The Chilling Effects Clearinghouse "aims to help you understand the protections that the First Amendment and intellectual property laws give to your online activities."
Preparing for the LSAT is my closest understanding to doing battle with a Balrog. In proper LOTR fashion I fear I have fallen into a bottomless pit of Logical Reasoning and Analytic Torture, the phrase "You shall not pass!" echoing as I fall. I feel certain that I will emerge from my test slightly dazed, wearing white, and claiming "I have passed through fire and deep water, since we parted. I have forgotten much that I thought I knew, and learned again much that I had forgotten."
I've been a real pain in the ass, too. Molly and I spoke in some detail on Friday night. We were both feeling the pressure of this endeavor. I must devote myself to studying and accomplishing some degree of preparation. I've made a commitment and I intend to succeed. This is difficult as I am also committed to Molly and our relationship is more important that any test (standardized or otherwise). She has been great throughout all of this, really supportive.
Molly, you are fantastic. Your support is seeing me through this. Thank you.
I must appologize to my housemates, Peet and Dave. If I'm not studying, I am with Molly. If I am not with Molly or studying, I am eating or sleeping. Either way, I am saying very little and contributing little to the living arrangment. Sorry guys. Hang in there.
The good news is I am easing into the notion of "Process over Performance." After a poor practice test and a weak timed practice session, I have found that my timing is ok (~84 seconds/question on average) for the LR sections of the test. It's my approach to the question types that sucked. I was getting caught up in the details. Imagine that--me caught up in details ;-)
So I reviewed what I was missing. The moderate to very difficult assumption and inference questions were knocking my scores down. I was only getting about 50% correct on the LR practice tests (under timed conditions). After some sold work to round out the weekend, I am pleased to see that I am getting better at these question types. I still have some problems with the Assumption questions, but I nailed the Inference practice questions (only 3 wrong out of 52!)
I'm pleased. I'm tired. I'm blogging instead of sleeping.
Gettin' There...
Studying for the LSAT continues in earnest. I have a stack of flash cards that I made to review keywords. I think the last set of flash cards I had was in middle school. I've now taken two practice LSATs--one last Wednesday and one Saturday morning. My scores were 147 & 150, respectively. Respectively is an LSAT keyword.
My scores are respectable, I think, for my first efforts. The timing on this test is a bear. You really have to watch the clock and stay focused. Logic games are killing me. My answer sheet gets sparse on this section. I felt confident about my efforts, particularly in the Analytical Reading sections. Still, I am often letting my own biases filter into my thoughts when working under pressure, and I make some assumptions that taint my decision processes (about half the time, from my scores ;-). Practice and patience, I guess. I picked up the Official LSAT 10 practice test booklet this weekend, as well as a study guide for preparing in a month. I'm excited, nervous, and getting better.
Molly has been great in scoring my tests and encouraging me as I go. I look forward to a successful test and a nice party the evening of the 8th for me, for Steph's birthday, and for Molly's going-away celebration.
Something to work for.
167, here I come.
DFC had mentioned in passing that the law circles have become some of the most avid users of blogs. I didn't really understand the connection until I decided over the last two weeks to finally throw down and tackle the LSAT...
There is so much in this realm of law and policy that it is only natural to find an outlet for the many thoughts and ideas in a forum that can quickly express and compose thought. Since I announced to the world at large ("Hey World at Large!") that I was chosing a career in law, I've discovered a rapid current of other students, apprentices, attornies and counselors for whom the language of law is a passion. It is an expression of idea, reason, and rationale that has incredible power for good or for evil.
I am starting this blog in order to chronicle my journey. There will be many. May this be the first digital footstep.