redter82 (2022-2023)

2-21-09 Starting to get really nervous. LSAT score comes back next week! Hoping for the best. I got a rejection letter from U. of Ark today, which is really, really bugging me, considering my new lsat score is released in about a week. I mean, couldn't they have waited to see the score?! I marked on my app I was retaking it. Not cool.

Also, received a big package from Western State today about financial aid, but there was no rejection/acceptance letter with it. Anyone know if this is standard?

2.24.09 I made some stupid errors on applications to SIU Carbondale and U Arkansas Fayetteville, which I think contributed to the early denial, even before my new LSAT score was released. Dumb me. Either school would have been great. I was so interested in SIU I flew to the area for a family visit (I live in Hawaii, so it cost like $1,000 for the flight) and toured the school. This was in Nov. 08. I really liked the school and the admissions office. Plus, I like outdoors and the area was simply beautiful. So, totally bummed. Praying every day for Valpo admit, since I'm originally from NWI and want to go home for law school. I'm hoping LSAC posts LSAT scores this Friday. They say it's going to be Monday, but in October it took 20 days, and Friday will be 20 days from the test.

My boyfriend keeps asking me how I did. I have no clue. I can't remember anything from the test. I felt better walking out of it this time than I did last time, but I still had that pit-of-the-stomach dread. I just want to know the score so I can deal with it, because if it's as bad as the first one, I need to probably plan something else to do. and if it's where I think it is, I will definitely get into one or two of the schools where I applied.

Question: I always hear of people scoring WORSE than their practice tests on LSAT but is that the norm? Do most people score in the same range? Has anyone ever scored better on the LSAT than on the practice tests? My practice tests ranged from 143 to 159, so I really have no clue at all where I stand. I am easily distracted and focus on time too much.

Example: I start thinking about time. I look at the clock. I then start thinking about the time I'm wasting looking at the clock. Then i spend a second trying to discipline myself to get back on task, then i get nervous that I've spent too long on this train wreck of a thought process, then i realize i'm supposed to be reading this dense text paragraph in the reading section, then i reread the paragraph. Then, im nervous while i answer the questions because i have to get to the next set and will i have enough time to finish the last questions, or will i have to fill in the bubbles, and ruin my future, and this guy next to me wont stop erasing. He must be on the logic games section. I wonder how they decide who gets what test.

What goes on in my brain is exhausting. It's sort of funny and it sort of isn't. Anyone else experience this?

2.25.09 Got an e-mail from IU Bloomington today saying to disregard the rejection letter I received in the mail, and that my file was on hold until my new LSAT score is released. YAY! But even at the top of my expected LSAT range, this school would be a reach for me. Still, hearing something that I thought wasn't an option is now an option is always good news.
This prompted me to send U of Ark an email, telling them I was surprised to receive a denial letter a week before the LSAT was released. (My app. mistake was that I said i was retaking the LSAT 09-07-09 instead of the real date, 02-07-09.) I informed them if the mistake (typo) itself was enough to be disqualified, I accept that, and I know many people sent flawless applications. but also asked if the reason was because they were not aware of the new LSAT coming and that decision was based on the old LSAT, then if they would reconsider. I know of the two U Of Ark schools, I have a better chance at Little Rock than Fayetteville -- much like I have a better shot at IU Indy than IU Bloom -- getting a second look isn't a bad thing. Man, I'm itching to know my new LSAT score!!!!

(I should also note, SIU Carbondale is willing to reconsider my application if I get a 150 or higher on the LSAT.)

2.26.09
I'm checking for my LSAT every hour. Seriously. I think I've gone mad.

2.27.09

151 LSAT. I'm stoked. For many, I know, this isn't a fantastic score, but I scored 144 last time, and I didn't have a tutor, and I work full time, and I really, really wanted this, so badly. I really wanted to score better than 150. And I did. So it's totally a personal victory for me, and there were a lot of happy tears today. I'm going to law school now for sure. I'm not a 140er anymore. (Not that there is anything wrong with that, because I know what that's like.) I went from 23rd percentile to 49th percentile. That's pretty astounding, to me. I hope today's LSAT scores brought everyone good news.

Let the rejections/waitlists/acceptances begin! Let's find out where I'm going next!!!

3.8.09
A few status checkers indicate some applications have gone to complete. I haven't heard from any school yet. Hoping to hear before end of month. I'd like to lock in where I'm going before too long. Did my Fafsa, but bummed it wont let me list all schools -- only 10.

3.11.09
Loyola Chicago sent me an email, asking for an explanation as to why my LSAT score was higher the second time. I replied.
Went complete at several schools -- Western and Loyola New Orleans for sure.
Called Valpo 3.10.09, was told it may be 8 weeks before I get an answer from them. EIGHT WEEKS?!? So, like, in mid-May??? woah. Well, at least I wont have to put down deposit money if i want them to hold a seat while I wait to hear from other schools.... Valpo is a top choice due to location, but money, rankings there and elsewhere could change my mind in the end.

3.16.09 -- ACCEPTED AT WESTERN STATE WITH A $12,000 SCHOLARSHIP!! FEELS GOOD TO BE GOING TO LAW SCHOOL FOR SURE! Have until April 30 to put down a $300 deposit.

3.18.09 IN AT SIU CARBONDALE! FINANCIAL AWARD TBA IN MID-APRIL! YAY! THIS JUST BUMPED WESTERN STATE OUT OF THE RUNNING! CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT TOMORROW BRINGS! Have until April 15 to put down $200 deposit.

3.19.09 IN AT WILLIAM MITCHELL!!! Anyone have any input on this school? I havent been able to visit there.... Have until April 21 to put down $500 deposit. (wow.)

3.23.09 -- withdrew from Western State. Scholarship was nice, but didnt like the whole provisional ABA status thing. Plus, too far from home. (Indiana.)

3.24.09 IN AT BARRY WITH SCHOLARSHIP. Called Loyola Chicago, they said a decision has been made and a letter's been sent. No word yet at Hawaii, Blooimington, or Arkansas, Little Rock. Left message at IU Indianapolis.

3.25.09
Ideally, I'd like to be accepted to all. Here are my predictions for remaining schools:
Valpo -- accepted.
U Wisconsin -- denied.
UNLV -- denied.
University of Hawaii -- accepted? Just because I live here and they favor residents. My LSAT is sort of low for them, though.
U Ark Little Rock -- accepted.
Texas Wesleyan -- waitlisted.
Ohio Northern -- accepted.
Michigan State -- denied.
Loyola New Orleans -- accepted. maybe with money.
Loyola Chicago -- denied.
John Marshall -- accepted.
IU Indy -- accepted? Refusing to believe I'll be denied...
IU Bloom -- denied.
Hamline -- waitlisted.
Case Western -- denied.
California Western -- waitlisted.

Basically, I'm going to SIU unless Indiana University, Hawaii or Wisconsin call. U Ark Little Rock might also be worth considering if I get in...

Realistically, I see myself in either Indianapolis or Carbondale.

GENERAL ABOUT ME:
Looking to get in to Law School for Fall 2009. I've retaken the LSAT and an anxiously awaiting my score. I think the second time around, my likely range is 148 to 152.
First time, it was a 144. Not good.
My GPA was 3.02, but I've been a journalist for three years, two in Hawaii, one in Indiana. And I was awarded the 2006 Alumni Committed to Excellence Award from Purdue Calumet, from the English Department. I was editor in chief of my college newspaper, and have won several awards for writing and journalism.
I'd like to go to Valparaiso or IU Indy.