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andrewrsn567
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#Help

I graduated from Undergrad in '15 and Graduate school in '17. Receiving degrees in Cello Performance. I have been spending the last 4 years working as a Suzuki Cello teacher with young children and as a professional freelance cellist. I write in my personal statement about my journey through music and teaching it, and how that led me to want to pursue law school. I'm quite happy with how my statement has turned out.

I'm wondering if my untraditional background as a professional musician and especially as a Suzuki cello teacher (a specific type of teaching that requires specialized training) warrants a diversity statement. I have already written a version of a statement where I use two fairly specific anecdotes to help illustrate the unique skills that I have acquired which affect the perspective that I believe I will bring to the classroom and the legal profession. I think it helps to provide additional context to my personal statement.

If a school defines diversity broadly and doesn't limit it to traditional diversity factors, should I submit my statement? Or will it be redundant since my personal statement is also about music to an extant. My identity for the last 20 years has been as a musician.

Thank you all so much!

Andrew

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Thursday, Jun 24 2021

andrewrsn567

Personal Statement font size requirements

Hi Everyone.

I've just spent the last few weeks crafting my personal statement (with a 7sage editor) and have an essay I'm very proud of at 2 pages 11pt. font.

However, I've noticed some schools specifically request 2 pages 12pt. font. When I increase the size to 12, it adds another half a page. I really don't want to mess with my essay further.

Does anyone know what would happen if I submit a PS in 11pt font, even though they ask for 12?

#Help

Thanks!

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andrewrsn567
Monday, Dec 20 2021

No, I don't think January 1st is too late. Of course it depends on the schools you are applying to, but you should be okay if you apply by then. If you're applying to T-14's then maybe it's a bit late, but outside of that you'll be okay.

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andrewrsn567
Friday, Dec 17 2021

I think that if you have/will visit and have meaningful conversations or learn meaningful things that stick with you - then talking about said items in your letter and how they make you want to attend could help, or discuss reasons on why you believe you would be a great fit for USD. I think 7sage may have a section on continued interest letters in the "what to do if you're waitlisted" section.

Goodluck!

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andrewrsn567
Friday, Dec 17 2021

You can certainly submit a letter of continued interest. Or if you haven't already submitted a "Why X" essay I would do that as well.

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andrewrsn567
Monday, Dec 13 2021

Definitely appropriate in my opinion - as long as you feel your Diversity statement will aid your application.

Just follow their length guidelines. There's also no issue in emailing admissions to confirm.

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andrewrsn567
Monday, Dec 13 2021

Have you taken a look at 7sage's valid diversity factor page?

https://classic.7sage.com/admissions/lesson/what-counts-as-a-valid-diversity-factor/

I'm not super convinced that having worked for a number of years warrants a diversity statement. A diversity statement is meant to portray an issue or experience that has shaped you in which you persevered. It also really depends on the school, some schools are broader in their statements, others really only care about issues of race/sexual orientation/etc.

I would personally recommend fitting some of what you would put into your diversity statement into your personal statement. If a school has a specific prompt about "what will you bring to our institution" then definitely write it!

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Friday, Jun 11 2021

andrewrsn567

Scratch paper security protocol

Hey Everyone, quick question!

What is the protocol when it comes to scratch paper during the flex? I vaguely remember reading somewhere that we're supposed to rip up/destroy our scratch paper on camera after the test? I'm wondering if this a mandatory written rule. I don't recall reading this on the flex instructions.

I just took my LSAT writing, and I didn't rip up the scratch paper on the camera. I'm hoping this doesn't get my test flagged.

Thanks!

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andrewrsn567
Thursday, Dec 09 2021

A strengthen question will usually have more powerful language in the answer choice, more akin to a sufficient assumption question. Whereas a necessary assumption is weaker in nature - more like a must be true inference question.

I would definitely checkout the Loophole to learn more about the subtle and not so subtle differences between question types.

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andrewrsn567
Wednesday, Dec 08 2021

If you want professional feedback, I'd recommend purchasing a 1 time edit from 7sage.

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andrewrsn567
Tuesday, Dec 07 2021

your diagnostic score means absolutely nothing! Think of the LSAT like learning a musical instrument. When you first sit down to try and play the violin for the very first time it's expected that you won't play like a pro! Once you start building your foundation through the Core Curriculum, and learning how to think and read differently for this test, you will notice a huge improvement.

I would caution you on setting a giant goal for yourself at the beginning, go one step at a time.

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andrewrsn567
Tuesday, Dec 07 2021

It is always best to disclose everything even, if you don't think you'll need to. I would suggest you disclose this on your Character and Fitness section. From what I've read, the ABA does a very deep dive, and if they find something that you didn't disclose to your Law School, the Law School can decide to rescind your degree. Better to play it safe than sorry!

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andrewrsn567
Tuesday, Dec 07 2021

Personally, I'm not sure you would need an LSAT addendum - these are only for massive score increases/decreases that may raise questions for the admissions committee.

Admissions committee's expect applicants to take the LSAT multiple times, and especially if there is a 6-month gap between takes will expect to see some sort of increase or change. If you by some chance score a 170+ on your 4th exam - you may want to write an addendum as that score jump may raise some eyebrows. However, if you jump up 10 points to the high 150's, that to me at least is quite reasonable if you put in the time and work.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

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andrewrsn567
Tuesday, Dec 07 2021

@

I'm a little out of practice, but I just ran through this problem set. The one about the Advertising group?

It's pretty straight forward actually. It's an In and Out Game. So you lay out your rules, and draw a 2 column game board for In and Out. A number of the rules can be connected together. I didn't come up with my inferences ahead of time, since there are quite a few different outcomes.

A number of the middle questions are hard to solve if you don't have multiple game boards, so I would recommend anwering the question that give you a premise, like "If F is in" etc. then double back to the more open ended questions at the end like "what cannot be true"

As long as you're careful with the rules and have a good understanding of conditionality and doing contrapositives, you should be okay. Was there a specific question you couldn't figure out or just the whole Game threw you for a loop?

If you have a specific question, feel free to send a private message

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andrewrsn567
Tuesday, Dec 07 2021

Review the Advanced Logic video of DeMorgan's Law and JY goes over this.

When you negate OR it turns into AND. so it should be -A AND -B --> -C

I hope that helps!

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andrewrsn567
Tuesday, Dec 07 2021

Taking a 4th test will not hurt your application at all. I have heard of people who have taken 7 tests and gotten into T-14 schools. Since you're waiting for the 2023 cycle, I would really take your time and make sure you feel as confident as possible before you take your next test. Don't take it before you feel as ready as possible. I would recommend studying for the next June test at the earliest. For reference, I took around 40 Practice Tests before I took my LSAT. Sara probably took even more!

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andrewrsn567
Tuesday, Dec 07 2021

The way you're wording your question is confusing. Are you asking if you accept a school's offer and start at that school in fall 2022 can you reapply next cycle for a different school? In this case, you would be applying as a transfer student in which case yes it is allowed.

Everyone else is correct in that you can also apply this cycle and withdraw/not accept any offers and reapply next cycle. You may be better off just waiting anyways if you're nervous about applying later in the cycle.

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andrewrsn567
Monday, Dec 06 2021

Hey @ , I've already sent out all of my apps, but I'd be happy to give your personal statement a read through and discuss it with you - shoot me a private message if you're interested - I can also send you mine so you can see what a final draft looks like.

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andrewrsn567
Monday, Dec 06 2021

Your disciplinary action addendum should state the "what." You are disclosing your academic probation and your ultimate dismissal, with maybe a brief reflection on how you turned things around - so they know you're not going to be that same student in law school.

Your GPA addendum is the "why" Wny did your GPA get so low that you were dismissed, what caused you to drop out in the first place. If you feel you have a compelling enough reason for this period, then write a straight forward addendum. I think it's okay for some facts to be reiterated as long as you keep it brief and to the point.

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andrewrsn567
Sunday, Dec 05 2021

I absolutely agree with @ - Your personal statement should highlight your own personal journey in a way that shows your values and strength. Definitely make the bulk of the PS about how you persevered and how this fueled your desire to enter the field of law. I'm assuming that there is a connection.

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andrewrsn567
Friday, Dec 03 2021

Sorry to hear about your LSAT experience, but you've come to the right place. 7sage is really awesome, the Core Curriculum prepares you very well for understanding each type of question. and the Blind Review method that J.Y insists upon is an absolute necessity in order to improve. I think what's great is that you have a course to follow along with, but it forces you to do the work and be active rather than sitting in a classroom where it's easy for the information to go over your head.

After going through the CC - do a ton of Practice Tests (but no more than 2 a week) and Blind Review every time. I myself took close to 40 practice tests before I took the LSAT.

There are plenty of people on here offering tutoring services, but I think if you embrace 7sage and adjust your studying habits, you'll notice an improvement.

Are you considering delaying a cycle and taking the test again next spring/summer, or are you planning on retaking in January?

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andrewrsn567
Thursday, Dec 02 2021

158 is a perfectly decent score at a number of reputable schools. How is your uGPA? If you're deadset on applying this cycle and don't want to risk applying late, then I say work with what you have. Especially if you're already around the median at the schools you plan on applying to.

But if you feel like you can break into the 160's based on your PT-record, that would certainly help you out even if you apply in February.

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andrewrsn567
Thursday, Dec 02 2021

I would definitely recommend retaking if you feel you can score at least a 166. While I'm not too familiar with UofT, being below the 25th percentile would make it a reach in my opinion.

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andrewrsn567
Thursday, Dec 02 2021

From what I understand, If you have an LSAT score on file, that's what schools will consider whether you submit a GRE or not. Submitting a GRE is only for those who have not taken the LSAT. I haven't heard of any schools requiring the GRE., it is only an option for particular schools in lieu of the LSAT. You can't remove the LSAT from your file, so there's really no point to submitting a GRE score. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

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andrewrsn567
Thursday, Dec 02 2021

@ is spot on with his advice - follow it to the letter!

I would also note that Study habits is one of the first things that needs to be addressed. Clearly the idea of studying for 2 weeks, then taking time off until the week of the test isn't working for you. You need to be much more consistent this time around if you're going to have a chance of scoring within your desired range.

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andrewrsn567
Thursday, Dec 02 2021

I think if you are content with your score and it makes you competitive at the schools you are applying to then why bother putting yourself through another 6 weeks of LSAT? Especially if your UGPA is also competitive. But of course if you are hoping to get as much money as possible, then shooting for a higher score to put you above the 75th percentiles may be a good idea.

Personally, I would only retake if I've been consistently PT'ing at the score range that I would hope to get in January. I ended up scoring a few points less than I wanted, but it was on par if not slightly above my most recent PT'is (this is back in June). So I ultimately decided not to retake as I felt the chances of me scoring higher were not strong enough.

I take it you're a band director? props to you and your decision to pivot! I'm a fellow music teacher, so I understand your position.

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andrewrsn567
Thursday, Dec 02 2021

@ ah sorry about that! I do think a month should be enough time to get back into a routine but I totally get it if you feel too burnt out. I took my test in June and originally was going to retake in August, however after a week back to studying I realized I didn't have it in me to go another round. However I was content with my June score/GPA.

I can't imagine Canadian schools don't accept addenda. If they have a section on their application to submit additional materials, this is where LSAT/GPA addenda go. You may need to submit both an LSAT and a GPA addendum. I have heard that Canada reads your GPA differently though.

Maybe consider applying to some schools In the states where you would be competitive with your numbers?

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andrewrsn567
Wednesday, Dec 01 2021

I'm sorry things didn't go your way. Depending on your GPA, you can get into some decent schools with your 157. Schools really only care about your highest score. Perhaps submit an addendum explaining that your PT's were consistently higher and your 157 is more indicative of your true score.

I do think it's likely that your burn out may have attributed to your lower score this time around. if you think of this test as a marathon and studying is your training. You essentially ran a marathon without any training the month leading up to the race.

If you decide to take January, you have an entire month to get back into a studying routine and take 2-4 practice tests to get back into the groove and hopefully score in your PT range.

If not, focus on writing a stellar personal statement and impress the admissions committees with your soft factors.

Good Luck!

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