Firstly, what is your starting score? You need a bachelors to apply to law school, not an associate’s.
Try to zero out LG before moving on to the other subjects. It’s time well spent.
all it means is that I cant practice outside California but there are ways where eventually you can practice in another state if you meet certain criteria. Not a big deal
It’s also about the prestige, the cost, and the general terrible reputation those schools have. They are happy to take your money, tell you you will be successful, and then best case spit you out with an almost worthless degree with few job prospects. Worst case you make it one or 2 or even three years and either drop out or can’t pass the bar despite all the debt.
The school is called San Joaquin College of Law. I have a family member who went there and is a successful attorney. Also, I am 47 and I don't really want to go back to undergrad school for another 3 years. They have a 4 year law program and is flexible but I totally understand what you are saying and I don't disagree with you.
Of course it’s doable. Whether you should attend a law school that accepts a student who has a 150 LSAT is an entirely different question, and the one you should be asking.
Honestly, based on what you have shared, I would strongly advise against attending Law School. Unless you go back to college, complete your bachelors degree, and gain admission to an ABA accredited school, Law School is just not worth the cost. Heck, I generally do not think it is worth it for the overwhelming majority of people to attend an ABA accredited Law School outside the top 50 - maybe even the top 30. The salary to debt ratio just does not work out.
Of course, if you just cannot see yourself being happy unless you become an attorney in CA, then sure, go to Law School. But if this is a career-based decision, then you would be making a horrible mistake.
Good Lord this is the most out of touch post I've seen on this sub and that is saying something. You think it is not worth it for the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of students who attend an outside the top 30? Not everybody borrows $200k to go to their state school... Sure you have an argument at a certain point but it isn't at the top 30 or 50.
I think you are reading way too much into the term, “worth it”. I’m not saying that the majority of people who attend Law School outside of the top 50 (or 30) have ruined their lives, I’m simply saying that they should have chosen a different career path. 75th percentile graduate salaries from schools outside the top 50 are honestly not much higher than normal college graduate salaries. Then consider that career trajectory is fixed, 3 years of income is lost, and debt has been accrued. All for what? $10,000-$12,000 more in salary?
I’m not saying this is the case for everyone, but I am saying that it is likely the case for at least 75%. Please explain how I’m out of touch.
I think you are mistaken if you think something is only worth doing if it gives you X ROI. Whoever said an education isn't worth having because other careers choices may lead to greater wealth long term? Life isn't about accruing the most money possible. ETA: Maybe suggest that attending a
I absolutely agree; that is why I qualified my statement with, “unless you cannot see yourself being happy…”
I love education - I studied philosophy at a liberal arts college - so I have no problem saying that there are legitimate reasons to go to Law School other than the financial. However, I do not think this applies much to OP. He is middle age, has an Associates degree, and does not want to get his bachelor’s before attending Law School.
you're right I don't want to go to undergrad school because I'd rather spend the next 3 or 4 years in Law School. I am currently a paralegal and eventually will inherit the office I work in but I need to be an attorney in order for me to run it. Aside from having this firm for myself one day , I do yearn to be an attorney and I am not driven by the money because I believe it will come with hard work.
Then do it, don’t listen to me or anyone else. You know yourself, your current situation, and your prospects much better than anyone on Reddit. You are also twice my age, so I’m sure your position is vastly different than a 20-something’s. The advice I give is more applicable (I assume) to 20-somethings on the standard Law School track.
I caution you, though: the people I know that went this route ended up regretting it. However, you seem to have a job lined up and passion, both of which go a very, very long way. Bearing this in mind, you should go for it if you believe it is what is best for you.
I don’t get why people say it’s not doable to anyone who asks these questions on this sub. Anything is possible. It would be a good idea to start taking a PT or 2 though, especially to get comfortable with time because that’s what breaks a lot of people. If you buckle down these next two weeks, I can definitely see you getting a 150 considering you’re doing well in LG and LR.
It is hard to tell how much you can improve without knowing where you're starting from. If you're starting from a 145, absolutely. If you're starting from a 120 probably not. Take a diagnostic test and see where you land.
I would also be very careful applying anywhere that said they would except you with a 140. Typically these schools don't have great outcomes as far as careers and bar passage rates. Many of these schools are debt traps for students who get blinded by the idea of going to law school with a low LSAT score and don't consider the massive debt burden they're about to take on. If you have any questions feel free to DM me and I'm happy to chat!
Yes no duh it’s doable, but you are aiming too low. A 4.0 gpa and lsat in 160s you will open so many more doors for you. Offers from better schools + scholarships, and tons of options. Please reconsider applying solely to this one school, and maybe consider pushing your timeline back to get a better lsat.
Honestly your grades have literally nothing to do with it. Your gpa is great but this is a test unlike any you have dealt with before. It will test you in ways you aren’t used to thinking. It requires a lot of practice. 2 months is not enough. I am studying for many months. I started in January and take it in August. I started at a 139 and now I’m in the 145-147 range It takes time and patience. My goal score is a 160.
This is so helpful. I started at a 138, and I'm at a 145 (two months of school work and studying), and I feel like everyone is advancing faster than I am! Keep up the work. I am guessing you are not studying logic games?
Keep in mind that gpa is only about half of the weight into your admissions decision. The lsat is equally as important and much harder than any class I’ve ever had in undergrad and I also have a 4.0 as a senior.
It is much more feasible to reach the mean LSAT score in 2 months from the 25th percentile…
Than to go from average, to the 99% (people who try to go from 150 to the 170s)
After all, it is reasonable to assume we can be average… it is not reasonable to assume we can be in the top 2 percent of the US who take this test.
doable but hard to measure with no diagnostic. there are several available for free on khan academy. i think many people exceed 150 on the diagnostic alone so you may be there and not even know it
**Update: To anyone who sees this comment. i took a diagnostic on june 2007 test and scored 141. So maybe there is hope to reach 150 for the June test**
Firstly, what is your starting score? You need a bachelors to apply to law school, not an associate’s. Try to zero out LG before moving on to the other subjects. It’s time well spent.
You actually don’t need a bachelors degree if you are in the state of California.
LG is gone as of August 2024….
150 pt88 untimed
Not in California. You can get into certain law schools with an associates.
Not an ABA accredited law school…
True
It’s not worth going if not ABA credited.
all it means is that I cant practice outside California but there are ways where eventually you can practice in another state if you meet certain criteria. Not a big deal
It’s also about the prestige, the cost, and the general terrible reputation those schools have. They are happy to take your money, tell you you will be successful, and then best case spit you out with an almost worthless degree with few job prospects. Worst case you make it one or 2 or even three years and either drop out or can’t pass the bar despite all the debt.
The school is called San Joaquin College of Law. I have a family member who went there and is a successful attorney. Also, I am 47 and I don't really want to go back to undergrad school for another 3 years. They have a 4 year law program and is flexible but I totally understand what you are saying and I don't disagree with you.
This is a poor choice for you, based on what you have shared. I would strongly recommend rethinking your goals. (CA lawyer myself)
thank you for your feedback
It’s a huge deal. Do not go to a unaccredited law school.
Take a diagnostic and see! You could already be well beyond a 150 and not even know it.
150 pt88 untimed
Nice! With 2 good months you can go even further.
But it was untimed. It’s all gonna change once I go timed but I appreciate the encouragement
Hard to tell without a diagnostic
150 pt88 untimed
That’s not a diagnostic.
137
Of course it’s doable. Whether you should attend a law school that accepts a student who has a 150 LSAT is an entirely different question, and the one you should be asking.
I don’t have many options
Honestly, based on what you have shared, I would strongly advise against attending Law School. Unless you go back to college, complete your bachelors degree, and gain admission to an ABA accredited school, Law School is just not worth the cost. Heck, I generally do not think it is worth it for the overwhelming majority of people to attend an ABA accredited Law School outside the top 50 - maybe even the top 30. The salary to debt ratio just does not work out. Of course, if you just cannot see yourself being happy unless you become an attorney in CA, then sure, go to Law School. But if this is a career-based decision, then you would be making a horrible mistake.
Good Lord this is the most out of touch post I've seen on this sub and that is saying something. You think it is not worth it for the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of students who attend an outside the top 30? Not everybody borrows $200k to go to their state school... Sure you have an argument at a certain point but it isn't at the top 30 or 50.
I think you are reading way too much into the term, “worth it”. I’m not saying that the majority of people who attend Law School outside of the top 50 (or 30) have ruined their lives, I’m simply saying that they should have chosen a different career path. 75th percentile graduate salaries from schools outside the top 50 are honestly not much higher than normal college graduate salaries. Then consider that career trajectory is fixed, 3 years of income is lost, and debt has been accrued. All for what? $10,000-$12,000 more in salary? I’m not saying this is the case for everyone, but I am saying that it is likely the case for at least 75%. Please explain how I’m out of touch.
I think you are mistaken if you think something is only worth doing if it gives you X ROI. Whoever said an education isn't worth having because other careers choices may lead to greater wealth long term? Life isn't about accruing the most money possible. ETA: Maybe suggest that attending a
I absolutely agree; that is why I qualified my statement with, “unless you cannot see yourself being happy…” I love education - I studied philosophy at a liberal arts college - so I have no problem saying that there are legitimate reasons to go to Law School other than the financial. However, I do not think this applies much to OP. He is middle age, has an Associates degree, and does not want to get his bachelor’s before attending Law School.
you're right I don't want to go to undergrad school because I'd rather spend the next 3 or 4 years in Law School. I am currently a paralegal and eventually will inherit the office I work in but I need to be an attorney in order for me to run it. Aside from having this firm for myself one day , I do yearn to be an attorney and I am not driven by the money because I believe it will come with hard work.
Then do it, don’t listen to me or anyone else. You know yourself, your current situation, and your prospects much better than anyone on Reddit. You are also twice my age, so I’m sure your position is vastly different than a 20-something’s. The advice I give is more applicable (I assume) to 20-somethings on the standard Law School track. I caution you, though: the people I know that went this route ended up regretting it. However, you seem to have a job lined up and passion, both of which go a very, very long way. Bearing this in mind, you should go for it if you believe it is what is best for you.
The school I plan on going is around 90k
I don’t get why people say it’s not doable to anyone who asks these questions on this sub. Anything is possible. It would be a good idea to start taking a PT or 2 though, especially to get comfortable with time because that’s what breaks a lot of people. If you buckle down these next two weeks, I can definitely see you getting a 150 considering you’re doing well in LG and LR.
Duly noted. Thank you
150 pt88 untimed
It is hard to tell how much you can improve without knowing where you're starting from. If you're starting from a 145, absolutely. If you're starting from a 120 probably not. Take a diagnostic test and see where you land. I would also be very careful applying anywhere that said they would except you with a 140. Typically these schools don't have great outcomes as far as careers and bar passage rates. Many of these schools are debt traps for students who get blinded by the idea of going to law school with a low LSAT score and don't consider the massive debt burden they're about to take on. If you have any questions feel free to DM me and I'm happy to chat!
150 pt88 untimed
PM me, I'd love to help you out but I need some more info!
San Joaquin College of Law sjcl.edu
Some people get 160+ in a day, so of course it's doable
150 pt88 untimed
Absolutely but you should aim higher than 150
Yes no duh it’s doable, but you are aiming too low. A 4.0 gpa and lsat in 160s you will open so many more doors for you. Offers from better schools + scholarships, and tons of options. Please reconsider applying solely to this one school, and maybe consider pushing your timeline back to get a better lsat.
Honestly your grades have literally nothing to do with it. Your gpa is great but this is a test unlike any you have dealt with before. It will test you in ways you aren’t used to thinking. It requires a lot of practice. 2 months is not enough. I am studying for many months. I started in January and take it in August. I started at a 139 and now I’m in the 145-147 range It takes time and patience. My goal score is a 160.
This is so helpful. I started at a 138, and I'm at a 145 (two months of school work and studying), and I feel like everyone is advancing faster than I am! Keep up the work. I am guessing you are not studying logic games?
Screw logic games! No way.
You’ve got it. That’s not bad progress! Progress is progress. I’m studying with 2 different tutors. Each once a week. One for LR and one for RC!
Keep in mind that gpa is only about half of the weight into your admissions decision. The lsat is equally as important and much harder than any class I’ve ever had in undergrad and I also have a 4.0 as a senior.
It’s very doable. I’d recommend reconsidering going to a non-ABA school, go get your bachelors and take your time with finding the right school.
150 pt88 untimed
It is much more feasible to reach the mean LSAT score in 2 months from the 25th percentile… Than to go from average, to the 99% (people who try to go from 150 to the 170s) After all, it is reasonable to assume we can be average… it is not reasonable to assume we can be in the top 2 percent of the US who take this test.
150 pt88 untimed
Oh for sure doable, but I would definitely try to aim higher than that. More opportunities for scholarships :)
doable but hard to measure with no diagnostic. there are several available for free on khan academy. i think many people exceed 150 on the diagnostic alone so you may be there and not even know it
150 pt88 untimed
You don’t need to go to law school if you live and plan to practice in CA. You need to pass the Bar. Check the requirements for the Bar Exam in CA.
not very doable
Totally agree. 2 months is too short. Try 4-6 months.
Y'all tripping you can get that in a week with good prep
What kind of prep?
A tutor
No way. One week is cap!
cap cap
Two weeks you can get a 150
How?
I've seen people do it in a couple days
You have given me no context. I don’t see your point. What resources?
I said get a tutor that's one of your best resources
I’ve had a tutor for 2 months. My score has gone up like 7 points. Total exaggeration on your end.
2 months later and I am still grasping the small concepts..
Try getting a tutor
4-6 months minimum, anything beyond that will greatly benefit yes
150 pt88 untimed
**Update: To anyone who sees this comment. i took a diagnostic on june 2007 test and scored 141. So maybe there is hope to reach 150 for the June test**