I have applied to eleven law schools in the United States. One word to describe how I feel about that: exhausted.
Like most programs and exciting opportunities, the law school application process is tough. Not only does one need to study for the LSAT, write her best personal statements/addendums, earn letters of rec, and pay almost $100 per law school app; she must also be able to balance these crucial documents with healthy criticism. Since the process is often pressure-filled, I was sooooooo sensitive to all things law school-related. Be careful about that. Have confidence that you’ve done everything you can to prepare yourself. It’s too late to beat yourself up about how your GPA could’ve been higher or how you still don’t understand transitive logical arguments. When you get stressed, separate things that you can control (personal statements, addendums, etc.) and dismiss things that you cannot (your reportable LSAT score, that one science GE that did poorly in, etc.).
What else did I learn from applying to law school?
1) LSAC needs to hire new graphic designers to update their website. The navigation tools on LSAC need a make-over. Holla at Kanye, LSAC. You can get hooked up with some really fancy artsy shit.
2) Writing is transformative. Do your heart a favor and start early on your personal statement, addendum and resume. I know some folks claim that they get As on papers that they write the night before. Don’t listen to these people or compare yourself to them. Give yourself time to transform and learn new things about yourself.
Think of it this way, even though the very gifted Jay-Z raps completely off the dome, he spends months (sometimes years) producing music, creating art for his album cover, and thinking about track sequencing. Do as HOV does, take your time. It doesn’t have to be arduous and boring all the time. Just think about what you’re trying to accomplish while you’re sitting on the bus or walking to class. Think big. Use your imagination. Bring yourself back to your baby mind, anything is possible. It’ll make the process a lot more fun. Your product will also be more compelling and believable. Who knows? You might write your own Reasonable Doubt and what law school doesn’t want some classic rap action?
3) Try to relax and give yourself breaks. Working on apps everyday for four months is not a good idea. Working on apps every few days for four months is probably going to do you really well.
4) Get support. Ask friends and family to understand what you’re doing. You’re going to benefit from having a go-to-homie when it comes to writing help (WSPEEZY FA SHEEZY!), office supply connects (for sending letters, folders for apps, copies of transcripts, etc.), computer help (you don’t want your laptop crashing in the middle of this process; you might die) and general moral support.
5) Know yourself and your schools. Are you worthy of a place at ____ school? YES! Start your research with this attitude. Then, peep all the awesome programs that schools offer. Nobody have programs you’re interested? That’s okay, you’re going to be the pioneer to build them. Even if you don’t specifically talk about these programs in your materials at length, this process can be very inspiring and insightful about how you want to approach applications.
Posted by: Tiffany
With the nation’s recent financial instability, the idea of saving money has been a hot issue. Why didn’t we save before? Will our nation ever know how to save? Should we save our money as individuals if the whole nation didn’t get the memo? If so, where? I recently closed my savings accounts because banks impose a lot of restrictions on what I can do with my savings, and I don’t like it. However, is it important to keep money in our banks? What are the broader consequences of us not saving in tough economic times like these?
