Top Law Schools

Ok guys, I just confirmed with both jr. colleges I attend years ago that the W's there will not be counted toward my LSAC gpa. They are all non-punitive. So this changes everything. I'm in my sophomore UG year, transferring to UCLA in the fall to finish UG. I currently have a 4.0. My latest diagnostic LSAT taken a few days ago was 165. This is with a couple weeks of studying (thank you LSAC Superprep). I'm taking 3 months off near the end of the year to study LSAT full-time, but will not cram as I've been told by you wonderful people that could be detrimental to my success in Feb when I take the real deal. But I do expect 170+.

Previously I was just hoping to get some decent money at a T2 school here in California, since the W's would drag my GPA down considerably (3.1, yeah, lots of W's). But now, sky's the limit, right?

One caveat. I'm 40, so debt is still crucial to avoid. This means I need to graduate LS at 45 with minimal debt. What are the age ranges at HYS? Is it crazy for an old guy to even consider it? I mean, what big law is going to hire a 45 year old? I do have over 10 years experience in a law related field. Before this revelation it was all about doing PD for a few years out of a T2 and then hanging a shingle, but now that I know I can nail a 3.8+ and a 170+, should I set my aim higher?

Maybe I should aim for those numbers and shoot for UCLA law with $ instead?

Again, I'm old so I'm not in the same boat as all you whipper-snappers. I do own a home and have a healthy savings to get me through my UG full time, but after that, I will need a scholarship for LS.

Thanks for your help!

Yeah, UCLA/USC with $$$ would be TCR with 170+/3.8 and your goals (or what were your goals b4 this post).

Don't let delusions of grandeur cloud your judgment about taking on debt. Get a free education and do something fulfilling. There's no reason to "set your aim higher" unless you want to, but don't feel like you have to aspire to biglaw or HYS simply because they may be attainable. Your desires seemed pretty pointed towards PD or solo before this post.

transferror wrote:Yeah, UCLA/USC with $$$ would be TCR with 170+/3.8 and your goals (or what were your goals b4 this post).

Don't let delusions of grandeur cloud your judgment about taking on debt. Get a free education and do something fulfilling. There's no reason to "set your aim higher" unless you want to, but don't feel like you have to aspire to biglaw or HYS simply because they may be attainable. Your desires seemed pretty pointed towards PD or solo before this post.

Spot-on. I definitely got stars in my eyes when I found out my numbers could potentially put me into T14. You're right, I'm not really interested in big law and would only do it if HYS was 1, a real option for a 40 year-old and 2, came with $. But hey, UCLA or USC with $ is still respectable and exciting for me, so I'll keep my eye on that goal for now and still shoot for PD and solo afterward. Thanks for bringing me back to Earth.

Why don't you just study as hard as you can, take the LSAT, and then see what you're looking at? These hypotheticals are completely pointless. Like I said in your other thread (which you could have just updated, rather than writing another dissertation on how great you're going to do), plenty of people choke on test day.

Schools don't care if you're old. However, I am a bit amused that you were all about PD, but now that you think you can get more money elsewhere, have changed your mind to big law. Take the LSAT, stop planning everything, stop wasting your time and ours with hypotheticals.

your too old to be gettin yourself into law school now. just give up, throw in the white towel, and start working on the streets.......i hear vegas has a spot right outside of one of the casinos w. those hispanic ppl passing out cards to go to a strip club lol

Robbin Blue wrote:Why don't you just study as hard as you can, take the LSAT, and then see what you're looking at? These hypotheticals are completely pointless. Like I said in your other thread (which you could have just updated, rather than writing another dissertation on how great you're going to do), plenty of people choke on test day.

Schools don't care if you're old. However, I am a bit amused that you were all about PD, but now that you think you can get more money elsewhere, have changed your mind to big law. Take the LSAT, stop planning everything, stop wasting your time and ours with hypotheticals.

Listen man, not sure why you're such a bitter guy but you need to relax. I've taken 5 diagnostics so far and the last one was under class conditions. None have been under 165. Yes, I could absolutely bomb in the real deal but assuming that I plan to take 3 months off to study the LSAT and score over 170 is not "ridiculous". What's ridiculous is you accusing me of grandstanding.

Also, now knowing 8 W's from junior college are not going to be counted as F's IS a big deal and does change perspective on goals. I think it's a valid reason to ask about the change of desires from T2 to a T1 school. No one has "changed their mind" so stop making shit up. I clearly stated I plan to stick the course with UCLA with $, PD and solo work.

Some guys in these forums are so bitter it's a wonder why suicide rates are so high in law.

StoNeyPoiNt21 wrote:your too old to be gettin yourself into law school now. just give up, throw in the white towel, and start working on the streets.......i hear vegas has a spot right outside of one of the casinos w. those hispanic ppl passing out cards to go to a strip club lol

Lol, says the guy who's being kicked out of a CBE school ranked dead last in California. I'd think about starting back on your GED and ESL courses. Finishing LS is not in your future.

secondshot wrote:

StoNeyPoiNt21 wrote:your too old to be gettin yourself into law school now. just give up, throw in the white towel, and start working on the streets.......i hear vegas has a spot right outside of one of the casinos w. those hispanic ppl passing out cards to go to a strip club lol

Lol, says the guy who's being kicked out of a CBE school ranked dead last in California. I'd think about starting back on your GED and ESL courses. Finishing LS is not in your future.

now, im not a betting guy, but id bet my savings that i'd graduate law school and have my jd degree by the age of 26........your 40, and are considering to go into law school. dont be a fool, u wont make it past contracts.

StoNeyPoiNt21 wrote:

secondshot wrote:

StoNeyPoiNt21 wrote:your too old to be gettin yourself into law school now. just give up, throw in the white towel, and start working on the streets.......i hear vegas has a spot right outside of one of the casinos w. those hispanic ppl passing out cards to go to a strip club lol

Lol, says the guy who's being kicked out of a CBE school ranked dead last in California. I'd think about starting back on your GED and ESL courses. Finishing LS is not in your future.

now, im not a betting guy, but id bet my savings that i'd graduate law school and have my jd degree by the age of 26........your 40, and are considering to go into law school. dont be a fool, u wont make it past contracts.

Lol, no argument there, I'm an old man. But I'll be an old man graduating from UCLA without debt and a solid future for the next 20 years. I'm done trash talking so I won't go into where you will be when I graduate. In all honesty I hope you do well, man. I have no hard feelings against you. What I said in that thread you posted wasn't meant to insult you. It was honest advice from an old guy who's been around the block. Take it or leave it. Good luck to you, sincerely.

I'm old too, and made it through law school - including contracts - and into a job just fine. Haven't had to resort to Vegas yet. It's not like you forget how to read with each passing year or something.

(It's true that you could have just updated the other thread, though - please stick to one thread per topic.)

A. Nony Mouse wrote:I'm old too, and made it through law school - including contracts - and into a job just fine. Haven't had to resort to Vegas yet. It's not like you forget how to read with each passing year or something.

(It's true that you could have just updated the other thread, though - please stick to one thread per topic.)

Quick aside, what is depicted in your avatar? Is it Cookie Monster in the form of a mountain?

A. Nony Mouse wrote:(It's true that you could have just updated the other thread, though - please stick to one thread per topic.)

Yes, most definitely my bad. Takes a while for us old folk to understand forum etiquette. Next time I'll keep it to one thread, sorry.

You kids and your "Facespace" and "musicpegs".

Pfft.

drawstring wrote:

A. Nony Mouse wrote:I'm old too, and made it through law school - including contracts - and into a job just fine. Haven't had to resort to Vegas yet. It's not like you forget how to read with each passing year or something.

(It's true that you could have just updated the other thread, though - please stick to one thread per topic.)

Quick aside, what is depicted in your avatar? Is it Cookie Monster in the form of a mountain?

It's a famous Japanese wave painting (so famous I have no idea what it's called or the artist, oops), tweaked to turn the wave into Cookie Monster eating a cookie. I tend to think that chocolate chip cookies are the pinnacle of culinary creation, so it seemed to fit.

StoNeyPoiNt21 wrote: now, im not a betting guy, but id bet my savings that i'd graduate law school and have my jd degree by the age of 26........your 40, and are considering to go into law school. dont be a fool, u wont make it past contracts.

Judging by your posts it may have been a good idea for you to get some experience and maturity before applying.

A. Nony Mouse wrote:

drawstring wrote:

A. Nony Mouse wrote:I'm old too, and made it through law school - including contracts - and into a job just fine. Haven't had to resort to Vegas yet. It's not like you forget how to read with each passing year or something.

(It's true that you could have just updated the other thread, though - please stick to one thread per topic.)

Quick aside, what is depicted in your avatar? Is it Cookie Monster in the form of a mountain?

It's a famous Japanese wave painting (so famous I have no idea what it's called or the artist, oops), tweaked to turn the wave into Cookie Monster eating a cookie. I tend to think that chocolate chip cookies are the pinnacle of culinary creation, so it seemed to fit.

It's called, The Great Wave of Kanagawa, by Hokusai. See, us old folk aren't that useless.

Interesting!

StoNeyPoiNt21 wrote:

secondshot wrote:

StoNeyPoiNt21 wrote:your too old to be gettin yourself into law school now. just give up, throw in the white towel, and start working on the streets.......i hear vegas has a spot right outside of one of the casinos w. those hispanic ppl passing out cards to go to a strip club lol

Lol, says the guy who's being kicked out of a CBE school ranked dead last in California. I'd think about starting back on your GED and ESL courses. Finishing LS is not in your future.

now, im not a betting guy, but id bet my savings that i'd graduate law school and have my jd degree by the age of 26........your 40, and are considering to go into law school. dont be a fool, u wont make it past contracts.

Honestly I would bet on the dude with a 4.0 having a better shot at completing law school than an immature punk who can't properly differentiate between you're and your. You do realize a lot of people work into their 60s right? Not to mention OP potentially being happy doing something he loves...

OP, USC/UCLA with full scholarships sound perfect for your goals. A 170 sets you up perfectly. Bust your ass with the LSAT prep, earn your scholarship, and profit/enjoy your career. Best of luck!

secondshot wrote:
Listen man ma'am, not sure why you're such a bitter guy but you need to relax. I've taken 5 diagnostics so far and the last one was under class conditions. None have been under 165. Yes, I could absolutely bomb in the real deal but assuming that I plan to take 3 months off to study the LSAT and score over 170 is not "ridiculous". What's ridiculous is you accusing me of grandstanding.

Also, now knowing 8 W's from junior college are not going to be counted as F's IS a big deal and does change perspective on goals. I think it's a valid reason to ask about the change of desires from T2 to a T1 school. No one has "changed their mind" so stop making shit up. I clearly stated I plan to stick the course with UCLA with $, PD and solo work.

Some guys in these forums are so bitter it's a wonder why suicide rates are so high in law.

Yes, you are grandstanding. It is ridiculous of you to come in here and automatically assume just because your practice tests went well that the actual test will too. There are literally hundreds of posters on this forum that have made that assumption and lost.

You asked "what big law is going to hire a 45 year old" which definitely sounds like you're salivating for the money now that you think it's a possibility. Which is funny, since, like I said, you still haven't taken the test yet.

Come back when you've actually taken the test because, again, hypotheticals are a waste of time at this point.

Also, there's a thread about Baby Boomers in the Lounge area of this forum that I highly recommend. I think you will fit in very well.

Based on mylsn, if you get at least a 168, you're most likely get 90K+ from UCLA

Good luck!

Robbin Blue wrote:

secondshot wrote:
Listen man ma'am, not sure why you're such a bitter guy but you need to relax. I've taken 5 diagnostics so far and the last one was under class conditions. None have been under 165. Yes, I could absolutely bomb in the real deal but assuming that I plan to take 3 months off to study the LSAT and score over 170 is not "ridiculous". What's ridiculous is you accusing me of grandstanding.

Also, now knowing 8 W's from junior college are not going to be counted as F's IS a big deal and does change perspective on goals. I think it's a valid reason to ask about the change of desires from T2 to a T1 school. No one has "changed their mind" so stop making shit up. I clearly stated I plan to stick the course with UCLA with $, PD and solo work.

Some guys in these forums are so bitter it's a wonder why suicide rates are so high in law.

Yes, you are grandstanding. It is ridiculous of you to come in here and automatically assume just because your practice tests went well that the actual test will too. There are literally hundreds of posters on this forum that have made that assumption and lost.

You asked "what big law is going to hire a 45 year old" which definitely sounds like you're salivating for the money now that you think it's a possibility. Which is funny, since, like I said, you still haven't taken the test yet.

Come back when you've actually taken the test because, again, hypotheticals are a waste of time at this point.

Also, there's a thread about Baby Boomers in the Lounge area of this forum that I highly recommend. I think you will fit in very well.

Talk about taking random lines out of context. You have no idea what you are talking about and your assumptions are false. You need to relax, take a step back and reassess your judgments. Also, slow down and read my follow-ups. No hard feelings, but you're way off base. Have a nice day, sincerely.

No one is salivating and my questions were valid. I then immediately realized I was a little over-zealous and corrected myself. Then, you jumped in like a bitter jerk and attacked me. Calm down, you'll live longer.

scoobysnax wrote:Based on mylsn, if you get at least a 168, you're most likely get 90K+ from UCLA

Good luck!

Thanks a bunch for the insight. Back to studying!

secondshot wrote: Talk about taking random lines out of context. You have no idea what you are talking about and your assumptions are false. You need to relax, take a step back and reassess your judgments. Also, slow down and read my follow-ups. No hard feelings, but you're way off base. Have a nice day, sincerely.

No one is salivating and my questions were valid. I then immediately realized I was a little over-zealous and corrected myself. Then, you jumped in like a bitter jerk and attacked me. Calm down, you'll live longer.

Sorry I hurt your feelings. It'll be okay.

Robbin Blue wrote:

secondshot wrote: Talk about taking random lines out of context. You have no idea what you are talking about and your assumptions are false. You need to relax, take a step back and reassess your judgments. Also, slow down and read my follow-ups. No hard feelings, but you're way off base. Have a nice day, sincerely.

No one is salivating and my questions were valid. I then immediately realized I was a little over-zealous and corrected myself. Then, you jumped in like a bitter jerk and attacked me. Calm down, you'll live longer.

Sorry I hurt your feelings. It'll be okay.

Lol, and I apologize for hurting your fragile sense of control. It'll be okay.