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johnmelcon193
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johnmelcon193
Thursday, May 05 2016

I learned recently that due to the small size, the Westmont test center fills up fast (it's really just "intended" for Westmont students). Make sure you sign up super early. It is worth it!

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johnmelcon193
Tuesday, Mar 01 2016

I'm new to this thread but not new to the age group. Law is an early/mid career change for me, as of the last six months. Like was mentioned above, I actually wrote about being a parent in one of my applications (not in a PS or DS, but in some section on activities/involvements). For what it's worth, I ended up with a full ride to that school--a T14 school.

At our age (especially if you already have kids) cost is a much bigger issue than for the 22 year olds climbing all over TLS. There's no way I can consider working 80 hrs/wk to pay down loans, so it's pretty much choosing the best school at the best price.

By the way, @974 I've spent some time at Pepperdine Law School and it's very good option. The biggest problem is you're just not going to find affordable family housing anywhere within 20 minutes of the school, and even at that distance things are very expensive (compared to, say, North Carolina).

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Proctors: 2 female proctors (1 of whom seemed very experienced). Followed the rules precisely, but were personable and never distracting.

Facilities: Clean, modern, and very well lit. Very new building amongst the school's fine arts facilities. Westmont has a beautiful manicured mediterranean campus which I found helped me relax and enjoy the day. Great space to walk around before the test. Bathrooms close--across the courtyard.

What kind of room: Spacious tiered classroom. Far larger than needed. A bit chilly--I kept my fleece jacket on for most of the test (or maybe it was just nerves that made it feel cold??)

How many in the room: I believe there were a total of 15 test takers. Certainly no more than 20.

Desks: Long, continuous bolted-down table style desks in each row. Tons of space--I had an entire row to myself and all the desk space I could have ever needed. Chairs were padded.

Left-handed accommodation: I am left-hand and due to the nature of the desks (see above) it was ideal.

Noise levels: I didn't experience any distracting sounds or noise levels, inside or outside the room. One test taker had a squeaky chair, but it was discovered before the exam began and the proctor allowed him to change seats (for the benefit of all).

Parking: Easy, free (no pass or permit needed), and close to the testing room. Not even a gatehouse to worry about.

Time elapsed from arrival to test: I didn't keep track, but it seemed about as efficient as one would expect. We did have to wait outdoors beforehand (no hallways), but the weather was beautiful as it almost always is in Santa Barbara, so this was not an issue.

Irregularities or mishaps: None.

Other comments: I believe the Westmont test center is probably capped at 15 or 20 test takers, mostly to accommodate Westmont students. Not being a Westmont student myself, though, I was able to get in. Just be sure to register early if you want this site, otherwise you're stuck with UCSB and we all know what happened there in December 2015!

Would you take the test here again? Absolutely! I cannot imagine a better test center.

Date of Exam: December 2015.

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johnmelcon193
Wednesday, Dec 23 2015

Wow, got scared when I saw this. I took the December test at Westmont College, also in Santa Barbara, but it seems our center was not affected. I can imagine the frustration of those who took the test at UCSB. I feel for you guys.

Incidentally, I would highly recommend Westmont when available. Beautiful serene campus, nice room with huge desks, and only 15 test takers. Couldn't have asked for a better test environment.

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johnmelcon193
Sunday, Dec 06 2015

@ajnainstein685 I had only one RC section and the comparative passage was not about consciousness, so that must have been experimental for you. I think the real comparative passage had to do with history and gender. Am I right in remembering it that way? It's kind of a blur.

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johnmelcon193
Sunday, Dec 06 2015

I had two games sections. Is the real set that you guys are talking about the one with the office selection game i.e. XYWZ? I found both of my LG sections to be quite difficult.

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johnmelcon193
Friday, Dec 04 2015

Thanks Mike. Your book and JY's videos have been my constant companions these last 2 months. Gonna miss you guys after tomorrow, I suppose. Here's to 175 though.

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