LSAT Prep Recommendations - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

VladtheImpaler · 05-08-2009, 08:27 AM

I just showed up and wrote it, but then writing GMATs, LSATs, GREs and that sort of crap is about all I am good at.

FWIW Aaron Rennert graduated a year ahead of me, and their program was well spoken of by people who took it. I look at all these tests as basically IQ tests, so I figured there is no point in studying for them.

Slava · 05-08-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

I just showed up and wrote it, but then writing GMATs, LSATs, GREs and that sort of crap is about all I am good at.

FWIW Aaron Rennert graduated a year ahead of me, and their program was well spoken of by people who took it. I look at all these tests as basically IQ tests, so I figured there is no point in studying for them.

I totally agree with this sentiment. I wrote the LSAT a number of years ago (and thankfully some kind-hearted friends talked me out of going the distance!). I did some practice tests just to see what it was all about, but I'm of the thought that you really can't study for these things.

The worst part about the LSAT wasn't the test itself. To me it was the fact that you have to sit there all day. I usually write my tests pretty fast and basically get it over with and get out of there. With the LSAT though you're just stuck sitting there waiting for the timer to end on each particular section.

valo403 · 05-08-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gargamel

Right now, firms aren't even hiring from the top schools, but usually you get plenty of interviews with average grades from a top 30ish school, especially if their career services people are good. Having a proactive career services office might not seem like a big deal, but if I had it to do over again, that would be my number 1 priority in choosing a school.

Couldn't agree more. I have an absolutely horrid career services office, the extent of their advice is 'did you look online?' I utilized my own connections to make things happen, but it was much more difficult and stressful than it should have been.

The legal market, at least the big firm market, is changing. If that's where you're expecting to wind up you should probably start coming up with a plan B just in case things don't work out. Not that it can't happen, but right now people are getting laid off all over the place and hiring policies are being revamped. Let's just say as someone entering that market now it's a bit of an unnerving place to be.

blankall · 05-08-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

I just showed up and wrote it, but then writing GMATs, LSATs, GREs and that sort of crap is about all I am good at.

FWIW Aaron Rennert graduated a year ahead of me, and their program was well spoken of by people who took it. I look at all these tests as basically IQ tests, so I figured there is no point in studying for them.

I disagree. As someone who use to teach SATs, you can alter your mark pretty dramatically. Obviously there is a talent component to these tests, but there are also issues of confidence, familiarity, and strategy.

Proper preparation can easily result in a 10 point swing, which is pretty huge on the LSAT.

You have a point in the average LSAT writer might not be able to pump themselves up to the 99th percentile, but they might be able to go from being average, 50-60, to above average, 70-80, with proper preparation. That difference will decide whether you get into law school or not.

As for the market stuff, yeah it is absolutely crazy right now. I know many top students who were not hired on at big firms after articling and cannot get hired at the smaller firms because they lack experience.

I ended up getting jerked around to end up in a small litigation firm. Something I wasn't overly happy about a year ago, but my job prospects are relatively good. My friends at large firms who spent the last year writing memos for large securities groups are in trouble.

troutman · 05-08-2009, 10:44 AM

The large firm is over-rated.

VladtheImpaler · 05-08-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

The large firm is over-rated.

What? Are you saying you like going home at 3:30? I do, but I am lazy.

blankall · 05-08-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

The large firm is over-rated.

Yeah, but it's funny how easily you get sucked into wanting to work at one of them during law school.

I know so many law students who told me they wanted to work in human rights or international law on day 1, but ended up getting an articling job they hate with a big firm.

onetwo_threefour · 05-08-2009, 12:14 PM

Never really wanted to work in a big firm although I did go in the match and interviewed at several. I summered, articled and have stayed at the same two-man firm for my whole career.... (well so far anyway). There's definitely trade-offs though.

rubecube · 01-05-2012, 12:17 PM

Bump.

So does anyone have a good recommendation of where to get old LSAT tests online, or is my best bet still a bookstore? I'm registered to take the one in June.

valo403 · 01-05-2012, 12:43 PM

Seriously? Another one of you wants to become a bitter and jaded person? What the hell is wrong with you?

There are a few sets of sample questions out there but I don't know that you'll find all that much. LSAC has a previous version on their site, that's the only actual test I found but there are likely more out there but they're likely not free.

rubecube · 01-05-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valo403

Seriously? Another one of you wants to become a bitter and jaded person? What the hell is wrong with you?

I'm already bitter and jaded. This just seemed like the natural course of progression.

corporatejay · 01-05-2012, 01:45 PM

I went through Kaplan, although that was in like 2003 so I have no idea if they are still relevant. It was ~$1000 but it was worth (it forced me to actually study) and in the grand scheme of all the costs associated with school and the profession it was pretty minimal.

C-Four · 01-05-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubecube

Bump.

So does anyone have a good recommendation of where to get old LSAT tests online, or is my best bet still a bookstore? I'm registered to take the one in June.

I've got some older prep books lying around if you want them, in decent condition. PM sent.

bubbsy · 01-05-2012, 03:32 PM

My Cousin Vinny should more than suffice....

No?

morgin · 01-05-2012, 08:46 PM

www.lawstudents.ca

Iowa_Flames_Fan · 01-05-2012, 10:21 PM

As someone commented earlier, the challenge with the LSAT isn't the difficulty of the questions--they really aren't all that hard when you break them down and figure out how they're put together. The challenge is time.

For that reason, there's no substitute for practice tests--REAL practice tests--in my opinion. Get your hands on as many as you can and practice, practice, practice.

It is kind of a fun test, actually--once you get the hang of it.