What to Do After a Bad LSAT Score

Bouncing back from bad news about your LSAT score can be psychologically difficult. However, the first and foremost thing to do is to put the past behind you and start to focus on what you can control and what you can change in the future. In many cases, that does not mean starting to study for the LSAT again to retake it. And, even if it does, you need to make absolutely sure that you aren't repeating the same mistakes in your approach to test preparation.

Hear David go through a mock interview with Yosepha, who is posing as an aspiring law student who just received word that she scored lower on the LSAT than she had anticipated:



Make sure that you have thought carefully and strategically about the application process, and are making the right decision with respect to your test preparation and test-taking strategy.

Check out one of InGenius Prep's complimentary law school webinars for more in-depth strategy information or check out its YouTube videos of law school admissions tips.

For a list of median score information for ten of the top law schools.

Choosing the Top LLM Programs

Given that there is no authoritative list of top LLM programs, students are often lost when they are at the stage of determining what the best law schools to suit their career goals are. Granted, the US News & World Report rankings for any type of school are deeply flawed. But, they at least provide students with a place to begin their research and guide their understanding of schools and programs with which they otherwise might not have been familiar.

Students needs to avoid thinking about the most prestigious or elite schools, and think about what schools will best help propel them in their careers as internationally educated lawyers. Careful research and planning are crucial, and talking to current JD and LLM students or recent graduates can be immensely helpful in that process.



Check out the InGenius Prep blog for more tips on LLM admissions or the InGenius Prep YouTube page.

Mainiero's Double Standard Kitchenetta Sets December 1 Opening Date

On December 1st, David Mainiero's latest restaurant is set to open its doors to the public on the corner of 6th and G where the Gas Lamp district meets the East Village in downtown San Diego. With the construction wrapping up, and the final furniture delivery date set for the next few days, the restaurant is in full swing hiring and training to get ready for the holiday season.

Executive Chef Chris Tan has collaborated with David to bring an eclectic set of influences to bear on their vision for sophisticated comfort food as well as a unique twist on Neapolitan-style pizza. Chris's extensive experience working under incredible culinary visionaries such as Chef Jarvis Yuan, Chef Laurent Quenioux, and Michelin-rated chefs Octavio Becerra and James Syhabout make him an ideal fit for Double Standard Kitchenetta, where he will be able to expound on his traditional influences and styles of cooking with the inspiration provided by the understated vibrance of the East Village.

More pictures (non-backwards ones), menu previews, and announcements to come soon.

Lost in Translation: Chinese Food in China

On my most recent trip to Beijing, I encountered some interesting food. Not so dissimilar from goofy Chinese translations of made-up English dishes on restaurants in America serving non-authentic Chinese food, one Chinese restaurant (specializing in Peking duck) had some pretty hilarious translations of its own on its enormous menu. I have compiled a greatest hits list here. All are equally delicious and ridiculous sounding.

1. Marijuana Fish - I have no idea what this means, and would love for someone to tell me. All I know is that they only prepare their marijuana fish one way, though. Smoked.

Marijuana Fish

2. The Trademark Tickle Box - Given that the waiters were wearing masks, ordering the trademark tickle box was too risky for me.

Trademark Tickle Box

3. Pimple Soup - This is the only one for which the translation comes even close to making sense because of the texture of the soup.

Pimple Soup

4. Amorous Feelings of Beef Tendon - Despite my hope that these were cow testicles of some sort, they were actually the Achilles-equivalent of a cow. This was fairly disappointing.

Amorous Feelings of Beef Tendon

I feel like if I looked on Urban Dictionary, I would find much more entertaining descriptions of these menu items.

Attacking the GMAT

Make a plan and stick to that plan. You need to plan properly in order to succeed on this test, especially given the likelihood that you will be working full time in the period in which you are studying. You don't need to have spectacular math skills or a particularly high IQ to master this test. It's about preparation and dedication. Make sure to make the GMAT a priority, and you will be pleased with the results.

Remember, the test is learnable. You're not brushing up on your general math skills; you're learning how to answer GMAT-specific questions. These are learnable question-types for which you can triage your approach to mastering algebra and geometry.

Punching Above Your School's Weight Class

One of the most common questions that law school candidates ask me is some variation of:

"How are schools going to evaluate my candidacy vis-a-vis students who come from more prestigious undergraduate institutions?"

Our advice is to not understand your situation as a limiting one. There are limitations, but they can be transcended with some effort. Essentially, you will need to find creative ways to validate your strong academic performance at your undergraduate institution. Read more about getting to a top law school from the law school admissions team at InGenius Prep.

From Staring to Starting

Check out my most recent post on the personal statement writing process on the InGenius Prep Brain Blog. This blog is geared toward those who are struggling to figure out a topic and a theme for their personal statement or supplementary essays. Getting started with that first draft is always one of the hardest obstacles to overcome in any type of writing, but it can be especially difficult when you are writing about yourself. Don't let expedience come at the expense of profundity. The admissions experts at InGenius Prep can help you to coherently and cogently articulate your experiences, interests, and passions in your application to convince the admissions committee that you are a compelling candidate deserving of a spot in their incoming class.