Categories: LSAT Prep
Tags: June LSAT, LSAT Prep courses, LSAT Preparation, LSAT tutor
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The June 2010 LSAT is just over two months away. For those of you thinking, considering, and/or planning, it’s time to start DOING.
Here are 3 easy no-reason-to-panic-yet steps to get yourself on the right path for the June LSAT:
1. Register for the June LSAT ASAP. Although you have officially until May 4th to sign up, the best locations fill up quickly so get on the ball.
2. Commit to an LSAT prep method and make it your commitment for the next two months. Your mindset should be “Do it once and do it right!”
“[LSAT] is a standardized exam that requires significant preparation. It is not something you can take blind or cold. . . unless you prepare adequately, you will not receive the score that truly measures your aptitude.” - The Law School Admission Game: Play Like an Expert, pp. 32-33
Here are some resources for information about different prep options, including self study, lecture courses, online courses, and private tutors. Do your research. Don’t just pick the company that advertises the most. Think about how you learn, what your schedule is like, and what works best for your lifestyle. Ask questions!
Here are two of my previous posts with information about specific companies and considerations in hiring an LSAT prep company and/or tutor:
Choosing an LSAT Prep Course
Looking for an LSAT tutor
3. Refuse to panic. Map out your study schedule. Mark the date of May 16th on your calendar. If you haven’t really delved into studying, if you know you haven’t been as dedicated as you should, if you are not hitting consistent practice exam scores on timed exams, or if you still have a score in the 140s or below, then May 16th is your last “out” to opt out of the exam without penalty. If you don’t feel ready, go with your gut and regroup for the October exam.
Three easy steps. Now get going!
Categories: Wait lists, waitlist
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Still waiting to hear from some law schools? Many law schools have deposit deadlines in the next few weeks, and it can be frustrating for people who are still in limbo with other schools. The short answer to this issue is that you are going to have to send a deposit somewhere and just risk losing it if a better option comes along
Here’s a pretty thorough post on this issue from last year’s blog. I call it April Angst:Deposits are Due and I’m Still Waiting.
Schools are, on the whole, slower to respond this year because of the huge influx of applications. Law schools are also using waiting lists to hedge their bets. If you are on a waiting list (or ten!) take 23 minutes to listen to this great podcast “Getting In From A Waiting List” and read this post about How Law School Waitlists Work.
Remember – fight your way in. (In my book, I call it “Launching Your Campaign to Get In“).
Categories: Career, Law Careers, Law School Location; Law School Rankings, Webinar
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Thursday was a great day for me. I started off with a TV interview (you can watch the 5-minute video about my law school admission consulting business here). Then, I met up with 4 of my former clients. I try to do this whenever I travel. I really enjoy helping people get into law school, and seeing how they are doing and what they’ve learned while in law school is incredibly gratifying.
Of the 4 law students, two are 2Ls and 2 are 3Ls. The first question I asked each of them is, “How do you feel about the job market?” The overall consensus is that people are concerned, however I was thrilled to learn that both 3Ls already have jobs lined up after graduation – one has a judicial clerkship and the other a job in a mid-size litigation firm. Of the 2Ls, one has an internship lined up at the D.A.’s office and another is currently traveling around interviewing for positions with major players in the entertainment industry. This was much more encouraging than the anonymous ranting and raving I’ve been reading on the blogger-sphere.
Three people got their jobs in traditional ways: the formal application process for the clerkship, working as a summer associate at the firm, submitting an application. The fourth person is someone I’ve mentioned previously on the Law School Expert blog – I call him the King of Networking. A big wig from an entertainment company spoke at his law school. Jesse attended the event and introduced himself to the speaker. He then followed up with the speaker, and this weekend will be interviewing with several different departments at the speaker’s company! That, my friends, is networking.
I also want to share something else about Jesse (which, by the way, I am doing with his explicit permission). Jesse’s goal is to work as a lawyer in the entertainment industry. He knew this going into law school. He never waivered. When it came time to choose a law school, I remember him agonizing over whether to attend the law school with the great entertainment program in the perfect location or the law school without even a single course on entertainment law with the better overall reputation (and cheaper tuition).
I felt he would’ve done beautifully at either school. There wasn’t a bad choice to make. I remember telling him, however, that since he’s the King of Networking, he probably wouldn’t need to rely on his school’s entertainment law offerings to build his career. I also mentioned he might stand out more at a school not known for this area of law, whereas entertainment law hopefuls are a dime a dozen at this other school. So, Jesse is now a 2L and I wanted to know – is he happy with his decision?
He is THRILLED. He says he doesn’t feel like he’s competing with anyone else at his school for jobs. Prospective employers remember that he’s the kid from UC Davis. He’s distinctive. This wouldn’t work for non-networking fiends, of course. You need to know what you’re willing to do to reach your goals and keep in mind how much help and coaching you’re going to need. Jesse, of course, has 2,500 Facebook friends…..
I really get to know my clients – we work together intensely throughout the admission process. I learn their stories, motivations, and aspirations. Each of the 4 law students I visited with on Thursday is in the process of reaching his or her goals. They are happy with their decisions to attend law school, even though they wish they didn’t get quite so caught up in law school politics (remarkably similar to high school politics but with more sex).
On a parting note, if you’d like to attend my webinar tomorrow (TUESDAY) on “Crafting a Stellar Law School Resume” please email me at lawschoolexpert at gmail.com. The first 15 people who respond will get to listen in for FREE! (A $60 value).
Categories: Advice, Wait lists, waitlist
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Law School Podcaster just released a great 23 minute podcast with advice for those of you on law school waitlists. I’ll admit, I was among those interviewed in the podcast and I have really enjoyed the content at Law School Podcaster lately, so if you haven’t checked out this site, I highly recommend it.
Categories: Uncategorized
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This post is geared toward current 1Ls thinking about applying to other schools for their 2L year, but it is also a good thing for 0Ls to keep in mind as they choose where to attend this year.
Here’s a great introduction to the pros and cons of transferring law schools and issues to consider.
Here is a very detailed analysis by one person who transferred from Loyola-LA to Boalt - it has a lot of details but I haven’t checked these facts so read it with a grain of salt.
Here’s an oldie (2007) post with credible stats about transferring law schools.
Here are previous posts of mine on the subject of transferring law schools: (Read the comments on these too – lots of good info there)
Thinking About Transferring as a 2L?
A great option: Applying as a Transfer Student
More on Transferring Law Schools (beware law school policies discouraging transfers!)
If you’re planning to apply to transfer after your 1L year and you’re looking for help, please contact me. I do work with transfer applicants and am happy to create packages specific for your needs.