How I did it: Studied for and took the LSAT, overhauled my resume, updated my personal statement, asked for letters of recommendation and dean's certification, requested transcripts to be sent from my undergraduate and graduate institutions, and as I was submitting...pulled a muscle in my neck. Yowza!

If you think the application process for undergraduate or graduate school was hellish, get ready to kick it up a notch. And I did this all while managing a 3.56 in my first semester of graduate school.

Lessons & tips:

• Order your transcripts and ask for letters of recommendation months in advance
• Study like a fiend for the LSAT
• Start working on your personal statement and all supporting documents (especially your resume) at least three months before submission
• Do not stretch too far -- literally -- after spending hours at the computer
• Use the career services department at your institution to look over your app and materials before you submit
• Accept the outcome, whatever it is.

Resources:

• Kaplan and Princeton Review LSAT books
• It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Beby Paul Arden
• Cornell AAP career services
• Flexeril

Jan 14, 2010, 08:10AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer