The Test: The LSAT

To all of my future lawyers, some changes have taken place at the test centers where you will be taking your beloved entrance exam. The changes were implemented this past June. Below are the highlights (as printed on the official LSAT website):

• Items permitted in the test room. Tests takers may bring into the room only a clear plastic ziplock bag, maximum size one gallon (3.79 liter), which must be stored under the chair and may be accessed only during the break. The ziplock bag may contain only the following items: LSAT Admission Ticket stub; valid ID; wallet; keys; hygiene products; #2 or HB pencils, highlighter, erasers, pencil sharpener (no mechanical pencils); tissues; beverage in plastic container or juice box (20 oz./591 ml maximum size) and snack for break only.

• Items permitted on the desktop. Test takers may only have tissues, ID, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpener, highlighter, and analog (nondigital) wristwatch. No electronic timing devices are permitted. This is a change from previous testing years.

• Prohibited items. Candidates are not permitted to bring into the test center the following items: weapons or firearms, ear plugs, books, backpacks, handbags, papers of any kind, calculators, rulers, timers, listening devices, cellular phones, recording or photographic devices, pagers, beepers, headsets, and/or other electronic devices. Bringing prohibited items into the test room may result in the confiscation of such items by the test supervisor, a warning, dismissal from the test center, and/or cancellation of a test score by LSAC. Prohibited items may not be used during the break. LSAC and LSAT testing staff are not responsible for test takers’ belongings.

The complete list of test center changes can be found here. In addition to the test center changes, which are important to note, because we don’t want you kicked out for rules violations, some changes have also occurred to the reading comprehension and writing sections of the test. It’s a long test, but make sure you are familiar with all the changes, rules and regulations for the LSAT. I want you all to do well! So check out the site and make sure you are in the know. :)

Two more days...

The case study is complete! Tonight is the last night of partying for a while... so let the fun times begin. I have to admit now that school starts for me in a mere two days, I’m nervous. I can’t believe I have actually signed myself up for school and plan to obtain this degree while working. I guess millions do it everyday and its not like I have kids to care for, but the reality that I will now have to study again is scaring me. But I know it will be done and two years from now when I get this degree I won’t even remember this night. For now, I’ll admit the nervousness has set in, but this semester is paid for the books are purchased and I’m ready, at this point I don’t really have a choice.

The Case Study

Today's post will be short. I'm tired and I still have this case study I need to complete. Luckily this case study is really short. I know they won't all be this way, but I want to thank the professors for just giving me a taste of what is to come.

I want to give a shout out to all my friends that started that march toward the next degree today!

Later :)

Party like a rockstar!!!

My friends are sending me off into the world of grad school in style! We have decided that we will go out every night this week, through Wednesday, I have to be fresh for orientation on Friday morning. Not that I won’t be able to go out when I’m in school, but I’m supposed to be focused, so I am trying to get the partying worked out of my system now. Last night was awesome… got home at about 4:45am, so you can imagine I slept most of the morning. In addition to the vacation I suggest you do everything else you want to do before school so you can be fully focused!

But I do have a case study that I have to prepare for orientation so before I got anywhere tonight I will complete that… the reality is starting to set-in. Life will be different very soon :).

I'm back and I'm ready :)

So as you know I was on vacation with my family in Mexico last week. I just got back yesterday and I have to say it was the best vacation I have ever had. It was the perfect way to end the summer and get my mind right for school, which starts this week. Check out some of the highlights in the slideshow below:



When I got back I realized that we are given breaks and vacations for a reason. I recommend to everyone before you go back to school, while you are there, or if you are a professional, USE THE VACTION TIME YOU ARE GIVEN!!! That doesn’t mean you have to travel the world or spend all hard earned money; if you’re in school I know you are strapped for cash so I’m definitely not proposing you escalate your debt.

What I am saying is when you have fall break, Christmas break, vacation days, etc. use them and take the time to really relax. Turn off the phone, computer, blackberry, electronic device of your choice, and just RELAX. The more days you do it the better. Go to the spa, walk in the park, sleep, or plan a trip to Italy, whatever floats your boat, but make sure you take the time for yourself and enjoy some personal time :).

The Last Few Days

So I'm two weeks away from school. Tomorrow I'm headed to Mexico with my family, should be a refreshing vacation. I do have a case study I need to review before orientation. I'm going to print it off, should be a nice read while I'm on the plane. Good luck to all those that have started school in the past week and enjoy your last few days of summer to those who are on their way :)

One Year Later (OYL): Law School

"One Year Later" (OYL) is a new column that will highlight what has happened in the year since you walked across the stage and picked up the next degree.

Today we look at Rhonda's life since she has become a legal eagle (go girl!), you want to hear more from her, let me know at gschooldiaries@gmail.com.


1. What is the first thing you did when you finished school?
The first thing I did when I finished law school was move to Atlanta! Literally the morning after graduation the movers came, I packed up my car and hit the road.

2. Your first job after getting the next degree, how is it working out?
My transition to corporate America has been a trying one. Work for a young associate in a large law firm is very time consuming and full of politics. However, I have enjoyed the many people I've met and opportunities I've had. No matter what lies in my future, this has been a great place to begin my legal career.

3. What do you think are some of the advantages to having your degree?
I'm much more marketable with my law degree. I can do anything and go anywhere. Its practical enough to help get my friends out of speeding tickets but is prestigious enough to get me staffed on billion dollar litigation.

4. If you could change one thing about your grad school experience what would it be?
I would have studied abroad if I could do it all over again. Spending a semester in Spain would have been great.

5. Any advice for those looking to go to Law School?
Approach law school as a full time job. Your first year is the most important. As an interviewer and recruiter now I understand the importance of looking good on paper--that's what gets you in the door. Personality comes second. Study, study, read, write, discuss and study. Plan to spend at least 12 hours per day "doing law school" during your first year.

6. Thoughts? Comments? Suggestion? Speak to the people!
Going back to school is a great move. In these competitive times it takes another degree to put you out ahead of the masses. Enjoy the process because once you are a part of the real world again, there's probably no going back to life as a student!