The Law Schooler

My Anticipation for My Score

2005-06-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

I took some time off because I had nothing to write about. This coming monday (maybe even earlier) I will finally find out my LSAT score. I can finally be able to determine if I'm cut out for law school. I'm a little nervous but anxiously awaiting my results at the same time.

If all goes well, I will then start the application process and determine which schools to apply to. I have to figure this stuff out before I start grad school, because by that time, I'll be too busy to juggle applications and grad work at the same time. There is a great possibility that I may receive my score this weekend instead of monday. Going by past experience, it is very likely that LSAC will send out the scores early. They did the last time I took the test. I kinda have a feeling I did a lot better this time around but with these tests you never know what the outcome will be. I'll just keep praying and hope for the best whatever that may be. Whatever happens, it was meant to be whether good or bad. :)

The Law Schooler

The LSAT is Finally Past Me...

2005-06-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

The LSAT is finally over and now I can relax for a few weeks. The June test was pretty fair I think. I had two reading comp passages, one obviously being experiemental. One passage discussed economy and critics, another talked about Japanese-Canadian immigrants, another discussed these animals called Proghorns and the last I forgot.

I went into the test center feeling pretty good and calm. I started out with the two reading comps and I zip through the first logical reasoning section. After the 10 min break, I started the next LR section and finally games. The games section was the toughest for me. The first game was a linear game trying to figure out how to place some animals in 8 spots. The next game dealt with two sets of music tapes and how they can be played. The third game dealt with cities and the types of storms that passed through them (Hail/Rain/ or both) the last game dealt with members of a subcommittee.

I was one of many who received the new writing section. You pretty much have to analyze the reasoning of a passage. That's pretty much it. Let me tell you that it's great to have a test at 12:30 pm because it gives you so much time to actually wake up and do some things before leaving. If I would have had to test at 8am, I would have probably done a little worse. I believe that my score will go up but who knows with this test. I'll have to wait till June 27th to receive my score by email. Im so glad my course is over and done with. I really believe that it helped me cope with the stresses of this test. I would really recommend Powerscore to anyone taking the LSAT.

The Law Schooler

The Final Week of LSAT Madness

2005-06-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

Well, this will be my last entry before the LSAT on monday. I'm a little nervous but still fairly calm. I have no choice but to remain calm and focused because if I don't I'll only be hurting myself. I am seeing a big improvement with the logical reasoning section. Now, everytime I read one of the questions, I always prephrase before I start answering the questions. That way I have an idea of what the stimulus is specifically talking about. Most of the wrong answers discuss things that are irrelevant to what the stimulus is discussing.

Also, this is my final week of class. Saturday is my last class. By the same time next week I'll have an idea if I'm really cut out for law school. This will be a short entry because there isn't much to say other than the fact that my LSAT trials and tribulations will soon come to a close. My main plan of attack is to take my zanax pills right before the test and go with the flow.

This week I am also winding down. I'm taking it easy, trying not to stress too much over anything and to get as much rest as possible. Since the exam starts at 12:30 in the afternoon, I'll probably go to bed around 10 or 11pm the night before. Too much sleep may leave me feeling more tired and too little will not allow me to focus enough. On the morning of the exam, I'll try to buy some Red Bull and eat carbs, because carbs are good for your energy level. With that, I bid you adieu and wish me luck, as I walk through the LSAT sunset :)

The Law Schooler

Classes for the Fall 2005...

2005-05-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

This week, I made my schedule for the Fall 2005. I'm will be taking 12 credits and will have class three days a week, mondays, wednesdays and thursdays. I will be taking Criminology, Adult Incarceration, Prosecution & Courts and Research Methods. Most of my classes will be held from 6pm-8:40pm. I'm so excited. The earliest time I have to be there is at 2pm. I'm so glad I won't have to fret over the morning commute.

Also this week, I went to the shrink for a follow-up appointment. She increased my Lexapro dosage to 10 milligrams and also prescribed Zanex (1.2 mg dosage). She recommended that I try out the Zanex right before my practice test this saturday. The pills remains in your system for five hours. As long as I'm taking these medications, there is no reason or excuse for me to be nervous.

Finally, my LSAT course is going well. I do not have class today but I do have my last practice test this saturday. We went over the new type of writing section which consists of analyzing the soundness of an argument. I did the same thing for the GRE so I'm certainly not going to stress over this. My LSAT is on June 6th @ 12:30 in the afternoon. I can't believe how this month just flew by. It's kinda scary. I have one more entry before the test so till next week!

The Law Schooler

On Grad School's Doorstep

2005-05-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

This has been quite a week. Last thursday night, I found out that I have been accepted to the graduate School of Criminal Justice. I will be pursuing my Master's degree. My first day is September 1, 2005. I am so excited. I received this huge envelope from the school with a red folder detailing everything I have to do for the next coming months. I already started my financial aid stuff. I guess all the GRE crap paid off. I was so nervous that I would not be accepted. I don't know what I would do if I weren't, but who cares because that's no longer an issue. Im so glad that I can put all the grad school worries behind me and now be able to focus on my classes. The entire program consists of 36 credits, 18 credits of which are required courses ranging from criminology to statistics. I have the option of either composing a research paper that will count towards three credits or a comprehensive general final examination at the end of the program. I'm not quite sure which one I'll choose. I have to speak with an advisor on that. Since the school is in Newark, that means I'll probably have to commute by train. That's the sucky part. We'll see how that works out.

In other news, my LSAT course is going well. I took a practice test this past saturday and went down three points from a 150. I wasn't too upset with that because I was really tired that day and didn't really put as much effort into it as I should have. It's still a 7 point improvement from my original LSAT. I have another test on the 28th. Hopefully that one will be an improvement. I have class tonight.

The Law Schooler

10 Points, Baby...

2005-05-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

This past saturday, I took a another proctored LSAT and jumped my score from a 140 to a 150. Within a matter of two weeks, I was already able to jump ten points. On other tests, I was usually scoring 4-8 points on the games. Now I'm scoring 12 points. On the logical reasoning sections, I was scoring 7-10 points now I'm scoring 13-14 points. Im still scoring 15 points on the RC section, but I still have time to improve. I have class tonight and another practice test this saturday. I noticed that I'm getting mostly method of reasoning, flaw in reasoning, parallel reasoning, and the point of issue questions wrong. We still haven't covered those questions yet, so maybe with more practice, I'll improve the 4-5 points I need. This past week we also went over science passages of the RC section. I do the worst on those. Gotta improve.

Also in LSAT news, I just registered for the LSAT today. Fricken thing cost me $173 because I registered late. I had no clue that the last day of regular registration was on May 3rd. Oh well at least I registered. Of course it's gonna be held at Mercer Community College. The same place where I took the December LSAT and freaked out. I'll have wonderful memories of that place.

Also, I'm still waiting patiently by the mailbox for my acceptance or rejection letter from grad school. Hopefully by this time next week I'll receive an answer.

The Law Schooler

The Final Reporting for the GRE...

2005-05-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

Another blah week has passed. The only significant thing that happened this week was the fact that I finally received my official GRE score report and my score for my essays. Out of a scale from 1-6, 6 being the highest score, I received a 5. I scored in the 71st percentile for that section. I didn't think I would score that high. The average score is a 4. Anyway, as soon as I received my score report, I faxed it over to the school. They should be receiving their official copy soon. I called the admissions office and they said that it will take one to two weeks for them to make a decision. I didn't realize they can make a decision so quickly. I'm a little nervous about that because I'm not sure what I will do if they don't accept me. I'll have to think of something else. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

In LSAT news, my course is going well. This week we learned about assumption, strengthening and justify questions. We also learned about advanced linear games and politically correct reading comp passages. The funny thing about these types of passages is that the makers of the LSAT can criticize white American males such as critics, doctors, lawyers or authors, but they can not say anything negative about minorities or females. These passages usually describe the struggles of a minority group or female author and how they overcame those struggles. I found these passages to be quite amusing not because of the content of course, but rather because they have to be so politically correct. I have class tonite and my second full length practice test this saturday. Wish me luck!

The Law Schooler

In A State of Blahness...

2005-04-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

This has been a pretty uneventful week. Nothing significant has happen this week except for the fact of me mailing out my last LOR to the school and attending my LSAT class. After my official GRE scores are sent to the school, it will now be up to them to decide if they want me as their student. I have to think positive and keep my fingers crossed. The school as of now has my personal statement, my resume, my transcript and now my LORs. They are still waiting for my official score report. I should find out this week how I scored on the essay section of the test because it takes at least two weeks to find out.

In other news, my LSAT class is going well. Tonight I have another session @ 6pm. So far, we went over "must be true" questions a.k.a. inference questions, linear games, some reading comp, weaken questions etc. I see a gradual improvement in the # of questions I'm getting right. I still have a lot more to go and do. This week will be the first saturday session I will have to attend. From now till the end of the course, I will have to go there three days a week instead of just two. Except for this saturday's class, every other saturday will be a practice exam. I have three more to take. Till next week!

The Law Schooler

A Post GRE World

2005-04-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

Well I finally took the GRE and let me tell you that it was far easier than the LSAT depsite the math section. As soon as I completed my "session" I was able to find out my score. I got a 520 on the math section and a 430 on the verbal. I was expecting to score much higher on the verbal and much lower on the math. Oh well, good enough for me. I also had to compose two essays on the computer for the analytical essay part. On the verbal section, there were still vocabulary words that I didn't know despite learning at least 500-1000 vocabulary words. I would have never expected to score higher on the math. I totally suck ass at math. I should receive my essays score in another week or so. They score them based on a 1-6 scale, 6 being the highest score. I finally feel free now to focus on the LSAT. I've been studying for the GRE since January. What a relief! After I came home from the exam, I was in such a good mood and felt so relieved that I never have to worry about the GRE. All I need to worry about now as far as grad school is concerned is receiving my last LOR so that I can mail it to the school. Once that stuff is mailed out, I'll have to wait 4-6 weeks for a decision from the school. Hopefully it will be more favorable then my law school experience.

In other news, I also started my LSAT prep course last thursday. I took a practice test and scored a 140 again, but I didn't fret over it too much because I just started and I was still pretty rusty with that test. Also I took the test after eight hours of working and no dinner. I was also very tired. Anyway, I have another class tonight and one on sunday. The homework is really helpful (40 pages) and my instructor is really good. She scored a 175 on her test and is an expert on the logic games. She graduated from Rutgers law school. Im really excited about this class and hope everything works out in the end.

The Law Schooler

The Day Has Finally Come To Walk the Plank...

2005-04-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

Well today is the big day! Today is the first day of my LSAT course. I am taking my first practice test tonite. HELP! lol. However, I'm actually not that nervous. Maybe because it's just a practice test, but also I have to drill it in my head that being nervous is not going to get me anywhere. I was reviewing the December 2004 LSAT that I totally freaked out on and was doing some of the questions. Out of 10 questions I attempted, I only got one wrong and I did my best on the logic games part! I couldn't believe it. I think it is true when some people say that that section is the one section where you really can see your improvements.

Also, I'm taking the GRE this saturday. HELP! I'm a little nervous about the math section because I'm so bad with numbers. But like the LSAT, getting nervous is not going to get me very far. I just have to go to the test center and just take the damn thing and never think twice about it. The verbal section for me at least, is more workable. Despite the fact that no matter how many words I learned these past few months, I still don't know a lot of them. It's almost impossible to fricken memorize the entire dictionary! I guess I have to either guess what a word means based of the context or look closely at their prefixes etc. Unlike the LSAT, I'll find out my verbal and math scores as soon as I finish the test. Yikes! There is also a writing section where I have to compose two essays on a computer. One where I have to write about a particular issue and another where I have to analyze and discuss the soundness of an argument. I will know by next week where I stand with a lot of things. Wish me luck!

The Law Schooler

The Calm Before the Storm

2005-04-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,

This has been a pretty uneventful week. However, I've been assiduously studying for the GRE which is next saturday. Also, I finally put a deposit down for the LSAT course which starts next thursday. I feel that no matter how much I study, time is not on my side. The weeks and days fly by quicker than the speed of light. The more time I need, the less I seem to have.

Next week is gonna be crazy. Like I stated before, this is gonna be the calm before the massive storm that is soon to develop. Not only do I have my first real practice LSAT this thursday but I also have to squeeze in my final studying for the GRE.

I really hope this all works out in the end. I am a little nervous that this may all blow up in my face. The stakes are higher this time around and I have a lot more to lose. However, I have noticed that after a week of taking these pills, I do seem a lot calmer and I am able to concentrate a lot more. I will see how this works out in another 4-5 weeks.

The Law Schooler

LSAT Druggie

2005-03-31T09:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Everybody,

I accomplished a lot this week. Like I mentioned last time, I applied to grad school. Well, I sent out all the materials I had to send to the school except for my LORs which are still pending. I received one of my LORs in the mail, but since I waived my right to read it, I can not open the envelope and must directly send it to the school. However, I was able to read some of it through a light. My English teacher said something to the effect that I'm an ideal candidate for their school because I have extensive experience with the criminal justice system.

Also this week, I finally saw a shrink. Last Tuesday, I went to the doc and talked about my test anxiety and how it has affected my life so far. She asked me about the LSAT and how I freaked out when I took it. She prescribed me this medication called Lexapro. It is supposed to help with people who had this anxiety disorder called GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and depression. I think I have GAD so this medicine should help. The difference between regular anxiety and GAD is that if anxiety prevents you from performing everyday activities such as in my case taking a test; sleeping, or dealing with your finances, then you may have that disorder. In my case this pill will calm me down to the point where I will be able to concentrate on this exam and hopefully do well. It takes 4-6 weeks to see the real results. The doctor also said I need to get my thyroid checked out because that also my be the culprit for my anxiety problems. Since the thyroid secretes many types of hormones, those hormones may affect my mood and ability to deal with anxiety. Take care.

The Law Schooler

My Last String of Hope Has Been Cut

2005-03-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Everybody,

Well, it's been two weeks and a lot has happened. On a positive note, I had a great time in Miami. It was so warm and sunny there and I went to all the beaches. I so needed that vacation. When I came home, I felt so refreshed and ready to face everything that came my way. Of course a few days later (yesterday to be exact), I received another flimsy envelope from none other than Seton Hall. I knew right away that I was rejected. I didn't even feel like opening the envelope because this was already becoming routine for me. In their letter, they stated that because the number of applicants has increased enormously in the past 3 years, they can only accept less than 25% of their applicants. AKA (We are number whores and only care about a three digit number) Damn number sluts :) I guess I should say FUCK you Seton Hall!

Suprisingly, I wasn't upset at all. As weird as it sounds, I was kinda of relieved because now I can finally make real damn decisions as to what I wanna do for the next few months. Because of that, I applied to grad school one day before I received my rejection letter. I applied to a criminal justice master's program. I also registered for the GRE and am taking it on April 16th. So naturally, im studying my ass off and hope for the best. Im a little nervous about the math section, but I have to think positive. Anyway, I also typed up my personal statement and talked about how I love criminal justice blah blah blah. Happy Easter!

The Law Schooler

A Week of Reflection

2005-03-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Everybody,

Well, one full week has past since I received my rejection from Rutgers. I try not to think of it as something negative because it really isn't when I come to think of it. I suprisingly have put it behind me and have been able to reflect on it and move on. Although any rejection hurts no matter what, I see it now as an opportunity to better myself and give myself another chance at this whole thing. I want to be able to look back at these times and just laugh my ass off at these struggles.

I still have not heard anything from Seton Hall, but I kinda know what to expect. I used to camp by the mail box, but now I just go to it just for the sake of checking the mail. Although not hearing from them still gives me a little sliver of hope, I know deep down that what awaits me is probably not good.

After my rejection from Rutgers, I discussed more in depth about the LSAT course with my dad and possibly other options as well. He said I should give myself another shot and take this course just to see if I can get my score up. He also said I need to change my outlook on this whole thing. I have to stop thinking that I'm gonna fail and just be positive. I need to overcome my test anxiety. Your attitude has so much impact on your success. As far as other options are concerned, I just need to think about what I can do if this law school thing doesn't work out. But right now I want to focus my attention on this one thing. Also, on March 29th, I have an appointment with a psychiatrist. I'm hoping that this doctor's visit will help me clear my head and steer me in the right direction for this test. I'll discuss the doc thing more in depth in a future post.

Today I am leaving for Miami. I will be spending a week there enjoying the warmth and beaches. I hope this vacation will leave me rested so that when I come back, I can have a clear head and be able to start this whole thing over again in April.

The Law Schooler

Breaking News.... Rejected from Rutgers (Fucktgers)........

2005-03-03T20:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Everybody,

Well, my trip to the mailbox today was not pleasant . I received a flimsy envelope from Rutgers Newark. They said that they can not grant me admission due to that fact that so many "diverse" applicants apply and not everyone can get in. AKA, Your LSAT score fucking sucks and we only accept people with numbers that aren't below the "mentally challenged" level.

I have to admit, this letter stung me like a bee, but suprisingly I didn't wail like an asshole, which I usually do. For some sick reason, I feel relieved that I finally have an answer and can start planning accordingly.

Now, I am still waiting to hear from Seton Hall. They are probably gonna sting me like Rutgers did. Oh well, the show must go on and I must continue with my quest to get my ass into law school. No reason to cry over spilled milk. Hello GRAD SCHOOL!

The Law Schooler

False Alarm in the Mail Box....

2005-03-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Everybody,

Just the other day, I went to the mail box to check on my "imaginary" applications, because that's what they seem like at this point. I saw a big envelope from Seton Hall in the mail box. I thought my heart was gonna jump out of my body because it was a big package! I said, OMG I am accepted! I opened the envelope and it turned out to be another fucking application from them. I was like what the fuck is this? Why are they sending me another application when I applied more than two months ago? I was so pissed off. I called the school and asked them why I got this package. The suprisingly nice lady told me that they are just getting caught up with their application requests. She checked my application status and told me that it's still being reviewed. She said I should find out their decision in another 4-6 weeks. What the hell, I called them three weeks ago and they told me the same thing! WTF! Maybe if I call them in another three weeks, they'll say I have to wait another 5-7 weeks! Ugh, I need to know something soon because I have to start developing other plans.

Till next week,
The Law Schooler

90 Years Later...and Still Waiting.........

2005-02-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Everybody,

Well, yet another week has past and the mailbox is still filled with junk mail and bills (No law school rejections). I don't know how much longer I can take to get my rejection letters. Whatever the outcome maybe, I'm gonna take it one day at a time and go with the flow.

These schools have to send me something by March because I can't be in limbo till im 90 years old. Im probably gonna have to take a powerscore course and accept my failure for this year. Im gonna apply to grad school in April and take the GRE that same month. I hope that test isn't as much of a failure as the LSAT was.

Good news is that im going on vacation in 2 weeks to Miami. I figured I can use the break before I kill myself with LSAT mania once again. Hopefully by next Thursday, I will have some news whether good or bad.

The Law Schooler

Cob Webs on the Mail Box

2005-02-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Everybody,

Well, another week has past since my last post and no new developments. I went on a website that shows you different people's stats as far as their lsat scores and gpas are concerned. No body with my "numbers" has gotten accepted to into the schools that I have applied. Everyone that was accepted pretty much scored around the high 150s and 160s. Oh well, that's the way life goes.

Even though my chances are very slim, I still amazingly have a string of hope. I don't know why I do, but I guess it's because I haven't seen physical proof yet that I have been rejected, even though I pretty much know.

My GRE studies are progressing. I continue to learn new vocabulary words that probably older, gray-haired men wearing red robes and smoking their pipes would use. Most of the words are ridiculously stupid and useless. I also purchased a GRE math workbook. I haven't started using it yet, maybe cause i'm lazy. I can't stand the math section :(

The Law Schooler

Camping by the Mail Box

2005-02-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Everybody,

Well, I applied to two law schools (Rutgers Newark and Seton Hall). I don't think I have a chance at either one because of my low LSAT (140). I totally screwed the whole LSAT up because I blacked out due to my nerves. I attempted to retake it in December, but I blacked out again and ended up cancelling the test right on the spot. I called the schools and they told me just to apply anyway because anything is possible and it depends how I "sell" myself to the admissions commissions. Even if I have a 2% chance of acceptance, it's worth applying.

Since this is my first entry, I might as well introduce myself. I am a recent college graduate of Rutgers University. I graduated with a BS in Administration of Justice. I thought that after my graduation, opportunity would be knocking on my door. Boy, was I wrong. Before I graduated, I decided to take a year off from school and just relax and be able to focus on the LSAT and other things. I decided to apply for a full time job and see how things go. I thought that with my degree, I'd be able to get a high paying government job. One month later, I had no choice but to take a job as a receptionist because "opportunity" skipped my door. That aspect did not bother me as much as my failure on the LSAT.

Back to present times, I know my only chance of getting into a school if i'm denied admission this year is to retake the LSAT. If it comes to that point, which most likely it is, then I will take it in June 2005. I plan to take a full prep course and fork over almost $1200. Unfortunately, it took me months to realize the magnitude of this one test and how important it is in the admissions process. Right now, im stuck in this weird void of nothingness, i.e. the black hole. My whole life is on hold and I don't want to jump into anything until I have proof that im rejected.

I already have a Plan B in case this thing doesn't work out this year. I want to take the GRE and go get my masters in criminal justice. Rutgers offers a one year program. I figure that instead of wasting away for another year, I might as well get another expensive degree while im waiting to reapply to law school again. Thanks for putting up with my rambling.

The Law Schooler