How do I get the batter level in the pan? My cakes always come out lopsided. I know that I could level it once it comes out of the oven, but I would rather not waste a lot of cake if i could. TIA

If you cake is coming out lopsided from the oven it sounds like your oven is not level.

That would be the first thing I would check.

Second, is it convection? Are you baking with the fan on? If so that can cause the cake to bake uneven also.

If it is domed just in the middle then that is another story.

Well if it's a matter of the batter not being level all you have to do is pick up the pan about 2-3" and drop it on the counter before putting it in the oven.
However, I agree w/leily - it sounds like you oven may not be level to begin with.

what kakeladi said. I bang the cake pan about 5-7 times (really loud!) to get the air bubbles out and to level the batter.

Agree that it sounds like an oven problem and not a "get the batter level in the pan" problem.