, I think I will be opting to stay on the wait list to see what comes of it, but I will need to make a decision soon as most of my deadlines are April 1st.
Check back. I'll be making a decision soon enough.
First, I finally heard back from Penn State and Rutgers. Sadly, I got rejected from Rutgers law school in Newark; however, I was waitlisted for Penn State. Both of these schools were reaches for me, so I'm happy that I got waitlisted at Penn State.
"Waitlisted" means that you aren't rejected from the school you have applied to, but you aren't accepted either. In my case, I will be put on an unrated list of other waitlisted applicants. I have the option of choosing to stay on the waitlist, and then I just wait to hear back. At this point, I think I will be opting to stay on the wait list to see what comes of it, but I will need to make a decision soon as most of my deadlines are April 1st.
Check back. I'll be making a decision soon enough.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The LSAT - Analytical Questions
The second section of multiple choice questions on the LSAT is the elusive analytical question (logic games). To me, this line of questioning was the most difficult on the test, but luckily for you, it's the easiest to prepare for and boost your score with.
This type of multiple choice question actually consists of several questions in groupings. The test taker is presented with a set of statements, conditions, or rules that describe relationships between people, places, or other objects. After being presented with the rules, you are responsible for answering 6-7 questions that relate back to the rules. You will need to draw conclusions and deductions to answer the questions. Typically there are four sub-sections within the overall Analytical section.
An example would be if a bakery makes four types of cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, oatmeal raisin, and sugar) and the baker only makes 1 batch on Monday, 3 batches on Tuesday, the 4th batch on Thursday, if and only if the batch on Monday is repeated on Wednesday and Friday. Clearly not the most fun or easy to understand; however, there are ways to prep yourself.
Get a study book, or do what I did -- I got a specific tutorial book dedicated to breaking down the logic games and showing you precisely how to solve them. The book I used was 100 Logic Games. I drilled myself on these games everyday and made myself do 4 a day. I didn't time myself, because I was more concerned with learning how to master the games rather than speeding through.
Once you learn how to solve the different types of logic games, when test day comes, you'll be able to bang out answers quickly and fly through the section confidently.
This type of multiple choice question actually consists of several questions in groupings. The test taker is presented with a set of statements, conditions, or rules that describe relationships between people, places, or other objects. After being presented with the rules, you are responsible for answering 6-7 questions that relate back to the rules. You will need to draw conclusions and deductions to answer the questions. Typically there are four sub-sections within the overall Analytical section.
An example would be if a bakery makes four types of cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, oatmeal raisin, and sugar) and the baker only makes 1 batch on Monday, 3 batches on Tuesday, the 4th batch on Thursday, if and only if the batch on Monday is repeated on Wednesday and Friday. Clearly not the most fun or easy to understand; however, there are ways to prep yourself.
Get a study book, or do what I did -- I got a specific tutorial book dedicated to breaking down the logic games and showing you precisely how to solve them. The book I used was 100 Logic Games. I drilled myself on these games everyday and made myself do 4 a day. I didn't time myself, because I was more concerned with learning how to master the games rather than speeding through.
Once you learn how to solve the different types of logic games, when test day comes, you'll be able to bang out answers quickly and fly through the section confidently.
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