Law School Discussion

Jeremyv & Paddy:

2 cents from a 25 yr advertising person:

jeremyv has given a rather accurate synopsis of things in the ad world. I started out in the NY area, worked in ATL and wound up in NC in 91. The first few years are pretty punishing financially -- the initial perception of "ad-world" glamour vs the reality of all-nighters and old pizza for years and years after college (for crap pay) is almost comical. Also accurate is his description of old creatives either stinking, moved on, or dead. With one BIG exception--having your own firm, where you actually reap the rewards for all the God-awful hours you put in.

I started my own little agency 16 yrs ago, doing all parts creative, as well as media planning, buying, placement. Depending on what I've had going on with parental duties, I've been able to shrink or grow this beast as needed and have been able to live/provide RATHER nicely. As a single parent I've had flexibility for all the broken arms and school plays with no one breathing down my neck or pointing, and no management-imposed deterrents to advancement. Even here in NC, one can generate 200K as a one-person shop. But as with ANY career, you have rise well above the mediocrity to command a commensurate fee. Finally, it can be lot of fun, even with seemingly boring industrial accounts. You really will need to progress to your own business to survive the long haul to retirement.

I'll also ditto jeremyv on going where your heart and head lead you. As an atty, you can always maintain creative avenues on the side (and out of the way of the oft-nonsensical red pen). And as an atty, your opinion commands considerably more $ and respect. In my case, my interest in the law began in Communication Law classes at college and the plan was to start the process about 3-4 yrs out. Well, a lot of life, and a lot of "ad-deadlines-escalated-to-nuclear-emergency" can easily mow over the best laid plans: here it is 25 yrs later with my son leaving for college, that I'm actually able to pick the ball back up and assess the viability of LS and a career change. While I find it amazing how time can get away from you, I have absolutely no regrets, only opportunity in whichever way I choose to go.

I'd suggest hanging out for a couple of days at both ad agency and law firm (plural, if possible) and see first-hand where you'd like to live. And whatever you decide now, remember you always have the option, as well as a good 40 years, to change paths.

Ginko Biloba--it's supposed to increase blood flow, thus oxygen, to the brain. You need to be taking for 3 months for them to work. Also, keep up on your viamin B's (be sure they include inositol and choline*). Finally, keeping up with an exercise program not only keeps the blood oxy moving, it'll help with stress.

I just recently dug this stuff up/checked w a friend who's a PhD in Psychology to gear up for round 2.

*Be sure not to overload on vitamin/herbs though, some can be damaging. Check dosages on the online PDR.

I just finished the Kaplan course Jan 31. The diagnostic, as well as their 3 other "progress" tests are real LSATs and are from 2000 up (I checked against the 10 Actual LSAT book I have to date them) Also, Kaplan includes and exp section, but grades per the actual test and scale. Unfortunately, that's the nature of the test... it seems to defy all reason, until you learn how to TAKE the test

I got a 150 on the diagnostic. I took the Kaplan course, but scored 2 pts lower on the Feb test. You may want to check out the threads... people seem to have had better results with Powerscore classes, and the PS Bibles. I thought the Kaplan support materials were great, but the course book and class seems schizophrenic to me. Apparently they revamped the program for 2006, but I felt for 2005 there was never enough time spent on each of the 3 test section strategies to get any firm handle on them, before you were moving along to the next, then hopping back to the first, then back to the 3rd....

Don't use my score as an omen in any way--there are folks in recent threads who increased their scores as high as 20 pts over their "diagnostic". I've been surfing around to take look at how they accomplished that to figure out a revised game plan!

good luck!

Thanks for sharing your situation da rev!

I've also recv'd email invites from a few --Yale, W&M, WF, which prompted me to yank my LSAC profile off Candidate Service after yesterday's bombshell. It sounds like you've got all your bases covered with app's and are willing to move the dog & pony show to fit the best offer(?) A lot more brave than me on both accounts. Your score also puts you significantly higher in percentage. That 148 put me in the 37% which doesn't even rate as wood compared to your sterling. That's what really sucks about the lower #s--just a few points can raise/lower your % dramatically.

As for your application strategy... I never thought of it that way! My thoughts have been there are some good options right here in NC, which will keep my son's tuition at in-state. (never-you-mind they all require a higher LSAT). I am otherwise single and portable (after selling the McMansion) and should retake in June and should probably expand my thinking geographically. I love your backup plan of PhD. I never considered more than a BA, thinking it doesn't buy you much in the advertising business, but I am obviously already intending to change careers. Maybe I've been closed-minded in that regard as well.

You've been a great help, and I wish you the very best on your path. PS: I get such a kick out of your bio pix--one of my favorites!

...the natives are getting restless.

I too, was unable to log into LSD for 2 hours (closed out... excluded.... ney, disenfranchised), yet could very nimbly log on to LSAC to see NO SCORE. So, I've been doing my fair share of cage-rattling over here!!!