A Guide for Expats and International Students Living and Studying in London, UK

Recent years show a steady increase in the number of international students looking to obtain higher education in the UK, focusing mainly on studying in London, as well as a raise in the number of foreign nationals living in London as part of their employment training and management requirements. This guide will focus on useful information and tips for both the international students in the UK and the large community of expatriates in London.

About London:

Rich in history and heritage, London provides a blend of past and present. With roots dating as early as 43 AD, when it was built by the Romans and named at that time Londinium, London has grown and developed with time to the huge multicultural metropolitan it is today and of the three most important financial centers in the world.

London is situated on the River Thames and with a population of close to 8,000,000, it is the largest city in the European Union. With strengths in almost all leading research and life style aspects of life, London is renowned as a global cultural capital, with more languages spoken in the city of London than in any other city in the world.

London is divided to boroughs and districts. Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It is divided into 32 separate London boroughs, each governed by a London borough council, and the City of London, which has a unique government. (total 33 boroughs). The 33 boroughs of London are divided into 14 Inner London boroughs and 19 Outer London boroughs.

The largest industry in London is finance, with more than a half of the UK's top 100 listed companies and more than 100 of Europe's 500 largest companies have their headquarters in central London. The five major business districts: the City, Westminster, Canary Wharf, Camden & Islington and Lambeth & Southwark.

Tips & Info for living in the UK:

UK Student Vida:

All international students from outside the EU need to have a student visa. The granting of a UK students visa is based on a system called Tier 4. In order to apply for a student visa, 40 points have to be counted under the Tier 4 system. These points are gained with a confirmation of acceptance for studies (also known as CAS, which is valid for 6 months from the date issued by your institution) from a border agency approved university in the UK and a proof of sufficient funding for the tuition fees and living costs. The application for the student visa must be submitted within minimum 3 months before the start of the approved courses.

Transportation in London:

London is easily accessible by all means of public transportation. You can travel in and around London by the tube, train, bus and the Light Railway (DLR). You should notice that although easily accessible by public transportation, it might get a bit expensive, so it is recommended to plan your expenses in advance by paying attention to these tips:

    Buy travel cards - these can be used on the tube lines, buses and trains and offer high value discount compared to individual tickets.
    Make sure your travel card if for the tight travel zone - London is divided to 6 travel zones (where zone 1 is the most central one).
    Oyster card - A London wide travel card which offers discounts on buses, tube lines, DLR, ferry and train fares. For students who plan to use public transport often, getting an Oyster is highly recommended.

Taxis in London - though more expensive than the public transportation routes, sometimes you will need to travel by taxi. You can either order one from the street, or simply send an SMS with the word "CAB" to 60835 and you will get back the contact numbers for a cab in the area.

Expenses & living costs in the UK:

In most cities in the UK the living costs are not high. However, London is one of the more expensive cities in Europe and the average living costs vary significantly between its different areas. A major factor in preparing a budget for the required costs of living in the UK will be the accommodation factor. Since the accommodation in London gets very pricey at the central of the city (zones 1 and 2), many foreign nationals who live in London choose the more outer areas for their residence.

For international students in the UK, the UKBA (the UK Border Agency) requires a budget of at least£800 per month for living in the outer London areas.These amounts are required for covering only the living costs and do not cover the Tuition fees in the UK which Vary between £4,000 and £22,000 annually (average of £11,000 per year).

Although an expensive city, London provides a cost-effective studying experience as many part time jobs for students are available in the city. In addition, many attractions, events, lectures and academic seminars are held for free or given at very low prices for the tens of thousands of international students and professionals residing in the city.

Medical care in the UK:

International students in the UK whose courses last more than six months are entitled to receive treatment from the UK's National Health Service (NHS) for no additional charge.

Expats, which do not have EU passports and are living in the UK will need to obtain from their employers an extended medical insurance. If living in the UK longer than a year then it is possible to receive free NHS treatments pending registration with a local doctor.

Night life:

Night life in London is famous worldwide for its diversity and intensiveness. It ranges from being a global capital of club scenes to the more localized neighborhood pubs and student bars with a taste for everyone. For those looking for the more upscale cocktail bars, a stroll down South Kensington or Walton street will provide an opportunity to mix with the Chelsea crowed.

Sightseeing in London:

With the third most international visitors in the world, four UNESCO landmarks and scores of historical, contemporary and diverse locations, London offers unparalleled scenery features. Some of the major sightseeing landmarks for a vacation in London are: Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Big Ben & The House of Parliament, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Tate Modern, Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge.

Universities in London:

London is a significant city for higher education with a global impact. With more than 40 universities, London constitutes the largest cluster of higher education facilities in Europe. With close to half a million students, from which about 100,000 are international students, London provides a multicultural, popular destination for scores of international students.

Below is a detailed list of the leading colleges and universities in London:

Birkbeck, University of London:

Birkbeck University is London's sole higher education institute specializing in evening courses and degrees with almost all of its students attending part time evening studies.

It has a multi-cultural student population with students coming from over 120 countries attending the diverse courses offered ranging from short introductory courses and degrees to full-time PhD degrees.

Rankings and awards:

    Birkbeck was ranked 111 in the world for Arts & humanities in the 2011 QS World University Rankings.
    Birkbeck was ranked as number 149 in the world in the 2011-12 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
    Birkbeck was awarded the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for excellence in higher education research.

International students in Birkbeck:

For students entering the UK on a Tier 4 student visa, the following courses are available:

• Full-time Master's programmes

• Full-time MPhil/PhD programmes

• Full-time undergraduate degrees

A small number of international students are eligible to study part time.

Brunel University:

Brunel University is located in west London. It is organized into eight academic schools covering 10 research institutes. Brunel has 15,000 full time students, with an international student population of ~2,500 attending a wide range of courses for undergraduate & postgraduate students.

Established in 1966, Brunel modern and self-contained campus offers a vivid and interactive atmosphere with various off campus activities for students outside of their curricular studies.

Rankings and awards:

    Brunel was ranked the 42nd highest ranked UK university (351st globally) in the 2011/12 QS rankings.
    Brunel was ranked 251-275 (shared ranking) by the 2011/12 THES world university rankings.
    Brunel won The University won the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011.

Courses for international students in Brunel:

Brunel offers for international students a wide range of preparatory courses, including foundation and pre-masters, pre-sessional and in-sessional English language studies, and study skill programmes which support students throughout their studies. Though renowned mainly for its engineering and design courses, Brunel also offers courses in fields such as business, computing and maths, social sciences, sport sciences, law and economics, education, humanities, health and social care, visual and performing arts as well as the environment studies.

City University London:

City University has its main campus in the Islington area of central London, with additional campuses in the city of London and in Holborn, Smithfield and Whitechapel areas. It is organised into 7 schools covering around 40 academic departments. with over a century old research experience and constant high academic rankings, City University is a a true global university, with the highest proportions of international and graduate students compared to any other university in the UK.

Rankings and awards:

    City is ranked 356th in the world in the 2011 QS World University Rankings.
    City is ranked 8th out of London universities (The Sunday Times University Guide 2011).
    City is the first UK University Student Centre to receive the Service Mark Quality Standard from the Institute of Customer Service.

International students in City University London:

    City University London is one of the most international universities in the UK with over 21,000 students coming from more than 160 countries and staff from over 50 countries.
    More than 100,000 former students from over 150 countries are members of its Alumni Network.
    City is the fifth largest higher education establishment within central London.

Goldsmiths, University of London:

Founded in 1981, the university specialises in the arts, humanities and social sciences. The college is Internationally renowned for its contribution over the years to the arts and sciences, and its department of Art is considered as one of Britain's most prestigious facilities.

Rankings and awards:

Goldsmiths was ranked in 2008 at the world's top 100 and the UK's top 20 universities for the arts and humanities, it was also are ranked ninth in the UK for world-leading research.

International students in Goldsmiths:

The university has over 9,000 students, from which about 20% come from outside of the UK from over 120 countries.

Imperial College London:

The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine is over a century old. It is specialising in science, engineering, business and medicine. It is organised into four main academic units and has around 13,500 students.

Rankings and awards

    Imperial College is consistently ranked one of the top universities in the world. Most rankings place it in the top 10 globally.
    Imperial is consistently ranked one as one of the top universities in the UK
    Imperial is one of the best universities in the UK with regards to terms of job prospects, with the average starting salary of an Imperial graduate as the highest of any UK university.

International students in Imperial college:

Imperial has students coming from over 120 countries, with a ration of over 45% of the students and over 30% of staff coming from outside the UK.

King's College London:

King's College is the third oldest university in England, founded in 1836 and renowned as one of the UK's most prestigious universities. It is organised into 9 schools and it is one of the largest centres for graduate and post-graduate medical teaching and biomedical research in Europe.

Rankings and awards:

    In the 2010 Academic Ranking of World Universities, King's College was ranked 16th in Europe and 63rd in the World.
    It is ranked 21st in the world and 6th in Europe according to the 2010 QS World University Rankings.
    In September 2010, The Sunday Times selected King's as its "University of the Year, and at that time, there were ten Nobel Prize laureates amongst its alumni and current and former faculty.

International students at King's College:

The College welcomes applications from all countries. The college has a distinguished reputation in the humanities, law, the sciences (including a wide range of health areas such as psychiatry, medicine, nursing and dentistry) and social sciences including international affairs.

Kingston University London:

Founded in 1899, Kingston offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate work spread across seven faculties in addition to various further education provisions.

The teaching and research in the university are organized in 5 faculties:

• Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

• Faculty of Business and Law

• Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences

• Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing

International students in Kingston university:

Kingston has 23,000 students including about 3600 international students coming from over 150 countries.

London Business School:

LBS has the widest range of Masters programmes among the top business schools. It's the only school in Europe, and one of only three business schools in the world, to offer a Sloan MSc programme. It's also the only top business school to offer a specialist Masters in Finance programme.

Rankings and awards:

    LBS is ranked among the top 10 business schools in the world for MBA programmes and among the top 5 in Europe.
    In 2011, the Financial Times ranked for the third year in a row the London Business School as the number one in the world for its MBA programme.
    International students in London Business School:
    Over 1,400 degree students from 130 countries graduate from the School each year.
    LBS offers over 100 clubs to a student body from over 130 countries.
    The MBA Programme at London Business School has one of the world's largest international exchange programmes.

London Metropolitan University:

London Metropolitan University is the largest "single university" in London, with more than 28,000 students. The University offers 485 degree courses (in undergraduate and postgraduate courses) as it offers the widest selection of courses in London.

London Metropolitan University faculties and schools are:

• London Metropolitan Business School;

• Faculty of Life Sciences

• Faculty of Computing

• Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Languages & Education

• Faculty of Applied Social Sciences

• Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Design

• Faculty of Law, Governance and International Relations

• Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Media and Design

Rankings and awards:

London Met's architecture department was ranked 18th and 20th in 2011 and 2012 at The Guardian University League Tables.

International students in the London Met:

    The London Met is ranked in the top ten most popular universities in the UK for international students.
    The London Met has the highest numbers of international students in the UK, from more than 150 countries.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE):

Founded in 1895, the LSE specialised in the social sciences and offers teaching across various social sciences fields such as accounting and finance, anthropology, applied statistics, actuarial science, economic history, economics, geography, government, history, international development, international relations, law, management, philosophy, politics, psychology, social policy, sociology, mathematics and statistics.

Rankings and awards:

    LSE was stated as the leading social science institution in the world by the Fulbright Commission.
    The university is renowned as one of the foremost social science universities in the world, ranked alongside Harvard, UC Berkeley and Stanford.
    LSE often scores well in the social science specific section of the THE-QS World University rankings and always ranked among the top 5 universities.
    LSE is one of only four British institutions to have never ranked outside the top 10 in any compiled league ranking table.

International students in LSE:

    London School of Economics and Political Science is among the world's most selective universities.
    It has a highly international student body with around 9,000 full time students from 140 countries.
    LSE has a cosmopolitan staff of just over 3,000, with about 45 per cent drawn from countries outside the UK.
    Over 100 languages are spoken on LSE's campus
    An influential network of close to 100,000 LSE alumni spans the world in more than 190 countries.

London South Bank University (LSBU):

Founded in 1892, the LSBU is one of the largest and oldest universities in London, holding teachings for over 25,000 students and having a staff of 1,700. The university has four faculties covering the fields of Health & Social Care, Business, Arts & Human Sciences and Engineering, Science & the Built Environment. The main campus of the LSBU is close to many of London's major landmarks and sightseeing attractions and easily reachable by London's public transport.

Rankings and awards:

    The Sunday Times University Guide 2011 ranked the London South Bank University has as 6th in the UK for graduate starting salaries.
    International students in London South Bank University:
    LSBU has over 2,000 international students coming from more than 130 countries.
    12% of the international students in LSBU come from the EU and overseas.

Middlesex University:

Middlesex University is an international university with roots in London offering over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in four Schools: Engineering & Information Sciences; Health & Social Sciences; Arts & Education and business.

Rankings and awards:

    Middlesex University was awarded with three Queen's Awards for Higher and Further Education as well as twice the Queen's Award for Enterprise.
    The Social Science Research Network (SSRN) ranked Middlesex University Business School among the top 20 international business schools in the world (and ahead of Oxford and Cambridge).

International students in Middlesex University:

    22,000 students attend the University's campuses in London, 20% of which are international students.
    A total of around 35,000 attend Middlesex University campuses worldwide.

Queen Mary, University of London

Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL or QM) has roots dating back to as early as 1785. it offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well as research opportunities in the areas of medicine and dentistry, science and engineering, humanities and social sciences.

Rankings and awards:

    Ranked 172 in the world, QS-THE World University Rankings 2011/12
    Ranked top 10 in UK for graduate starting salaries, The Sunday Times 2009
    Queen Mary achieved student satisfaction of 88% to rank equal 2nd in London
    Ranked the sixth best UK university for student employability
    Ranked 11th out of 132 universities in the UK for Research Assessment (Guardian)

International students in Queen Mary:

    15,000 students, 5,000 of which come from overseas.
    QMUL is the only college in the University of London to have an integrated teaching, research and residential campus located in central London.

Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication:

With roots in 1959, Ravensbourne college offers a design and communication portfolio with a focus on providing skills in the courses of fashion; broadcasting; interactive product design; graphics; moving image; architecture environment design; media and sound design; animation; and performance video. The university also provides a selection of masterclasses and short courses for both students and industry professionals.

Rankings and awards:

    Ravensbourne students have achieved acclaimed success in UK national competitions such as the Royal Society of Arts Design Awards (RSA), British Design in Art Direction Awards (D&AD), New Designers Awards, Graduate Fashion Week Awards and Promax Awards.
    The University is internationally renowned for its Superior media and communication innovative activity.

International students in Ravensbourne:

    The university has degrees validated and awarded by City University London.
    Ravensbourne is a popular destination for international students.

Regent's College London:

Regents offers a wide range of courses in Business and Management & the Arts and Humanities, including American and British degree programmes. It is the largest s school of private higher education in the UK.

The college has two faculties accommodating 7 specialist schools:

• European Business School London

• Regent's Business School London

• Regent's American College London

• Webster Graduate School London

• London School of Film, Media & Performance

• School of Psychotherapy & Counselling Psychology

• Internexus English Language School

International students in Regents College:

    The college is one of the most internationally diverse schools in the UK with students arriving from over 130 countries and with over 130 spoken languages on campus.
    Regent's has established links with companies worldwide, assisting students to gain work experience and find internships.

Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL):

A member of the University of London since 1900, RHUL is considered one of the most respected and prestigious universities in London and ranked in the Top 10 research intensive universities in the UK. It has 7,500 students attending its 3 faculties covering 18 academic departments in the fields of: Arts & Social Sciences; Management & Economics; Science.

Rankings and awards:

    The Times Higher Education World University Rankings raked the college in 2010 as the 13th in the UK, the 22nd in Europe, and the 88th in the world.
    As of 2012, Royal Holloway is now placed fourth amongst the colleges of the University of London federation.
    The University is listed as the 5th best university in London out of 20.
    The college is ranked in the top 20 universities for research in the UK.

International students in Royal Holloway:

• Students from over 130 countries study at the RHUL

• The college is ranked 2nd in graduate employment statistics.

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS):

A constituent college of the University of London, the SOAS specializes in history, laws, politics, development economics, humanities and languages concerning Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It is the only higher education institution in the UK specialising in these fields. It offers more than 300 undergraduate Bachelor's degree combinations, over 70 one-year intensively taught Master's degrees, as well as MPhil and PhD degrees.

Rankings and awards:

    The SOAS consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the UK.
    The Times Higher Education world rankings place SOAS 44th in the world, 7th in the United Kingdom, and 11th in Europe.

International students in SOAS:

    SOAS has the largest concentration of academics concerned with Asia, Africa and the Middle East of any university in the world.
    Over 40% of the students at SOAS come from outside the UK.
    Students from over 130 countries study at the SOAS.

St George's, University of London (SGUL):

A constituent college of the University of London and a medical school with origins in 1733, St. George's university is the UK's only independent medical and healthcare higher education institution, one of the largest medical schools in the UK andranked 2nd in the UK for the impact of its published research.

International students in St George's:

    Students in the university arrive from over 90 different countries.
    The school offers more than 35 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Diploma, Bachelor and Master levels.

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance:

Trinity Laban is the UK's only conservatoire of music and dance and world renowned for its centres of music and dance education. The Conservatoire comprises two Faculties, both regarded as world leaders in their respective fields - the Music Faculty and the Dance Faculty. All degrees offered by the Conservatoire are validated by City University London.

Rankings and awards:

In The Guardian University guide 2011, published in June 2010, the Conservatoire was ranked in the following league tables:

    Joint 1st (with Warwick) out of 87 institutions in Drama and dance.
    8th out of 71 institutions in Music.
    5th out of 35 in the specialist institutions league table.

International students in Trinity Laban:

    The institute has students coming from more than 40 countries.
    The Dance Faculty is considered as one of Europe's leading centres for the teaching of contemporary dance.
    The Music Faculty has gained international reputation as a leading institutions in the UK for music studies.

University College London (UCL):

Established in 1826, UCL is the oldest and largest constituent college of the federal University of London. UCL is organised into 10 faculties, covering over 100 departments, institutes and research centres serving its over 24,000 students.

Rankings and awards:

    In the 2011 Academic Ranking of World Universities, UCL is ranked 20th in the world and 3rd in Europe.
    UCL has been described by the Sunday Times newspaper as 'an intellectual powerhouse with a world-class reputation' and is consistently ranked amongst the world's finest universities.
    In the 2011 QS World University Rankings, UCL is ranked 7th in the world and 4th in Europe.
    UCL is consistently one of the top multi-faculty universities in UK university rankings.
    UCL is ranked first in the UK for its staff/student ratio in The Times Good University Guide, The Sunday Times University Guide and The Guardian University Guide.

International students in UCL:

    UCL has a diverse multicultural student base coming from over 140 different countries and representing around 30% of its total attending students.
    UCL has active exchange and research links with over 260 universities around the world.

University of East London (UEL):

The university of East London has more than 28,000 students over two campuses (And a third one to be opened in 2013). The UEL is also a leader in the field of distance learning and one of the top three providers of e-learning and distance learning programmes in the UK. UEL offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and it covers the educational fields of: Architecture, Computing and Engineering; Education and Communities; Sport and Bioscience; Psychology; Arts and the Digital Industries; Combined Honours.

Rankings and awards:

    The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008, rated the University of East London as the 'top modern university in London' for research
    In January 2012, UEL was awarded ISO14001 certification for its environmental management.
    UEL is among London's leading universities for employability.

University of Greenwich:

The University of Greenwich has around 25,000 students in its three campuses, servicing a broad offering of masters and degree programmes, as well as combined degrees allowing various subjects options.

International students in the University of Greenwich:

    The school has close to 5,000 international students arriving from over 140 countries, making it a very popular destination for foreign students in London.
    English language tuition and academic support is provided to all international students whose first language is not English.

University of Roehampton:

The university has its roots in the 19th century, and it is currently situated on three major sites in south west London. Roehampton has around 9,000 students.

The academic departments in Roehampton:

• Department of Dance

• Department of Drama, Theatre and Performance

• Department of Education

• Department of English and Creative Writing

• Department of Humanities

• Department of Life Sciences

• Department of Media, Culture and Language

• Department of Psychology

• Department of Social Sciences

• Roehampton University Business School

Rankings and awards:

    Roehampton University was ranked first in the country for Dance and Biological Anthropology in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
    The University is the top post-92 university in London for students finding employment after they graduate.

International students in Roehampton:

The university has students coming from over 130 countries, taking part in its leading teachings in the fields of arts, dance and performance and literature.

University of the Arts London (UAL):

University of the Arts London specializes in the studies of art, design, fashion and media. It has close to 21,000 students participating in over 250 courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in addition to over 350 short courses.

The university is comprised of 6 renowned constituent colleges:

• Camberwell College of Arts

• Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design

• Chelsea College of Art and Design

• London College of Communication

• London College of Fashion

• Wimbledon College of Art

University of West London (Thames Valley University)

The university has roots dating back to 1860. It has over 16,000 students attending over 1,400 courses. The courses and Schools of the university are ranked in the top for academic achievements in London. The University is highly acclaimed for its teachings in these fields: Hospitality, tourism and leisure, music and the performing arts, nursing and allied professions.

Rankings and awards:

In official figures published by Times Higher Education in July 2008, the university had the best graduate employment record against its benchmark in the country, with almost 95% employed within six months of graduating.

International students in the University of West London:

There are over 3,000 foreign students in the University of West London.

University of Westminster:

Established in 1838 as the first polytechnic to open in England and awarded university status in 1992. The University academic activities are organised into seven schools accommodating 45 departments and 65 research centres and it provides Professional accreditation across disciplines such as AMBA, ACCA, BCI, IET, BCS, etc

Rankings and awards:

    In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Westminster university was ranked 2nd for Communications, Cultural and Media Studies research and 6th for Art and Design research.
    The university was the Winner of two Queen's Awards for International Enterprise.
    International students in the University of Westminster:
    The University of Westminster has more than 5,000 international students coming from over 140 countries.
    The school provides Award-winning international scholarships and financial support for students.

Accommodation in London:

Finding a flat in London might be a tedious task, there are many factors to be considered (proximity to public transportation, utility costs, suitability and safety of the area, etc.). Some of the universities in London offer accommodation in dormitories and students houses in their respective campus areas, however many of the students and expats in London prefer to find a room or an apartment which is located off campus, that way they can have a more through experience of the vivid life style in London. To Find rooms and flats in London, or to meet new flatmates looking to rent out their rooms, visit http://londonlawstudent.blogspot.com, which offers all kind of accommodations in London as well as a classifieds section with students jobs in London.

How to Best Prepare for Law School

How can you best prepare for law school?

(I am assuming you are just about to start law school or are already a 1L.)

The shortest possible answer to this question is: focus on those activities that will help you most directly do well on the final exam from day one. And only focus on those activities.

OK, you say, such a simple answer, and obvious to boot.

But what does it mean to focus on the exam from day one? That, I think, is not so simple and obvious. There are a million ways you could prepare for law school, but not all of them are helpful for preparing for final exams. (And apologies if you don't understand everything I am talking about right now; you will soon.).

That is, many people will tell you, with certainty, what you should be doing to study. Other 1Ls, older students, and professors. But they do not know what they are talking about, in the case of most students, and not all of them have your best interests at heart (the professors).

Here is a quick list of things you should not do to study because they are not focused on helping you. You should not do these things even though quite a few law students do these things or swear by them:

    Brief cases. There is no greater waste of time than briefing cases. You read way too many cases during the course of a year to spend 30 minutes slowly playing "legal anatomy" by identifying each of the component parts of each case you read. But how does this help you with your final exams? Ask that to anyone who tells you you should brief cases.
    Meeting with a study group without a focus or time limit. A study group should be a source of support but will quickly become a waste of time if you discuss every doctrine or every case discussed in class. What you should do is to focus only on doctrines that none of you understands, and meet only one to two hours a week. Towards the end of the semester, meet to swap outlines and most importantly to swap answers to practice exams.

Here are some of the things you should do to do well on your final exams, even if other people think you are strange or tell you not to do these things:

    Pre-study, even before you get to law school. I mean, get an outline or treatise or book on each subject you will study in law school and read through them in the month or two before law school. While many people say you will be fine just reading what you are given in class, it is not true.
    Start taking practice exams from the beginning of the year, not just the two weeks before exams. Almost everyone tells you to take practice exams (usually old exams by the professors who will be testing you) but only at the end of the semester after you have done outlines. But this is wrong. You can start by practicing answering issue spotting exams every day for 20 to 30 minutes. This is a weird way of exam taking, nothing like anything you did in college, and you need to get used to it fast. Almost no one does practice exams until the end of the semester, largely because they don't want to realize that they suck at this. But you will suck at first and only get better if you practice more than everyone else. Another common argument is that you need to know the law well before you even take practice exams. This is mildly true but should not be a problem if you pre-study before law school such that you understand the basic elements of each cause of action or defense.

Did I confuse you? I hope not. But in short my advice is: Don't do anything in law school unless you understand how it will concretely help you do well on your final exams. You can't do everything to study; you can only do a few things, and you need to pick carefully what you choose to do.

Law Book Review

There exists a common perception in our country that laws relating to land are complex and it is expert job to understand and apply the law. Indeed, it is true that the method of land measurement system requires expert knowledge. Moreover, units to measure land are quite peculiar and not universal across the country. On the contrary, because of high growth of population and scarcity of land, land related disputes are increased day by day, which possessed about 80% of our total civil litigation.

However, apart from these scenarios, there is also real scarcity of a single academic book, which contains all aspects of current land laws. Because the area of our land law is gigantic and these subject matters are discuss individually in numerous books. When I started my carrier at an university, I was assigned to conduct classes on land laws. I can remember those days when I felt unaided because of my failure to discover an useful sole book on land laws. Consequently, I suggested a lot of books to my students, which ultimately fall them in a worthless deep ocean, where they just found mostly repealed, scattered, intricate and to some extent valueless laws. I want to give thanks to Dr. M Towhidul Islam, who takes initiative to rescue the students from that bottomless marine by his new book titled "Lectures on Land Law".

Our customary scholastic land law books typically contain history; the State Acquisition & Tenancy Act, 1950; the Non-Agricultural & Tenancy Act, 1949; provisions of pre-emption; alluvion-diluvion, acquisition-requisition and some other portion of land law individually while this book covers creation, transfer and extermination of land rights in single cover. This discussed book introduces immutable facets of land law under a single shadow, which includes provisions relating to registration, easement, public demand recovery, trust, lease, mortgage, transfer of immoveable property and other inalienable materials concerning real property; though precisely. Normally we studied these topics separately whereas global students follow this pattern to study real estate law all over the earth.

This distinct book also discusses on almost all indissoluble parts of land law i.e. land administration, settlement of Khas land, Khatiyan, mutation, land taxes etc. Author mainly formulates this book by his class lectures, which also reflects in the name of his book. Consequently, the book will be more accessible for the teachers and students to realize multifaceted issues of land law in easy and class friendly way. More importantly, Dr. Islam release them form buying topic wise books. Another reason behind intricacy of land law is use of obscure words and foggy languages even in Bangla books whereas Towhidul Islam constructs every sentence intelligibly. Now students will obtain dual benefit from this single book; one is purely academic knowledge and rest on is practical aspects like dispute, which is more important for a to-be lawyer.

Lectures on Land Law is inimitable because it creates scopes for further discussion and I believe that the author will be able to arise question in readers' mind and it will help them to increase their curiosity to unveil the untouched corner of land management instead of reluctance and complexity to land matters. In addition, this Asso. Prof. of law also writes his book in such a lucid manner where his prospective readers can find a scope to think from practitioners' perspective.

First chapter of the mentioned book deals with importance of studying land laws and introductory issues. In next chapters (2-4) the writer enumerates historical development, ownership and land administration in Bangladesh. Chapter five of this book handles with acquisition of Zamindary system and its impact. The next following chapters (6-9) elucidate tenancy rights, record of rights, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation & sub-division of land. Then in chapter ten & eleven, Dr. Islam narrates about registration and procedure of mutation. Subsequently, he inscribes about pre-emption, sub-letting, alluvion-diluvion, easement and prescription in chapter 12-15 respectively. After that, in chapter 16-18 the book illustrates provisions regarding acquisition & requisition of land, abandoned and vested properties. Later, Towhidul explains land taxes, certificate cases and management & settlement of Khas lands in chapter 19-21. At last, in chapter 22 this faculty member of DU articulates process of land reforms that can aid the community to ensure economic and social justice by providing painless and equal access to land and land administration in Bangladesh.

The book is not comprehensive one rather a beginning for further thinking. However, the piece could be a good instrument for the students to cope with current land laws. I trust, it will also be able enough to inspire them to explore untouched corners of land matters and land related injustice of the country. I hope author will insert more illustrations, maps, images, charts, forms & case laws in its upcoming version to make the book more easy for the lay man also. The book is mainly aimed for law students; nevertheless, I expect it will also be a supportive material for academicians, lawyers, judges, researchers, NOGs and interested readers to diminish their inquisitiveness.

Picking Out The Perfect Law School

Finding the right law school for you can be a tedious task. Many people get caught up in the "prestige" of a given program or the opportunities for financial aid. Others still are limited due to location issues, such as a spouse, family, or a job. No matter if your school is new or old, large, small, public or private, it should provide the curriculum that provides you with the basic skill sets required to become a lawyer

Many prospective law students need to consider a wide array of factors that arise when choosing the right law school. Depending on your personal and academic goals, you will need to make choices based on the quality and overall feel of the law school in question. Once you have applied and been offered enrollment to several schools, think carefully about where you want to go. Base your decision on what you want, not what colleagues and family say.

There are several factors that you should consider when selecting the right law school for you. How big is it? What is the student composition? Where do these students come from, and where is the school located? What is the area like? If you are going to be living at this place for the next few years, you definitely want to be sure that this is the right fit for you.

Adjusting to the culture of law school is hard enough by itself - perhaps one of the hardest steps to becoming a lawyer. Be sure to find a school where you think you will feel comfortable enough that you will be able to focus on adjusting to the new environment of law school, without having to drain yourself by adjusting to a new culture. Things to consider include whether or not the school is located in a big city or small town, whether it's on the east or west coast, and a myriad of other factors. If you have the opportunity, visit the school before you accept their offer. Though it may be difficult, and you may find yourself asking yourself the reason why you wanted to become a lawyer, but stay true to yourself. It is always important to stay focused on your goals, and remember that this is a process.

It is also a really good idea to consider the strengths, weaknesses, and specific focus of the faculty. Look at where emphasis on learning is placed; is it within a clinical or academic setting? Are there any exciting programs offered, or perhaps some stimulating student-run organizations? If you practice a certain religion, you might be interested in schools that are directly affiliated or run by members of your religious background. Be sure to examine your financial ability to attend the school, as well. It makes little sense to attend a school when you won't be able to focus on your education because you have to work two jobs just to cover payments.

Because there are so many factors to consider, and because you may not find one school that meets all of your expectations, play it safe and apply to several schools. In the past couple years, many applicants have only submitted applications to five schools or less. Apply to several - even six to ten - and once those acceptance letters start rolling in, take your pick. Once you've found the right law school for you, you are well on your way to becoming a great lawyer!

4 Options to Paying Off Law School Debt

When a young student signs up to become a lawyer he or she often forgets about the cost. Unfortunately, law school is expensive, and it may take years for a new lawyer to pay off their debts. Paying off law school bills is a tough, but a recent graduate can pay off their debts quickly with a few proven techniques. Here are four tips for a new lawyer to pay off his or her debts quickly.

Forgiven loans: Many new lawyers dream of making the big bucks. While there is nothing wrong with making a lot of money, some lawyers want to do a couple of years of public service. When a lawyer signs up to work for a local charity law clinic or a non-profit, he or she can have loans forgiven. When a lawyer wants to take part in a debt forgiveness program, he or she must work a few years at the non-profit. Not only that, a non-profit is a perfect place for a new lawyer to begin his or her career.

Refinance Loans: Interest rates are hovering near all-time lows. A smart graduate of law should consider refinancing their school loans. Most of the time, the interest rate on a school loan is less than the rate of inflation. When looking to refinance a school loan, a lawyer should do some research to find the best deal. In the end, refinancing can save a lawyer a lot of money and bring down his or her stress levels.

Tutor: Current students of law need all the help they can find. A newly graduated lawyer can help law students by giving classes and tutoring. A lawyer could find students to tutor using the Internet or word of mouth. Oftentimes, a lawyer can charge upwards of 30 dollars an hour to tutor current law students. While tutoring will not make a lawyer rich, if he or she can tutor five hours a week, they will have an easier time paying down their debts.

Live like a student: Since most people usually have a serious amount of school loans, it will take a new lawyer a long time to pay off the debts. While it may be tempting to buy a new car and spend the money frivolously, a new graduate should live like a student for a couple of years. When a student can live frugally for three or four years, he or she can devote a large portion of their income to pay off the debt.

Paying off school loans takes a lot of work and discipline. While many new graduates want to live a fun lifestyle, it is smarter to pay off debts at a young age. A lawyer should meet their financial goals with ease once they pay off all of their school loans. When following these tips, a lawyer should be well on his or her way to a comfortable life.

How to Get Into Your Chosen Law School

For students who want to become lawyers, the first step is getting into law school. Some schools are quite selective, and any student who wants to have a real chance will need to follow through with a smart admissions strategy. There are a few essential elements that go into each law school application. Students should understand, as well, that different law schools weigh these factors differently when choosing whether or not to admit students.

A good GPA is a must
The first step for students is to secure a good grade point average in college. Many students wonder whether they should choose a difficult major or take classes geared toward law school. The simple answer is that these things don't really matter. Law students come from different backgrounds, ranging from engineering to political science. One of the most important factors, though, is your GPA. If you are sure that you want to go to law school, then it's smart to take classes that will give you the best shot at earning high grades.

Prepare for the LSAT
The LSAT is the standardized test that law schools use to evaluate candidates, and you will need to score well to get into a selective school. Top law schools look for students with scores approaching 170. This means that in order to get in, you will need to be in the 95th percentile or higher. A student earning a 160 or higher will be a competitive candidate for most schools within the top 100.

To prepare for the LSAT, you might take a class or you might practice on your own. Students with resources often benefit from taking a class. This is not necessary for all students, though, as LSAT practice tests are readily available. A smart student will purchase the old, authentic LSAT tests from LSAC, the company that administers the test each year. When you prepare with tests that actual students have taken, you will be much more familiar with the challenges facing you on test day.

Personal statements matter
In addition to looking at the raw scores on your application, law schools will look at some of the soft factors on your application. You should spend a tremendous amount of time on your personal statements. They should sell the school on why you are a unique applicant. In addition, these essays should be completely free of mistakes. If you struggle to edit your own work, then you should have a family member read over these materials. In addition, it's best if you adhere to all of the rules supplied by the schools. If the school asks you to keep your statement under 250 words, then you must do that.

In addition to these statements, letters of recommendation can go a long way to telling your story. Though good letters won't push you over the top, failing to include solid letters could doom your application.

Choosing the right school
Perhaps the most important piece of advice for getting into law school has been saved for last. If you want to get into law school, you must apply to schools that accept students with your credentials. Your GPA and LSAT scores will often operate on a sliding scale. The higher your LSAT, the lower your GPA can be. You should know that some schools have GPA and LSAT floors, and they will not accept any student who lacks those minimum credentials. When you are applying to schools, you may want to apply to a wide range. Give yourself a few safety schools where admission is a near certainty, and send off a few applications to more selective schools, too.

Secrets Law School Doesn't Want First Year Students to Know

Starting law school can be an extremely stressful time. Most students in undergrad become accustomed to attending classes whenever they want. For most students undergrad is a fun relaxed time. You get to law school and there are reading assignments even before the first day of class. It comes as a rude awakening to many that one must show up for class having already read hundreds of pages of case law. Not only that, but one must also be prepared to stand up in front of all their peers and participate in the dreaded Socratic method.

Two days into classes and the Socratic method was the downfall of one of my classmates. I found him on the campus square gripping his withdrawal papers. After just two days, he became so stressed with the reading, preparing for class and the Socratic method that he quit. Unfortunate because he was a nice guy and if he had just stayed a little longer he would have learned two secrets no one tells frightened first year students.

First, it is not really about survival of the fittest - it is really about survival. The old joke asks what do you call the person who ranks last in their graduation class? Answer: An attorney. Now, I'm not trying to say that there is not competition in law school because there is. And, there is a ton of competition for those top ranking slots. If you want to get the nod from one of the big law firms, then it is all about your ranking. It has always been that way and always will be that way. However, there are only so many of those top tier law firm jobs. There are hundreds of law firms, corporations and organizations that need exceptional attorneys and will pay them good money. All one needs to do is to graduate from their school. One still needs to study and work hard, but if a top tier law firm is not your goal, then just graduate.

Just graduating is still hard work, but one can find resources to make it more bearable. That brings us to the really big secret law schools don't want their first year students to know - OUTLINES. At orientation, they tell you how important it is to outline your course work. They tell you to start your outlines early and keep them up to date. That is the truth! A good outline will make your daily life easier and is essential to studying for finals. After about six weeks of trying to figure out how to even begin an outline, I learned a dirty little secret about my institution of legal studies.

My law school saved the outlines from top students. That sounds great, right? However, they only shared these outlines with first year students that the law school considered to be "top tier" students. Before the first day of classes, 95% of my classmates, including me, were at a disadvantage. A group of us came together and started acquiring outlines from previous students and shared them with everyone. We still had to work and study hard, but the field had been leveled. The mystery of what a good outline had been revealed. We were now free to make our own great outlines without the stress of the unknown.

Administrators will tell first year students that the key to success is their class outlines. Back then we had to use copy machines. Now days, a simple Google search will yield hundreds of outlines. Former and current law students have set up web sites with free outlines. If you are starting your law school career, then put yourself ahead of the curve and find some outlines. There is no substitute for studying and putting in the hard work. However, there is no reason one cannot use resources that are readily available for free. Law schools are making sure their top students have awesome outlines. The Internet is making sure the other 95% of law students also have access to awesome free law school outlines. Visit our site for free law school outlines at http://londonlawstudent.blogspot.com and do a Google search for "free law school outlines."

Which Undergraduate Classes Should I Take Before Law School?

So you want to get into law school. This is becoming an increasingly larger goal for ambitious young people, since a career in law offers respect, affluence, and stability. In the post-recession period, with the economy yet to recover completely, there are many aspiring students hoping to land an amazing career as a prominent lawyer. However, entering a prestigious institution is tremendously difficult. Schools look for students who can think critically, apply logic, analyze complicated situations and articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely. The logical thing to do as an undergraduate, then, would be to figure out exactly what undergraduate courses law schools like to see.

You may be racking your brain trying to figure out that answer. Take a breath; the truth is there are no specific courses that you have to take. Not exactly. There's no specific course that can "prepare" you for law school. In fact, while it is true that some courses might help an applicant to develop analytical thinking skills and other cognitive abilities that will definitely help on your LSAT and law school application, no graduate school mentions any specific academic background as an entry requirement. Usually a class at law school is quite heterogeneous, comprising of students from diverse academic backgrounds. Law schools usually prefer to have a multidimensional aspect in the class, especially apparent today as law becomes increasingly integrated within multiple dimensions of our daily lives.

However, that's not to say that you should coast through your undergraduate career taking classes like "The Living and Undead: An Inquiry into Zombies in Cinema and Literature". Even though that does sound kind of cool.

The main thing a law school will judge in your application is the way you challenged yourself. Learning from any course can be applicable to your law education. For example, if you have taken mechanics courses, that experience might help you to understand construction defect disputes better. So, one of the best ways of preparing yourself for law school during your undergraduate years is to really learn from whatever course you take. In depth knowledge on any course will benefit you in the long run.

Having said all that, there are some points you can consider about your undergraduate courses.

Thing To Keep In Mind When Applying To Law School

Law Schools expect at least a basic understanding of the United States Government, politics, and history. Though they aren't required, taking courses United States and World History, Government, Economics, and Political Science.

Courses in Debate, Public Speaking, English, Philosophy, Logic, and Literature will allow you to enhance your abilities in writing, thinking, and public speaking. Law schools like this, so consider enrolling in a few of these undergraduate courses.

Critical thinking and analysis are two skills that will serve you well in law school. Taking undergraduate classes in sociology, psychology, criminology, and even religion before applying to law school may help you a great deal.

You should go for those courses that are likely to challenge your cognitive and analytical capacities. Also, it is better to get used to a significant amount of writing and reading since you have to do a lot of that in Law school.

Whatever courses you take, try to apply your analytical and problem-solving abilities to address the subject matter.

You probably won't even have a choice with this one: get used to writing essay exams during your undergraduate years. Essay exams are the most common way to evaluate law students. That's why it is better to avoid courses during your undergraduate studies that mainly depend on multiple choice questions.

In short, the whole point is to push yourself forward to handle academically rigorous courses. If you perform exceptionally on those courses, that might give you an edge because law schools tend to evaluate applicants who attended and excelled in advance level courses a bit more favorably than applicants who focused on easier courses. Having said that, don't just go for the tough classes; it would be a serious blunder to choose a course outside of your interest just because it is hard and you believe it to give you advantage in your law school application.

Nevertheless, these advanced level courses can be categorized in three groups. As mentioned earlier, they will not give you any direct advantage for law school admission but may help you acquire some skills necessary for the study of law.

Courses That Help Students Build Useful Skills For Law School

Besides analytical and problem-solving skills, there are some other abilities that an aspiring law student may consider developing during the undergraduate years. These skills include public speaking, familiarity with Latin, and an understanding of accounting and financial principles.

Courses That Help Students Develop Skills On Substantive Areas Of Law

There are some other undergraduate courses that cover substantive areas of law and the legal system. For example, courses on Ethics help a student to clarify his ideas about the moral basis of law. In a similar way, courses covering the Constitution and Federal taxation system contribute to the development of a student's skills in areas relevant to many cases faced in court.

Courses That Familiarize Students With Legal System

There is another set of courses that familiarize the student directly with the legal system, legal problems and the social aspects of law. Business law, advertisement law, Constitutional law - all these courses introduce different aspects of law and legal systems to the student. Hence, these courses can help them to have a more sophisticated understanding about how law works in a practical context. Taking these courses can improve the quality of one's law school application because having completed these courses successfully, the applicant will likely have a more fundamental understanding of law.

One more time, it is worth mentioning that courses belonging to any of the above-mentioned categories do not impress the admissions committees in and of themselves. You performance in your undergraduate courses comes first. There is no set rule about which undergraduate courses you should take before applying to law school; you have to follow your passions if you are to become the lawyer you have always wanted to become, but above all: work hard, excel in your classes, and make sure you don't run out of coffee - you are going to need it!

How to Succeed in Law School

When I first got accepted to law school, I was worried that I would have no more fun for the next three years of my life. The truth is law school can actually be fun and you still get to have your entertainment just like everyone else, but you do need to be disciplined along the way.

The first step to succeeding in law school is paying attention in class. All professors are unique, but in general, the gold is in the professor's words during class discussion or lecture. If you pay close attention and take detailed notes in class, you're going to save yourself a lot of time and heartache down the road.

Reading is also vital. The worst thing you can do is fall behind in your classes. At first, you may feel comfortable with your understanding of the curriculum and decide you are OK - and you may actually be in good shape - but law school homework can pile up incredibly fast and leave you behind in a hurry. If you stay on top of most of your assignments, you'll be in great shape.

One more important tip is to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. If you have the chance to take a practice exam or attend a class tutoring session, by all means do so. These types of extended learning opportunities give you a chance to sharpen your knowledge of the subject and find out any important topics you may have missed.

These three bullets to academic success are as simple as they sound. You will need to put in the work, but for every minute you study, you will reap the rewards.

5 Helpful Advice to Surviving Your Years at Law School

In this contemporary era, many individuals are deciding to pursue a career in the field of law. This can be a very prudent decision as a result of the fact that careers in law can be well-paying while also promoting the personal and professional development of the individual. Despite the advantages that can result from pursuing a law degree, the process of doing so can present you with a variety of formidable challenges. With that idea in mind, it is important that you heed advice that can help you survive law school. Here are five tips you should follow:

1. Find A Mentor.

Everybody can profit from attaining wisdom and counsel from an individual familiar with the educational endeavors they are planning to pursue. Since this is the case, people who go to law school can do themselves a favor by attaining a mentor. Although broad and subject to change, the task of the mentor is basically to inspire and encourage the mentee to excel in her or his pursuits. This can be accomplished in numerous ways, including through sharing knowledge and life experiences, establishing goals, and advising on professional development.

2. Get Your Finances In Order.

Law school can be expensive and will oftentimes incorporate unexpected costs. In light of this, individuals who decide to pursue a career in law should do all that they can to ensure that they will have the finances necessary to cover things such as tuition, books, lodging, food, and more. As many know, law school can precipitate a great deal of stress for students. However, knowing that one always has the finances necessary to live and study in comfort can alleviate a great deal of that stress.

3. Use The Library To Fill In Gaps.

While going to class and studying the material assigned to you is necessary and helpful when pursuing a law degree, there is oftentimes information in schoolbooks that students don't fully grasp. When this is the case, supplemental literature from the library can engender the understanding necessary to excel academically. In some cases, a student may also find that she or he can avoid the cost of expensive books by using those kept in reserves at the library.

4. Participate In Class.

Participating in class is important and valuable for many reasons. Firstly, participating in class often causes law students to read material thoroughly so they will be prepared to ask or answer questions. This preparation time often translates into a more thorough grasp of the material which can then entail good grades. Additionally, you may find that your professor is less likely to request that you comment on the material on days when you aren't prepared if you are a regular participant in the discourse.

5. Exercise.

As many health experts know, consistent exercise has numerous positive effects on an individual that can help them lead a more productive and positive life. One of the benefits of exercise is that participating in physical activity releases a chemical called serotonin in the brain. This chemical, which is also referred to as the "happy hormone," induces feelings of calm and joy. These are great emotions to have when one is in law school given that the stress of pursuing a degree can generate a plethora of negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

If you have decided to pursue a degree in law, you should note that doing so can be both personally and professionally advantageous. At the same time, you should take into account the fact that attaining a law degree can be a periodically challenging process. With that idea in mind, recognize that there are a variety of effective strategies that you can implement to ensure that you survive law school. In so doing, you are likely to be more productive and positive throughout your career as a student.

How A Law School Predictor Site Benefits Potential Law Students

After learning from a career counselor what the prerequisites for a career in law are, you have completed your undergraduate degree and have taken the "LSAT" Law School Aptitude Test. With your "GPA" Grade Point Average and LSAT score numbers in hand, you may now go to an online law program predictor site and enter your numbers to see what the probability is of your success in being accepted to the Top Law Schools you are considering for obtaining your law degree. Backed by solid research, these predictor engines can provide very helpful information to all potential law students.

There are currently four admission prediction calculators available online. They are the Hour University of Maryland Law School Probability Calculator, a University of Maryland website; Law School Probability Calculator (which is a standalone site); Law School Admission Council's Search for Schools Based on "UGPA" University Grade Point Average and LSAT scores (more commonly and simply known as the "LSAC" Law School Admissions Council Calculator); and "LSP" Law School Predictor. All four use the numbers from your LSAT score and your undergraduate "GPA" Grade Point Average as the data for determining your chances of achieving admission to various law programs.

How A Law School Predictor Site Benefits Potential Law Students

The Hour University of Maryland Probability Calculator is an academic web-based resource for University of Maryland students and others. It utilizes only "LSN" Law School Nationwide data (gathered from all the law degree schools) that is self-reported by applicants then generates chance results. This site aggregates this data to calculate the user's percentages when compared to all LSN applicants with similar scores who achieved admission to different specific law programs. The results are listed in a "Record" column. Also listed in another column are percentages of those who were accepted with worse scores than the user. Conversely, another column lists percentages of those with higher scores who did not get accepted. When reading the results, if the "In with Worse" stats are high, you stand a better chance of admission. If the "Rejected with Better" stats are low, you also stand a greater chance of admission. You may also tweak your comparison percentage according to applicants who are wait listed and by factoring in comparison to "URM" Under Reported Minorities candidates.

Law School Predictor (LSP) provides comparisons with the top 100 full-time school programs, full-time unranked law programs and schools with part-time law programs. It relies on all law studies' admissions index formulas (which each develops from their own students' data) plus the 75% and 25% GPA and LSAT data of students who matriculated from each school to develop chance percentages. This program also factors in information on URM status and its most unique component is the application of a hidden penalty or boost to the user's chances based on being a splitter, although this part of the program is still being developed. A splitter may have a high LSAT score when compared to his or her GPA, or a lower LSAT with a high GPA. The newest available predictor program available, it is also loads the most slowly of the four.

The Law School Probability Calculator is basically like the Hour University of Maryland choice, but with less incorporated features. It also generates a 95% interval of confidence using logistic regression to provide data the user can see at the site. The Law School Admission Council Calculator takes all the gathered data from applicants of the previous admission cycle at each school to generate its chance predictions. This site displays the results as colored bar graphs, with green for the applicant's prediction and purple for the college's comparative data. Because the prediction range can be very broad at times, a number of the very top law programs choose not to participate in this site's program, so predictions for you with those schools are not available.

The LSAT is a much researched testing device that yields consistently useful results. That is why any law studies admission committee is going to give great consideration to your LSAT score. When considered concurrently with your GPA, this data offers predictive validity to your chances of admission when compared to admission data of various law schools' previous candidates. Making use of one of these online school predictor sites can give you a fairly accurate picture of your chances of admission to the law schools of your choice.