My opinion is that people are worried too much about reliability. It only needs to be slightly reliable for the people who actually apply. What the LSAT does need to do, however, is stop schools from having 2,438,000 applicants every year. Basic economic theory says that when you put something rigorous and selective in the way of applications (thus raising the price of applying), then only those apply willing to "pay" (i.e. sacrifice) more. Also, I have learned a TON studying for the LSAT about how to think clearly. The things I've learned will impact me forever. The rigor of preparing for this big test has been worthwhile for me personally. I actually wish there was more to lower entry into the profession up front, so that states didn't have to do it through ridiculous bar exams which effectually tell people that there 200 grand of debt is worthless.

"Tom sucks" reminds me of Tom adding me on MySpace...

Not really related to the LSAT, but kind of an interesting thought. Isn't this the same logic used at times to predict recessions?

I've seen LSAC screw up econ terms other laces as well, like not knowing the difference between cost and price. Write a clear question :D

I think as long as you're not a white Brazilian or Argentinian it works. Not positive though.

NYU has an incredible stipend for public service aspirers. Forget what it's called, but it's incredible.

I want to prosecute and advocate for victims of violent crimes. I just love every part of it :)

Grew up around violent crime and between that and a lot of soul searching while studying theology, I realized that law was the bedrock of civilization, and that social stability and cultural flourishing depends on a constantly developing, adapting, and functioning legal system. I personally want to prosecute because it's personally meaningful, but I also love civil law. Where I work, I deal with family law, and also have a lot of exposure to torts, contracts, property, complex litigation, and it all just builds such a better tomorrow by building a better culture and society. Love all of it.

@ I grew up blue collar, on a farm and my Dad was a mechanic after a farmer. My mom worked a union job at a grocery store. My parents were great, but you're totally right about blue collar culture - there's a reason blue collar families are less stable statistically and there is more domestic violence among blue collar people than in the middle classes. There's just more sexism and cultural backwardness. Not for every single person, and most people are really respectable, but the rates aren't the same for everybody.

Just gonna throw this out there. After 2 and a half months of not drinking for the "boot camp" stage of my preparation, I grabbed a Guinness pretty much immediately after my test. And it was the best thing I've ever tasted. I let like a baby who rediscovered milk.

Just gonna throw this out there - I actually got a job in the legal sector before going to law school, and it was a great move, because I have such a better idea what I do and don't like, and where I would and would not like to work. Had no idea how much I actually love complicated points of law, love real estate transactions, love paperwork, etc. I'm not being sarcastic, but I wouldn't have known this without experience. Throwing your eggs in the BigLaw basket is pretty risky when you don't have any idea if you'll love it or hate it, just gonna throw that out there. You might know what you like right now, but you really don't know what your tastes will be like 5 years from now. Chicago opens doors, but bro, I know of lawyers at firms size 15-20 with seriously messed up lives (alcohol problems, etc) from all the stress and workload. I can't imagine BigLaw to be much better. Be really careful before you throw everything in that direction. I worked at a DA's office before, and DA's in my area (CA) usually make around 60 grand a year, but have much more of a work life balance than do most other lawyers and it's EXTREMELY satisfying work. Check out your options and know what they are. Lower ranked schools are limiting, but so is debt. Also in my opinion, however, Chicago just sounds incredible. I mean Milton Friedman, Stephen Levitt and Stephen Dubbner, Richard Epstein, Barak Obama, James Q. Wilson, the list goes on - Some of the greatest intellectuals (especially economists) who've ever lived hail from there. What an incredible place to study. On a deeply personal level though, I can say this. Everyone says "I grew up poor," etc., all that BS, but really, growing up my Dad was a mechanic and my Mom worked at a grocery store. Maybe I wasn't as poor as someone who has to eat paint chips to stay alive, but heres what I did learn: If you can make enough to meet your basic needs (food, health insurance, etc.), you can live a really happy life. You don't need a ton of money, and really, after a while money can actually hold you back from things that matter. All this to say eff BigLaw, in my opinion, and also in my opinion, I think you'll probably say off BigLaw at some point.

@ I'm from the bluest state there is (I think) - CA. Funny, when I'm with somewhere culturally more conservative like the south, I actually don't like it. I wanna be a red guy around a bunch of cool,laid back blue people. Guess I just wanna have my cake and eat it too :P

@ I know it's not literally okay per policy and law. I'm an exaggerator whenever I speak, it's gotten me into trouble a few times before hah. That was a quip about the Milo riots. To reiterate, I can grab a beer with anyone. And I went to school as an outlier for undergrad - great experience. I just like to know there are other people like me because when you are an outlier, it's nice knowing that there are people actually on your side :)

@ I don't think of myself as a "natural rights" Libertarian, but an empirical libertarian. Meaning I align more with Fredrich Hayek, Milton Friedman, etc. than I do with guys like John Locke. That's about half of Libertarians in my (anecdotal) estimation.

@ I love being the oddball, I was a Calvinist at a really theologically liberal seminary for undergrad. I've just found it's a lot of fun when you're not being it alone!

@ I looooovvvee the thought of U of Chicago. The only law professor I listen to regularly, Richard Epstein, used to be the den there, and has a podcast from the Hoover Institution called "The Libertarian." Also, it's where Milton Friedman taught, and where James Q. Wilson, Walter Berns, and Thomas Sowell all got their PhD's. It's also Bernie Sander's alma mater, however. What a great place to see the free market off ideas thrive. I just don't want to go somewhere where violence against conservatives is okay, like Berkeley.

Thank you guys!