<p>OK, so I’m a sophomore in college and really motivated to getting into chicago or northwestern. I just took the lsat for the first time ever, untimed. I wanted to get a <em>feel</em> as to how I could do, in pure understanding of questions. Granted I didn’t time myself, but this is also the first time I have even LOOKED at questions. I achieved a 155, and I know this is weak. I figure to get into chicago/nw with my predicted gpa (3.7) I’m going to need a 170. Is this an attainable goal? Would you expect me to be able to reach this by june of 08 when I plan to take the test? Would a 155 untime, with a years worth of studying work, be able to move into a 170 timed? Thanks for the responses/replies, I appreciate your input.</p>
<p>Get prep books geared specifically towards those sections giving you the most trouble and take as many practice tests as possible. I myself am in the process of preparing for the LSAT, and like any other standardized test, one of the key obstacles (indeed, perhaps the primary obstacle) is familiarizing oneself with the test to the extent that nothing comes as a surprise.</p>
<p>That said, I think a year’s worth of preparation is more than enough time to achieve that sort of score, though it really all depends on how well you learn these sorts of techniques.</p>
<p>Also, I would point out that it is incredibly difficult to gain acceptance at Northwestern straight from college. I think something like over 80% of their incoming class each year has had at least a few years of work experience before applying. Northwestern is one of those few schools that places a huge emphasis on work experience.</p>
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<p>True. But the LSAT is still what makes or breaks your application at Northwestern. With a 155, I think it’s safe to say that an applicant’s chances at Northwestern are so small that he or she is just giving them a donation by applying. </p>
<p>The more I learn about law schools admissions, the more cynical I become because the LSAT is so absolutely influential, and I am skeptical regarding the true success predictive power of the LSAT.</p>
<p>Good luck with your studies Lax! I doubt that anyone can tell you whether or not you’ll be able to raise your score to 170, but it’s certainly possible, as others have accomplished this feat. No doubt, however, that it could require much work.</p>
<p>Lax,</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the test is undergoing changes with the June 07 exam (to RC) so hold back a little until after the test is administered because I am quite sure there will be some changes in test prep books and classes to reflect the “new” test.</p>
<p>I had the opportunity to attend the law school forum in NYC this past fall and spoke to the admissions deans at Northwestern and Chicago (to name a few).</p>
<p>As you may have read here before, Northwestern is a law school that has a preference toward work experience. Any student coming straight from undergrad with out one year of non-school related work experience, it is mandatory that they interview.</p>
<p>At Chicago, the associate dean of admissions stated while they do take students from undergrad, maturity is important. They don’t want a student who simply just goes to class, studies and does nothing more. </p>
<p>He stated that working whether it is paid or volunteer along with living on your own does give some students the maturity that hey need. I did ask the next level question because D has internships, a study abroad program, ECs, volunteer and leadership experience under the belt as an undergrad and his response was those are all good things that help demonstrate maturity, </p>
<p>He also said that they admit a small number of students on the condition that they defer one year and work, volunteer etc.</p>
<p>I would also suggest running your numbers through the LSAC search engine to see the likelihood of being admitted to certain schools (just based on the numbers ) with your scores and gpa</p>
<p><a href=“Search for Law Schools – LSAC Official Guide | The Law School Admission Council”>Search for Law Schools – LSAC Official Guide | The Law School Admission Council;
<p>I also think that the best $50 you will ever spend will be on the purchase of following 2 books:</p>
<p>How to Get into the Top Law Schools by Richard Montauk (which is a very comprehensive book over 500) that discusses the process from beginning to end. </p>
<p>the other book I recommend is Anna Ivey’s Guide to Law School Admissions. It is a quick read and has a lot of useful information.</p>
<p>Anna Ivey (former Dean of Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School) also has a colum -Ask Anna as well as a blog (you can do a google search)</p>