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Ask Your Questions on Getting Into Law School (ongoing answers/posts)

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keysersoze

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College Grads who are unhappy with their current career/job and are thinking about going back to get more education like a J.D. or people still in College who are thinking about Law School - what's holding you back?

I went through the process and am in my second year - If you have any questions, put them up - I will be checking this thread frequently as I'm working on a paper and studying for finals and need a break every once in a while.

Hopefully, some of the guys that said they are in Law School in a thread on grad school a while back will also pitch in giving advice.
 
keysersoze said:
College Grads who are unhappy with their current career/job and are thinking about going back to get more education like a J.D. or people still in College who are thinking about Law School - what's holding you back?

I went through the process and am in my second year - If you have any questions, put them up - I will be checking this thread frequently as I'm working on a paper and studying for finals and need a break every once in a while.

Hopefully, some of the guys that said they are in Law School in a thread on grad school a while back will also pitch in giving advice.
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I thought about going into law but it seems like its a lot of shit to remember. Whats the biggest test of if you can do it or not? What skill is a must-have?
 
Law School is not difficult, it is just that the teachers don't explain things to you like in undergraduate school but expect you to "pick things up/learn" by using the Socratic method which is questions and answers.

I made it through law school and it is not that difficult if you know the web sites to go to for your outlines and learn how to write a law school exam.
 
REMINGTON_BLACK said:
I thought about going into law but it seems like its a lot of shit to remember. Whats the biggest test of if you can do it or not? What skill is a must-have?
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In terms of skills - your ability to construct arguments and analyze is essential. Judging from your posts - you already got that covered. :D

I recommend that you take practice LSAT exam. Check this link for Kaplan's free proctored exam:

http://www.kaptest.com/Law/LSAT/Practice-LSAT/Free-LSAT-Practice/LS_lsat_events.html?cid=138629

Having a strong LSAT scores helps you get into law school - its almost 3xs more important than your GPA.

It also helps to be a minority - especially African American male; hey, Affirmative Action helps :D

tccc9 said:
Law School is not difficult, it is just that the teachers don't explain things to you like in undergraduate school but expect you to "pick things up/learn" by using the Socratic method which is questions and answers.

I made it through law school and it is not that difficult if you know the web sites to go to for your outlines and learn how to write a law school exam.
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:yes: All about them outlines and writing the exam the way the professors want them. I hated my first year. :(


REMINGTON_BLACK said:
So what are the steps?
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Take a practice LSAT as I mentioned above to see where you fall.
 
REMINGTON_BLACK said:
Thanks to the both of you. I'm going to check it out.
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Let me know how it goes. I think I realized as soon as I got into law school is that there are too little minorities - black, asian, latino, especially Native American in law school.

Hopefully, things will change and more minorities will start going to law school once they realize that they can make it happen or become the next Obama. :dance:
 
I have a few questions. I attended an Ivy League school but graduated with a low GPA (2.7). I took the LSAT raw a couple of years ago and got a 150. I'm now 30 and I have worked the past few years at a prominent legal information company (since you're in law school you know there are two companies that have a virtual monopoly on legal info). I actually got into a law school last year, in Indiana, but I chose not to go. I live in VA, so I'm interested in schools here, or Maryland, DC or North Carolina. What general advice would you give to me in my situation? What are some schools I could potentially get into? Should I take the LSAT again?
 
VAiz4hustlaz said:
I have a few questions. I attended an Ivy League school but graduated with a low GPA (2.7). I took the LSAT raw a couple of years ago and got a 150. I'm now 30 and I have worked the past few years at a prominent legal information company (since you're in law school you know there are two companies that have a virtual monopoly on legal info). I actually got into a law school last year, in Indiana, but I chose not to go. I live in VA, so I'm interested in schools here, or Maryland, DC or North Carolina. What general advice would you give to me in my situation? What are some schools I could potentially get into? Should I take the LSAT again?
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1st - The fact that you went to an Ivy for Undergrad might be a helpful asset. Schools look for Ivy School grads, even with a 2.7 - there is a good chance that you may have a possibility of getting into a decent school with a good enough LSAT.

2nd - LSAT IS CRUCIAL - it is 3 times for important than your Undergrad GPA. I recommend that you focus on getting a good LSAT score if you are serious about thinking about going to Law School. With a high enough LSAT, you could get into some good schools with some $cholarship money.

3rd - On your question(s) "I actually got into a law school last year, in Indiana, but I chose not to go. I live in VA, so I'm interested in schools here, or Maryland, DC or North Carolina. What general advice would you give to me in my situation?"

I recommend that you don't take the LSAT again unless you have studied for it enough. The LSAT can be tricky but once again - there are formulas that you can apply and master and break down most of the exam questions into. I don't know your cash situation but you might want to invest in enrolling in a LSAT prep course or getting some Test prep books. Ask me more if you want to enroll in a prep course or study by yourself with books. In a nutshell, the trade off with courses is that they give you a schedule to work on if you cannot manage time yourself BUT if you are very disciplined, then you can make your study schedule and put in the time yourself.

There are some really competitive schools in the VA area and they are hard to get into. I think it was a smart thing you did not go to school in Indiana. Why? Because most law schools except for the well know ones are very regional. Like for instance everyone knows Univ of Virginia Law School but not every employer knows or heard of University of Richmond Law School except for those in the VA region.

Bottom line, Retake the LSAT with some studying for at least a month with either books or prep course and get that LSAT score high enough. I think that if you can move up into the 158 or higher range - you would have a good shot at some decent schools.

In fact check this link below:
Search for Schools Based on UGPA and LSAT Score


It tells what range of students at current law schools fall within your GPA/LSAT score.

Feel free to ask more questions. Hope this info helped.


 
tccc9 said:
Law School is not difficult, it is just that the teachers don't explain things to you like in undergraduate school but expect you to "pick things up/learn" by using the Socratic method which is questions and answers.

I made it through law school and it is not that difficult if you know the web sites to go to for your outlines and learn how to write a law school exam.
Click to expand...

What are the websites you go to for your outlines?

Where can I get a recommended reading list for books one should read before entering law school?
 
keysersoze said:
In terms of skills - your ability to construct arguments and analyze is essential.

It also helps to be a minority - especially African American male; hey, Affirmative Action helps :D
Click to expand...

I'm taking a practice LSAT soon. Where can you recommend I go to study for the LSAAT? What software / study materials/ books etc?

When you say it helps to be a minority ... can you break this down? Do you mean in terms of financial aid? or do you speak of something else?
 
I was wondering what text books do most top law schools use? I want to buy a couple and start familiarizing myself with their language and key area's of study. Law school is still a couple of years away for me, but I'm the type of person that likes to over prepare. Thanks for your help.
 
I'm thinking of going to law school in the next three years after college. I wouldn't recommend trying to learn law before hand, thanks to this counselor, law schools want to teach you about law. They don't want you coming into law school, thinking you know all about law. ( Code: They want to rip into you first and then build you up.) ^_^

Essential skills: analyzing, write coherently and effective thoughts clearly, and forming persuasive, intelligent arguments from research and precedent cases.

Good luck!
 
CybaCipha said:
What are the websites you go to for your outlines?

Where can I get a recommended reading list for books one should read before entering law school?
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Outlines: I use this site - http://www.ilrg.com/students/outlines/

Books - I never read any books myself but I think speaking to an actual law school student in person is the best thing. Especially at the school you are thinking of going to. I spoke to a friend of mine at another law school - it was helpful.
 
REMINGTON_BLACK said:
I was wondering what text books do most top law schools use? I want to buy a couple and start familiarizing myself with their language and key area's of study. Law school is still a couple of years away for me, but I'm the type of person that likes to over prepare. Thanks for your help.
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I don't think the textbooks are the best thing to start on - if anything, I recommend you start reading legal cases - famous ones like Brown v. Board of Ed; Marbury v. Madison; etc. because you wnat to familiarize yourself with the legal language.

Another think I recommend instead of textbooks is actually reading a "nutshell" on a legal topic - to give you an overall prespective on that legal field.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?tag=vp314-20
 
keysersoze said:
It also helps to be a minority - especially African American male; hey, Affirmative Action helps :D
Click to expand...

I'm taking a practice LSAT soon. Where can you recommend I go to study for the LSAAT? What software / study materials/ books etc?

When you say it helps to be a minority ... can you break this down? Do you mean in terms of financial aid? or do you speak of something else?
 
CybaCipha said:
I'm taking a practice LSAT soon. Where can you recommend I go to study for the LSAAT? What software / study materials/ books etc?

When you say it helps to be a minority ... can you break this down? Do you mean in terms of financial aid? or do you speak of something else?
Click to expand...

I recommend that you take a LSAT course if you can afford to do so - its pricey but it may help you boost your score. Also, if you know u can't study by yourself for 3-4 hours a day undisturbed then you better take that course - if your someone who can do it yourself & have the disciple to do it - then study yourself in a college library setting.

Books I recommend:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979305063/?tag=vp314-20

- the 'official lsat' prep books are the best IMO because they are actual test exam questions.


The 'minority' thing helps in the admission process - schools look to attract diverse students based upon ethnic/racial makeup... plus, I'm sure you know about Affirmative Action.

It may help in getting financial aid as well.
 
keysersoze said:
In terms of skills - your ability to construct arguments and analyze is essential. Judging from your posts - you already got that covered. :D

I recommend that you take practice LSAT exam. Check this link for Kaplan's free proctored exam:

http://www.kaptest.com/Law/LSAT/Practice-LSAT/Free-LSAT-Practice/LS_lsat_events.html?cid=138629





Having a strong LSAT scores helps you get into law school - its almost 3xs more important than your GPA.


Take a practice LSAT as I mentioned above to see where you fall.
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good looking out
:dance:
 
EXCELLENT thread...

will be checking this on the regular...my other concern beside the LSAT itself is the application process and financial aid...

especailly loans and stuff because I worked and paid my way through college and I'm in my thirties and just finished a consultanting contract and thought about going to law school full time instead of going back to work.

But the loans are intimidating me a lot!

any suggestions?
 
playahaitian said:
EXCELLENT thread...

will be checking this on the regular...my other concern beside the LSAT itself is the application process and financial aid...

especailly loans and stuff because I worked and paid my way through college and I'm in my thirties and just finished a consultanting contract and thought about going to law school full time instead of going back to work.

But the loans are intimidating me a lot!

any suggestions?
Click to expand...


Loans are one of the most difficult parts of law school. You come to realize that your broke and poor when your in law school. Suddenly, that extra cup of coffee is not affordable.

However, if you do really well on your LSATs and have an excellent GPA, you may have the school your applying for pay up to 75% of your tuition.

For instance, say you've got a 168 on your LSAT and have 3.85 GPA - you just applied to Penn State Law School & UPenn.

Penn State with those grades may give you a FULL scholarship where as UPenn may only give you a couple of thousand dollars in money.

The more competitive the school is, the less scholarship/aid they will give you. UPenn is ivy so they have hundreds of students with those grades that apply there so they don't need to lure those students there.

BUT Penn State is just an average law school who won't find the 168 and 3.85 GPA students applying there - so they'll likely offer your more or much more money than the other schools.

FInal advice try to get the highest score on your LSAT. Trust me it will PAY OFF!
 
keysersoze said:
Loans are one of the most difficult parts of law school. You come to realize that your broke and poor when your in law school. Suddenly, that extra cup of coffee is not affordable.

However, if you do really well on your LSATs and have an excellent GPA, you may have the school your applying for pay up to 75% of your tuition.

For instance, say you've got a 168 on your LSAT and have 3.85 GPA - you just applied to Penn State Law School & UPenn.

Penn State with those grades may give you a FULL scholarship where as UPenn may only give you a couple of thousand dollars in money.

The more competitive the school is, the less scholarship/aid they will give you. UPenn is ivy so they have hundreds of students with those grades that apply there so they don't need to lure those students there.

BUT Penn State is just an average law school who won't find the 168 and 3.85 GPA students applying there - so they'll likely offer your more or much more money than the other schools.

FInal advice try to get the highest score on your LSAT. Trust me it will PAY OFF!
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I've been out of college for more then 5 years, how will that effect my applications (like my old GPA and recommendations) and how many schools should I apply to?

Is the number (and quality) of school more dependent on LSAT score or school ranking or location (East Coast, South, etc)?
 
playahaitian said:
I've been out of college for more then 5 years, how will that effect my applications (like my old GPA and recommendations) and how many schools should I apply to?

Is the number (and quality) of school more dependent on LSAT score or school ranking or location (East Coast, South, etc)?
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Being out of school for 5 years will probably make them pay attention to your current job position/career. Have you made progress in your career?

Plus that will make your LSAT score even more important. Generally your LSAT score is 3X the value of your GPA. Trust me, get the best LSAT score you possibly can.

The quality of schools vary. For instance, Temple has one of the best writing programs in country and its not in the top ten of the law school rankings.

The rankings of law schools is mostly made up of the big law school recruiters who interview and hire from those schools.

I don't really matter where the law school is located. Emory Law is an excellent law school and its in the South. Heck, Yale is located in the boondocks of Connecticut.
 

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