On Reddit the other day I saw a comment that stuck with me: “The LSAT costs $200 so I don’t think I should pay more than that to prepare for it.” While on the one hand I completely understand the presumption that preparing for this test shouldn’t require much expenditure, on the other hand I also think that perspective only captures part of the picture. So let’s take a closer look!LSAT Prep Can Be Expensive Of all people, I’m well aware that LSAT preparation can be costly. We offer courses that cost over $1000 and have tutoring packages that run even higher than that. So there’s no … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 62: Lost LSATs? Say It Ain’t So LSAC
It’s been another week of breaking LSAC news! Dave and Jon explore it all in the PodCast’s 62nd episode. Specifically, they provide details on the upcoming reinstatement of test retake limits, and offer a comprehensive analysis of the lost scores from the July LSAT-Flex, outlining precisely what occurred, what caused it, what it means for the integrity of the testing process itself, and what happens next, both for those whose scores were lost and for everyone else looking to take an LSAT in the future and fearful that this could happen again. … [Read more...]
How to Make Your LSAT Prep Efficient and Fun
If you're here, it's fair to assume that you're taking your LSAT prep seriously. That's smart! But are you being smart about how you study? Both commitments are important if you want to do well on the LSAT without going mad and burning out before test day. The LSAT Emotional Roller-coaster Most people studying for this test experience a full range of emotions: fear, excitement, loathing, you name it. The excitement you feel when a concept finally clicks or when you raise your score on a PT. These are fantastic motivators that keep you coming back for more. It's a geeky kind of high and part … [Read more...]
Why Does It Take So Long for LSAT-Flex Scores to Come Out?
Once the LSAT-Flex is over, one of the most common complaints is that scores should come out more quickly. Since we live in an era where tests are electronic, it is a reasonable complaint. So, why does it take so long for LSAT scores to appear? Couldn’t they get them out a lot earlier? To best understand what happens once you finish the LSAT-Flex, let’s take a look at each phase of the process. Test Administration The first and most substantial delay actually comes before most students take the LSAT. Typically, we think of the LSAT as being given on a single day. However, that’s not the case … [Read more...]
3 of the Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Preparing for the LSAT
There's a good and not-so-good way to prepare for the LSAT. We see test-takers make mistakes all the time! Let's review three very common errors and how to avoid them. Looking for Shortcuts Performing well on the test requires solid conceptual understanding of the material being tested. Relying on a “quick fix” or a shortcut might help in some instances; however, these are not bullet-proof methods that can be applied universally and work every time. Such “techniques” can do more harm than good. Many students who use them never bother to understand and apply the correct method of … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 61: 16 Reasons People Fail on the LSAT
Episode 61 of the PodCast focuses on one of the most crucial aspects of test success: the ideal mindset. Specifically, Jon and Dave examine 16 different factors that commonly contribute to LSAT failure—from flawed expectations to self-doubt to burnout and more—and provide detailed analysis of what leads to each and what you can do to combat them, from prevention to cure. No matter where you are in your prep, this discussion is worth a listen. … [Read more...]
Bruce Lee: Enter the LSAT
Most people are familiar with Bruce Lee. He was a martial arts master who became an actor, and when he died young at 32, he was already a superstar and cultural icon. But while most people know him for his martial arts movies, few know that he was also a philosopher and avid student of the mind. After his death, thousands of books were found in his house, with over 1500 marked up with detailed notes and comments. Lee wasn't just a heavy reader, he was also the author of multiple books, including writings on martial arts, poetry, philosophy, science, and positive thinking. Within those texts, … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 60: The July 2020 LSAT-Flex Review
Another round of LSAT-Flex is in the books! With July 2020 testing largely completed, Dave and Jon are here to walk you through it, outlining everything from its highs and lows to the use of multiple test forms configured from more source tests than ever to, finally, their anticipated scale for every combination. They also offer their predictions for the remaining test dates in 2020 and whether Flex is truly here to stay! … [Read more...]
What is the Best Way to Review LSAT Practice Tests?
On the PowerScore LSAT Discussion Forum, there have been discussions about how to best review practice LSATs and homework problems. Students often make a critical error when studying. I want to address that and lay down a framework for optimally reviewing the problems you complete. This will help you get the most out of the time that you spend studying. What is the Critical Study Error Many Students are Making? Most students review the questions they missed and not the ones they answered correctly. This is the most natural error in the world, but you must review every single question you … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 59: PowerScore Test Analytics and August LSAT Updates
A lot of ground to cover in Episode 59! From Jon’s recent (losing) battle with a flying motorcycle helmet to our new Testing and Analytics Package to LSAC’s latest news on the August LSAT, Dave and Jon are here to keep you in the loop on the latest developments in LSAT land. … [Read more...]
Announcing: PowerScore’s LSAT Testing and Analytics Package
With the big LSAC licensing change now complete, we’re pleased to announce that we are rolling out a new LSAT digital testing program. This service provides access to every released LSAT in digital form—including over 20 tests not offered as part of LSAC's Prep Plus subscription—as well as our incredibly comprehensive performance analytics to help you identify and resolve any areas of weakness!Why Offer It Now? As we’ve discussed previously, LSAC has implemented a new LSAT question licensing program that requires anyone viewing LSAT questions in a digital format to have an … [Read more...]
LSAT Licensing Has Changed
If you are a listener of our podcast, you may have heard us talk in depth about the changes to LSAT question licensing and the impact they would have. In that episode we explained that LSAC, the people who make the LSAT and own all LSAT questions, has changed the terms of the licensing for LSAT questions for all companies, and that has far-reaching consequences on how we are able to deliver PowerScore LSAT content to students. Our licensing changed Tuesday, June 30th at 1 PM Eastern, and these are the following effects:If You’ve Purchased Courses, Tutoring, or Tests From Us Prior to June … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 58: The June 2020 LSAT-Flex Review
As the second round of LSAT-Flex testing comes to an end, Dave and Jon take a comprehensive look at the June exam and break it all down for you: what went right and wrong, how the multiple test formats were constructed (including the source LSAT for each), the likely scale for each configuration, and finally what May and June’s Flex tests tell us about the future of the LSAT. … [Read more...]
Tactical LSAT Advice: Trust the Process
You often hear about the dichotomy in the law between substantive law and procedural law. To know the substantive law concerning an issue, one must know what laws and rules govern in certain situations. You also need to know when to apply those laws. The procedural side of law focuses on the method or process of moving through the judicial system. A good lawyer needs to know both of these aspects of the law well. The Two Sides of LSAT Prep Let’s think about LSAT preparation as having both a substantive and procedural side. On the substantive side, you need to learn the various types of … [Read more...]