Every semester, the LEAP Center offers a Mock LSAT, a chance for pre-law students to practice the most important test of their careers. The Mock test is an actual exam used by the LSAT in previous years, it is professionally scored by Kaplan, and students receive their scores the day they take it. The only difference from the real thing is that this one doesn’t count.
For many of the test-takers, that’s a good thing. The scores on the Mock LSAT tend to be low, primarily because we have a lot of people who are freshmen, sophomores, or otherwise unprepared for the test. But that’s a good thing, too. The LEAP Center encourages students to try the Mock LSAT as soon as possible, allowing them to see where they are in the preparation stage, and to have a better idea about how much time they will need to be ready for the real thing. Our advice is to prepare for the LSAT correctly, and to take it once.
Here is the LEAP Center’s suggested timeline:
As early as possible, freshman year if possible: Take Mock LSAT
Spring or Summer of Junior Year: Take LSAT Prep, if needed
Summer of Junior Year/Fall of Senior Year: Take LSAT
The LSAT Prep course isn’t a panacea, and not all students will need to take it. But unless a student has the score they want to get into the school they are hoping for, or unless a student can study 12-16 hours a week without the discipline of meeting times and deadlines, then the LSAT prep is a reasonable option.
But an LSAT prep test isn’t likely to get a student from a 140 to a 160 (it’s been done, but it isn’t likely). But it might get a student from a 145 to a 152, and that’s the difference between going to Texas Southern University to going to Texas Tech, and that’s a big difference in terms of life and career opportunities.
For students with a score below a 140, particularly those who are a junior or senior, a year might not be sufficient to get the score you need. For those in this situation, a gap year should be considered, while a long-term plan for LSAT-prep is undertaken. For those who are scoring in the 160s, a good law school is already within reach, and it’s just a matter of how high you can climb.
But whatever the goals the student has, taking the Mock LSAT early on in his/her school career is to the student’s advantage.
The LEAP Center will likely offer another Mock LSAT in February 2017.
Thirty or so bright- eyed students attentively paid attention to Danielle Saveedra, the Associate Dean of Recruitment for Texas Tech University’s School of Law. She was presenting information on the next stage these aspiring attorneys-to-be were contemplating: applying to law school. Crucial questions such as where to start when considering law school, the application process, and what to look for in a law school, were all discussed during the presentation and absorbed by the students.
Ms. Saveedra had come to SHSU to guide us through the process of preparing for law school. In a nutshell, she walked us through:
A timeline for law-school preparation
Taking the LSAT
Deciding which law schools to send applications
Applying to Law School, including
sending in transcripts, reference letters, the resume, and the personal statement
This may sound quite simple, however it is in fact considerably challenging. A law school’s environment whether cut-throat or nurturing, emphasis on certain types of law, and cost of living, Ms. Saavedra told us, will influence where a student may decide to go. Decisions on what law schools to apply to (each application has a fee), or choosing between a good law school that costs less versus a more prestigious at a higher cost can pose challenges even to a well-prepped student.
However, all of these decisions were weighed and measured during the law school informational. Ms. Saveedra covered every single possible piece of information needed to be successful in law school and gave constructive tips. Every prospective attorney left reeling with information, but departed knowing they were now better prepared for the challenging journey ahead. Law school will now be less intimidating, allowing students to further their education in the legal field.
“Everyone please take your seats, turn off your phones, and open any candy wrapper that needs to be opened. The show will now begin.” The Leap Ambassadors enthusiastically sat down inside the Erica Starr Theatre waiting for the curtains to open as they were waiting for “Noises Off” to begin. This three act play is well known for its converging perspectives that revolve around one plot. It is a “play within a play.”
The main story consists of a theatrical group trying to put together a performance in the midst of personal drama, lovers’ quarrels, quirky characters, and a director with a god complex. During the first act, we are introduced to the different characters during the dress rehearsal of their own play “Noises On.” Just like any other dress rehearsal, there were many missed cues, missed lines, and missing (drunk) actors …”well, you know,” as Garry says. In the second act, the actual performance begins and we see the backstage perspective. The performers have been left on their own and tension is high. Mayhem runs rampant behind the scenes, and at some points even on stage. Regardless of everyone “trying” to get the show on the road, axes fly, bourbon bottles are drunk, and slaps are thrown around, making for a spectacularly silly sight to behold.
The third and final act allowed the viewers to see the final performance of “Noises On” in its full glory.
A very short glory that is, as sardines went flying everywhere along with the actors. Doors opened and doors closed (on the characters). And sometimes they could not be opened again. But we did have to applaud their improvisation skills coupled with a great choreography. It gave the audience a big laugh as we watched their performance go from bad to worse, leaving the audience to ponder Brooke’s “Sorry?”
As the remarkable farce ended, everyone laughed and cheered while giving the SHSU performers a standing ovation as the SHSU theater department once more gave an excellent performance.
The breeze blew in the trees, and the sun shone down on the flowers that surround SHSU’s beautiful campus. Amidst this scenery, most students made their way home from class, hearing the last chimes of the clock tower echoing around the brick buildings on campus. But for the LEAP Ambassadors, the 5 o’clock chimes were a call to gallop to our volunteer duties at the Walker Education Center for the western-themed Republican Roundup.
We all were assigned our stations and were ready for the rowdy crowd to come. Some of us were in charge of check-in tables…
…front and back, check-in tables…
….while other were in charge of serving an all American cuisine composed of hot dogs, potato salad, sweet tea, Blue Bell ice cream, and apple pie!
As the crowds drew into the decorated ballroom and found their seats amongst the sunflower center pieces that brightened up each table, Mrs. McKenzie, Chair of the Walker County Republican Party, welcomed people to the event.
After the applause died down from the crowd, the time most of us were most looking forward to had come – time to meet November’s candidates! Each candidate whose name will be on the upcoming November-election ballot was introduced and those with contested positions made their concise speeches while asking for everyone’s support. Once each candidate finished speaking, the crowd applauded them for their courage to run for office and make a difference in their communities.
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Even though the event was quickly wrapping up, many stayed to mingle (while enjoying dessert)…
….with candidates and those who already hold a position in office.
As the night ended with many shaken hands, the crowd made their way towards the doors ready to make an informed decision on the upcoming elections.
Huntsville is home to many hidden architectural treasures that make this town a special place. On the last heART of Huntsville, we decided to pay a visit to three of these many gems. We started off the night at one of the local homes built by Dan Phillips: The Boot Home.
The Boot Home has been the subject of much conversation, due to its location on busy 11th street (aka, HWY 30) and its obvious resemblance to the Texas boot.
To introduce Mr. Phillips told us about his construction company, Phoenix Commotion. As founder of the company, Mr. Phillips focuses on eliminating construct waste and building environmentally-friendly homes for low-income individuals. Apart from doing his best to help those in need, he also explores his own artistic abilities.
He told us how there are two kinds of people, those of Apollonian and Dionysian thought. Whereas the Apollonians want everything to be perfect where perfection may not be possible, the Dionysians don’t care for perfection and are more organic. Mr. Phillips told us how he sees the world in this non-perfectionist view, where you can make things in different shapes, sizes, and forms using unconventional methods to create a one-of-a-kind Dionysian home. Every one of his homes has his own signature quirk; a tree house with a glass floor, a home made out of bones, a story-book home, a beer home, the list goes on with unimaginable creativity.
After we heard about the inspiration behind the homes, we were ready to go inside this wonderful piece of art. The Boot was not big enough for our whole group to go into at once; therefore, we had to take turns. Inside the Boot there are two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a study (or small bedroom), and a living room (just enough for a small family). As you travel up the stairs (located within the boot)…
…you are brought to a beautiful deck overlooking the neighborhood. It is a very creative use of the extra space. Everyone enjoyed taking photos of the Boot,
…and, of course, conversing with its creator, Dan Phillips, , as we began to venture onto our next stop: The Kellogg-Pritchett Home.
Mary Laura Gibbs bought the home in 2006 and renovated it while maintaining its original Folk Victorian architecture. The home has beautiful architecture on the inside and outside, reminiscent of Huntsville’s early days. One of these features were the rolling doors between the two main parlors whose great, wooden grain was used to divide the rooms during special events. She also set out a painting that dated back to the 50’s, which showed us how the home and property originally looked like in the early 19th century.
As we walked through the home, Ms. Gibbs told us how the kitchen was originally detached from the home, how there was a farm area for the family, and how the home housed the first tennis court in the city of Huntsville. We then moved on to the beautiful dinning room, made even greater with a mural painted by Lee Jamison.
It was painted to look like a gazebo and it included lots of little creatures that are home to Texas and even a few that were created by the artist. He had us try to find the U.S.A snake and Texas painted butterfly.
It was a beautiful room with lots of detail. Everyone was in awe of his work and the beauty he was able to create. We then moved on to the kitchen that was painted red and yellow (popular kitchen colors in Europe). She also showed us her beloved water pump. Everyone was impressed by how it is still fully functioning today!
With the night coming to an end, we concluded our tour of the lovely Kellogg-Pritchett Home by sharing our appreciation and love for the home.
And, while most of us moved on eagerly to the Wynne Home, the Peases enjoyed a peaceful moment on the porch swing…
We then moved on to our last location of the night (and heART of Huntsville) the always beautiful Wynne Home.
At the Wynne Home, we were welcomed with the smell of wonderful food and great company provided by the Friends of the Wynne. We were welcomed to tour the home as Ms. Gaertner and Ms. Maloney finished preparing our Thanksgiving-like feast. Former interns, Beatriz Martinez and Jessica Northam, along with current intern Karen Tinajero, helped give tours to the group and tell the rich history of the home. The guests were delighted to hear of the home’s 1883 inception, the family history, and how it was donated to the city and is now Huntsville’s own Cultural Center. After roaming around the Wynne Home, everyone settled down to enjoy their delicious meal and take their final quiz, which would demonstrate what they had learned the past four weeks.
After the food, those interested purchased a Jamison Austin College print autographed by the artist.
As the ambassadors stayed to help finish cleaning up after the meal…
…the rest of our guests expressed how impressed they had been with the program and promised to come back next year for more art-filled adventures! We are immensity grateful to the Friends of Wynne’s exceptional dinner and to our amazing program participants who made the experience so amazing.
Tis the season for pumpkin spiced everything, Bearkat Football, cooler days and–for the Huntsville community–the Fair on the Square! Huntsville’s annual Fair on the Square attracts an average of 15,000 people to support small businesses and community engagement. Everyone, from Walker County and farther, congregated in Huntsville’s downtown square to shop for antiques, carnival food, crafts, and other treats.
Glad to assist, the LEAP Ambassadors volunteered with the Walker County Republican Party and the Walker County Republican Women among this ocean of booths. Thus, we spent a morning selling jewelry, registering voters, and taking donations for campaign buttons, yard signs, bumperstickers, and t-shirts. With a variety of booths showcasing all sorts of curiosities, from engraved pens to apparel from the Andes, the Fair attracted so much people that the streets flooded with shoppers eager to visit every inch of the Square. So being, the excited Republicans among the crowd visited our booths with an overwhelming eagerness to demonstrate their pride in their political activism. The day was a success for the Party as they sold out of many items, registered more than thirty voters in Walker County, and raised a bountiful amount of funds for local campaign efforts.
For the LEAP Ambassadors, it was a nice way to spend a Saturday morning by learning about local businesses, shopping, and volunteering with the Republican Party and Women. We were also fortunate to catch up with the Battle of Piney Woods game afterward (Go Bearkats!!). With such an amazing Fair on the Square Saturday, the LEAP Ambassadors are already looking forward to volunteering next year!
As the 85th Legislative Session rapidly approaches (beginning January 2017) Huntsville’s District 5 State Senator Charles Schwertner spent a day touring the east side of his district by meeting with local constituents, including a visit to SHSU. Senator Schwertner and staff members, such as SHSU and LEAP alumna Ariel Traub, generously agreed to speak to Professor Yawn’s Texas Government class to educate students about the Texas Legislature.
Thankful for all he was blessed with, Senator Schwertner believed it was his time to give back to his community by running for public office, in 2010 when the incumbent State Representative decided not to run for reelection. After serving in the House of Representatives for two years, Senator Schwertner ran for the Texas Senate and won with a majority vote. Through his firsthand experiences, Senator Schwertner discussed the difficulties of balancing his work as a Senator, his work as an Orthopedic Surgeon, and his family. However, he also stressed the importance of being a public servant.
During his time in class, Senator Schwertner explained the session length and organization of the Texas Legislature. Interestingly, the Texas House of Representatives is comprised of 150 members, established to represent the 150 Psalms, while the Senate is made up by 31 members, representative of the 31 Proverbs. This was an interesting piece of trivia that many students, and even Professor Yawn, were enthused to learned about for the first time!
Senator Schwertner and his staff graciously agreed to answer questions and impart some of their vast knowledge on students. These topics ranged from current issues that will be addressed in the Legislature, to how students can transition from the classroom to their careers after graduation. As always, Senator Schwertner and his staff were humble and helpful to students.
As their visit came to a close, Senator Schwertner, his staff, and students posed for a group picture before departing to their next stop in Huntsville.
Victoria McClendon, Leah Hamilton, Jasmine Moss, Senator Schwertner, Kaitlyn Tyra, Jordan Straus, Elizabeth Mintah
Many thanks to Senator Schwertner, Jordan Strauss, Leah Alexander, and Ariel Traub!
There’s no better way to appreciate heART of Huntsville than by visiting the picturesque Town Square. On this week’s session that’s exactly what we did, learning, along the way, of our town’s successful efforts to bring back the spark that once made our town the “Athens of Texas.”
Although we had to alter our original itinerary due to the imminent rain, as they say the show must go on. Our first stop for the night was Old Town Theatre on 12th Street.The historic theatre has been converted since 1997 into a non-profit community theatre for the enjoyment of the many Huntsvillian drama fans. Upon entering, we climbed the 33 narrow steps towards the balcony where we learned about the history of the theatre. Apart from hearing from Professor Yawn and Dr. Pease, those members of the community familiar with the theatre since childhood shared different stories about the early years of the amazing establishment. One interesting aspect of the theatre was its architecture, which forced technicians to develop non-conventual methods to light the stage. After that, we headed down stairs where we were able to get a backstage tour. The colorful sets of a preparing rehearsal made the tour even more exciting. Through the back of the stage, we made our way through a small hallway and into the dressing rooms. Not surprisingly, we were amused by how the women’s dressing room was larger than the men’s.
We were additionally taken into stardom delusion by the Hollywood lighting on the mirrors. Very sublime indeed!
As we headed for the rest of our adventure, Linda Pease, Wynne Home Arts Center Director, gave us a little background about the Richard Haas murals on the exterior of the building.
She explained that Richard Haas thoroughly researched the location of his murals before pitching an idea. Consequently, he found it apt to incorporate the renowned Hollywood actor, Dana Andrews, into the theater’s facade due to the star’s Huntsville birth.
It must be noted that Huntsville prides itself in having numerous Haas murals from this world famous artist who is also exhibited in the streets of New York, St. Louis, Chicago, and many more American cities. The renowned muralist was once a pupil of the celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s, and he chose Huntsville, Texas as home to the largest collection of his trompe l’oeil works. We are truly lucky to have this great Urban Artist’s mesmerizing works of art decorating our city!
After appreciating the Richard Haas murals we walked down the street to the Huntsville Main Street office where we met with Ms. Jasmine Moss.
Ms. Moss, interim Main Street Director and proud Bearkat, took a break from her studying to teach us about Huntsville Main Street’s mission to revitalize downtown. Huntsville Main Street hosts events year round that help market the city’s thriving cultural and community wealth. It is in charge of the nine city blocks that make up the Square, three parks, and 90+ local businesses. We were thankful that Ms. Moss was able to teach us more about our city.
The last stop before dinner was the Satellite Art Gallery.
Run by the Sam Houston State’s art department, pacing through the pair of halls of the gallery we were able to admire the photography of now accomplished artists who attended SHSU during the 70’s.
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It was evident that the participants all enjoyed the wide range of subjects depicted in the color and black and white film, from landscapes, to still photography, to artistic portraits and everything imaginable.
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Followed thereafter we stepped onto the dimming streets of Huntsville’s downtown and crossed over to the corner of the Roche Building.
Across the Huntsville Courthouse, we were greeted with great enthusiasm inside Patio on the Square Cafe. We had chicken pasta, fresh fruit, and some luscious salad, paired with our choice of ranch, Italian, or blue cheese dressings. It was evident that everyone enjoyed the wonderful flavor of the meal (which is exciting for a college student who lives 3 hours away from mother), and for dessert we had delicious cupcakes from Huntsville’s own Baking Sweet Memories. When the night ended we headed home in hopes to catch the presidential debate, but that’s a story for another blog. With the shine of the square’s streets, silver from the rain, we all bid farewell to our night of art, history, laughs, and memories, a bit melancholic as next week our heART of Huntsville strolls will meet their end.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 