Here's a great post that talks about which are real etc. -- I completely concur based on my test. I had the wonky two Qs per 1 stimulus twice in that 26-Q LR section of mine.
https://forum.powerscore.com/lsat/viewtopic.php?t=27511
@ said:
This was my first time taking the test and I had LR-RC-LG-LR-RC. I am hoping that the first RC was the fake one because the last RC had questions about women's rights, tipping....I think and am hoping that one was real because I think I did better on that.
The womens' rights was real! I only had one RC section and the womens' rights was on there.
@ said:
I had LG-LR-LR-RC-LR, all my LR sections had 25 questions. I can say that I definitely did not have any two questions sharing one stimulus nor any questions about blood transfusions.
I'm hoping my second LR was the experimental, everything is kinda blurring together now but I'm positive I had questions in LR regarding:
TMAO/carnitine
bean/medieval agriculture
road repairs
replacing washing machines
disagree over: mayor popularity
disagree over: proposal for chemical plant on lake
parallel reason using aliens
Definitely in my LR3 -- Pharmacist recommendation to doctor, wild animal comparison to dogs, adults and child learning through play
LG: Wu/Zahn, criminals and day trips
RC: labor law, hominids, argentinian lit
Yes, for the LR, I remember the TMAO/carnitine (though I don't remember which one of my 3 LR sections it was). I remember the chemical plant, and the pharmacist recommendation and adult/child play/learning Qs.
So do we think this means that the test is only 100 questions (and that 26-Q LR I had was experimental??)
I had LG-LR(25)-LR(26)-RC-LR(25).
LG had game on Quandryville and Pleasantville. Also, the Wu and Zahn co-author game.
RC had passages about the following, in order: (a) tipping in restaurants; (b) Argentinian author, (c) hominids, and (d) comparative law on women's labor.
For LR:
First Q of my first LR (25) section was on restaurants long term versus new patrons and the menu.
For the 26 LR, first Q was on blood transfusions and hepatitis. There were also two sets of the one stimulus, two Q's.
For my last LR (25) the first Q was on the mayor's comment on wild, non domesticated animals and dogs. There was also a question about tutoring students and spelling ability for academic ability towards the end.
I get to turn 40 and then start in the Fall! I have been thinking about law school for 10 years, at least, probably longer (more that others suggested it to me sooner than that and I laughed it off at first). I did every degree imaginable, which is very humorous if you knew me as the undergrad who didn't care about college (or wanted to be there). I ended up working after UG, then went back to my MS and started teaching, then went for a PhD and now am a university professor with tenure. Some people I know think I'm nuts to be doing this and possibly giving up the security I have with my job and such. Especially since I have two littles under 3. But law was always niggling at me and it wasn't until I was in my 30s that I realized law was really something I was super interested in. A friend of mine jumped the academia-ship at 41/42, and I watched her do it and thought if she could, I could. So here I am. Would I have done it sooner? Yes, although I agree with the person prior who said to not have regrets, I do wonder sometimes what would have happened had I started this earlier/not with kids/ not married / not with a FT job, etc. I would definitely have had more flexibility and choices. But it is what it is and it means I just have somewhat different choices (e.g., where to go) and priorities (e.g., I'm not stressing about hitting the 170s because it's not necessarily as desperate a requirement for where I can go at this point in my life). Being older also means I have a TON of experience and related-skills that I think will help me along the way in law school. I think I'm way more prepared for the rigor compared to fresh-out-of-UG. I'm also more confident than I was in my 20s and have more of a take-no-prisoners attitude compared to the more meek me at 20-something, so I'm not as hesitant to ask questions or find out exactly what I need and how I can get there.
Regardless of age, however, it's really what you're going to do with the studying and classes, and then ultimately what you do afterward that is most important. Always look towards the end goal and know that once you get there, there's a new one!
Hi! Usually, most people would recommend that you focus on your most-needs-improvement every day, and alternate in with the other two sections. You don't want to ignore whole section types. So for example, maybe on Monday you do LG and RC. Then on Tuesday, you do LG and LR. Then Wednesday is LG and RC again (or just LG). You get the idea.
@ said:
Thanks both! I looked up my options on postponing but it seems I would have to still pay the full cost of the exam...
Since this wasn't a small investment, I will likely take it for the experience and consider canceling my score instead.
I would never cancel it unless you have something catastrophic happen -- it might be a very good score and since when you apply schools only look at the highest anyway, just take the test, see how you do, and if you take it again in the future no big loss either way.
@ how did it work for you?
@ said:
I'll be headed to Washburn University in Topeka! One of the few schools to offer an accelerated 2 year program, a guaranteed full ride and change, and a history of placing students in the field I want to enter. I can't really complain :blush:
Banging a JD out in two years and avoiding debt at all cost were my biggest fears for the two year application cycle. I'm so glad to have subdued all those fears.
Were you from Kansas or want to stay there? Just wondering how you discovered the school. Congrats to you on the full ride!!!! (and the 2 years)
@ sometimes I wish there were more DBs for us non-T14 dreamers. :smile:
Hi, everyone - could have sworn the other day I noticed that you could see overall how "hard" a test was considered to be (although it might have been based on each section). Either way, I can't find it. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
Thanks!
So I used a test over the past week as practice sections / experimental sections for full PTs. Do I enter those technically completed tests into my 7Sage analytics? Or will that skew it all up? For example, I used PT 16 mostly as experimental sections for two PTs I did within a week, and then as timed sections otherwise for practice (also within the same week). Thanks!
@ you are beyond helpful. Thanks for always sharing your story so openly.
This is fantastic. Thank you, @ for including stories about non-trad students' experiences!
Felllow non-traditional here, too, out of UG for 15+ years -- subpar UGPA, but then went on and got more degrees. I was told by some admissions counselors that helps negate my UGPA, but I don't know how much. I agree w/ what everyone above has said, but would also say that you might be able to build in your experience (the why left UG the first time bit) as part of your Personal Statement. I strongly suggest using the Admissions Unlimited Editing package if you can swing it financially with 7Sage. I did and my editor really helped me craft a strong statement which helped cover my growth (which someone mentioned above). You have a unique story to tell, if you're able, regarding your in-between UG experiences. That ends up helping talk about your growth and readiness for law school especially when looking at a lower UGPA and split experience, and maturity, as well as being a personal story that does well in a PS. You can (I did) write a UGPA addendum, also.
Thanks for that reminder @ I will admit to feeling some envy of all of you wonder stars going to places I can only dream of, so it's nice to have you remind me of the practicalities. I did draw it all up to see, and my local one is at the top - might only cost me $3800 a semester, because I don't have to worry about anything other than tuition/fees (not including books) since I do have the mortgage, etc. already factored into the budget overall. The others would require a move, out-of-state mostly, to HCOL areas compared to where I am now outside of Buffalo. The only upside to that is that I've had my heart set on moving back there at some point, just could never figure out how and this law school thing suddenly seems like a potential window -- I'm not sure that would ever happen if I go to UB and then try to move. But, I'd have to factor in my spouse needing a job and all the other fun things that come with a move with kids. So mentally, I know you're right, Leah , it's just hard to wrap my head around this and know I'm making the best decision for me.
So I'm not up there with you Big League-ers, but I can share stories. I have applied to 7 schools so far, and thinking about 2 more. The first was back at the end of January. I heard back already from one of my schools, literally 11 days after I submitted the app, with some money. I was BLOWN away by that because it wasn't the first submitted app so I didn't expect to hear anything for another couple weeks, at least. I'm thinking positive vibes for all you T14 people!!!
I wore business casual to one, and a full on suit to another. I think it depends on the school, and I should say that I had yet to be fully accepted at the one to which I wore the suit. When I went to the other admitted day (where I was admitted), I wore black pants and a blouse, but no jacket. There were others there in jeans, hoodies, etc. I thought that was a bit too relaxed, especially since all the attendees from the university were definitely dressed up.
@ obviously all great points. I'll do that. What about if the job factor were removed? How does one really decide?
kelilliework244
So I was blessed to be accepted to all but one school to where I applied (*I did NOT apply to any T14 schools). I was also incredibly blessed to get scholarship at them all (ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 / year). I am a non-traditional student with kids, (and a full-time job that I'm taking a sabbatical from for 1L), who would either stay local and attend a school barely in the 100s, so my family is not uprooted -- or I can go to a higher ranked school (50-70 range) where I'd also be happy living...but would have to hope my spouse can find a job, the kids aren't waitlisted on daycare/preschool, that we can find a home and sell ours, etc. etc. etc.
I'm struggling with my decision. Do I stay local at the University of Buffalo and not change my life drastically? The local school probably would work out the best financially, not only because the spouse could keep their job, but we would already have living, etc., figured out -- so I'm JUST looking at tuition/fees/books in that case. Or do I go to either higher / lower ranked schools both in NYS or New England where I would love to live (e.g., I'm from CT and always imagined my children growing up there) where I may not have as much scholarship (e.g., UConn offered the least) or maybe more scholarship but cost of living is higher?
If I stay local, I can continue my job post-1L (I am a professor). However, almost all my instruction is online classes, so I could technically go anywhere; I just have to put in one more year at my professor gig after taking the sabbatical for 1L. On sabbatical, my salary is cut in half, but I'm still paid (so there's that). I could also just quit completely, but that's not ideal because I carry the healt benefits, and well, half salary is better than no salary. If we move, we'd be going back to where I have friends / family, but is very HCOL ("gold coast" / Connecticut; Massachusetts). If I choose one of the highest offers (Albany), if I decided to go a political route that might be smart because that is our state capital. In terms of goals, I'm not looking Big Law. I'm already a professor so I don't care so much about T14 / academia. I'm more interested in children, immigration.
I should also mention I placed first deposits at all 8 schools I got good awards from because I was hoping to use them all as leverage. I just withdrew from two, knowing I probably wouldn't realistically go to them. However, I'm really struggling with the others. Two emails just came in asking for a confirmed enrollment form to be completed. These emails strongly suggested I withdraw from the other institutions, which I get, and they do not have 2nd deposits. Everywhere else does.
I'm very torn. And can I also say how hard it was to withdraw?? I just withdrew from MSU and Syracuse. Considering withdrawing from Case Western because they offered the least in comparison to total cost of attendance.
Thanks for tips / commiseration.
kelilliework244
So I was looking at LSAC's academic summary for me, and noticed that it looks like an entire year is missing from my undergrad --- which is the same year I did a study abroad. My UG transcript lists my pass/fail (which is how it transferred in)...but now seeing the year gone in LSAC does this mean I need to get a transcript from them? Doing so might really delay my application submission. Would love input. Thanks!
Hi, all! I'm thinking about purchasing the admissions package (the $200 one), so this may be covered in that, but figured I'd ask. I'm an advanced-degree, working university professor, so we have to have our own CVs kept current and updated consistently (which are like really long resumes). This includes my education/degrees, my publications and courses taught (aka, my job), my committees/service (like volunteer work). It does not include personal interests (because it's not meant to be personal, per se). I can see from some other discussion posts that this law school app resume is supposed to be concise and representative of you, yet also personal. So how do I get my life down to a one-page resume and/or should I? Has anyone else experienced this and what have you done, if so? Looking for any insight on this. Thanks!
Hi, everyone,
I just discovered 7Sage and am so disappointed that I didn't hear of this sooner. I'm a full-time working mother, as well, so that's made things tricky -- but I devote about 3-4 hours a day of studying (not all of it intense, as I can get distracted if I'm honest). Anyway, I took the test without studying (ridiculous rookie error) way back last February and got a 150. In November, after Kaplan 2x (thinking this was not a wise move on my part), I got 155. I want at least a 160+, ideally. My dream would be a 165. I'm not looking for top tier schools or anything like that, just more that I want (need) a higher score to ensure that I can get some help in the financial department.... don't we all?
Currently, I do the best in LG (~9 to ~5), semi-OK in RC (about ~8 to ~5). In LR, I can get anywhere from ~14 to ~7; it honestly depends on if I get distracted or slow myself down (I used to be great at skipping and going back and having some time left over...).
So, what do you all think -- can I get enough out of this course even by starting now, to make a difference of 160+ by January 26th? Do I do the starter course option or the ultimate? I'm not necessarily looking for your assurance that "definitely yes you can do this" (because I know there's human error, etc., and it really depends on how well I manage my time/study) but I am looking for if you think the content in here is do-able in the time I have in terms of the area I need to focus on (LR). Also, if you think the Starter is what I can use or if I should go Ultimate+. Thanks! #help
So got my January score. I knew I bombed the LG section. I was prepared to think I'd failed miserably then. I got my score just now and I got one point lower than my November...so while bad, at least not as horrific as I was preparing myself for.
How badly will this affect me now that I have already applied?? I was doing this to see if I did better, to try negotiating for more money, if any is even offered....so no that's out the window. Do I do March anyway to see??
Nothing I can do about it now except cry silent tears. The person's first name is missing a letter (so Wayne is now Waye). I'm hoping no one notices.
Lesson to others - CHECK EVERYTHING IN LSAC ACCOUNT. Proofread EVERYWHERE, not just your essays. (sigh)
@ said:
@ point had me looking into scholarship opportunities for Syracuse's program. In their FAQ, it states:"Limited merit-based scholarships will be awarded to selected incoming JDi student during the admission application process. The College of Law also maintains an outside scholarship database that students can use to apply for other scholarship opportunities." So, whether there are any full-rides given is questionable. I'm tempted to apply just to see what their response is, and report back for everyone else who is considering it.
I'm a bit behind on this, but I flat out asked Syracuse because I had been considering it, as well. They told me right off the bat that the online program will never give more than 30% of tuition in award.
As for the other person who said that you can't practice in NYS, that's not true. I checked (I'm in NYS). The online programs like Mitchell-Hamline -- if you do the Executive JD , not the hybrid one!! -- will allow you to take NYS bar. Syracuse, being in NY, obviously would (at least, I'm 99% sure).
Thank you so much, as always, for your thorough responses, @
Would love @ 's perspective on this!
kelilliework244
So I got a decent score on my November 2018 LSAT but wanted to score higher, because, well, money. I'm ready to apply to a school (UConn) and am unsure if I should wait for my January scores to come back or not. I remember feeling like I did alright on the LR and RC sections, but that LG section just about killed me. I worry that if I wait, my score will not actually be higher and then I've hurt my "earlier" application chances (and yes, I know it's getting later in the cycle).
Thoughts??
@ said:
@ said:
@ said:
I had LG-LR-LR-RC-LR, all my LR sections had 25 questions. I can say that I definitely did not have any two questions sharing one stimulus nor any questions about blood transfusions.
I'm hoping my second LR was the experimental, everything is kinda blurring together now but I'm positive I had questions in LR regarding:
TMAO/carnitine
bean/medieval agriculture
road repairs
replacing washing machines
disagree over: mayor popularity
disagree over: proposal for chemical plant on lake
parallel reason using aliens
Definitely in my LR3 -- Pharmacist recommendation to doctor, wild animal comparison to dogs, adults and child learning through play
LG: Wu/Zahn, criminals and day trips
RC: labor law, hominids, argentinian lit
Yes, for the LR, I remember the TMAO/carnitine (though I don't remember which one of my 3 LR sections it was). I remember the chemical plant, and the pharmacist recommendation and adult/child play/learning Qs.
So do we think this means that the test is only 100 questions (and that 26-Q LR I had was experimental??)
We had the same test, i cant remember any of the test but seeing your post it all kind of came back, the anxiety, the tears and impending feeling of doom.
@ maybe you surprised yourself! PS - you going to UConn?
@ said:
Wow are those single-stimulus-with-double-questions from Pre-PT 40, coming back to town?
I think that was the experimental section, based on what lots of people are saying. So I would say they are considering it! They were back-to-back, practically, too, (in one section even), which really surprised me.
So there are a couple things you can try, and scaffold yourself out of each as you practice (in other words, try one for a while, then slowly reduce the number of times you do that strategy).
Read out loud.
Read with your pencil under each word, or use a ruler to keep the line straight so your eyes have to focus on that specific line. Sometimes, when stressed/ tired, people's eyes will jump to various places in the stimulus.
Try using a sticky note to cover the answer choices so you aren't overwhelmed by the text.
Use a highlighter for now, and mark off key transition words such as 'however', 'and', 'therefore', 'so', 'but', 'yet'. That might help you with parsing out the sentences better.
You could also try reading 2x, where the first time you only read the key stuff -- so focus on subject and predicate (verb) phrases only, skipping over the things in commas (the extra info/clauses). That will help you get a main sense of what's going on. Then on the 2x through, read the whole thing, and make sure those clauses (within commas) aren't changing the meaning of anything. Often, that's where "filler" is.
Lastly, if timed, sometimes it's just a way your brain is telling you to SKIP IT and move to the next question -- and then go back and look at it fresh when you've tried something else. Sometimes it's amazing how clear the answer becomes when you step away from it for a moment.
You could also get a tutor -- @ is amazing in helping you parse the language of sentences to figure out the meaning, especially when it's subtle.