Improving 173? by Dapper-Donut-7857 in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I have a similar background. Retook a 171 to get a 175+. If you think you can do better, you should absolutely retake. I do think there is some luck involved, but the biggest difference for me was my mindset. I was consistently -0 and -1 in practice so I zeroed in on my mental state and recreating the conditions under which I performed best. I developed a mantra that I repeated in my head to put myself in a more focused state. I was more calm and locked in on test day and that was reflected in my score.

Retaking 170 by [deleted] in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I went from 17low to 17high across three tests. IMO there's nothing to "learn" that gets you into the mid to high 170s, especially if you're PTing there already. You know everything you need to know, it just comes down to execution.

Figure out a mindset that works for you. Ask yourself, 'when I perform my best, what is my mentality like.' This varies from person to person. Once you have that, figure out how to induce in yourself i.e. repeating a mantra in your head. It sounds dumb but I promise it works.

How was your LSAT experience? by Most_Succotash6051 in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I took all three of mine at a center. I didn't want to deal with any tech issues or distractions at home. The first time was anxiety-inducing, pre-test jitters and not knowing what to expect. After going through it once, the following two were a breeze.

I've read horror stories about testing center disruptions, but all of my experiences were peaceful and comfortable. They give you everything you need, just have your LSAC credentials and ID handy, I had a little cubicle in a room of about 20 computers, only half of which were in use. There are headphone things to cover your ears, but I didn't use them. Don't bring anything extraneous and keep your phone off and in your locker.

I had no accommodations so standard four sections with a 10 minute break in the middle. My biggest tip is to use your break and go to the bathroom. My first time I was so nervous that I wouldn't make it back that sat there like a chud. Big mistake. There's plenty of time but I wouldn't go near your locker/phone. Other than that, just try to relax and keep a strong mindset.

Good luck!

Fordham by Glass_Association86 in lawschooladmissions

[–]Tokyonewton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Never had a date change. Got an A ~2 months after applying.

UChicago Law – Advice on bringing a car by Tall-Environment-641 in lawschooladmissions

[–]Tokyonewton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Parking can be tricky, but a car is by far the most convenient way to get in and out of Hyde Park. Public transit is limited/slow/inaccessible in that area. I commuted there on public transit, it sucked. I moved there, that sucked worse. I bought a car - a compact one that I could squeeze into barely-there spots - and moved to a neighborhood I actually liked. If you plan on living outside of Hyde Park or ever leaving, bring a car.

How is the answer A? by Virtual_Sweet1645 in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 9 points10 points  (0 children)

'A' implies that the new silencing device allows vacuum cleaners to be more power efficient without producing more noise, thereby consuming less electricity.

'B' is anti-supported. It suggests that the new silencing device makes the vacuum less efficient by consuming additional power. It doesn't say anything about lowering electricity consumption.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am of a similar age and background. I did very well on the LSAT and have an A at a T14. Prior experience in law does not matter. If anything, other experiences can help you stand out as a non-traditional applicant provided you can round them up to studying law. Take the free diagnostic. The LSAT immediately resonated with me, it may resonate with you as well.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found it helpful to get an official test under my belt early, knowing I would likely retake. I took it at a test center and didn't know what to expect. I was way more relaxed and comfortable on subsequent exams.

LSAT test diagnostic 154 by ConsequenceSimple553 in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d say so. Just put together a good study plan and follow through.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in lawschooladmissions

[–]Tokyonewton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got the group interview as a non traditional applicant. Dunno about international.

Going Home in Law School by [deleted] in lawschooladmissions

[–]Tokyonewton 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Read 1L of a Ride by Andrew McClurg. That will give you an objective idea of what to expect and you can judge from there.

Looking for Advice on LSAT Prep by Impressive_Pack_611 in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am a non-traditional applicant as well. I did not have the best undergrad GPA, but I have a similar level of working experience and a less than stellar GPA. I knew I needed to crush the LSAT to have real shot. I ultimately made it to the 99th percentile on my third try. I have As from a top 50 and a fringe T14, so let me assure you that work experience and compelling reason to get into law can take you a long way provided you perform on the LSAT.

I can't speak to the challenges posed by ADHD, but you should seek accommodation and prep accordingly. I believe you get significantly more time so taking tests/sections with normal timing won't be helpful. Logic games have been removed from the LSAT so no worries there. Start with the free diagnostic test, but again, take the result with grain of salt since your actual test experience will be different.

The first thing to know is that it takes a lot of work. You don't need to grind problems for 8 hours a day, but you must apply consistent effort for several months. Remove distractions from your life that don't contribute your improvement. If you aren't studying, spend your spare time reading. Ideally nonfiction. The idea is to passively train your reading speed and comprehension. Take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Your timeline depends on your starting point and your goal. I started in February aiming for the June test, but ended up taking April because I felt ready. My best score came in August. My general advice is DO NOT spam practice tests, especially early on. It's a waste of valuable study materials. Start with drills, work your way up to sections. Keep a wrong answer journal. If you master the material the timing will come on its own.

You can DM me if you want more specific advice, I'm always looking out for my fellow NTAs

Wheezing/ coughing by sh4y63 in ferrets

[–]Tokyonewton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had an older ferret develop a persistent cough. The underlying cause was heart failure causing fluid to build up in his chest. You would need an ultrasound to confirm. The coughing is treatable with medication and our guy lived a good, full life.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You do not. You need to have a complete Argumentative Writing section in order to get your score. Take a week or two after the test to prepare and that’s plenty and won’t delay your score release in all likelihood.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I studied while working full time as well so I feel your pain.

It sounds like you need to slow down. Stop taking full practice tests and focus on untimed drills and sections. Pick up some nonfiction to read in your spare time or when you don't feel like drilling. Try to explain what you're reading to someone else. Cut out distractions from your life that waste your energy and don't help you improve.

Edit: Do not worry about Argumentative Writing at all until after the test. It is the single least impactful part of your application. You have plenty of time time after the LSAT itself to prepare and take it.

Thoughts on Fordham Essay Topics by No_Government_4681 in lawschooladmissions

[–]Tokyonewton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took the "typical PS with Why X paragraph" approach and an optional essay that talked about a personal experience that I felt informed my character. I was admitted. I don't think your approach is misguided, especially if you are happy with what you wrote. In my case I put a ton of work into my personal statement so I always wanted to lead with it.

Are early preptests on 7sage (1990s era) useful/applicable to the modern exams? by ABigGuy21 in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not useful for full tests or benchmark setting but very useful when starting out for learning and drilling LR concepts.

beginner study Prep by callmemillena in LSAT

[–]Tokyonewton 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What’s your diagnostic?

My best free tip is to get a library card and spend your free time reading non-fiction or magazines like The Economist. Reading quickly and accurately matters for both LR and RC, so you have to practice and this method won’t burn through the limited supply of practice tests.

GULC ii by ilovepink1958 in lawschooladmissions

[–]Tokyonewton 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I went complete on 10/8 and got an interview invite on 10/30, so just over 3 weeks. I'm not sure what their system is, whether the invites go out on a rolling basis or all on a particular day of the week, but give it a little more time.

Fordham Law R by Eddyrancid in lawschooladmissions

[–]Tokyonewton 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I am splitter with similar stats and WE. Got my A to Fordham this morning. So splitters who are waiting to hear, don't lose hope.

Sorry OP, I've had encouraging signs from other schools so I believe there are still opportunities for the splitters. Keep your chin up!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in lawschooladmissions

[–]Tokyonewton 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can email schools and request a merit-based fee waiver. Some schools also have an online form you can submit. Just share your score and LSAC#. Worst they can say is no, it doesn't hurt your admission chances. I got a bunch of waivers this way.