<p>So I'm entering my junior year at Cornell University and beginning to think about law schools, but I realized that I truly know nothing about law school admissions. I know that law schools place a huge emphasis on grades and LSATs, but I really don't know what kind of LSAT score is "good." I don't have a point of reference the way I did for SATs. </p>
<p>I have a very strong GPA at Cornell-- Currently a 4.12 (though that will probably go down slightly by the time I actually apply to law school). I imagine though that I can keep my GPA above a 4.0. I also have leadership in a lot of student groups and have a part-time job during the school year, but I don't know if that counts for anything for law school. So basically, I guess what I'm asking is, what kind of LSAT score will I need to look at top 15 law schools with my GPA? (I know my LSAT score will likely be worse than the rest of my credentials-- I'm really bad at standardized tests. I do well on practice tests and then freak out on the actual exam and screw up). </p>
<p>So I guess given my poor test-taking skills, what kind of minimal score would be necessary for me, given the rest of my application, to look at good law schools?</p>
<p>For the top 14 schools, a 165 is pretty much the minimum. </p>
<p>Include your (presumably low) SAT scores with your application. Some schools want to know if your testing overpredicts or underpredicts your actual performance. If your SATs were low and you did well in college, you can make a very convincing case that your LSAT will likewise underpredict your performance.</p>
<p>Aside from that, I would strongly, strongly suggest studying for the LSAT much more than you need to. If you freak out on the actual exam, consider learning relaxation techniques (although the LSAT is often taken in a huge room where the proctors will give you the laser death stare if you breathe the wrong way) far in advance. Also, consider that law school exams are similar to the LSAT - one, high-stakes, time-pressure exam. If you can take Valium or something beforehand, get that all straightened out now. I'm not trying to send a successful, rational person to the therapist - just want you to know what is in store.</p>
<p>If possible, take the LSAT in a rural area - get away from the cow-herding thing, which makes even the calmest of people a bit antsy.</p>
<p>Some anti-anxiety medication could be helpful. :) I know someone who did substantially better after taking it. Stopped wanting to cry before exams and could actually shine.</p>
<p>Haha, thanks for the advice, although I think I'd rather not medicate myself. I'll just practice a lot and aim in the practice tests for a few points higher than I would like to actually get on the real exam.</p>
<p>Dear Bad: Many people don't realize it, but taking a full-day exam is physically taxing. The tension in the room, all by itself, can produce stress and strain on your muscles. In some cases, it can even cause actual pain, all of which makes it much more difficult to concentrate and keep the juices flowing in the right way. You need to be in good shape, having had a good rest the night before. Relaxation techniques is one way to cope with that but, being forewarned, you might be able to figure out a few things that would work with you.</p>
<p>Here are some non-medication techniques. Arrive early for the test, not at the last minute. Have a decent breakfast. Don't bring any study materials with you, or if you do, just look up a little thing - and slowly.
Have some water handy for an occasional sip. If you start to feel the tension, stop for a few seconds and look around the room, observing how crazy every one else looks.</p>
<p>Drew-- I didn't do poorly on the SATs. I did fine and it was good enough for Cornell. I just didn't do as well as I did on practice exams and the PSATs. I also didn't do that well the first time I took the SATs, which is why I'm kind of nervous about the whole one-shot deal. But that's ok, I'll just practice a lot.</p>
<p>Not to make a mountain out of a molehill, but I would be a lot more concerned about doing well on law school exams (usually 3-4 hour exams on which your entire semester grade is based) and passing the bar exam (2-3 consecutive entire days of tests depending upon the state) than with doing well on the LSAT if anxiety is a tremendous problem.</p>