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.
Monday, March 30, 2009
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.
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