Should I quit my job to study for the LSAT full-time? Forum

[gtrs09]

I attempted this, with relative success. Looking back at it now part of me wishes I kept my job (steady income) instead of living off savings, even though I was extremely unhappy at the job. Instead of quitting because you must work Saturdays, I would suggest negotiating a different arrangement and if he says no, then perhaps leaving is the right step. Just make sure it's really what you want to do.

I live with my parents, and don't have to worry about finances, though I have considered going this route. However, since I want to get a new job anyways.....

I live with my parents as well and don't have to worry about finances, but still miss the easy money. I have worked on the side and found things to do to not sit around. I was in the same mind set of convincing myself that quitting was the right thing. Best of luck with what you do.

[RamTitan]

IMO, once you start pushing past the 170 hill, each point becomes that much more difficult to get. At that point you've already mastered the strategies, so it becomes more about avoiding silly errors, which is a lot, lot harder than it sounds. And I really think that at that point in time, it becomes far more valuable to take multiple tests a week than to spend time drilling individual sections. There are people who can naturally sit down and have the mental stamina to get a 178+, but for myself, half the battle was decreasing the mental fatigue towards the last section, or learning to put behind a question or passage that I wasn't 100% sure about and not letting it bug me when I was past it. The best way to work on that is to take full tests, and a lot of them.

Maybe you could make it work, but I don't know that I could have done that with only having one day a week to realistically do a full test. I personally had three full days a week set aside for testing, and kept that up for three months. So, my advice is that if you think that you're past drilling and you really are set on aiming for a 180, then you should quit. HLS and the top tier are not going to care about a 3 month gap. If you're really worried, you can volunteer on off-days (that's what I did). But seriously, I think it's worthwhile. A 3.65 with a 171 maybe gets you a pity scholarship at UVA, but a 3.66 with a 178+ is a contender for probably everything outside of a Hamilton/Rubenstein/Yale, and even then you might get lucky.

Also, as an example of how much little errors can kick your ass where you least expect it: I missed two questions on my exam. One of them was the first logic game question. Yeah. That one. The gimme. The "why would I ever double check my work here" question. My study partner will never let me live it down.

Would it be a problem if I had to recycle tests I've already completed? I think I'm going to quit and go with this strategy.

I can't say from personal experience. Doing three tests a week (6 tests a week in the two weeks leading up to the exam), I didn't run out of new material. But I think it mainly comes down to how well you tend to remember problems. I would occasionally vaguely remember a problem that had been in a drilling section, but my memory would very rarely help me answer the question; my friend, on the other hand, would breeze through a section because he remembered the questions from doing them months before. That said, my friend re-took the exam, and he eventually had to start seriously recycling material. He said that games tended to be easier (half the fun in an exam is running into a game set-up you've never seen before, and recycling mostly negates that), but RC and LR were still challenging enough to make it worth it.

So were those 3 months your first exposure to the LSAT? I've taken 25 full timed tests thus far in my prep.

[RamTitan]

I attempted this, with relative success. Looking back at it now part of me wishes I kept my job (steady income) instead of living off savings, even though I was extremely unhappy at the job. Instead of quitting because you must work Saturdays, I would suggest negotiating a different arrangement and if he says no, then perhaps leaving is the right step. Just make sure it's really what you want to do.

I live with my parents, and don't have to worry about finances, though I have considered going this route. However, since I want to get a new job anyways.....

I live with my parents as well and don't have to worry about finances, but still miss the easy money. I have worked on the side and found things to do to not sit around. I was in the same mind set of convincing myself that quitting was the right thing. Best of luck with what you do.

I took a test today and scored a 167. If I had cracked my plateau, I may have reconsidered my decision, but I think it's the best decision for me at this time. If I fail in getting a 180, then at least I'll know it wasn't because my job got in the way or some other external reason I can place blame on.

[Bearlyalive]

I can't say from personal experience. Doing three tests a week (6 tests a week in the two weeks leading up to the exam), I didn't run out of new material. But I think it mainly comes down to how well you tend to remember problems. I would occasionally vaguely remember a problem that had been in a drilling section, but my memory would very rarely help me answer the question; my friend, on the other hand, would breeze through a section because he remembered the questions from doing them months before. That said, my friend re-took the exam, and he eventually had to start seriously recycling material. He said that games tended to be easier (half the fun in an exam is running into a game set-up you've never seen before, and recycling mostly negates that), but RC and LR were still challenging enough to make it worth it.

So were those 3 months your first exposure to the LSAT? I've taken 25 full timed tests thus far in my prep.

No, I had taken a prep course about a year earlier as well, which is largely where I would remember a question from. All told, I think I did somewhere around 50 exams by the time I was done, not including exams I took during the course. I only started testing consistently above 176 towards the last few weeks, and I actually only hit 180 a few times (maybe four?) before I went to sit the test.

[RamTitan]

I can't say from personal experience. Doing three tests a week (6 tests a week in the two weeks leading up to the exam), I didn't run out of new material. But I think it mainly comes down to how well you tend to remember problems. I would occasionally vaguely remember a problem that had been in a drilling section, but my memory would very rarely help me answer the question; my friend, on the other hand, would breeze through a section because he remembered the questions from doing them months before. That said, my friend re-took the exam, and he eventually had to start seriously recycling material. He said that games tended to be easier (half the fun in an exam is running into a game set-up you've never seen before, and recycling mostly negates that), but RC and LR were still challenging enough to make it worth it.

So were those 3 months your first exposure to the LSAT? I've taken 25 full timed tests thus far in my prep.

No, I had taken a prep course about a year earlier as well, which is largely where I would remember a question from. All told, I think I did somewhere around 50 exams by the time I was done, not including exams I took during the course. I only started testing consistently above 176 towards the last few weeks, and I actually only hit 180 a few times (maybe four?) before I went to sit the test.

This is a super revealing post. Thanks for your contribution!

As of right now, my plan is to finish this month at work (so I'll give like 3 weeks of notice), and still take tests every weekend. Then, in April and May I'll take 3 tests a week.

Edit - just looked at a calendar; I'll be taking 3-4 more tests before I quit, and then 24-26 tests in that 2 month period, so I think I should be golden

[RamTitan]

Reading back through this thread, I noticed that most people actually recommended I do not quit. I'm 90% certain I will, but I'd love to get some more input from others.

Why I'm against this job: 5 Saturdays in a row where I can't take a test just a couple of months before the LSAT, it's a failing agency which is losing money so I will have to leave soon anyways

Why I'm for it: It's always easier to get a job while you have one, and I'll need to be doing something for at least another year before school (counter argument - teach English in China like you've always wanted to do, become a personal trainer, possibly still can get a new job even while you're unemployed)

[Mullens]

why not find a new job and study for the LSAT? One of your assumptions is that your agency is failing. Get a different job. You also don't have "zero financial considerations" because you are foregoing income/savings if you quit your job. The marginal returns also decrease when you start repeating tests. I'm a believer that retaking test multiple times is not as effective as taking new ones for the first time, but I know some people disagree with that.

As some other people have mentioned, the difference between a 171 and a 180 is very marginal unless the 171 is not over a school's 75th. That's like six? schools (that your GPA might prevent you from going to anyway) and so you would only be doing this to chase a pipe dream of a 180 for personal satisfaction and likely no other benefit

[RamTitan]

why not find a new job and study for the LSAT? One of your assumptions is that your agency is failing. Get a different job. You also don't have "zero financial considerations" because you are foregoing income/savings if you quit your job. The marginal returns also decrease when you start repeating tests. I'm a believer that retaking test multiple times is not as effective as taking new ones for the first time, but I know some people disagree with that.

As some other people have mentioned, the difference between a 171 and a 180 is very marginal unless the 171 is not over a school's 75th. That's like six? schools (that your GPA might prevent you from going to anyway) and so you would only be doing this to chase a pipe dream of a 180 for personal satisfaction and likely no other benefit

I have been applying for jobs, and if the right opportunity came it would be hard to turn that down. With that said, I'm not assuming anything about my agency failing; we are down to 2 clients and recently one of the few employees was laid off. Also, I haven't been paid in a month!

The only schools my GPA precludes me from going to would be Stanford and Yale; I could get into Harvard with a 175+, and that in my mind is worth it (or a full-ride somewhere in the t14).

As for financial considerations, wouldn't the possibility of gaining a higher score, thus acquiring more scholarship money or admittance to a better school be of much more financial value? I'm kind of shocked that you believe the difference between a 171 and a 175 is marginal. I've always read that each extra point in the 170s is of immense value.

Edit - At any point in this thread I'm not devaluing anyone's advice, but playing devil's advocate so I can get a clearer picture

[RamTitan]

So, to sum-up the arguments, it seems that people think I should refrain from following my course of action because:

1. A 180 isn't attainable and/or any point increase in my score is negligible at this point

I strongly disagree with this

2. It's more important to build up savings than to earn scholarship money or admittance to a top 5 law school

I also strongly disagree with this

Unless someone has additional input as to why I'm wrong or has other reasons I should consider, I think I'm leaning towards pursuing my goals.

Edit - Something I'd like to add is that by leaving I'm not saying I'm not going to work till law school. I have every intention, and I feel every capability, of acquiring a new position once the test is over. And if the right thing comes along before that date, then I would probably take it. But I feel that not being able to take a full practice test for 5 weeks in a row will be detrimental to my score.

[Tiago Splitter]

So, to sum-up the arguments, it seems that people think I should refrain from following my course of action because:

1. A 180 isn't attainable and/or any point increase in my score is negligible at this point

I strongly disagree with this

2. It's more important to build up savings than to earn scholarship money or admittance to a top 5 law school

I also strongly disagree with this

Unless someone has additional input as to why I'm wrong or has other reasons I should consider, I think I'm leaning towards pursuing my goals.

Edit - Something I'd like to add is that by leaving I'm not saying I'm not going to work till law school. I have every intention, and I feel every capability, of acquiring a new position once the test is over. And if the right thing comes along before that date, then I would probably take it. But I feel that not being able to take a full practice test for 5 weeks in a row will be detrimental to my score.

Quit wasting your time taking out strawmen and just do what you want to do. In the end it's not going to make a huge difference, and it sounds like you really want to quit your job.

[ND2018]

So, to sum-up the arguments, it seems that people think I should refrain from following my course of action because:

1. A 180 isn't attainable and/or any point increase in my score is negligible at this point

I strongly disagree with this

2. It's more important to build up savings than to earn scholarship money or admittance to a top 5 law school

I also strongly disagree with this

Unless someone has additional input as to why I'm wrong or has other reasons I should consider, I think I'm leaning towards pursuing my goals.

Edit - Something I'd like to add is that by leaving I'm not saying I'm not going to work till law school. I have every intention, and I feel every capability, of acquiring a new position once the test is over. And if the right thing comes along before that date, then I would probably take it. But I feel that not being able to take a full practice test for 5 weeks in a row will be detrimental to my score.

My 2 cents. OP if you are absolutely certain that you will be attending law school after the coming cycle; I honestly see no problem with you quitting the job. Though I would recommenced you get an actual score first, and go from there. If you take June '16 and crush it, then you have a score to apply with and a job to help with building some savings prior to law school. On the other hand, if you quit now and June doesn't turn out the way you hoped you might be up the river: no job, no workable score. Further, if you quit now I wouldn't plan on gaining some other form of meaningful employment after you get the score you want. You could probably work as a waiter; but employers arent looking for people who they know will leave in a relatively short period of time. Again, just my 2 cents; I think you keep the job, take June, see how it goes. If you are unsatisfied quit and crush studying for October.

[RamTitan]

So, to sum-up the arguments, it seems that people think I should refrain from following my course of action because:

1. A 180 isn't attainable and/or any point increase in my score is negligible at this point

I strongly disagree with this

2. It's more important to build up savings than to earn scholarship money or admittance to a top 5 law school

I also strongly disagree with this

Unless someone has additional input as to why I'm wrong or has other reasons I should consider, I think I'm leaning towards pursuing my goals.

Edit - Something I'd like to add is that by leaving I'm not saying I'm not going to work till law school. I have every intention, and I feel every capability, of acquiring a new position once the test is over. And if the right thing comes along before that date, then I would probably take it. But I feel that not being able to take a full practice test for 5 weeks in a row will be detrimental to my score.

Quit wasting your time taking out strawmen and just do what you want to do. In the end it's not going to make a huge difference, and it sounds like you really want to quit your job.

That's not a fair comment.

Considering this is a major life decision for me, I don't think getting advice from others who MAY have knowledge on what to do is a waste of time (this has taken a total of 20-30 minutes dude lol). Also, those aren't strawmen arguments; that's literally what people have been advising in this thread - that my score won't improve by much and that I'm better off working to gain some money. And I've posted my reasons why I disagree with this because I'm trying to facilitate a conversation.

And perhaps you had difficulty raising your score which is why you're saying this, but the few people who have advocated I quit have said it takes that level of commitment to make the next jump in the score range. If that is what's required, then I'm going to be interested in taking that leap.

Edit - and let it be known that I do like my job (just feel that I've outgrown it). However, working without pay isn't cool. And most importantly, there will be 5 weeks in a row less than 2 months before the test that I can't sit for a full practice test! That has me worried about my score.

[RamTitan]

So, to sum-up the arguments, it seems that people think I should refrain from following my course of action because:

1. A 180 isn't attainable and/or any point increase in my score is negligible at this point

I strongly disagree with this

2. It's more important to build up savings than to earn scholarship money or admittance to a top 5 law school

I also strongly disagree with this

Unless someone has additional input as to why I'm wrong or has other reasons I should consider, I think I'm leaning towards pursuing my goals.

Edit - Something I'd like to add is that by leaving I'm not saying I'm not going to work till law school. I have every intention, and I feel every capability, of acquiring a new position once the test is over. And if the right thing comes along before that date, then I would probably take it. But I feel that not being able to take a full practice test for 5 weeks in a row will be detrimental to my score.

My 2 cents. OP if you are absolutely certain that you will be attending law school after the coming cycle; I honestly see no problem with you quitting the job. Though I would recommenced you get an actual score first, and go from there. If you take June '16 and crush it, then you have a score to apply with and a job to help with building some savings prior to law school. On the other hand, if you quit now and June doesn't turn out the way you hoped you might be up the river: no job, no workable score. Further, if you quit now I wouldn't plan on gaining some other form of meaningful employment after you get the score you want. You could probably work as a waiter; but employers arent looking for people who they know will leave in a relatively short period of time. Again, just my 2 cents; I think you keep the job, take June, see how it goes. If you are unsatisfied quit and crush studying for October.

This is why I've been hesitant about making a decision to quit, and why I've been seeking advice from others.

I'm 100% certain I will go to law school next cycle. And by June 2016 I will have exhausted my study materials, so I better damn well get my score! But with that said, the #1 factor in me wanting to quit my job is the 5 Saturday debacle. 5 weeks in a row of no testing less than two months before the test sounds like a disaster for my score.

As for meaningful employment, I definitely understand your sentiment about an employer not wanting to hire someone short-term. With that said, I don't have to tell potential employers I'm going to law school....and also there is always the ESl for a year option, or becoming a personal fitness instructor.

[Minnietron]

Quit your job and tutor homeless kids with learning disabilities. 180 and personal statement in one fell swoop!

[RamTitan]

Quit your job and tutor homeless kids with learning disabilities. 180 and personal statement in one fell swoop!

That's actually an awesome idea!

[RamTitan]

I don't know why I thought of this earlier; I want to get into real estate law, so why not become a real estate agent for a year or more?

Regardless, it seems that I have options and can take my life into different directions. Thanks TLS for bouncing ideas around with me.

[NoA/C]

Interestingly enough, I find myself in a situation just like yourself. I'm 23, live at home and recently quit my job. Unfortunately for myself, I was at a company where I did not agree with the business practices and was actually asked to commit fraud on multiple occasions. I abruptly resigned after one such incident and found myself five months out from law school with nothing to do and with not as much money as I originally envisioned having.

To make a long story short, I've since applied for a couple internships with the local DA to network and decided to retake the LSAT in hopes of achieving higher scholarship offers. My advice, save up enough money to live comfortably until you go to law school. Also, you said you want to do real estate law, so go and see if a local real estate attorney will let you clerk for him for 20-25 hours a week or something to stay busy. Doesn't hurt to shoot off some resumes and cover letters. The worst people can say is no. Anyway, good luck.

[RamTitan]

Interestingly enough, I find myself in a situation just like yourself. I'm 23, live at home and recently quit my job. Unfortunately for myself, I was at a company where I did not agree with the business practices and was actually asked to commit fraud on multiple occasions. I abruptly resigned after one such incident and found myself five months out from law school with nothing to do and with not as much money as I originally envisioned having.

To make a long story short, I've since applied for a couple internships with the local DA to network and decided to retake the LSAT in hopes of achieving higher scholarship offers. My advice, save up enough money to live comfortably until you go to law school. Also, you said you want to do real estate law, so go and see if a local real estate attorney will let you clerk for him for 20-25 hours a week or something to stay busy. Doesn't hurt to shoot off some resumes and cover letters. The worst people can say is no. Anyway, good luck.

Definitely sound advice, especially since I won't be going to school till fall of 2017. I have a few interviews next week, and had a few this week, so I'm not especially worried.

[RamTitan]

Update - my employer gave me a two month vacation, so all is good!

[laggyking]

So funny, I asked the same question today, and I lost my job 2 hours later, 1/3 people from my office lost their job today. I bet Im the happiest one among them. No more frustrating and no more struggling. The reason i want to quit is:
1. dont like my job, all my boss can do is bluffing, they have trouble to run a success firm. they only have limited projects for 15-20 people, but they hired 40 people, worst part is, they fired all the talented and hard working guys, and kept everyone who has good personal relationship with them. they weight personal relationship over the efficiency of a company.
2. dont like what i do in the real world, im a designer, but what i did everyday is something everyone who graduated from community college can do, then why you hire a top design school graduate to be a drafter? you are wasting your money and wasting my time.
3. supper low salary. If I rent out my house, live with wife who is still in school in another city, i can get more money than working as a designer, that sounds really funny, but its true. I make only 3500/month before tax work 10 hours a day, doing something i dont like and worry about if my boss is going like it or not, i need to pay my own property tax and my wifes rent. if rent out my house, i get 3000 dollars, i get tons of free time, i can live with wife, stay with my son. plus, i dont have to spend 2 hours/day 50 dollars/week for commuting.

[twiix]

.

[RamTitan]

You keep asking for unbiased opinions and then whenever someone speaks up, you take it personally and attack what they said/defend yourself. I agree with you when you say it is a serious life decision, but that's all the more reason to not listen to anyone else and make the decision for yourself. I'm glad you got your time off, now study away and do the best you can. If you come up short of 180, life goes on. But that doesn't mean you can't/shouldn't try.

I "attacked" specific answers because they ignored certain components of my situation which were relevant towards making a decision.

I appreciate your sentiments though, and I definitely agree.

[RamTitan]

So funny, I asked the same question today, and I lost my job 2 hours later, 1/3 people from my office lost their job today. I bet Im the happiest one among them. No more frustrating and no more struggling. The reason i want to quit is:
1. dont like my job, all my boss can do is bluffing, they have trouble to run a success firm. they only have limited projects for 15-20 people, but they hired 40 people, worst part is, they fired all the talented and hard working guys, and kept everyone who has good personal relationship with them. they weight personal relationship over the efficiency of a company.
2. dont like what i do in the real world, im a designer, but what i did everyday is something everyone who graduated from community college can do, then why you hire a top design school graduate to be a drafter? you are wasting your money and wasting my time.
3. supper low salary. If I rent out my house, live with wife who is still in school in another city, i can get more money than working as a designer, that sounds really funny, but its true. I make only 3500/month before tax work 10 hours a day, doing something i dont like and worry about if my boss is going like it or not, i need to pay my own property tax and my wifes rent. if rent out my house, i get 3000 dollars, i get tons of free time, i can live with wife, stay with my son. plus, i dont have to spend 2 hours/day 50 dollars/week for commuting.

I posted in your thread, but I think this came at the right time for you. Looks like we both have our studying cut out for us

[bretby]

You keep asking for unbiased opinions and then whenever someone speaks up, you take it personally and attack what they said/defend yourself. I agree with you when you say it is a serious life decision, but that's all the more reason to not listen to anyone else and make the decision for yourself. I'm glad you got your time off, now study away and do the best you can. If you come up short of 180, life goes on. But that doesn't mean you can't/shouldn't try.

I "attacked" specific answers because they ignored certain components of my situation which were relevant towards making a decision.

I appreciate your sentiments though, and I definitely agree.

When an adult chooses not to work and they aren't doing anything of comparable gravity in its stead (raising children, caring for parents, etc.), it just looks lazy and entitled. Studying for the LSAT is not a full time job.

[RamTitan]

You keep asking for unbiased opinions and then whenever someone speaks up, you take it personally and attack what they said/defend yourself. I agree with you when you say it is a serious life decision, but that's all the more reason to not listen to anyone else and make the decision for yourself. I'm glad you got your time off, now study away and do the best you can. If you come up short of 180, life goes on. But that doesn't mean you can't/shouldn't try.

I "attacked" specific answers because they ignored certain components of my situation which were relevant towards making a decision.

I appreciate your sentiments though, and I definitely agree.

When an adult chooses not to work and they aren't doing anything of comparable gravity in its stead (raising children, caring for parents, etc.), it just looks lazy and entitled. Studying for the LSAT is not a full time job.

Okay, you're welcome to feel that way

Edit - I understand that a lot of people strongly dislike me for the way I've posted in this thread, so I'm sorry if I've been out of line. With that said, the decision has been made - my employer didn't want me to quit and gave me two months off, and I'm going to use it to my advantage. Thanks for the advice everyone, but this case is closed.