Peace Corps plus LSAT timeline Forum

[Lock74]

Is there anybody on here who has applied to the Peace Corps but taken the LSAT before leaving? I know it is a 27 month commitment and the LSAT is good is for 36 months so there is some wiggle room. What is the best way to go about applying to the Peace Corps and taking the LSAT while ensuring you return in time to get application in before your score runs out? I know this seems like a simple question but I am not familiar with how the Peace Corps goes about assigning your leave date and how that could conflict with taking the LSAT at the right time plus getting back in time to apply to law school at a reasonable date.

[jone7007]

I took the LSAT pre Peace Corps service (Romania -07--09). However, I decided not to apply until this year, so I had to retake it. The biggest plus for taking the LSAT before Peace Corps service for me (had I used) would have been saving money had I applied right after the Peace Corps.

Depending on when you want to apply. I would plan to take the test after service or near the end of service to take advantage of the sudden extra "free time" you will have during Peace Corps service (think of all the hours you spend TV/ online now) imagine if you spend 80% of that time exploring your host country and 20% of that time on LSAT prep over 18 months how much your score would improve. You can get pdfs of some of the Power Score books and Pretests.

If you take this approach put some $ aside for the international LSAT fee, hotel the night before and after, and $ for quality transportation. (You don't want to have to spend 12 hrs in a cramped bus with a crazy driver and drunks and pick pockets) to get to city where you will take the exam.

[WhiskeynCoke]

LSAT Scores are good for 5 years, not 3. take it now, then study and retake if you don't get 170+. You have plenty of time. You get to take the test 3x every 2 years.

[StormyDay]

Depending on when you want to apply. I would plan to take the test after service or near the end of service to take advantage of the sudden extra "free time" you will have during Peace Corps service (think of all the hours you spend TV/ online now) imagine if you spend 80% of that time exploring your host country and 20% of that time on LSAT prep over 18 months how much your score would improve. You can get pdfs of some of the Power Score books and Pretests.

I agree with jone7007. I took the LSAT during my Peace Corps service. Although the logistics (hotel/traveling/etc) were difficult, I can't believe I would have been able to prepare myself as much in the States as I did in Peace Corps. Being isolated in your volunteer site allows you to escape distractions and really focus on your test prep. In my site there was literally nothing else to do after 6:00/7:00pm (when it got dark outside). You should definitely take advantage of this opportunity and wait to take your LSAT either right after or towards the end of your service.