Using a GRE score for application to MBA programs (in place of a GMAT score) has become standard practice in recent years as ETS (the makers of the GRE) has aggressively marketed the GRE as a substitute for the GMAT. That's great for GRE takers, but is there a way to use an LSAT score to get into business school, and thus skip taking the GMAT entirely? It turns out that there is--but, there is also a condition in place on using that LSAT score, … [Read more...]
The LSAT Is About To Get Harder
Any LSAT student reading the title above probably just felt their heart stop for a moment. I apologize for that! Fortunately, the LSAT won’t be getting harder immediately, but will likely be getting harder in the years to come. Let’s talk about why.Big Data is Everywhere The rise of Big Data has been widely discussed, usually in reference to social media and advertising. But with the dawn of the Digital LSAT and the launch of LSAC's own … [Read more...]
What Does -6, -7, -8, -9 Mean When Talking About the LSAT Curve
The shorthand reference of -6 to -9 refers to the number of questions you can miss on a 3-scored section LSAT (formerly known as the LSAT-Flex, now known as just the LSAT) to obtain a score of 170. It’s also a reflection of general test difficulty. Harder LSATs allow you to miss more questions whereas easier exams require you to miss fewer questions.After every LSAT, there is a discussion of the relative difficulty of the test. You often hear … [Read more...]
The LSAT Never Leaves You (That’s a Good Thing)
There have been plenty of articles written about LSAT thinking in the real world, and about how LSAT logic is used (and often abused) in everyday life. Those articles are all valid, and interesting, I think! But one thought I want to mention is that the thinking skills you learn while studying for the LSAT will stay with you, and benefit you well into the future. Logical Reasoning in Daily Life While I often think of the value of learning LSAT … [Read more...]
Andy Murray’s Motivational Notes and the LSAT
During a tennis match in 2015 at the Rotterdam Open, a journalist snapped a picture of tennis star Andy Murray consulting a handwritten sheet between sets. As it turns out, the sheet contained a list of tactical and mental reminders for Murray during the match. Let's take a look at the list, and then talk a bit about how you can use something similar in your LSAT preparation to your advantage. For starters, here's the tweet from the … [Read more...]
Why Did My LSAT Score Go Down When I First Started Studying?
On occasion, I speak with students who experience a score decrease when they first start preparing for the LSAT. Despite putting in a fair number of study hours, they find that initially their score stays the same, or drops a few points. This can be an extremely distressing occurrence (to put it mildly), but it's actually quite normal, and even expected. So let's talk about why it happens, and what to do about it. But... Why? The first question … [Read more...]
The Ultimate PowerScore LSAT Practice Test Resource List
Taking practice tests is one of the most important elements of preparing for the LSAT, but many students don't know the right way to take and review tests. In order to help you get the most out of each test that you take, we've compiled the many free resources PowerScore has and grouped them together into a comprehensive overview of the process. If there's something to be squeezed out of a test, you'll find it here! How to Take a Practice … [Read more...]
Is LSAT Prep Worth the Cost?
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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]
How Hard is the LSAT?
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, "How hard is the LSAT?" Most students have heard the test is difficult, but unless they've taken an LSAT already, they don't have a good idea of whether the test really is hard, or whether it's just like any other college test. Let's take a look at some numbers and see what the real story is here. LSAT Scoring Scale First, we have to understand the scores that are produced by the test, … [Read more...]
Welcome to the LSAT Casino
When talking about the LSAT, and particularly when examining test results, I like to analogize the LSAT to a casino. Yes, there is the chance that you can go into the test and lose your shirt score-wise. However, what I'm really referring to is the somewhat random nature of the questions you encounter on the LSAT and how that can dramatically affect test takers. The Test is a Gamble The LSAT is a standardized test. While that means certain … [Read more...]
Retaking the LSAT? What to Do Differently to Raise Your Score
Note: we talk in detail about retaking the LSAT on the PowerScore LSAT PodCast, in episodes 2 and 3. Access those episodes here on iTunes. Previously, I covered who should retake the LSAT. In this post, I'm covering how to properly prepare for your retake. First, I'm going to presume that the last time you did a fairly decent job of preparing. That is, you worked through a course or some self-study guides and you took a fair number of practice … [Read more...]