Law School Application + LSAT Questions

[Mint]

Hey All,

I'm currently assessing work and careers and the whole "what do I want to do with my life" question.

I'm considering applying for law school and have the following questions:

1. The current deadline to apply at OUAC is November 1st 2006 (to be admitted in 2007). It indicates that they must receive the references and transcripts as well.
- Are they flexible with the time to receive all the information? or can I submit my application and continue to provide the personal statement, ref and transcript afterwards?
-When filling out the application, do you have to indicate the schools you wish to apply for by the November 1 deadline?

The reason why I'm wondering about the above, is because I want to write the LSAT test first before I spend money on the application fee ($250 + depending on how many school you apply to). Although two+ months seems like adequate time, my work schedule is pretty busy and two months zip by quick.

2. Are there any sample tests to download and practice test? Is 1 month enough time to study (I can likely spare 10-15/wk to study)? Are the LSAT scores carried over to the following year. e.g lets say I do well, but know I don't have enough time to prepare my application. Rather than rush, I would rather hold off until the next year (to prepare it properly); would the score be carried over? or would I have to write the test again?

3. Any people out there who have applied? Comments on 'realistic' LSAT scores required to get in? What is the official website for booking a sitting?

TIA

[83_gemini]

First of all LSAT scores last for, I believe, 5 years. The average age of starting law students is around 25-there's no rush.

While one month may be enough time to study it depends where you start from. Low 160s would be enough, with a decent GPA (say an A-) to get in somewhere though it might not be where you want to go. What scores and marks you need/want depends entirely on where you want to go.

I spent 2 months just preparing for the LSAT (maybe 20 hours a week-you burn out if you study too much) and I increased my scores (with a course) by a lot. It is possible to study without a course. LSAC sells practice LSATs, you can buy study books and practice tests at Chapters etc.

OLSAS (OUAC's law admission arm) needs all the info (including the schools you want to go to) in by November. There is some flexibility (but not much), but because of rolling admissions any late information may adversely affect you. I sent my info on time. The non-Ontario schools have their own deadlines and direct application processes.

Applying to law schools can be an intense experience. I found it stressful, but with 2 months to study (mid April-early June) and several more months to gather references and write the necessary essays (really it only took me a month) I did well on the LSAT and finished my application well before the deadline.

One resource that may help you a great deal is the site www.lawstudents.ca

They have an excellent and lively forum with tons of information not only about the application process, but also individual schools.

[Mint]

Thanks for the info gemini. I think the best option for me, woud be to push and study for the October 2006 LSAT sitting (how long does it take to publish the scores?). Is there typicall a wait on booking a sitting?

I was hoping that I can hold off on the detailed info on the application (i.e which school to apply to) until I did my LSAT and found out my scores.

Hoping to get into a Toronto school, but those apparently are the two hardest ones (Uoft & York). Graduated with ~ 3.7/4.33 in the top 3 years at Ryerson. The UofT website indicate that they're looking for a LSAT score in the top 95th percentile!

[83_gemini]

You'd do best to check the forum-I can't do GPA conversions since I went to Queen's. It is true that UofT's LSAT's requirements are very high. But if you get over 165 (90th percentile) and have an A- average, you could probably get into Osgoode.

There often is a waiting list for LSAT spots. You'd have check out LSAC for details. Some people choose to write in London etc. because there's space there.