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In the mid-2000s, several members of the Computer Laboratory at the University of Cambridge noticed two disturbing trends: Fewer students were seeking enrollment in the computer science (CS) program, and the ones who did apply had scant programming knowledge compared to prospective students of the previous decade. At best, these new applicants might have done some Web development, but programming experience was becoming rare. What was the difference between the aspiring CS majors of the 2000s versus those of the 1990s? The Cambridge academics recognized several possible causes, including societal issues involving education and the economy that would take massive efforts to correct. One of the culprits, however, was something they thought a handful of people could tackle. Children and adolescents in earlier generations had access to easily programmable home computers that the newer applicants they were seeing did not. The U.K., the U.S. The U.K., once a major contender in the gaming industry, is already falling behind in this sector, and the fear is that a continuing shortage will hurt the country's competitiveness and future innovation.
This trend will doubtless hold true for other countries, too. Despite a struggling world economy, demand for IT workers remains strong, and even greater demand is likely as our appetite for technology increases. Imagine a future with fewer of the digital services and ever-improving, computer-driven conveniences that we've come to expect. Who will make the cutting-edge video games, self-driving cars and housecleaning robots of the coming years? In an effort to reverse the situation, Eben Upton (then a member of the Cambridge Computer Science department); Rob Mullins, Jack Lang and Alan Mycroft of Cambridge; Pete Lomas of Norcott Technologies; and David Braben, co-author of the famous BBC Micro game Elite, teamed up in 2006 to found the Raspberry Pi Foundation. This charitable organization's primary goal is to create low-cost, programmable computers and to get them into as many hands as possible, particularly those of children. Their price goal was $25 per device (around the cost of a textbook), with the choice of a slightly more expensive and enhanced model. In 2012, the foundation's work came to fruition with the creation of the Raspberry Pi, a credit card-sized, low-cost but fully functional and programmable computer with modern high-definition multimedia capabilities. It may be the device that gets us back to computing basics.
So, you want to be a lawyer. You've worked hard in college to keep your GPA high, and you've carefully researched law schools to find the one you'd like to attend. There's only one thing left standing in your way before you can complete your applications: the LSAT. But what is the LSAT, and why does it instill fear and dread in so many students? The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test given to all law school applicants. It's similar to the SAT exam you took in high school but is aimed at those looking to enter the legal profession. The test is developed and administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), and it can play a major role in getting into law school. All ABA-accredited law schools in the United States, Canada and Australia require applicants to submit LSAT scores as part of the admissions process.
These scores not only determine whether you'll get into the law school of your choice, but can also have an impact on future ABA membership as well as career opportunities. Contrary to popular belief, the LSAT doesn't measure a person's legal knowledge. It's a test of logic and reasoning, as well as reading comprehension and critical thinking. It indicates the candidate's ability to succeed in law school, as well as in the legal profession. If this test isn't about all the legal knowledge you've gained in your pre-law classes, how are you supposed to prepare for the LSAT? Read on to the next section to learn about the different study options that are available for test-takers and where you can find official practice tests. With so much weight placed on LSAT scores, it's important to take the time to prepare yourself for the exam before you register. The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) recommends studying for the exam using resources found on the organization's Web site.
You'll find practice tests, study guides and a complete overview of the test so you'll know what to expect. Of course, there are also countless private resources available to help you prepare for the LSAT. Private and group tutoring sessions can be found online and in the classroom. Study guides and test prep books are also available and can help you get used to the material that you'll be tested on. These resources suggest test-taking tips that may help calm anxious applicants. You can do this by working on logic puzzles, which can be found in books similar to crossword or sudoku puzzles. You may also wish to take a logics class to brush up on your analytical and reasoning skills. One of the best ways to prepare for the LSAT is by taking official practice tests issued by the LSAC. The company always offers at least one test posted on its Web site.
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