So, anyone got suggestions how to stay sane with adhering to the course and somewhat progressing during gap year(s)?

I initially had planned on taking the September 2018 exam but life decided to show me that "adulting" is more important.

How do some of you balance working/finding work that would "beef up your resume" while studying for this monster of an exam?

I'm aiming to try to get into USC or UCLA for Fall 2019 or 2020.

Yeah, that's right not a typo. Sorry for the long post, but allow me to explain. I have been working on my BA for almost 10 years, and have made many different career/life moves in that time. When I was younger I was very impulsive, not in a reckless sort of way, but I was pretty unafraid of making big, life-changing decisions pretty much on a dime.

So in 2009, I was in my second semester at my local community college when my girlfriend broke up with me and the financial crisis really began to hit home for my family. These two events made me really question what I was doing and what I was working towards in school, and I decided that I wanted to do some serious travelling before continuing with my degree. So I withdrew from 3 courses and got a restaurant job while finishing the other 2. In September of 2009, I registered for 3 courses to take while I was working, but ultimately decided to withdraw from these courses too and got two more jobs, so I could save more money. That's 6 W's so far.

I saved for this trip, and wound up going for a 16 months backpacking trip that lasted from 2010 to 2011. I visited 25 countries on 4 continents. I'm hoping I can somehow use this fact to spin the massive number of withdrawals I have from this part of my education.

While abroad, I applied for university and got in, with the aim of becoming an engineer. In 2011, I returned to school, took a bunch of math and science courses, and got into Engineering school; however, when I started the next semester, I realized I really didn't enjoy math and science all that much. So I withdrew from 2 of the 5 courses I was taking (calculaus and matrix algebra), finished the other three, and enrolled in a history and a poli sci course for the summer, with the aim of majoring in International Relations. We're at 8 W's now.

I was accepted into the IR program, but on starting my next year of study, I felt a lump in my throat. I went to my doctor, who referred me to a ENT specialist. While this lump turned out to be benign, it totally derailed my studies and changed my perspective on life. I found myself asking myself: if I had 1,2,3 years to live, what would I be doing? And the frank answer was, I wanted to be a bartender. While working at restaurants to save the money to travel, I'd developed this huge interest in cocktails, wine, spirirts, etc. Once I'd realized this, even after discovering I was healthy, I just knew I couldn't stay in school. I had to pursue this dream, as silly as it may be. I withdrew from all five of my courses, and started beating down the door of all the best bars in the city. That's 13 W's now.

I wound up working as a bartender for five years. At the end of my career, I had won numerous awards and managed bar programmes for some of the most decorated bars and restaurants in the country; however, the late nights and booze were getting old. I realized it was finally time for my to go back to school. In September 2017, I enrolled in two courses just to try to school out again. I enjoyed it but didn't know what I wanted to do still, so I didn't register for any courses for the next term.

Instead I went to woodworking school for 6 months. I liked it, but I realized my romantic notions of manual labour did not accord with the reality. And the pay was terrible. So in 2018, I came back to university AGAIN and decided, screw it, I'm just going to major in English, which I love. It's been amazing, I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. I have been taking just English courses for the past academic year and was just accepted into English Honours. Stupidly, I wasn't enjoying one of my profs teaching styles, and withdrew from one of my courses. That's W number 14. This was a totally avoidable W and, in light of everything else, I shouldn't have done it. Oh well.

Additional info: I am writing the September 2018 LSAT and am currently PTing in the mid-to-high 170s. I have a 4.0 GPA over all my courses, despite all the interruptions and course changes. I am close with many of my profs and will have several strong academic references. I have 2 more years of academic study left (since I opted for honours, which takes a few more credits) and am fully committed to my life path in a way I never was before. Also, there will be no more W's.

So what should I do? How much will this effect me? Will the things I did while out of school help to justify the W's I got when leaving school multiple times? How should I acknowledge the events described above?

Thank you if you took the time to read this wall of text.

Background:

I scored a 164 on the Feb. 2018 LSAT. This was the low end of my PTing range of 164 - 172. GPA of 3.93. Attended a higher-end state school. I work at a legal aid firm as a paralegal, before that I was an AmeriCorps member at the same firm. I have eclectic undergrad experience including winning a grant to research public defense in my state (and actually doing the research), also majoring in English Lit and concentrating on Caribbean literature, and being a very proficient (but mostly amateur) classical musician. I'm probably headed for public interest, making scholarship money important. My spouse and I are in a financially stable position, though.

Question:

My question is pretty specific; I already know I need to retake the LSAT. However, before retaking the LSAT (probably on the new November date) I'd like to craft a really good ED app and send it either to Berkeley or Northwestern due to their scholarship offerings for being accepted ED. Generally, it seems like ED and an early cycle app would increase my chances of getting in and I like both of these schools enough that I'd go to either. Any thoughts on which?

Pros of Berkeley: historically seem to weigh GPA more highly, might like an applicant with demonstrated experience, devotion to public interest, and interesting background. Once my spouse and I establish CA residency, the cost decreases, and there's the 60K scholarship split over the three years. That would probably be affordable for us.

Pros of Northwestern: personal connections including a supervisor who went there, a professor from undergrad who knows admissions counselors and professors and would provide a solid recommendation. The full-ride scholarship seems like a double-edged sword: yeah, it'd be great, but it seems unrealistic. My chances of EDing Northwestern probably depend a lot on retaking the LSAT. But maybe those personal connections would help?

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate it.

Hi everyone,

I studied abroad my first year of college (new program) and had an okay GPA (3.4). I went back to my home university and spent nearly a whole year sick with the worst bout of asthma-bronchitis I have ever had (I missed a ton of classes, choked on air, could not speak, intense fatigue, etc.). I still maintained an okay GPA (3.0-3.2--I can't remember) but I missed the deadline to withdraw from a science GE I was taking (Astronomy) and although my university does not consider P/F in their GPA calculation--I have heard that the LSAT does and that a Fail= an F. I have not officially submitted my transcripts to the LSAC but I'm guessing my overall GPA will end up being pretty low (3.26-ish).

Should I write an addendum? My first semester Senior Year GPA was a 3.5 and my second semester GPA was a 3.7--so there was definitely an upward trajectory...I just don't want to seem like I'm making excuses, but my sickness seriously messed up my year. Sometimes I would try to attend class and then have to excuse myself to have a 10 minute coughing fit outside the classroom...And I'm not even exaggerating.

Also, my major GPA was MUCH better than my cumulative GPA--is that something I should point out? I was an English Literature major with a minor in Forensics and Criminality and so all the science-y GE courses messed up my GPA. My overall GPA was a 3.36 and my major GPA was a 3.56 (this is before the LSAC calculates my GPA). Also, I went to a competitive university in California--do law schools take this into account?

Any advice is very appreciated.

Thank you.

I wish someone could hold my hand through this process and help me every step of the way. Does anyone tutor people on this stuff? God, help me.

Diversity statement question:

Personal statement question:

*Trigger warning (violence)-- because I'm a millennial, and it's a thing we do...

I feel like a lost puppy.

I have an aunt/uncle who graduated from a specific Law School I'm applying for. They were very accomplished at this school and have gone on to become very successful in there career. My question is it proper for this person to right me a letter of recommendation for this school, or possibly another one? If this person is happy to help is there any part they can play in helping my admissions process?

Good evening,

I have began working on my personal statement and have narrowed my decision to three topics. I cannot decide which one is most fitting and relevant. If anyone is interested in reading what I have so far and providing feedback, that would be awesome. I would be willing to exchange my work so far with other’s as well. If anyone is interested, please message me your email. Thank you so much in advance

How do I go about sending my transcripts to LSAC? I am really confused. I'm taking the LSAT in November so when would be a good time to send transcripts? Is now too early? Thanks everyone!

I have a question regarding LORs coming from international applicants. I did my undergrad at a university in London, United Kingdom and recently finished my Master's degree in Korea.

What concerns me is the differences in undergraduate education systems which cause difficulties for applicants like me. We only had 8-10 hours of lectures and the emphasis is put on individual coursework. One class per course taught usually by Ph.D. students/researchers every week was pretty much what I had for 'contact' with academics which makes it harder for me to get specific and strong recommendation letters from undergrad contacts. On the other hand, as I came back to Korea to do my Master's degree, I had better contacts with my professors and did projects and TA works.

So what I'm wondering is if it would be wise to ask for at least one undergrad LOR despite the fact that I did not have much contact with professors during undergrad years. I often hear that undergrad matters more than grad school experience. And there is this academic tutor (not a professor but rather a Ph.D researcher who taught a class which I got the best grade, although the grade was irrelevant to what this tutor thought of me since I only took 1 final exam at the end of the year under the UK education system) who wrote me a recommendation letter,albeit quite generic, to get into the graduate school. But I can guarantee that I'll get more specific LORs from professors whom I met during graduate school years who can comment on both my academic and work abilities since I had to study and work as an assistant for several professors.

So.... it would be great to hear some of your thoughts!

Thanks in advance.

I finished my second year of undergrad with a 2.78 gpa. I transferred to another 4-year school and finished my bachelor's degree there. At that school, I had a 3.98 gpa and according to LSAC, my cumulative gpa is 3.32 from both schools. Should I be writing an addendum to speak about my grades or am I fine since my cumulative gpa is decent for law school?

Hi All,

I'm in a bit of a unique position. I'm wondering what the impact of my low GPA would be. I have a 2.83 undergrad GPA and a 159 on the LSAT. I also have a severe disability which can partially explain my low GPA, and depending on who you ask makes me an underrepresented minority. I'm trying to narrow down my list of schools and I'm having a hard time figuring out which schools are safety schools, which schools I'm competitive at etc. What does it look like to admissions when your GPA is well below the median but your LSAT score is above it? When your LSAT score is around the median? For what it's worth, I'm interested in a very specific area of law (health law) and I care more about a school having a good health law program than it's overall ranking and selectivity. Also, I feel as though I could've done better on the LSAT. How much of a difference do you think it would make if I took it again and maybe scored a few points higher? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Do Canadian law schools (in Ontario, specifically) allow you to apply through the LSAC, or is it pretty standard that you have to apply using the OLSAS directly?

I am receiving two letters of recommendation from professors that I had during my undergrad studies. However, I wanted to know if it would be a good idea to get a professional letter of recommendation from a supervisor at my current job. I work at a very well-known police department in the country. Would it look good in addition to the two educational letters that I am also getting? The letter would be from a lieutenant. Thanks.

Hello everyone,

Kind of in a tight spot. Have taken the LSAT three times thus far. Based on my most recent score I would still qualify as a reverse splitter for T14 schools. I’m trying to weigh my options of applying among the T14 this cycle vs a 4th take in July and how that might look. I underperformed my PT range by about 5 points on the June 2018 exam. Above 75th GPA wise but sitting around 25th for LSAT.

I have read various posts about the upper limit for the number of takes but I am still searching for some advice.

Not sure if most simply would simply base their position off plugging the numbers in LSN and judging off there, but I am somewhat concerned about how a fourth take would look.

Any advice is appreciated,

Thank you all

Good afternoon,

I received my June LSAT score today. My score was 159 and my current GPA is 3.87. Here is some data about the University of Georgia's applicant pool from last year https://officialguide.lsac.org/Release/SchoolsABAData/SchoolPage/SchoolPage.aspx

I will definitively retake, but this was a positive test take for me and I am not sure how much I can improve at this point. With strong LOR's, PS, and GPA, but a mediocre LSAT, how far behind the blackball will I be of receiving acceptance to UGA if I don't improve my score?

Thank you in advance! I hope the June test treated people well. I'm so thankful for the helpful 7Sage community.

Do you guys ever feel that by studying really hard for the LSAT you are "sneaking" into a school where you don't belong or don't deserve to attend? I was thinking about this last night on my drive home...

I could delay my apps, take another year to study, and achieve an elite score in order to get into a T14... But when I get there, would I be surrounded by a bunch of naturally brilliant people who achieved a 170+ with little effort? I started worrying, "how could I possibly contribute to a community of people who can achieve with minimal effort, a task that took me maximum effort?!"

This isn't something that I worry about deeply... I just thought it would make an interesting discussion since I'm sure I am not the only one who has encountered feelings of self-doubt from time to time.

Seeking insight from people who have experienced this for themselves.. If you spent a very long time mastering the LSAT and gaining admissions to a top notch school, how did you fare as a 1L? Did you find anything that surprised you about your classmates? Did you suffer from Imposter Syndrome? If so, how did you overcome?

When is it appropriate to send a "Why School X" essay? Are there any T14 schools where one should send such an essay along with the personal statement even if it's not asked for or are they for if you get waitlisted?

So I'm leaving active duty next year, but my husband is staying in the military until retirement. He has limited location options for his assignments, which unfortunately really limits my law school options as well. My question is, should I make some mention in my "Why School X" essay about how family circumstances are part of the reason why I want to attend that school? Or is just a really bad idea to even mention that?

Hi all:

My current average for an LR section is -8, BR -4. Is there anything in particular you've done/would advise for being stuck here? Specifically, should I try going through the LR portion of the CC again? I've thoroughly gone through it once, and skimmed through it a second time right before I started drilling Q types. Personally, I don't think fundamentals is my issue because when I'm BRing/reviewing questions I answered incorrectly, it makes sense to me where I went wrong. Just wishing I could catch those while answering the first/second time. Tips greatly appreciated!

Thank YOU in advance.

Hi 7Sagers,

I'm putting together a brand new admissions FAQ for our admissions course, and I need your input! What questions do you have about the law school admissions process? Ask in the comments.

Please keep your questions general. You can post somewhere else if you have a question specific to you. Use the “like” button to let me know if you second someone else’s question.

Example of good questions:

Example of bad questions for this FAQ:

Thanks everyone. I'm looking forward to seeing you at tomorrow's webinar! Remember that we’re giving away a free edit!

I just finished a first draft of my personal statement. Would anyone be willing to take a look and provide some feedback? I would really appreciate it. I don't mind swapping essays.

Thanks!

US News and Business currently ranks GW Law 22 I believe; it’s not a t14 but is GW Law still a good law school? I’m an undergrad here and got into a masters program awarded by the law and business school

If I don't go forward with a certain school after applying to it or don't pursue with their application, does it hurt to apply to the same school again for next year? Will they still offer scholarship if I get same or higher marks on LSAT since I had not pursued with their application and waited to apply in the next cycle?

Can someone who has experience with admissions reply!

I appreciate your help in this!

Thanks

Hi guys!

I've been working on my PS, and I keep wondering if I should somehow tie it into my interests in law, or just leave it be. It's so far about overcoming generational expectations on women (or lack thereof) and becoming a first generation college student/ degree holder. I kind of feel like it sets up an obvious path to higher learning and my desire for it, but doesn't quite tie into law exactly. Does it really need to? Can it just stand alone as a story about realizing obstacles and overcoming them in my pursuit of education and a better life?

Hi everyone! Does anyone know of law schools that offer financial incentives for those that apply early decision? I know WUSTL and BU have such programs, but looking to see all of my options. Thanks!