URM 2015-2016 Cycle Thread Forum

[PoopNpants]

I don't know how often people go to the LSAT prep forum on here but for everyone taking the LSAT in October or December I hope you are aware that as of August 15th you won't be able to buy pdf versions of PTs/ question anymore. This is especially annoying because some of the more recent tests haven't been released in book form by lsac.

I know that having the tests and questions types in pdf that I could print has been invaluable to my prep.

I know this is really gonna suck for those who don't have these kind of resources. I really saw my scorers improve a lot when I started drilling heavily.

@Poopnpants, are you mainly talking about LR or LG or even both. And how long after drilling did you see improvements (specifically LR)? The gains I've made with LR are pretty inconsistent so I'm deciding whether to get more pdf drilling packets or hold off because I hate seeing questions that I've already seen before when PT-ing or drilling by section.

I'm talking about both but LR cambridge packets are great. What I did to improve was first I did timed sections, and then noticed I was always getting the same kind of questions wrong. For example, I would crush strengthen/weaken and flaw questions, but I would struggle with tough NA and parallel flaw/reasoning questions. When I was able to focus on my weaknesses in LR i was able to make the jump from getting -6/7 wrong to consistently no more than -2 per section. I drilled with questions I've seen before but a while ago, I took back in Feb so I'm gonna be on my second take now. I think you can still get value from drilling old questions although fresh questions (if you have some available and aren't planning on PTing with them) are always better. I saw someone post on TLS that the best way to go about is to drill questions for PTs 1-38, do timed sections for 38-50 and then PT the rest, I'm basically using that as a guideline.

[AshburtonGrove]

Hey everyone, checking in. AA male w/3.75-3.8 GPA and 164. Planning on blanketing the top 14 plus a few others. Hoping to submit by early October. Best of luck to you all!

If you re-take and score 3 points+ higher, you'll more than likely get into Y or H. I think you're basically good for S and probably WL then Accepted to H, yet a re-take in October and submission by November could'nt hurt! Your cycle is going to be decent.

AshburtonGrove, I'd recommend you retake as well, not necessarily to improve your chances at HYS but to get a score that you can be proud of when you get to H, Y or S, for you will definitely be at one of them next fall.

I don't dispute the premise of retaking, but is pride a valid reason for doing so? lol

[PoopNpants]

Hey everyone, checking in. AA male w/3.75-3.8 GPA and 164. Planning on blanketing the top 14 plus a few others. Hoping to submit by early October. Best of luck to you all!

If you re-take and score 3 points+ higher, you'll more than likely get into Y or H. I think you're basically good for S and probably WL then Accepted to H, yet a re-take in October and submission by November could'nt hurt! Your cycle is going to be decent.

AshburtonGrove, I'd recommend you retake as well, not necessarily to improve your chances at HYS but to get a score that you can be proud of when you get to H, Y or S, for you will definitely be at one of them next fall.

I don't dispute the premise of retaking, but is pride a valid reason for doing so? lol

I think pride is such a stupid reason for re-taking tbh, the LSAT is no barometer of success as a law student, it is simply a tool for getting INTO law school. I'd say re-take just since a couple points will get you YS but it's really up to you. nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain but either way your in a position many would envy you will do fine.

[chueca910]

I don't know how often people go to the LSAT prep forum on here but for everyone taking the LSAT in October or December I hope you are aware that as of August 15th you won't be able to buy pdf versions of PTs/ question anymore. This is especially annoying because some of the more recent tests haven't been released in book form by lsac.

I know that having the tests and questions types in pdf that I could print has been invaluable to my prep.

I know this is really gonna suck for those who don't have these kind of resources. I really saw my scorers improve a lot when I started drilling heavily.

@Poopnpants, are you mainly talking about LR or LG or even both. And how long after drilling did you see improvements (specifically LR)? The gains I've made with LR are pretty inconsistent so I'm deciding whether to get more pdf drilling packets or hold off because I hate seeing questions that I've already seen before when PT-ing or drilling by section.

I'm talking about both but LR cambridge packets are great. What I did to improve was first I did timed sections, and then noticed I was always getting the same kind of questions wrong. For example, I would crush strengthen/weaken and flaw questions, but I would struggle with tough NA and parallel flaw/reasoning questions. When I was able to focus on my weaknesses in LR i was able to make the jump from getting -6/7 wrong to consistently no more than -2 per section. I drilled with questions I've seen before but a while ago, I took back in Feb so I'm gonna be on my second take now. I think you can still get value from drilling old questions although fresh questions (if you have some available and aren't planning on PTing with them) are always better. I saw someone post on TLS that the best way to go about is to drill questions for PTs 1-38, do timed sections for 38-50 and then PT the rest, I'm basically using that as a guideline.

Ahh thanks! Super helpful.

[PoopNpants]

Ahh thanks! Super helpful.

No prob, happy to help. Be sure to check out the manhattan forums for LR if any difficult Q's trip you up. They have some great explanations up there. LR IMO is similar to LG, with a lot of drilling and practice it can be mastered. good luck!

[legallyblack]

Hey everyone! Good luck on this cycle in advance.

[ltowns1]

How is everybody doin with their prep

[Shiv3rs-n-Ice]

How is everybody doin with their prep

It was going well, but now I'm stuck on mastering LR timed.

[chueca910]

Yeah same, I've gotten pretty good at LG but LR is kicking my butt.

[legallyblack]

Yeah same, I've gotten pretty good at LG but LR is kicking my butt.

Same, I can learn LG pretty quickly but LR is so nuanced. RC is a toss up depending on how engaging the passage is, much more practice needed.

[AnonymousApplicant]

Yeah same, I've gotten pretty good at LG but LR is kicking my butt.

I definitely hear you, after about a month and a half I think I've already hit a ceiling on my LG (about -1 to -3 at the most) and am now entirely focused on upping my LR, which is really giving me a hard time.

[NigeranOU]

you guys I really don't know if I should apply to UCLA and USC. Everyone says the California law market is extremely hard to break into without ties to the region. I have family and friends there but other than that I don't know any lawyers there. I just feel like it would be a waste of money and I'm already applying to so many schools so I'm seeing where I can skim on the application money. However, what do you guys think of the prospective job opportunities after graduation from either school. how do URMS do in their application cycles? help!

[alpha kenny body]

you guys I really don't know if I should apply to UCLA and USC. Everyone says the California law market is extremely hard to break into without ties to the region. I have family and friends there but other than that I don't know any lawyers there. I just feel like it would be a waste of money and I'm already applying to so many schools so I'm seeing where I can skim on the application money. However, what do you guys think of the prospective job opportunities after graduation from either school. how do URMS do in their application cycles? help!

You have family and friends there, plus you would be attending one of those two schools. Typically, those two factors fall under what is called ties to a legal market. HTH. Also, check out lawschoolnumbers.com and search around for each school.

[NigeranOU]

you guys I really don't know if I should apply to UCLA and USC. Everyone says the California law market is extremely hard to break into without ties to the region. I have family and friends there but other than that I don't know any lawyers there. I just feel like it would be a waste of money and I'm already applying to so many schools so I'm seeing where I can skim on the application money. However, what do you guys think of the prospective job opportunities after graduation from either school. how do URMS do in their application cycles? help!

You have family and friends there, plus you would be attending one of those two schools. Typically, those two factors fall under what is called ties to a legal market. HTH. Also, check out lawschoolnumbers.com and search around for each school.

The family and friends I have there are predominantly in the Bay Area and I am applying to Berkeley for sure. I don't understand how my friends and family there help me get a job though

[woc]

.

[BeautyAndTheBrief]

Finally checking in. Nice to see a more relaxed thread full of support. AA female btw. Good luck to all prepping for the October LSAT!

Been creeping on this cite for some time now. Signed up to sit the October LSAT and was prepping well until I started my new job (8-16:30 Mon-Fri). Basically, I come home from work exhausted and have not really studied well. I was making substantial gains before the new job but now I really haven't touched my books. I am starting to figure out how to make time for LSAT prep and I have begun writing my PS. Is anyone else leaning more towards that December LSAT? Also how detrimental do you think December LSAT would be in regards to scholarship money? I know its more on the late side of the cycle.

You are not the only one. I planned on taking the October LSAT, but I've been leaning towards postponing until December. My top LS choice has (slight) rolling admissions so I think I may be okay. I feel more confident that waiting until December will actually secure more $$$. That will also give me more time to get back in touch with another professor for my 2nd LOR.

[chueca910]

Yeah same, I've gotten pretty good at LG but LR is kicking my butt.

Same, I can learn LG pretty quickly but LR is so nuanced. RC is a toss up depending on how engaging the passage is, much more practice needed.

@legallyblack and anonymous, are you both taking the October test? by the rate of my gains (or lack of gains) and life distractions I'm leaning towards sitting out this cycle and studying harder during the winter

[alpha kenny body]

you guys I really don't know if I should apply to UCLA and USC. Everyone says the California law market is extremely hard to break into without ties to the region. I have family and friends there but other than that I don't know any lawyers there. I just feel like it would be a waste of money and I'm already applying to so many schools so I'm seeing where I can skim on the application money. However, what do you guys think of the prospective job opportunities after graduation from either school. how do URMS do in their application cycles? help!

You have family and friends there, plus you would be attending one of those two schools. Typically, those two factors fall under what is called ties to a legal market. HTH. Also, check out lawschoolnumbers.com and search around for each school.

The family and friends I have there are predominantly in the Bay Area and I am applying to Berkeley for sure. I don't understand how my friends and family there help me get a job though

What are you not understanding? I never said that they would help you get a job, however, an employer sees that you went to Berkeley for example, and then you tell them that you have family and friends in the Bay Area and you wish to stay there, those factors are valid ties to the region.

[NigeranOU]

you guys I really don't know if I should apply to UCLA and USC. Everyone says the California law market is extremely hard to break into without ties to the region. I have family and friends there but other than that I don't know any lawyers there. I just feel like it would be a waste of money and I'm already applying to so many schools so I'm seeing where I can skim on the application money. However, what do you guys think of the prospective job opportunities after graduation from either school. how do URMS do in their application cycles? help!

You have family and friends there, plus you would be attending one of those two schools. Typically, those two factors fall under what is called ties to a legal market. HTH. Also, check out lawschoolnumbers.com and search around for each school.

The family and friends I have there are predominantly in the Bay Area and I am applying to Berkeley for sure. I don't understand how my friends and family there help me get a job though

What are you not understanding? I never said that they would help you get a job, however, an employer sees that you went to Berkeley for example, and then you tell them that you have family and friends in the Bay Area and you wish to stay there, those factors are valid ties to the region.

oh okay, so maybe I should apply to UCLA and USC now. do you agree?

[chueca910]

you guys I really don't know if I should apply to UCLA and USC. Everyone says the California law market is extremely hard to break into without ties to the region. I have family and friends there but other than that I don't know any lawyers there. I just feel like it would be a waste of money and I'm already applying to so many schools so I'm seeing where I can skim on the application money. However, what do you guys think of the prospective job opportunities after graduation from either school. how do URMS do in their application cycles? help!

You have family and friends there, plus you would be attending one of those two schools. Typically, those two factors fall under what is called ties to a legal market. HTH. Also, check out lawschoolnumbers.com and search around for each school.

The family and friends I have there are predominantly in the Bay Area and I am applying to Berkeley for sure. I don't understand how my friends and family there help me get a job though

What are you not understanding? I never said that they would help you get a job, however, an employer sees that you went to Berkeley for example, and then you tell them that you have family and friends in the Bay Area and you wish to stay there, those factors are valid ties to the region.

oh okay, so maybe I should apply to UCLA and USC now. do you agree?

I know you asked about URM employment specifically, I don't know the answer to that. But have you even looked at the employment statistics of these schools in general? That would be a first step.

[NigeranOU]

you guys I really don't know if I should apply to UCLA and USC. Everyone says the California law market is extremely hard to break into without ties to the region. I have family and friends there but other than that I don't know any lawyers there. I just feel like it would be a waste of money and I'm already applying to so many schools so I'm seeing where I can skim on the application money. However, what do you guys think of the prospective job opportunities after graduation from either school. how do URMS do in their application cycles? help!

You have family and friends there, plus you would be attending one of those two schools. Typically, those two factors fall under what is called ties to a legal market. HTH. Also, check out lawschoolnumbers.com and search around for each school.

The family and friends I have there are predominantly in the Bay Area and I am applying to Berkeley for sure. I don't understand how my friends and family there help me get a job though

What are you not understanding? I never said that they would help you get a job, however, an employer sees that you went to Berkeley for example, and then you tell them that you have family and friends in the Bay Area and you wish to stay there, those factors are valid ties to the region.

oh okay, so maybe I should apply to UCLA and USC now. do you agree?

I know you asked about URM employment specifically, I don't know the answer to that. But have you even looked at the employment statistics of these schools in general? That would be a first step.

http://weblaw.usc.edu/careers/statistics/

https://law.ucla.edu/careers/employment-statistics/

the majority of their classes are places into big law so I will definitely be applying

[legallyblack]

Yeah same, I've gotten pretty good at LG but LR is kicking my butt.

Same, I can learn LG pretty quickly but LR is so nuanced. RC is a toss up depending on how engaging the passage is, much more practice needed.

@legallyblack and anonymous, are you both taking the October test? by the rate of my gains (or lack of gains) and life distractions I'm leaning towards sitting out this cycle and studying harder during the winter

I am taking in October for the 1st time. Really intense studying until I start classes in four weeks and then its a balancing act. If I don't have good odds this cycle, ill likely work for a year and then reapply.

[chueca910]

Yeah same, I've gotten pretty good at LG but LR is kicking my butt.

Same, I can learn LG pretty quickly but LR is so nuanced. RC is a toss up depending on how engaging the passage is, much more practice needed.

@legallyblack and anonymous, are you both taking the October test? by the rate of my gains (or lack of gains) and life distractions I'm leaning towards sitting out this cycle and studying harder during the winter

I am taking in October for the 1st time. Really intense studying until I start classes in four weeks and then its a balancing act. If I don't have good odds this cycle, ill likely work for a year and then reapply.

oh ok, well best of luck! I'm most def pushing my test date back. Remember to take moments to breathe and relax, those are just as necessary as the prep!

[chueca910]

you guys I really don't know if I should apply to UCLA and USC. Everyone says the California law market is extremely hard to break into without ties to the region. I have family and friends there but other than that I don't know any lawyers there. I just feel like it would be a waste of money and I'm already applying to so many schools so I'm seeing where I can skim on the application money. However, what do you guys think of the prospective job opportunities after graduation from either school. how do URMS do in their application cycles? help!

You have family and friends there, plus you would be attending one of those two schools. Typically, those two factors fall under what is called ties to a legal market. HTH. Also, check out lawschoolnumbers.com and search around for each school.

The family and friends I have there are predominantly in the Bay Area and I am applying to Berkeley for sure. I don't understand how my friends and family there help me get a job though

What are you not understanding? I never said that they would help you get a job, however, an employer sees that you went to Berkeley for example, and then you tell them that you have family and friends in the Bay Area and you wish to stay there, those factors are valid ties to the region.

oh okay, so maybe I should apply to UCLA and USC now. do you agree?

I know you asked about URM employment specifically, I don't know the answer to that. But have you even looked at the employment statistics of these schools in general? That would be a first step.

http://weblaw.usc.edu/careers/statistics/

https://law.ucla.edu/careers/employment-statistics/

the majority of their classes are places into big law so I will definitely be applying

try this instead: http://www.lstscorereports.com/compare/ ... /berkeley/

[wlee1220]

Rising 2L at Penn here. I check this out periodically, but if you need some advice, let me know. This forum was helpful during my application process and I want to return the favor.