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colinspire84

Joined: Apr 2025
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colinspire84

Monday, May 01 2017

The lsat is a learnable test. Utilizing 7sage program, the lsat trainer and LG bible from Powerscore can get you very far! I have gone from the low 140s to 160s in 6 months of full time study (5 to 7 hours a day). I would recommend that you go shadow an attorney though. Just to verify you really want to endure the profession, another 3 years of school - especially professional school with ridiculous cost of schooling.

Good luck!

General · Moment of truth: Need sincere advice

colinspire84

Thursday, Apr 27 2017

Debt is a serious issue though. So much so the American bar posted a blog post about it.

http://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/committees/jiop/news_analysis/articles/spring2016-0616-dont-let-law-school-debt-overshadow-your-future.html

Northeastern's employment rate may be low due to reasons other than "a bad education". I would contact the Schools recruitment team, inquire why their numbers are low and what is being done to correct the issue. Keep in mind, some schools pay employers/law firms to test ride students with employment, so the law school can inflate their employment numbers for postgrads -cough SMU/The Bridge to Practice programs.

Having a free ride would alleviate most pains of the schooling itself but everything has to be considered.

No matter what school you go to, you have NETWORK. Networking opens up opportunities for jobs and everything in life.

On a random note; if you have a dark humor check out this blog for everything hating on law schools. http://thirdtierreality.blogspot.com

This one gives info on every school - https://lawschoolsewagepitprofiles.wordpress.com

General · Order of Operations for Study

colinspire84

Thursday, Apr 27 2017

Like Alex mentioned, do the 7sage program, you should be good to go! Try to master the Logic Games section with perfect scores in that section, the rest kinda just flow after that.

Tons of drills and practice test.. Recommend buying the three 10 actual lsat preptest books 42-71.. Blind Review/ pretest them all

Good luck!

General · Same undergrad + law school

colinspire84

Tuesday, Apr 25 2017

Pros

*Some colleges have direct access where you don't even have to take the LSAT (I.E. Texas A&M) - May get into the school easier.

*May know the Teachers well/get along well; They may assist you better. Considering you already goto a tier 1 school that's great.

*You already know the area/school - It may feel like your just continuing your UG schooling - Wouldn't have to find a new place to live (unless you wanted to).

Cons

*Teachers may know you already and dislike you. (the Catch 22)

*May not get scholarship or tuition discount. Student loan debt can cut your knees off later on with future life.

*The school may not have the networking opportunities (like Alex mentioned).

*Depending on what your planning on doing with your JD - the school may not have the best program for you.

Honestly, If your comfortable with the school, the area, want to practice law in that School's State, know the program is top notch, can get in with it being a good investment (no crazy tuition) - I say it may be your best bet!

Good luck!

LSAT · Struggling with Improvement/What else should I do?

colinspire84

Monday, Apr 24 2017

As most the other comments already mentioned, you have to work through step by step. LG is a tricky section - What has worked for me, you can perhaps try this:

Purchase the 10 actuals lsat preptests from 42 on to 71 (3 books). On every logic game section, make 7 copies of each game (scan them into the comp and print them out/ sheets of them), watch the 7sage explanation for each game and try to work through games. Starting one at a time, do each game seven times. (7 sage recommends 10 but I was getting the hang of them at 7). Doing this, you will develop a "sense of the games" and game styles. you will see patterns and develop recognition; It is a very dull mechanical process but it gets the results. Ive been doing this for the past 3 months. Not quite -0 but I am getting there. Try to work/memorize 8 games a week if you have time.

Remember not to get too caught up on a certain game type, equally practice them all - This will enable better development of game sense.

General · Moment of truth: Need sincere advice

colinspire84

Saturday, Apr 22 2017

Depends on what your goals after school are (As Eric already mentioned). You will most likely have to take out a loan for living expenses; I'd just take the full ride and use this time to study and get prepped for 1L; so you can keep a good class standing, to keep the scholarship.

LSAT · LG Books Compatible with 7Sage?

colinspire84

Friday, Apr 14 2017

LG is tricky! Grouping games are kicking my butt at the moment.

Use the 7sage fool proof method of learning games and you will see a significant improvement after a couple months. Many of the games are the same situation, just mixed around but you start to recognize inferences more - also recognize game types more. I'd recommend also checking out The lsat trainer from mike kim. The book seems to flow well with the 7sage course. Also purchase the "10 actual, official lsat prep test" books - buy 3 of them (from 42 to 71); eventually you are going to have to work through all the exams and fool proof them all. After that, some of the newer prep tests.

Currently in the process of doing that - Have seen tremendous gain. (avg. high 150s/low 160s) Still a couple months out from my test date but I hope to be in the mid 160s for the test.. Started with a 145. Been at it since late November of last year.. Learning strengths and weaknesses, using good skipping strategy has helped me too.

Good luck!

Admissions · School Admission Goals - Can I obtain a full ride to T2/T3 with low 160s lsat?

colinspire84

Friday, Apr 14 2017

@aaronkeegan92975 Thanks for the info. Texas is hopping! Most definitely not planning on leaving anytime soon. What schools are you aiming towards?

Texas A&M had a great tour and vibe - Not surprised they are improving. I went to one of their prospective student tours a couple months back, left me with good feelings, a full belly (TAMU provided Lunch) and had a long talk with some of the faculty too. They had us do a mock class (was about a real estate case/land issue). Texas A&M seemed more IP law driven though.

I've heard Baylor is really competitive (I.e students taking pages out of law books to get advantages/childish stuff); Litigation does sound appealing though - I hope to be a jack of all trades though. Criminal and real-estate interest me at the moment.

TTech seemed cool as well, they have a high bar pass rate.. Living up in border of Oklahoma, I'm also checking into OU Law..

@gregoryalexanderdevine723 - RC has been killing me lately. That and grouping games... How's your full time studies going?

Admissions · School Admission Goals - Can I obtain a full ride to T2/T3 with low 160s lsat?

colinspire84

Friday, Apr 14 2017

Thanks Alex!

It's been a battle to get to the 160s - I'll keep plugging along though!

Checked out the link you sent. Baylor would be kinda a long shot with low 160s at having good $$ off. Wasn't really impressed with the school either when I toured it. Texas Tech and A&M seemed more laid back but had the attentive vibe. SMU was too downtown Dallas for me (also cost of living would be high). Also, kinda open to Oklahoma but prefer to stay in Texas (where I intend to practice law).

Even on off days, I end up occasionally with a bad RC or messed up logic game error (grouping games). Getting about 17-19 correct on each LR sections, about 18-20 correct on LG and about 15 - 17 correct on RC. My strategic reading is so slow lol. Going to have to take some uppers or something to get through all 4 passages.

Thanks again!

Admissions

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Thursday, Apr 13 2017

colinspire84

School Admission Goals - Can I obtain a full ride to T2/T3 with low 160s lsat?

Alright - I've managed to raise my pt scores to the high 150s/low 160s. Trying to consistently score in the mid 160s; I've been scheduled for the June 2017 Lsat for awhile now. My goals are kinda simple - obtain a full ride scholarship offer or highly reduced tuition offer to T2 or T3 state school nearby.

Is it possible to get full ride to let's say Baylor or Texas Tech or Texas A&M law with 3.5 / 161?

(Not willing to move out of State (In Texas) or far away for Law school) - Was really impressed with A&M and Tech.

Some background - I'm making a career change, in my early thirties, I have a BA in Political Science (finished with 3.5 gpa), have four years of land title/curative title/real estate experience. Probably won't have any academic recommendations (almost 10 years removed from College), just work exp. My ultimate goal would be to work as a general practitioner/criminal law attorney in the small city where I live. (Living in somewhat rural Texas)(prefer to keep any future law school debt minimal, hints the full ride question).

Any suggestions, tips or recommendations on how to achieve a conditional full ride?

General · Need help overcoming a slump

colinspire84

Thursday, Apr 13 2017

I am a big sports guy. What I do to overcome the Lsat pressure is: I approach the lsat like a game. As Jknauf mentioned, slow and steady! Maybe you just had a bad day, week or month(s). Keep on grinding it out - You'll see the rewards eventually.

Some people take study peds to concentrate better, it can help with studying but the side effects and possible addiction suck. Make sure your eating right, getting exercise and sleeping.

Truthfully, it sounds like your placing a mental block on yourself and thinking about failures before even taking the test. The Test is just a test, It doesn't mean your stupid or lacking or even matter in the big scope of things. Think perspective and of your goals; your just wanting to get into a new profession. Keep in mind the profession your embarking on; Many lawyers all in all quit after school or a couple years out - because of lack of employment/stress or hating the job.

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/07/the-only-job-with-an-industry-devoted-to-helping-people-quit/375199/

I would recommend shadowing a lawyer; if your stressed out already just studying for the entrance exam, the road is only getting harder. Make sure your willing to walk down the path and make the huge investment.

When your taking the actual prep tests, visualize and think, "I have already scored a perfect score on another lsat Test - All is well and I will score great on this one as well" - be in a happy place; Also make sure your not getting stuck in the time sinker questions - having a good skipping strategy helps!

Good luck!

General · Approach to extra practice without question bank

colinspire84

Thursday, Apr 13 2017

Hey Paulina and welcome!

I'm kinda in the same boat, with purchasing just the starter program. What has worked for me, try to finish all the 7sage course work available before hitting up the question bank. During the week, maybe take a PT. For work throughs on LR /RC sections, I use the Manhattan prep lsat prep forum for assistance (it's free) on practice tests. The vids for the logic games should be available on youtube for the 7sage logic games for all the prep tests.

By using the vids and forums, figure out what you missed and redo the question. Repetition and understanding "the why of what makes a question right" is key (especially on the Reasoning and logic games section). Get to know your strengths and weaknesses; Work on Logic games everyday; Eventually after taking about 5 pretests, integrate time limits - so you get use to the time element. Also having a good skipping strategy improves your score on this timed test. Amazon sells the 10 actual bundles - 42-51, 52-61,62-71. You may want to buy some of the earlier versions before getting into the 52 one.. Depending on what your goals are, you could possibly burn through all your PTs but typically most the people I've met who've scored well, did not have that problem. After about 30 prep test's you may be comfortable for the test. Started out in the high 140s; Currently, I am in the high 150s/ low 160s on my pretest taking - My goal is to be consistently score mid to high 160s before June. Dedicating full time study to the test.

Good luck!

Admissions · Easy Classes vs. High GPA

colinspire84

Tuesday, Apr 11 2017

Focus on the lsat - 3.78 gpa is good. I'd venture to say at least 60% of entry and tuition discount is based off the lsat alone.

If your wanting a top law school, focus on on the lsat now and aim to get in the 170s. The rest is your self story/essay, recommendations, experience and the school's pool /affirmative action/how many applicants they are taking that year.

good luck!

General · Three Months

colinspire84

Friday, Apr 07 2017

Depends on what level of proficiency you want. To me, three months is a myth. The assumption many people believe that taking a course from "xyz test prep company", is that they will be in the top 90% of the curve. The reality is that many traditional tutoring test prep companies are trying to get you to the medium. It's a business as someone mentioned. Depending on your life goals, time, ability and inspiration - Three months of intensive study is doable for the lsat and scoring above average. You shouldn't be aiming for "above average", you want to be awesome and have mastery. Too much of an investment and too much at stake to be haphazardly jump into the test without proper prep.

There have been some some blogs written by people who have signed up for the lsat, actually take the test run in February, cancel their score and take the test in June? Why because they wanted to simulate the test center experience. You may want to do that in June and retake in September.

http://service2school.org/resources/beating-the-lsat-advice-from-a-vet-who-scored-180/

Speaking personally, I have been studying for this thing now going on cumulative 6 months - it's been tough; 7 sage has helped tremendously but still feel like I'm pushing the big metaphorical rock uphill; I've been seeing better results - Logic games have been shaky lately but I have a good feeling I'll be ready by June for the LSAT SUPERFIGHT!

If you signed up for the June lsat already, keep studying! You may feel like you are at a good level in a month and a half - Otherwise just keep plugging along. Self doubt is the worst enemy.

General · White Noise for Loud, Distracting Study Environments

colinspire84

Wednesday, Apr 05 2017

LOL I think it was actually on the uk dailymail news website - but was in a recent cbs segment (queue the random link) -

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2017/01/17/birdwatching-soars-in-popularity-with-help-from-smartphone-apps/

General · White Noise for Loud, Distracting Study Environments

colinspire84

Wednesday, Apr 05 2017

Ornithology is the new thing nowadays, so I heard but study distractions stink! I have some pigeons on the roof of my apt building who like to make noise every afternoon too & downstairs a yipping little dog - very annoying! Occasionally, I use a LectroFan Jr. - purchased it off of amazon.. works awesome - I also use it for sleeping at night. Drowns out a lot of noise. Not too expensive either.

LSAT · Timing Increase Help

colinspire84

Wednesday, Apr 05 2017

Skipping strategy is tricky.

Here's a strategy that seems to be working for me. Perhaps give it a shot.

*Right when I start the timer/start an LR section, with a highlighter (Your allowed to use those on test day.), I mark the numbers of questions with easy question types I know (like main point, assumption, the basic labeling questions).

*I scan through the whole section before I even begin, typically that gives me about 15 questions to work with that I'm confident with. Takes about minute for me to find those 15 questions and do the process. I work those first (the low hanging fruit questions). With time left, I try to locate the questions that require less reading but I have a little more confidence with.

*After that, I approach whatever else I have time for. if I have to guess, I guess D for anything under question 20 and E for anything in the last 5 question range.

With this strategy I've seen really good gains! I'm at -6 to -8 an lr section. I'm still a couple months out from my test (June test taker); I am Fool proofing everyday. I hope to be in -4 to -3 range by june. Listening to the skip it! skipping strategies panel, they advised you can skip like 3 questions and still score perfect on the test. The test makers intentionally draw type A perfectionist into time sinker questions.

Goodluck with your studies!

General · What Kind of Job Can I Obtain at a Firm Pre-Law School?

colinspire84

Wednesday, Apr 05 2017

Uh not many opportunities, depends on your networking skills. Could probably do some paralegal stuff but most offices look for people with a paralegal certificate for that. Can always tell the lawyer/firm your looking to shadow and eventually plan on going to law school. They may hire you on minimum wage to push some papers around or answer phone calls. Different areas of law. Can always check into real estate law direction / title insurance companies. It's big business.

Pay is ok - Usually $14 to $21 an hour, Curative title work can give you good experience dealing with business transactions, deeds, trusts, divorce, death and llc/business incorporations. Check it out!

Admissions · Extracurriculars for Non-Traditional Law Students

colinspire84

Wednesday, Apr 05 2017

Whoa @shindavis16143 - Horrible to see that you had such a bad experience & sleezball attorney. Did you report him to the bar? Wish you well on your studies and endeavors!!

I'll clarify on this one.. LSAT is a HARD test. Hence why I'm using 7sage!! LSAT is Hard to master / to score high/perfect. Both the GRE and LSAT are completely different tests, unique challenges in both test.. It is all a person's preferences and what their goals are. If you can kill the RC in Lsat, probably can probably score perfect on verbal GRE. The GRE requires more attention to math and writing. LSAT essay is not graded like AWA GRE. Iawgic use on lsat can be very difficult to someone untrained.

Both tests have their purposes, I favor the Lsat more because of the logic games and I enjoy practicing the lsat test specifically; Which lead to my bias for the lsat being easier. The GRE felt like I was pulling teeth having been 10 years removed from my last algebra course.

Drilling the foolproof of lg lately. Kinda stuck at a plateau in the high 150s/low 160s.

Admissions · Extracurriculars for Non-Traditional Law Students

colinspire84

Tuesday, Apr 04 2017

I say start the early application process, tour some schools, figure out what school appeals to you and write some personal statements. If you want to go to law school this year, your a little late for the early admissions money discount party; next year (2018 entry) will probably give you the best deal (it's an investment) & allow time for you to complete your volunteer goals.

From what I've noticed, just bring a solid lsat score combined with your gpa to give you the best opportunity for the best schools or to have tuition reduction. From reading and talking to law students - if you scored in the high 160s (like 168) it would give you a decent opportunity to get into a low T14 school and maybe even a full ride to T2 or T3. 3.5 gpa is a little low for Harvard or Stanford.. Of course law schools look at other factors like if you "fit" their perspective student pool and if you have extensive life experience/famous person?/personal story. Anna Ivey's book on law school admissions discusses this. I'd probably say the ratio is 60% lsat score, 30% gpa and 10% personal statement/ recommendations. (Unless your family is a big school donor/ in with dean/ ect.)

3.5 gpa is a good gpa, sounds like you have a good resume too - just seal the deal with Lsat.

Everything depends on your motivation and goals. What do you want to do with your law degree? Public interest, criminal law or business law or Estate or something else? Have you shadowed any lawyers? Familiar with the job?

Like someone mentioned already, wouldn't plan on taking the GRE for law unless your target school accepts the GRE. The GRE is a tricky test too - LSAT was a littler easier from having taken both (Not a math guy); The length of the lsat can mentally drain you though if you haven't prepped.

Goodluck!

General · For those of us studying "Full-Time" ....

colinspire84

Sunday, Apr 02 2017

Righton with taking the leap of faith and going all in with your studies! Putting in the effort of studying will pay off. Master the Logic games section.. all the other sections seem to fall into place!

LSAT · Focus

colinspire84

Thursday, Mar 30 2017

Use a Highlighter! Highlight the Conclusions, conditional indicators, important stuff, ect. This has improved my focus a lot on prepping & scores - it's even allowed on test day. Don't underestimate the power of the highlighter.

LSAT · LR - Where to go from here?

colinspire84

Wednesday, Mar 29 2017

@colinspire84

where did you get those numbers?

powerscore's lsat guessing strategy - in the books and online.

http://www.powerscore.com/lsat/help/guessing.cfm

Not advocating guessing by any means but there are statistics out there suggesting not to randomly guess if you are in a shortage of time and can't complete the section. If you prepped properly, you should be okay.

LSAT · LR - Where to go from here?

colinspire84

Wednesday, Mar 29 2017

Learning to skip time sinker questions is the best skill you can work on in LR - focus on your strengths, like assumption questions or main point. Time sinker questions suck your time and mental focus. Don't forget to play the percentages at the end of the LR section if you run out of time - (23.5% chance of answer being E on the last 5 questions of LR). Probability of D on the other questions - 21.3% chance on LR (non-final 5 questions) - Typically 4 of the hardest questions on the section have the answer of A. Guessing strategy aside, Work on drilling; learning lawgic, Speed reading, labeling the conclusion/premise ect. 7sage helps a lot. Working with a timer. Take a ton of pretests and learn from your mistakes.

Good luck!

General · What do you guys do to keep yourself motivated?

colinspire84

Wednesday, Mar 29 2017

Work a job at mckyds or a call center for awhile. That will motivate you to study harder. Like Alex said, Discipline. Get into a routine. ... or heck do what all the professional school kids do and pop the study peds!! :grin: