Before Taking the Law School Entrance Exam

There are many who dream of becoming lawyers someday. Yearly, there is always a big number of applicants for law schools. These applicants have to undergo and pass entrance examinations to be admitted in the law schools they desire. The UP Law Aptitude Examination and Ateneo Law School Entrance Examination are among two of the most challenging and competitive of these entrance examinations since there are only a few slots(around 200 to 300) open yearly.

And since many of you are currently anxious on how to deal with these two exams, I will share some tips from observations, stories, and some personal experiences that might help you find your best personal plan of action to conquer such exams.

BEFORE THE EXAM:

Preparing for the exam varies based on a person’s learning style. It may be helpful for some to enroll in review classes since they say that the review center doesn’t only provide lectures on the subject matter of the exam but also some tips that might be useful in surviving law school such as speed-reading and handling recitations. Review centers help you get an idea on the types of questions/parts of the exam that will show up in the UP LAE or Ateneo Law Entrance Exam and the “feel”/atmosphere of taking the test. Their drills and sample tests would also help you gain confidence and familiarity with test-taking under time pressure. It also serves as a refresher’s course for subjects such as Math(especially helpful for the UP LAE) and English grammar. If you see yourself as one who is easily distracted while studying or is not disciplined enough to actually follow a self-initiated study program, then I suggest you consider enrolling in a review center(that is if you really have plans of studying rigidly beforehand for the exam).

ADVANTAGES OF ENROLLING IN A REVIEW CENTER:

1.       Familiarity with types of tests and the “feel”

2.       Practice of test-taking skills(especially under time pressure)

3.       Confidence(this plays a big role since it will make you less prone to mental blackouts)

Enrolling in a review center is not necessary for one to prepare for law school entrance exams. If you find such review programs expensive or not fit for your busy schedule(with all those college requirements, preparations for graduation, or demands from work), then don’t pressure yourself to enroll in one. You can review on your own by answering LSAT or LAE review books – you can find some available in the reviewers section of bookstores or you can borrow in your school library. You can also search the internet for some LSAT reviewers or take online sample tests. Just from here, you can gauge your determination and desire of getting into law school. If you really want it, then there is no need for a review center to monitor you or force you to study for the exam.

ADVANTAGES OF SELF-STUDY:

1.       Own schedule

2.       Personalized study program which means you can focus more on your weak points.

3.       Develop self-discipline(which will be really helpful once you get in law school)