tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9406319627271549012024-03-13T10:13:52.129-07:00LSAT BLOG [GER]15 years of LSAT expertise on your sideUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-69650960286814376812018-01-17T10:59:00.000-08:002018-01-17T11:01:21.849-08:00GRE or LSAT?And another bites the dust. It feels like more and more schools are hopping onto the GRE bandwagon. As of 1/17/2018 here the complete list of GRE open schools:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h2>
Law Schools That Accept GRE Scores</h2>
Law schools that have recently announced accepting GRE scores include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law</li>
<li>Brigham Young University Law School</li>
<li>Brooklyn Law School</li>
<li>Columbia Law School</li>
<li>Georgetown University Law Center</li>
<li>Harvard Law School</li>
<li>Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law</li>
<li>St. John's University School of Law</li>
<li>Texas A&M University School of Law</li>
<li>University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law</li>
<li>UCLA School of Law</li>
<li>University of Chicago Law School (joint degree)</li>
<li>University of Hawai'i at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law</li>
<li>Wake Forest University School of Law</li>
<li>Washington University School of Law</li>
</ul>
*Note that the University of Chicago Law School accepts GRE <i>only</i> for joint degree students.<br />
<br />
The pressing question on most prospective law students' minds is: "So which is easier?"<br />
<br />
If you're a native English speaker, I'm not so sure. But if you are a non-native English speaker, then perhaps the GRE is a better test.<br />
<br />
I'll definitely be doing more primary source research on this matter. But for now, here's what I know:<br />
<ul>
<li>More than 70,000 students in China, for example, took the GRE in 2016. While just under 800 students in China took the LSAT in 2016. </li>
<li>While both the GRE and LSAT claim to be "reasoning" exams, there are noticeably glaring differences, for example, GRE has a list of vocabulary words and math, while LSAT has the infamous "games" section. </li>
</ul>
Unless you are dead set on only applying to the above list of schools, the LSAT is the "better" tests in terms of more bang for your buck. Soon, however, more schools may jump onto the bandwagon. If so, then much like b-schools (where either the GMAT or GRE scores can be submitted for admissions purposes) you will truly have options to choose from. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-8725257491099234632018-01-17T09:37:00.001-08:002018-01-17T09:37:09.369-08:00Are great lawyers born or made?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://trak.in/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nature_nurture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://trak.in/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nature_nurture.jpg" height="200" width="192" /></a></div>
I recently read a very interesting article by Prof. William Henderson (Indiana University Maurer School of Law - Bloomington) - the article is entitled, "<a href="http://www.nationaljurist.com/content/are-great-lawyers-born-or-made">Is a great lawyer born or made?</a>"<br />
<br />
The verdict? Great lawyers are actually made (not born). This may be a slap in the face for some of you (ahem *elitists*) out there.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
According to Carolyn Dweck, a cognitive psychologist at Stanford University, there are two types of people: 1) the ones with a fixed mindset; and 2) the ones with a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset tend to prefer activities that validate their own abilities, while they shy away from tasks that may provide the world with evidence that they lack talent.<br />
<br />
In contrast, people with a growth mindset believe they can acquire important skills, knowledge, and abilities through effort. So floundering at a task is not failure - it's learning.<br />
<br />
Between the two types, it's the people who possess a growth mindset that tend to be fearless and willing to take on difficult tasks. And it's those fearless folks who become high performing attorneys.<br />
<br />
The example that Prof. Henderson uses is Fred Bartlit (the named partner of the ultra prestigious litigation boutique law firm <a href="http://www.bartlit-beck.com/">Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP</a>). Despite having tried hundreds of cases, the man still impanels a mock jury and humbly seeks their advice.<br />
<br />
What does this have to do with the LSAT? Everything!<br />
<br />
The LSAT is known to be a good predictor of law school performance and bar passage rate; not perfect, but still good. Like good lawyers, good LSAT test takers are made (not born).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lsatsensei.com/uploads/6/7/5/5/6755650/8234109_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lsatsensei.com/uploads/6/7/5/5/6755650/8234109_orig.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I see it year-in and year-out. Baseline intelligence does matter, but without fearless hard-work achieving a high LSAT score is impossible.<br />
<br />
So be fearless when you are studying for this exam. Be confident. If you get something wrong, don't let it defeat you. Go back. Revisit the question. Look at it in the face and stare it down until you can crush it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lsatsensei.com/uploads/6/7/5/5/6755650/9982175.jpg?418" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lsatsensei.com/uploads/6/7/5/5/6755650/9982175.jpg?418" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-19020474466296251932016-01-16T02:20:00.001-08:002016-01-16T02:21:47.810-08:00Planet Law School IIThis book is scary. The sheer weight and thickness will make you think - "S*** what have I gotten myself into?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1888960507/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1888960507&linkCode=as2&tag=lsbl0d-20&linkId=LY76IMFWGHVZMQDU"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510N28MR9QL._SX310_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
Once you crack the book open, it gets worst. It espouses that law professors are out to get you, and that you won't garner anything worthwhile by attending class. That's a load of horse cr*p.<br />
<br />
Atticus Falcon, the pseudonym of the author of this book, encourages impressionable 1L students to (skip class and) purchase <a href="http://lsatblogger.blogspot.com/2015/12/1l-books-to-help-prep.html">hornbooks</a> instead. He argues that students can simply study at home and show up only for the final exam.<br />
<br />
While I haven't been to every single law school in the universe, I know this is a horrible strategy for most law students at most law schools. One of the biggest benefits of going to law school is networking with classmates. The shortsightedness of anyone who stays locked up in his/her room memorizing blackletter law, in hopes to get a higher grade, is baffling to me.<br />
<br />
My vote is for you to avoid this book.<br />
<br />
But...I will be fair. I do know someone from my law school (the University of Chicago Law School), who stayed home and studied off of hornbooks, never came to class, and still aced his 1L year.<br />
<br />
Still. This doesn't change the fact that not showing up to class is a horrible strategy for success.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-1731265862322121522016-01-16T01:35:00.000-08:002016-01-16T01:36:10.559-08:00What LSAT Score do I need to get into Northwestern University School of Law?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBp9eG3MYPXEdbcFBCMl8tBiPDZNo99JIb2rapbxh1WuUM7CbMkumJ44YspwFBchAzML2SID9Dg2j3GUlXN-wZuWXhJMyo9YmkHXgDxVsg8lH-zxL4EkbDZz2PtqxI6WFH0rC4mp7iuc/s1600/Northwestern+Law+School.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBp9eG3MYPXEdbcFBCMl8tBiPDZNo99JIb2rapbxh1WuUM7CbMkumJ44YspwFBchAzML2SID9Dg2j3GUlXN-wZuWXhJMyo9YmkHXgDxVsg8lH-zxL4EkbDZz2PtqxI6WFH0rC4mp7iuc/s640/Northwestern+Law+School.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.law.northwestern.edu/">Northwestern University School of Law</a> (NU Law) is one of the most desired law schools among LSAT students. It's also one of the most hip law schools on the block. Among its list of celebrity alumni, you will find names like <a href="http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/story/nikki-lee-law-student-and-korean-pop-star/">Nikki Lee</a> (Korean pop star) and <a href="http://northwesternbusinessreview.org/divya-narendra-moves-past-facebook/">Divya Narendra</a> (founder of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ConnectU">ConnectU</a> - better known for it's clashing battle against Facebook). On that list you will also find distinguished leaders in law, politics, and business - US Supreme Court Justice <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/topic/person/john-paul-stevens">John Paul Stevens</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Washington">Harold Washington</a>, and <a href="http://www.forbes.com/profile/jay-robert-jb-pritzker/">J.B. Pritzker</a>.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>LSAT and GPA</b><br />
So what LSAT score do you need to get into this awesome school?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
LSAT 25th percentile: 164</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LSAT 75th percentile: 171</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LSAT middle 50% distribution: 163 - 169</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It ain't easy to become NU Law worthy. Here's the GPA you need:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
GPA 25th percentile: 3.38</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
GPA 75th percentile: 3.84</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
GPA middle 50% distribution: 3.56 - 3.85</div>
<br />
<b>Location | Chicago, IL</b><br />
NU Law is smack in the center of downtown Chicago, a happening city that boasts both amazing culture and beautiful landscape to boot. My only big gripe is that there is no good Korean BBQ (you have to drive way up north of the city to get something good) near the campus.<br />
<br />
The law school building occupies prime real estate, which borders along Northwestern University Hospital, on the one end, and looks outwards towards lake Michigan, on the other end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8k4BMF0RQknU90GeID4K8uU7ejrWLp4ZmF6-jV43l5NziFK9IEjX7JV6H96t9Dz3hrU8XxywbRNRj26xOiwoJmLUMfcnGUzPkpErMMEbrfY5QCy9V35hUjUYc9btuWHWuLgarV7jEII/s1600/NU+law+library.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8k4BMF0RQknU90GeID4K8uU7ejrWLp4ZmF6-jV43l5NziFK9IEjX7JV6H96t9Dz3hrU8XxywbRNRj26xOiwoJmLUMfcnGUzPkpErMMEbrfY5QCy9V35hUjUYc9btuWHWuLgarV7jEII/s400/NU+law+library.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
My buddies (and former students) at NU law are able to enjoy all that a major city has to offer while studying the law. The same can't be said for many top law schools out there. Thus, in terms of location rating - I personally give NU law a 5 out of 5 stars.<br />
<br />
<b>What Sets It Apart</b><br />
It's no mystery that NU law is special. But what makes it especially unique is its clear focus on recruiting mature and more professionally experienced student body. <b> </b><br />
<b> </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-12885937865354886212016-01-05T09:22:00.002-08:002016-01-05T09:22:21.938-08:00Take the LSAT again in February or apply this cycle?Dec 2016 LSAT scores were released yesterday.<br />
<br />
I was in the middle of teaching an online LSAT seminar when my phone went off the hook. Text messages were going bonkers. I auto-responded to all of them with: "I'm in class."<br />
<br />
One of the many response I got; the definite highlight of my night: "Tell them that they too can get a 176 with your help :) (finally got my score!)"<br />
<br />
My Dec 2016 LSAT students scores ranged from a 161 to 180.<br />
<br />
I'm proud of every single one of them. They all worked hard and achieved great test scores.<br />
<br />
Even so, there were a few good follow-up questions:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DGVvz9DiVcpvYNpRAJ6IlTSfNu6UCg_fLG8BqSEiHMjF6B4LfYMaunUB9Cj42FGKFZ5HCSiqKkQEK2TT-SCgdhNTc9oa6TZVw-ZF5Moq8ExiNMhLen-AC05aKtGbiYrvQUbjKQO1dOk/s1600/indecisive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DGVvz9DiVcpvYNpRAJ6IlTSfNu6UCg_fLG8BqSEiHMjF6B4LfYMaunUB9Cj42FGKFZ5HCSiqKkQEK2TT-SCgdhNTc9oa6TZVw-ZF5Moq8ExiNMhLen-AC05aKtGbiYrvQUbjKQO1dOk/s320/indecisive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>What do you think of the option of applying immediately and taking the LSAT again this February? Would there even be enough time to increase my score in that short of time? </b><br />
<br />
Take a practice test and see how you're scoring now that weeks have gone by without you cracking open a book. I think you'll come to realize that it's generally a bad idea to decide to take the February test in such short notice. You're far better off either 1) pouring energy/effort into improving your personal statement and application OR 2) just waiting and taking the test in June/Oct/Dec, so that you'll be fully prepped and ready (not rushed and on tilt). <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Should I just take the test again later this year? Would long term study help me master the exam?</b> <br />
<br />
Long term studying will be better than rushing for the Feb exam. However, the trade-off is psychological warfare with your inner-self. Most folks are pretty good about this though, so don't be too worried. Even so, I want to flag the importance of being mentally sharp. This means while prepping long term you need to have healthy distractions (i.e., basketball, fantasy football, mani-pedi, etc.). Otherwise, long term study will drive you crazy. <br />
<br />
<b>Would applying to the same school twice in a row hurt my chances? Say I applied to ABC Law School and got in but didn't accept because I wanted to wait another year in hopes of getting a higher score. If I did get a higher score, would it look bad applying to ABC Law School again?</b><br />
<br />
First off, if you apply to a school and DO NOT GET IN, then it doesn't hurt your chances to re-apply. Do note, however, that you should NOT recycle and reuse the same essays for the second round.<br />
<br />
If you apply and DO GET IN the first time around, then depending on how you manage your communication, you will (or will not) hurt your chances the second time applying. <br /><br />There's something called "Deferred Admissions". This means that you're committing to the law school, but taking some time off (typically one or two years), and thus asking the law school to hold your seat during the interim. If you can pull off "Deferred Admissions" (which BTW is not easy), then you can have your cake and eat it too. Just be prepared to give up your seat deposit. By applying to other schools while you're under "Deferred" status you're 1) giving up your seat deposit; and 2) sort of being tricky and misleading.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-77142477367418277202016-01-02T08:23:00.000-08:002016-01-15T20:41:32.237-08:00Main Conclusion Questions | Logical ReasoningWhen a Main Conclusion question appears in the Logical Reasoning (LR) section of the LSAT, it usually looks something like this:<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FzWJf8D5C3Hf1wHHKa8JBkRqifGU0fMVwwGrbOYvYxE_BgF_udAKuqe539a9XnC3Vzx2t81BrTDdODdRJRBr6DeVU7sKtyb98FyXXH4xkmRgNkhX84h3RhmizxJUwf_i1CHndXnz0Z4/s1600/Wheres-Waldo-Movie-Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FzWJf8D5C3Hf1wHHKa8JBkRqifGU0fMVwwGrbOYvYxE_BgF_udAKuqe539a9XnC3Vzx2t81BrTDdODdRJRBr6DeVU7sKtyb98FyXXH4xkmRgNkhX84h3RhmizxJUwf_i1CHndXnz0Z4/s200/Wheres-Waldo-Movie-Poster.jpg" width="113" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><i>"Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?"</i></li>
<li><i>"Which one of the following most accurately expresses the conclusion of the journalist's argument?"</i></li>
<li><i>"Which one of the following most accurately restates the main point of the passage?"</i></li>
<li><i>"The main point of the argument is that"</i></li>
</ul>
LSAT neophytes often (mistakenly) think these Main Conclusion questions are asking them to deduce or infer the main conclusion from the vignette. But not so much. Rather, Main Conclusion questions are usually asking you to find the main point <i>within</i> the vignette - much like the way you are asked to find Waldo within a sea of other people, except in this case <i>Waldo </i>= Main Point and <i>sea of other people</i> = Premises. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygMLKFk2tiWxr7Jp5WsAeIzDG5ejgisxmjWwpUA-QJ3FXXgJB_qbqcAdMpIVyNOBNlyEqMGNEzYESarJVGllLCjS5MteMmhy6lVmLgL2pOhItP02Am8ka0gS93-8Wqv4OY6uM8k9JDo4/s1600/Play+Wheres+Waldo+Online+Puzzle+Game+Beach+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygMLKFk2tiWxr7Jp5WsAeIzDG5ejgisxmjWwpUA-QJ3FXXgJB_qbqcAdMpIVyNOBNlyEqMGNEzYESarJVGllLCjS5MteMmhy6lVmLgL2pOhItP02Am8ka0gS93-8Wqv4OY6uM8k9JDo4/s320/Play+Wheres+Waldo+Online+Puzzle+Game+Beach+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Conclusion indicators --- <i>therefore</i>;<i> thus</i>;<i> hence</i>; <i>clearly</i>;<i> so</i>;<i> in conclusion</i>;<i> consequently</i>;<i> </i>and <i>as a result --- </i>can help you find the main point. But don't rely on them too much because LSAT makers ain't gonna make it that easy. Often times, in Main Conclusion questions the segment of the vignette introduced by conclusion indicators are Subsidiary Conclusions or Intermediary Conclusions (a.k.a. a premise supported by another premise). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For Main Conclusion questions, it's best to read the vignette and understand the flow of the argument, and identify which sentences are supporting which. This requires some degree of fluency in English and good reading skills. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you aren't able to "understand the flow of the argument," then here are some tricks that have worked for non-native English speaking students:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) <b>Fact or Opinion?</b> - Is the sentence you're reading a fact or a strong opinion? Considering the following example:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Most fashion designers prefer to drink coffee over tea. They ought to drink tea over coffee. After all, coffee can be bad for your body. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sentence #1: <i>Most fashion designers prefer to drink coffee over tea. </i>(FACT)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sentence #2: <i>They should drink tea over coffee. </i>(OPINION)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sentence #3: <i>After all, coffee can be bad for your body. </i>(FACT)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If there is only one opinion, then that <u>opinion is the conclusion</u>. When there are multiple opinions, you have to think about which opinion is supported by the facts, and also possibly by the other opinion. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) <b>Should </b>- When a sentence contains the word "should" it is usually a conclusion. See the following example:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You should wash your feet before going to bed. Otherwise, you will infest your bed sheets with all the bacteria and germs on your feet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) <b>N.O.V.A.</b>™ - stands for Number Object Verb A**. See the following illustration:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Most</u> <u>mothers</u> <u>believe</u> that their children are too young to do anything alone. <u>But</u> they are wrong. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first underlined word "<i>Most</i>" is a number word. The second underlined word "<i>mothers</i>" is the object word. The third underlined word "<i>believe</i>" is the verb. The fourth underlined word "<i>But</i>" is the a** (a.k.a. butt or donkey) word. When you see this sequence you know that whatever follow after the A** word is the conclusion. It's a nifty trick and it works - most of the times. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-35826198060719764932015-12-30T19:49:00.000-08:002015-12-30T19:49:44.059-08:00The X-factor that Keeps Scores Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I hate it when someone runs on a treadmill next to mine. Maybe I’m just not as swell a guy as I think I am. I find sharing anything else (e.g., my lunch, clothes, money, etc.) so much less annoying than sharing that running space next to me. <br /><br />The other day, I’m going at it. I have my pace set at a nice and easy 7 mph. Two-minutes into my run, this lady hops onto the machine next to me. She’s decked out in all the right running gear - sports bra, shoes, towel, iPod, Fiji water bottle. <br /><br />Beep…beep...beep, beep, beep, beep…<br /><br />I get super conscious of listening to her upping her running speed. Maybe it’s all in my mind, but I feel that this woman is intentionally getting on my nerves. In my head, she is being hyper-competitive. And I think that she’s NOT going to stop running until I stop running. Arrrgh! It’s a race to see who quits first!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />Crazy?<br /><br />Maybe. But this is a sad yet true story. I call this my treadmill moment. <br /><br />The treadmill wasn’t made to be a group activity. It’s a solo, one-person thing. Like a mirror, it’s meant for me to focus on me and me alone. But somehow, I manage to get all self-conscious and mess that up. It’s my treadmill moment. <br /><br />I suspect I’m not the only one who has these treadmill moments.<br /><br />Just now, I had another treadmill moment - but this time on a plane. I’m en route from Seoul to Chicago, enjoying my little nap between movies (endless plethora of films!), when the lady next to me busts out her computer and begins typing away at what seems to be a huge dissertation paper. <br /><br />Suddenly, I get super conscious. And I can’t help but feel like a lazy-bum. <br /><br />So I respond by doing what any rational person would do when he feels a cloud of guilt gloom over his head. I unbuckle my belt, stand up, open the overhead bin, take out my computer, and start writing this post. <br /><br />I know…I know. “If someone jumps off the cliff, will you?” I can already hear the nagging voices. <br /><br />But humor me a little and try to have some empathy. Have you ever had a treadmill moment when it comes to studying, let’s say, for the LSAT?<br /><br />Many of my students have treadmill moments with the LSAT. Some become visibly red and irritated. <br /><br />But you see how ridiculous my treadmill moments are? If so, then you must also see the absurdness of being hyper competitive with or super conscious of others when studying for the LSAT. <br /><br />The LSAT is a solo practice. So it's a complete waste of time to worry about others. It’s akin to me worrying about who is running on the treadmill next to mine. In actuality the only thing that matters is my own performance, and how I’m doing against myself (e.g., am I improving and doing better than I did before?). <br /><br />I’ve said this over and over that doing well on the LSAT requires so much more than book smarts. Call it mental fortitude or strong character or whatever, but doing well on the LSAT definitely requires the ability to ignore others and focus on yourself. Folks who do well on the LSAT know this. <br /><br />Think about your biggest mental LSAT distraction. It doesn’t have to be 100% identical to my treadmill moment.<br /><br />Cognitively recognizing that you have a distraction (be it mouse sized or elephant sized) and figuring out a helpful way to deal with it, will be way more effective in boosting your LSAT score than logging in hours and hours to solving LSAT problem sets. <br /><br />I just want you to think about it. How can I outdo my distraction(s)?<br /><br />Think about it. If you want to share, <a href="mailto:lsatboost@gmail.com">email me</a>. I’ll keep it all private between you and me. And if we’re lucky, I may even be able to help you devise a strategic solution to squashing your distraction(s). <br /><br />Thanks for reading, and here’s to a better LSAT score!<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-84343136784231882022015-12-27T23:15:00.002-08:002015-12-27T23:18:45.936-08:00LSAT Mishaps | How to "Prevent" ThemAlicia was well prepped for the LSAT. After months of studying, she was comfortably scoring within her target range. The night before the big exam, she went down the checklist that she had meticulously put together - testing ticket, check; #2 pencils, check; water bottle, check; etc. Her biggest fear was being "too nervous".<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
Three weeks later, she got an email from LSAC: "Dear Test Taker". Her answer sheet had gone missing. Alicia was stunned.<br />
.<br />
Could Alicia have done something to prevent this unfortunate outcome?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Lost (misplaced) Answer Sheet</b><br />
Alicia's and 80 other test takers shared the same unlucky fate for the Dec 2015 LSAT. Somebody (either UC Santa Barbara, UPS, or LSAC) lost their exams and answer sheets (see <a href="http://lsatblogger.blogspot.kr/2015/12/lost-lsat-exams-ups-and-uc-santa-barbara.html">here</a> for more details).<br />
<br />
This isn't the first time answer sheets have gone AWOL. In 1999, more than 280 answer sheets went missing while in transit from three testing centers to Newton, PA. And in 2012, more than 50 were lost from the University of Tampa. <br />
<br />
Arguably, there's nothing that Alicia and her troubled lot could have done to prevent the mishap from happening. But hindsight is 20-20. Here's what Alicia should have, could have, or would have done, if she knew this bad outcome was lurking around the corner.<br />
<br />
<b>Take the Test Sooner</b><br />
Alicia could have taken the LSAT sooner. Students on top of their game use the December exam as a safety net. The December test is Plan B, if you faltered or messed up on the June/October exam(s).<br />
<br />
Alicia and all affected test takers are crying a river because they waited (or procrastinated) until the last minute. One of the ugliest consequences of this event is that these students may have to wait until next year to be considered a competitive applicant.<br />
<br />
Law school is <a href="http://www.lsatfreebies.com/when-to-start.html">rolling admissions</a> - this means applicants have a better shot the earlier in the cycle they apply. The Dec test is (realistically speaking) considered the last exam that applicants take and use for applying in the same year. Evidently Alicia and her cohorts knew this (see <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-lsat-missing-tests-20151225-story.html">here</a>).<br />
<br />
But to be fair, LSAC is really going out of its way to help Alicia and her peers as much as possible - they are contacting law schools and requesting that late applications be considered for those affected by this incident. <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-55472071900919035232015-12-26T22:32:00.001-08:002015-12-26T22:32:18.627-08:00Lost LSAT Exams | UPS and UC Santa BarbaraThis past Christmas week, 80 something LSAT test takers got an email from LSAC notifying them that their answer sheets have been lost (see <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-lsat-missing-tests-20151225-story.html">here</a>) in the abyss of <a href="https://www.ups.com/?Site=Corporate&cookie=us_en_home&inputImgTag=&setCookie=yes">United Parcel Service</a> (UPS). Talk about royal mess.<br />
<br />
But this wasn't LSAC's fault. If there's anyone to blame, it's UPS - they're the ones that lost the answer sheets...or was it a test supervisor at the <a href="http://www.ucsb.edu/">UC Santa Barbara</a> campus who lacked common sense? Fingers are being pointed everywhere. <br />
<a name='more'></a>The main victims (the flustered and pissed students) are getting a refund ($175) and being permitted to retake the test in February free-of-charge. For obvious reasons this is little solace for the students because 1) they have to sit through a half-day long exam again; and 2) they will likely have to push off applying to law school for another year.<br />
<br />
This begs the question - should the LSAT (like the GMAT and MCAT) be administered electronically? Personally, I think taking exams electronically sucks. I'm more of an analog guy. But in all fairness, had the exam been administered electronically, then this "mess" could possibly have been avoided. Granted that electronic testing isn't necessarily 100% bullet-proof protected from errors - for example, idiot testing supervisors. <br />
<br />
Anyhow, I feel for those who are groaning and fuming because of this incident. I also feel bad for LSAC - it's getting the brunt of the blame for something that wasn't necessarily its fault. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-19581603201059440552015-12-25T21:29:00.000-08:002016-01-16T01:13:16.655-08:001L Books to Help Prep<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Aside from Joseph W. Glannon's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735570337?ie=UTF8&tag=ls0d8-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0735570337">Civil Procedure: Examples & Explanations</a>, here are some other good 1L prep books. If you have more questions, feel free to contact me lsatboost@gmail.com</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735588740?ie=UTF8&tag=ls0d8-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0735588740">The Law of Torts: Examples & Explanations</a> </b>by Joseph W. Glannon</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735570310?ie=UTF8&tag=ls0d8-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0735570310">Property: Examples & Explanations</a> </b>by Barlow Bruke and Joseph Snoe</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0820570710?ie=UTF8&tag=ls0d8-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0820570710">Understanding Property Law</a> </b>by John G. Sprankling</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073558852X?ie=UTF8&tag=ls0d8-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=073558852X">Contracts: Examples & Explanations</a> </b>by Brian A. Blum</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735598274?ie=UTF8&tag=ls0d8-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0735598274">Criminal Law: Examples & Explanations</a> </b>by Richard G. Singer</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599410028?ie=UTF8&tag=ls0d8-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1599410028">Writing a Legal Memo</a> </b>b<b style="font-weight: normal;">y John Bronsteen</b></li>
<li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0890897603?ie=UTF8&tag=ls0d8-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0890897603">Getting to Maybe: How to Excel on Law School Exams</a> </b>by Richard Michael Fischl and Jeremy Paul</li>
</ul>
<div>
The Examples & Explanations series is (generally speaking) quite reliable. But my favorite E&E author is Joseph Glannon - read the books and I'm sure most of you will concur that Glannon is the best at distilling information into bite-size, understandable nuggets.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-26021648614700881632013-08-25T07:50:00.004-07:002015-12-30T19:52:24.513-08:00Reading Comprehension | Less is MoreSometimes less is more. I find this to be true (more and more) in so many aspects of law practice. I found this to be true during law school. And upon reflection, I find it to be true also for the LSAT reading comp section.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Check out this picture:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBatPNcK14R7HOgsuAjdgH4j89reZGlan-0Gt_rAoXEL0FDoLnFfdzQ8syIMO2doGe2SieE2AVKHxw2TMIYC3QPVveS7lq_GuF9w0U1fVk4zOCSsUN6JZQevu4T53xdWH6rLCydfwpF8/s1600/too+much+note+taking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBatPNcK14R7HOgsuAjdgH4j89reZGlan-0Gt_rAoXEL0FDoLnFfdzQ8syIMO2doGe2SieE2AVKHxw2TMIYC3QPVveS7lq_GuF9w0U1fVk4zOCSsUN6JZQevu4T53xdWH6rLCydfwpF8/s320/too+much+note+taking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes. You feel that sense of accomplishment. It feels like you've actually <i>done</i> something. Instead of emptiness, you feel like you're leaving a giant (colorful and scribbly) footprint behind the pages that you've mastered. It feels good. I know - I've been there.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But in all honesty, it is a huge waste of time. What really matters after reading any LSAT reading comp passage isn't that you've completely and utterly mastered identifying, for example, the list of reasons why the dolphins died off. You're not being tested on facts or how much you can remember from the RC passage. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The key, according to Kent Lawless, from LSAC, to doing well on the RC passage is to keep the big picture in mind while working your way through the details. I agree with him.<br />
<br />
Here's what most people don't realize - the RC passages in the LSAT were written by some think-tank Ph.D in Newton, PA, which is where LSAC is headquartered. It's NOT merely an abridged excerpt from some book/magazine. This means that you'll have to assume that the written works in the RC passages are actually good writing.<br />
<br />
When folks read, they often forget about the elements of good writing. Indeed, reading and writing are two very different tasks, but if you put yourself in the writers shoes, then as a reader, you'll extract and analyze more efficiently.<br />
<br />
Here's my case in point - Topic Sentences. Topic sentences give you a great window into what the entire paragraph is going to be about. Most LSAT students, however, breeze through these topic sentences without giving much though into them. In fact, some students don't really wake up or focus until mid-paragraph.<br />
<br />
Even if for a few nano-seconds, I tell my students to get behind the "eight-ball" and predict how the entire paragraph is going to "go down" after reading the Topic Sentence. It forces you to be an active reader. It's quite efficient. You will be surprised at how accurate your predictions might be. And if you're prediction is wrong, then you'll be all the more intrigued by how the author takes twists and turns.<br />
<br />
Reading and predicting based on Topic Sentences, will also help you keep the big picture in mind. You'll learn to treat each paragraph in units, and then (hopefully) you can learn to think about with the entire passage based on the interaction between these units. This helps you NOT get bogged down by details. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-69330451052379895962013-05-24T12:18:00.001-07:002016-01-15T21:18:25.854-08:00Google GlassToday, I went on Youtube and saw this - <a href="http://www.google.com/glass" target="_blank">Google Glass</a>. Pretty cool.<br /><br />One of our LSAT students in class will actually be involved in this project after taking the June LSAT. Believe it or not, I had no idea Google was making a Google Glass until he (our student) mentioned it.<br /><br />So watching Google's promotional video about Google Glass got me thinking - what if they allowed this thing into the LSAT? Of course, it's all wistful thinking. The LSAT doesn't even permit electronic timers (see <a href="http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/day-of-test.asp#prohibited" target="_blank">here</a>)!<br /><br />I don't know the exact reason why LSAC doesn't permit modern electronics. However, I suspect it has something to do with cheat prevention. And let's suppose it is all about cheat prevention - would permitting, for example, electronic timers really promote cheating?<br /><br />I remember when the ACT and SAT (the dreaded college entrance exams) decided to permit calculators for the math sections of the exams. Parents were shocked and students were giddy. Folks were thinking of ways to cheat using their calculators. But nope. Trying to cheat using these calculators would waste more time (and effort) than actually trying to straight-up solve the problems on the test.<br /><br />With technology as advanced as it is I suppose we can fantasize about ways to cheat on the LSAT using electronic timers. But really?! If high school students can take in scientific calculators and be trusted not to cheat, then I think pre-law students can be trusted not to cheat using electronic timers.<br /><br />Anyhow, once upon a time electronic timers were permitted (pre-2009...I believe). For my students' sake, I wish they'd permit electronic timers (again).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-14411265157404203312013-05-16T12:58:00.000-07:002016-01-15T21:18:25.840-08:00Day in Law School - #1 | Sexual HarassmentTo say, "Law School is...an interesting place," is an understatement.<br /><div><br /></div><div>My first day at the University of Chicago Law School wasn't perfect. I read one too many law school self-help books. One of which made me wary of my classmates - and view them as my competition and frienemies (i.e., friend + enemy). I sincerely wish someone would have told me to "STOP" and smell the flowers. Having been there and done that, I can tell you (without an ounce of doubt) that your law school classmates are NOT YOUR ENEMIES. They could be the most invaluable group of friends you will ever find for both your personal life and professional career. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you will LOVE and enjoy law school. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to my wiser (and definitely cooler) classmates, however, even in my freakishly hyper competitive state, I was able find close friends. Drew was one of them. He was more mature than I. Married and a former Teach for America corp member, Drew took everything in good strides. <br /><br />During the first few weeks of law school (when I still had the jitters and fear of being called upon) Professor David Strauss (an intellectual giant of a man!) posed a question:<br /><br />"Let's just say, you're a professional woman working in the 1950s. You are at work. Your male boss is making snide comments about other women. He's not doing anything directly to offend you. Yet you feel extremely uncomfortable whenever he talks about other women like this in your presence. What do you do? What do you do, when you don't have the term 'sexual harrassmen<br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-22513682352497794762013-04-25T01:06:00.000-07:002016-01-15T21:18:39.721-08:00Perfecting what you've learnedPerfection. We're at that point in our LSAT classes.<br /><br />During our most recent instructors' meeting, I surveyed what the most common question students posed was. And by far, the most common question is: "How do I get faster?"<br /><br />There are two aspects to becoming faster: 1) accuracy and 2) speed. It doesn't matter how fast you are unless you are accurate. What's the point of blazing through 25 questions in 20 minutes, if you don't get a single question correct?<br /><br />Therefore, in our LSAT classes we begin by focusing on accuracy. We teach students how to attack every single type of LSAT question imaginable. In a class setting, this takes approximately 80 hours (approximately 2- months of meeting twice a week for 4 hours each). While working on accuracy, I encourage students to use a stopwatch (instead of a timer) to measure just how long it takes them to complete a game, LR question, or RC passage. The function of the stopwatch is NOT to race the clock. It's function is to simply give you a pulse check on your speed. Even if you think you're "too slow", don't sweat it. Remain steadfast and focus on improving your fundamentals.<br /><br />You can start working on speed after you have a solid working knowledge of the LSAT basics. The best way to work on speed is through time drills and practice tests.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-861900658115940562013-02-15T12:03:00.001-08:002016-01-02T08:21:20.450-08:00Law School - Make it Just 2-years!!!Imagine getting a JD within 2-years. Good?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sounds good to me. Especially if it means paying less tuition (one-year's worth of tuition less!). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But how realistic is it? Especially when the top schools, like Harvard and Yale aren't on board? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Northwestern Law school has a 2-year accelerated program. But it's designed for non-traditional students who have been on the professional track (ibankers; private equity stars; etc.). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyhow, I wanted to quickly share this article with you guys (see <a href="http://www.economist.com/news/business/21571213-could-law-schools-be-ready-change-their-ways-two-year-itch">here</a>). The article speaks on the 2-year law school issue. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you ask for my LSAT 2-cents...I really don't think it's gonna become a fad anytime soon. :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-55065599860660856142012-09-17T13:55:00.001-07:002016-01-02T08:22:33.806-08:00Quantifiers | Give me "some some"<i>Some</i> means at least 1 or more (all the way up to 100%).<br />
<br />
Weird, huh? But that's the definition of some on the LSAT. Don't fight it. The sooner you accept this truth/theory, the better off you'll be on the LSAT.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Opposite of Some </b>(you usually need to know how to do this for <i>Necessary Assumption</i> questions)<br />
<br />
If some means "at least one," then the opposite of <i>some </i>would be <i>zero/none</i>.<br />
<br />
"<i>Nothing</i> outlasts the energizer bunny...." OPPOSITE: "<i>Something</i> outlasts the energizer bunny...."<br />
<br />
"<i>Somebody </i>gonna get hurt real bad." OPPOSITE: "<i>Nobody</i> gonna get hurt real bad."<br />
<br />
"<i>Somewhere</i> over the rainbow..." OPPOSITE: "<i>Nowhere </i>over the rainbow..."<br />
<br />
You get the idea. It helps to know how to find the opposite, when you're doing Necessary Assumption questions, for example.<br />
<br />
<b>Diagramming Some and meshing it with other Quantifiers</b> (usually need to know how to do this for <i>Must Be True</i> questions and <i>Matching Argument Questions a.k.a. Parallel</i> questions)<br />
<br />
I like to diagram <i>some </i>statements by using a long dash. So for example, "<i>Some</i> actors are natural born losers."<br />
<br />
<b>Actors </b>----s---- <b>Natural Born Losers</b> <i><u>OR</u></i> <b>A</b>----s----<b>L</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Why a looooonnng dash instead of an arrow? Simply because unlike arrow statements, some statements can freely be read both ways (left and right) - i.e., <i>some </i>actors are natural born losers; <i>some</i> natural born losers are actors. You see how it can go both ways? This is possible because, again, the definition of <i>some</i> is at least one. If at least one actor is a natural born loser, it stands to reason that at least one natural born loser is an actor.<br />
<br />
<i>Some </i>can only be combined with an <i>All </i>statement.<i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Premise: <b><i>Some </i></b>beer lovers also love wine.<br />
<u>Premise: <b><i>All </i></b>wine lovers love to drink grape products. </u><br />
Conclusion: Some Beer lovers love to drink grape products<br />
<br />
-or-<br />
<br />
Premise: Beer Lovers ----s----Wine Lovers<br />
<u>Premise: Wine Lovers ------> Love Grape Products</u><br />
Conclusion: Beer Lovers ----s----Love Grape Products
<br />
<br />
You can conclude/connect "Beer Lovers" to "Love Grape Products".<br />
<br />
Why? Because...<br />
<br />
Beer Lovers ----s----Wine Lovers ------> Love Grape Products<br />
<br />
*NOTE how the <i>transitive </i>property (connecting the two sentences) works since the <i>some</i> statement shares an element (i.e., Wine Lovers) with the <i>all </i>statement. BUT realize this - the <i>some</i> statement must begin the transitive property chain. If the chain began with the <i>all</i> statement then even if there the <i>some </i>and <i>all</i> share elements, there is no valid conclusion. For example, if the example read:<br />
<br />
Premise: <b>Some </b>wine lovers love to drink grape products.<br />
<u>Premise: <b>All </b>beer lovers love wine.</u><br />
Conclusion: ???<br />
<br />
-or-<br />
<br />
Premise: Wine Lovers ----s---- Love Grape Products<br />
<u>Premise: Beer Lovers -------> Wine Lovers</u><br />
Conclusion: ???<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<br />
You can't conclude anything from the above two sentences because the <i>all</i> statement begins the chain (see below):<br />
<br />
Beer lovers -------> Wine Lovers ----s---- Love Grape Products.<br />
<br />
REMEMBER the <i>some</i> and <i>all</i> can only yield a conclusion, IF <b>(1)</b> the <i>some</i> statement and the <i>all</i> statement share an element; and <b>(2)</b> the<i> some</i> statement begins the transitive property.<br />
<br />
<b>Some-Some or Some-Most</b><br />
Can't really conclude anything between two <i>some </i>statements <u>or</u> when you have a <i>some</i> statement and <i>most</i> statement. I find it helpful here to simply internalize it with mnemonics.<br />
<br />
When someone comes over and says, "Give me <i>some-some</i>, baby." You're response should be, NO NO!<br />
<br />
When someone comes over and says, "Give me <i>some most</i> of the times, baby." You're response, again, should be, NO NO!<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
The idea is to understand that <i>some</i> statements cannot be combined with another <i>some </i>statement or with a <i>most </i>statement.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-61619123403996484112012-09-12T20:03:00.000-07:002016-01-15T20:42:21.115-08:00JD/MBAI receive inquiries from many students who want to apply to both law school and business school at the same time. If you know you're going to get both a JD and a MBA, might as well go for it in one blow, no?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are benefits to going for both degrees at once. The biggest benefit (in my humble opinion) is that you can get both degrees in 4-years (so you're saving one year's tuition), if you pursue them from the same institute. Sounds peachy, huh?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's the catch though. You have to get in. Most elite institutes require that you get into each school separately on your own merits. They claim that you getting into one school (i.e., law school) won't necessarily help (or hurt) you in getting into the other school (i.e., business school). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are currently studying for the LSAT and you're flirting with the idea of pursuing a JD/MBA, the first thing I would do is speak with an MBA consultant. There are many great MBA Admissions companies out there. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But definitely check out - http://www.stacyblackman.com/.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once upon a time, I was kicking around the idea of pursuing an MBA. I called Stacey Blackman's company. I was put in touch with one of their principles, Bill Chionis, who helped answer all my questions and patiently helped me think through the process. Ultimately, I decided not to pursue a MBA. But believe me, I would not have had the same peace of mind had I not spoke with Bill. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're serious (or even half-serious) about the MBA. Give these guys a call. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-41016178635997315332012-09-08T22:41:00.000-07:002016-01-05T15:31:17.294-08:00Studying for the LSAT makes you smarterIf you've ever received an email from me (with exercises, drills, or study schedules), then you know that I endearingly call my students, "LSAT Genius (to be)"~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.activegarage.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/human-brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://www.activegarage.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/human-brain.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Over the years, I intuitively knew that the LSAT actually makes people smarter. I noticed my students become sharper and better at reasoning. I didn't need any "scientific study" to confirm my intuition.<br />
<br />
But here it is - a <a href="http://www.frontiersin.org/Neuroanatomy/10.3389/fnana.2012.00032/abstract">scientific study</a> that confirms my intuition. The <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2012/08/27/study-cramming-for-the-lsat-could-boost-your-iq/">Wall Street Journal</a> did an entire piece on this.<br />
<br />
So how is this suppose to make you feel better? Some of you view the LSAT as just another "evil barrier" standing between you and law school stardom. But this study confirms that <i>anyone</i> can become smarter and improve their LSAT score through consistent and regular exposure.<br />
<br />
Does this mean that everyone will achieve a perfect 180. No. Of course not. Everyone hits a plateau. And from that point, it takes a lot of patience and practice to actually gain incremental point increases. Theoretically, I suppose it's possible for <i>anyone</i> to achieve a perfect score. But practically speaking, not everyone has the time and luxury to achieve it.<br />
<br />
Next time you open up your LSAT book, I hope you have a grin on your face - knowing full well that you brain is getting smarter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-22206339324558861812012-08-27T00:50:00.000-07:002018-01-17T09:44:43.951-08:00Best Law Firms to Work forGoogle is "the best company" to work for, according to Fortune Magazine's annual "<a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/">100 Best Companies to Work for</a>" list. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/galleries/2012/pf/jobs/1201/gallery.best-companies-pay.fortune/images/alston_bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/galleries/2012/pf/jobs/1201/gallery.best-companies-pay.fortune/images/alston_bird.jpg" /></a></div>
A few law firms are on the list.<br />
<br />
No. 24 <a href="http://www.alston.com/"><b>Alston & Bird</b></a>, as far as employee happiness is concerned, this top rated law firm is the closest thing that comes to Google. Here are a few perks that Fortune cited: on-site child care (for <i>all</i> employees), as well as the integration of the firm's support staff into discussions about the firm's operations; on-site fitness center; fully paid sabbaticals; and high associate salaries.<br />
<br />
No. 30 <b><a href="http://www.bingham.com/">Bingham McCutchen</a></b> is where the glass ceiling has shattered - women make up 60% of the firm's employees, the highest percentage among the four firms, according to the survey.<br />
<br />
No. 54 <b><a href="http://www.bakerdonelson.com/">Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz</a></b> - the employees here rave about the caring atmosphere. One hourly clerk wrote that if the entire Baker Donelson staff were on the Titanic, managers would have dived in to save the staff. So nice. <br />
<br />
No. 58 <b><a href="http://www.perkinscoie.com/">Perkins Coie</a></b>. I love this firm. Yours truly has experience working there as a summer associate. The firm has Wii (for employee stress relief), all you can drink Starbucks coffee and soft drinks, 100% health care for <i>all</i> employees, and a "happiness committee" that goes out of its way to ensure that all employees (including summer associates) feel like they are part of the Perkins Coie family. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-18786105271084034372012-07-31T22:25:00.001-07:002016-01-15T20:43:48.188-08:00Is a great lawyer born or made?I recently read a very interesting article by Prof. William D. Henderson (Indiana University Maurer School of Law - Bloomington) - <a href="http://www.nationaljurist.com/content/are-great-lawyers-born-or-made">Is a great lawyer born or made?</a><br />
<br />
The verdict is that great lawyers are actually made (not born). This may be a slap in the face for some of you (ahem *elitists*) out there.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
According to Carolyn Dweck, a cognitive psychologist at Stanford University, there are two types of people: 1) the ones with a fixed mindset; and 2) the ones with a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset tend to prefer activities that validate their own abilities, while they shy away from tasks that may provide the world with evidence that they lack talent. In contrast, people with a growth mindset believe they can acquire important skills, knowledge, and abilities through effort. So floundering at a task is not failure - it's learning.<br />
<br />
Between the two types, it's the people who possess a growth mindset that tend to be fearless and willing to take on difficult tasks. And it's those fearless folks who become high performing attorneys.<br />
<br />
The example that Prof Henderson uses is Fred Bartlit (the named partner of the ultra prestigious litigation boutique law firm <a href="http://www.bartlit-beck.com/">Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP</a>). Despite having tried hundreds of cases, the man still impanels a mock jury and humbly seeks their advice.<br />
<br />
Be fearless.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-65969728502426026072012-05-13T14:50:00.000-07:002016-01-15T20:43:48.192-08:00I want to score above a 160You took your diagnostic test and you're not within 5 points of your diagnostic score. So should you postpone the LSAT (and take it in October) or should you start busing your butt and try to jump 15 points?<br />
<br />
My short response - push it to a later date. Many folks want to (need to) believe in miracles. But the likelihood of jumping more than 5 points on the LSAT in one month is highly unlikely. Year in (and year out) I discourage students from trying to cram during the last month, I tell them the same thing I'm about to tell you. But they always retort, "Dave, I work really hard." If only that's all it took.<br />
<br />
It should be no mystery to you, the LSAT cannot be crammed (contrary to what some prep companies tell you). Working hard is a VERY important element to LSAT success. But speaking purely from a psychological/mental-health perspective, it's not good to be studying 24-7 non-stop a month before the "<em>most</em> <em>important</em>" test of your life. 99.9% of my students who eventually rock the LSAT are the ones that go into it calm and collected, together and composed - a mental state, which cannot be achieved when you're cramming day and night simply to raise 10+ points on your LSAT. <br />
<br />
Don't go down the ugly path of wigging yourself out. It's important to take a step back and be realistic. Talk to your LSAT tutor/instructor. Get their honest opinion. And please make an informed decision.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-55114390185518273912012-05-06T20:24:00.002-07:002016-01-15T20:44:56.350-08:00180 Degrees LSAT Prep<i><u>1. What is your company's name and where is it located?</u></i><br />
My company's name is <strong>180 Degrees LSAT</strong> and it's located in Brooklyn, NY. However, I also teach in Manhattan, and the surroudning areas.<br />
<br />
<i><u>2. What is your web address?</u></i><br />
<a href="http://www.180degreeslsat.com/">www.180degreeslsat.com</a><br />
<br />
<i><u>3. What makes you such an awesome LSAT instructor?</u></i><br />
I treat each of my students as individuals. I recognize that the LSAT is a test that is testing not only student's skill, but their level of confidence, anxiety, and general state of being. I recognize that the LSAT is a skills-based test, and the best way to improve skills is through effective practice. I recognize that the LSAT requies a worldview that is completely different, and necessarily so, than the one we use in our every day life. <br />
<br />
Anyone can sit down and go over problems withsomeone, but no problem appears on the LSAT twice. Although many issues are repated, the LSAT can always include novel issues. Even if the test has no new issues, problems can be presented in so subltle or unusla a way that it can confuse many people taking the test. My job is not to answer the problem for you, it's to teach you the underlying logic so that even if the problem is presented in an unusual way you have the skills necessary to answer the question. <br />
<br />
<i><u>4. Why do you think most students choose you over behemoth test prep companies?</u></i><br />
I would say for two reasons. The first is that a lot of my students have already tried a behemoth test prep company and it hasn’t worked for them. The large class sizes, the cookie cutter methods, and the unqualified teachers leave a lot of students no better, and sometimes worse off, than before they started. They take those classes, unfortunately, and then come to me when they don’t work and oftentimes it can take more time to teach a student who has been to other classes than someone who has never seen the test.
<br />
<br />
The second reason is that many of my students are attracted to the holistic way I approach the test. I try very hard to teach the individual who is sitting next to me and to treat them differently from the “average student”. This is why I prefer to teach one-on-one tutoring (although I may expand into classes in the near future because I recognize that many people cannot afford one-on-one tutoring). This approach to tutoring can create some really amazing results and that shows in my students scores.
<br />
<br />
<i><u>5. How did you first get into this gig?</u></i><br />
After I took the LSAT in 2005, I just started teaching for a little extra money on the side. I found I enjoyed it so kept doing it. After I graduated law school, I realized being a lawyer wasn’t really my thing and that I loved teaching and was quite good at it (or so they tell me).
<br />
<br />
<i><u>6. Did you go to law school? If so, where?</u></i><br />
I graduated from NYU Law in 2010<br />
<br />
<i><u>7. What do you love most about your job?</u></i><br />
I love how it’s a combination of therapy, philosophy, logic, problem solving, and just pure unadulterated critical thinking. To really improve someone’s score you need to figure them out and learn exactly why they are picking the incorrect answers they are. The human mind is infinitely complex and trying to figure it out is a constant challenge. I once had a student who I worked with briefly who had been brain damaged in an accident and had multiple issues surrounding it. It was incredibly interesting to look at how she was thinking in comparison to how other individuals think. I just took on a student who is blind. These novel issues are what make the test fascinating to me. Solving the problems on the LSAT involves critical thinking for the student, but figuring out what people’s weaknesses are involves critical thinking on my part.
As I get more interested in the LSAT as an institution, I am exploring not only how to improve peoples scores, but also why demographics are correlated so strongly with LSAT score. There are numerous demographic traits that cause discrepancies including income level, race, undergraduate major, school choice, geographic region, and countless others. These differences have been studied, but not in a comprehensive way. Trying to figure out why these demographic traits are so strongly correlated and what that means for teaching individuals from these backgrounds is my next project.
<br />
<br />
<i><u>8. Could you please share with the world on of your most memorable LSAT (horror/fun/heart-breaking) stories?</u></i><br />
I always talk to my students about the anxiety that the LSAT causes. In part, this is because of an old student of mine. She had completed 3 courses from a major test prep company and in that time her score only went down. They kept letting her re-take the course since her score wasn’t improving, and it just kept sinking. She wanted to go to law school so badly and had such a hard time with the test that whenever she opened a book it made her cry. The first time we met in a Starbucks, I remember sitting down and talking to her about preliminaries and then being shocked when she started sobbing as soon as we opened up a book. I thought I had offended her somehow, but she explained to me that it was just the effect the test had on her.
It’s very humbling to watch that happen. Stories like that reminds me of how much of an impact I have on people’s careers and lives. Having that much impact means that failure isn’t an option and that whenever I teach I need to give it my all.
<br />
<br />
<i><u>9. What is the most frequently asked question that you receive from your LSAT students, and what is your response?</u></i><br />
I get asked a lot if I can help people improve their time. And my answer is no. I can’t. What I can do is help you learn the material better, help you think better, and help you to learn what the prompts mean. This will allow you to answer questions faster and naturally improve your time. But it’s extremely difficult to improve your timing just by focusing on timing.
My point here is twofold. The first is that although time is an incredibly important part of the test, the way to improve on time is by improving your understanding of the test. The more you understand the test, the faster you will go. The second point is a point many individuals make, that all the information to learn the LSAT is out there and available so there is no need to hire a tutor. And they are right. The answers to all the questions are out there. But do you know which questions to ask?<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><u>10. (Just for fun) if you could be anything in the world (besides an LSAT guru), what would you be? Why?</u></i><br />
I would be either a social worker or a Philosophy professor. I love delving into people’s minds and figuring out what makes them tick, how they think, who they are. I would be a Psychiatrist but after law school I am done with school for quite a while now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-12194129025348314852012-05-06T19:50:00.002-07:002016-01-15T20:43:48.185-08:00Free LSAT Prep Options<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://janefriedman.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/free-sign.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://janefriedman.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/free-sign.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
Doing well on the LSAT requires significant preparation. A decent LSAT course can easily cost $1500, and the fees for qualified LSAT tutors can range from $150 to $500 per hour. <br />
<br />
Although LSAT prep courses and tutors do a great job at preparing people for the LSAT, not everyon can afford their services. If you fall in this category, then the following tips and advice are for you. There are plenty of ways to obtain free (or cheap) LSAT prep. <br />
<br />
1. <strong>Prelaw Advisor</strong>. The first place to begin is your college's prelaw society or prelaw advisor. Your prelaw advisor may have organized LSAT courses for free or at a price much cheaper than the commericial courses. <br />
<br />
2. <strong>Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO)</strong>. CLEO is a part of the American Bar Association (ABA). It probably has the most extensive prelaw program designed for first generation lawyers. In addition to providing invaluable and cost-effective <a href="http://cleoscholars.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=516&parentID=483&nodeID=2">LSAT prep options</a>, CLEO provides assistance and guidance in every step of your <a href="http://cleoscholars.com/index.cfm?nodeid=2">Road to Law School</a>. <br />
<br />
3. <strong>LSAT Alumni</strong>. Folks who have already taken the LSAT and successfully matriculated at a law school have no need for their LSAT books/materials. Ask them for the books/materials. Some companies forbid former-students from "selling" or "giving away" their books. So if you're going to solicit old/used books, do it off the web - preferably in-person. <br />
<br />
4. <strong>Public Library</strong>. Your local public library most likely has copies of LSAT prep books. Take advantage of your taxpayer resources! BTW, if you're using LSAT books from your public library, don't be that douche-bag who writes in them. <br />
<br />
5. <strong>LSAT scholarships (from LSAT tutors!)</strong>. Professional LSAT tutors occasionally offer unbelievable scholarships. My guess is that most behemoth test prep companies can't do this (despite their vast riches) because it's plain bad economics. But smaller, self-employed professional tutors can give of their own time (without having to deal with burecratic BS). Ask your LSAT tutor if he/she has scholarships available. <br />
<br />
If you know of any other free LSAT prep options, please share!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-43433031803531681982012-04-07T12:37:00.001-07:002016-01-02T08:23:29.134-08:00Waitlisted AGAIN?! What now?<b><span style="font-size: large;">What does it all mean?</span></b><br />
First off, let's talk about what it actually means to be waitlisted. Some folks like to paint a grim and dreary picture for waitlisted applicants. In the name of "waking you up" and "helping you see reality" they tell you to "forget about it and move on." But shut those party poopers them out, especially if you've been waitlisted at your top choice school. <br />
<br />
By waitlisting you, here's what law schools might be saying:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>I want you:</b> but your numbers are less than ideal. Most folks who are waitlisted aren't there because their personal statement sucked. If you've been waitlisted, then as far as soft factors are concerned (i.e., essay, resume, etc.) you're probably golden. The problem is your LSAT or GPA. So DON'T go WRITE more ESSAYS for the school to read (with the exception of the short Letter of Continued Interest - LOCI).</li>
<li><b>I'm just being polite:</b> some law schools waitlist an applicant just to be polite. They think you're a great applicant, but they just can't admit you. So instead of giving you a automatic *ding*, they waitlist you. Personally, I think this is more cruel than an outright rejection because they are giving you hope, when there's really no hope for you.</li>
<li><b>I'm not sure if you really want me:</b> law schools, like many of us, are insecure. They don't want to be rejected by you (because it affects their US News rankings). If a law school thinks that every other law school wants you, it may waitlist you - just to see how much you want it back.</li>
<li><b>You make me look good, but you suck at writing:</b> your numbers are GREAT. But somehow your writing just lacked luster. If you're in this category, and you've been waitlisted, it REALLY REALLY sucks because had you worked harder on refining your essays, you'd be accepted. But on the other hand, you ought to be thankful, since most folks who fall under this category are usually automatic *dings*.</li>
<li><b>You look good and you write well, but your people tell me you suck:</b> this is the worst of all categories. You may have done everything correct. But still, you get waitlisted because one of your recommenders tanked you with a few negative jib-jabs.</li>
</ol>
Most students lack the experience to figure out which category they fall under. DON'T go calling the admissions office and badgering them about this. That's not how you do it. A little bit of objectivity is all that's required. I'll cover this some other time.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Getting off the waitlist and onto the go-list</span></b><br />
Most students just sit on their butts and wait. You'll never get off the waitlist that way. If you are seriously interested in attending a school that you've been waitlisted at, start doing the following:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Read the Instructions Carefully!</b> First and foremost, if a school says, "do not send us anything," they mean it. So don't send anything. On the other hand, if a school asks you of something, do it.</li>
<li><b>Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)</b> This isn't suppose to be another essay. Your chance to write essays has long gone by. Rather this is meant to be a simple, clear, and direct letter that tells the school how enthusiastic and eager you are to potentially attend the law school. Don't waste the letter regurgitating trite facts about them or you (e.g., school rankings, your GPA, etc.). Instead do some research and write about why you are both meant to be together.</li>
<li><b>Keep in touch</b>. This doesn't mean badger them with emails/calls everyday or every week. I tell my clients that once a month is sufficient. But don't just write for the sake of writing. Update them with pertinent/substantial happenings in your life, such as higher LSAT score, new job, promotion, etc.</li>
<li><b>Visit the school</b>. If you live nearby (or happen to swing through the geographic region), visit the school and help them put a face to the application. Again, don't become a pest. Always be polite, and approach the admissions in an enthusiastic and sincere manner. Tell them you're still immensely interested in the school. Ask them for a tour.</li>
</ol>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940631962727154901.post-79054302576092052212012-04-03T19:50:00.000-07:002016-01-15T20:44:30.687-08:00LSAT Scare - Overblown?When you've been doing this as long as I have (ten years!), there are some questions you get asked every year, on the one hand, and there are questions that return in waves every four/five years, on the other hand.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Questions of the latter type include:</div>
<div>
"Is law school a doomed/stupid option - (given that article I read last Tuesday)?"</div>
<div>
"Has the paradigm shifted?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I want to address these types of questions. The norm (that makes sense to any rational person) is that the number of law school applicants spikes, when the economy takes a downward turn. Today, the economy ain't so hot, yet the number of applicants are no where near spiking...in fact, it's the exact opposite - the number of applicants are plummeting.<br />
<br />
Perhaps law practice (in general) IS doomed. But as any good LSAT test taker knows there may be alternative explanations/conclusions to the evidence. While I agree with the pessimists that law school ain't the same, I disagree with the extremists that blatantly call all who apply to law school "naive idiots."<br />
<br />
The law is here to stay. As long as we are a law driven liberal democracy, we will always need good lawyers to protect our rights. And as long as America is a capitalist society, businesses will need attorneys to help grow their profits. Lawyers are always going to be needed.<br />
<br />
While some may argue that there are already <i>way too many</i> lawyers, I would argue that we don't have enough<b> </b><i>good lawyers</i>. I recently volunteered as a poll watcher in Chicago. My good friend is the senior staff attorney of a large non-profit organization; he asked me to volunteer. I happily agreed. While I thought that the event was a success, I later learned that he had difficulty recruiting enough attorneys. Later he told me, "Dave, most law grads flock to the big law jobs, but there are so many industries and areas of life that need really good attorneys."<br />
<br />
Look, my point is simple. If you are going to law school purely for the sake of making money, I would discourage you from going to law school. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be rich or wanting to make tons of money. But just as we are critical of medical students who got into medicine purely to become filthy rich, we are critical of attorneys who choose the law purely for the sake of making $160,000 right off the gate. Choose the law because you have an inherent passion beyond money. Think carefully and critically before you choose to invest $150,000+ into your grad school education.<br />
<br />
In an odd way, I am sort of happy that the economy is the way it is. It's caused pre-law students to be more careful and cautious. For those who decide to apply to law school despite the big red label warnings (see <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/business/09law.html?pagewanted=all">here </a>and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/20/business/for-lsat-sharp-drop-in-popularity-for-second-year.html">here</a>), good for you! I trust that you are intelligent enough to weigh your options and understand what you're getting yourself into. Don't say you haven't been warned. But also, once you've made the decision, don't let the party poopers ruin your dream/passion. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0