In a Time article on over-practicing, there are several good pieces of advice for LSAT test-takers. From that advice, we can draw some guidelines on how you should prepare for the LSAT. Let's take a look at what they said and what it means for you. The Article The article references a study published by the Journal of Neuroscience. In this study, researchers observed subjects performing tasks repeatedly and measured energy expenditure as they … [Read more...]
How to Increase Your LSAT Score Simply by Using Your Nose
As I've mentioned on a number of prior occasions, some of the most important weapons you have in your battle with the LSAT are your mental strength, confidence, and overall outlook. Of course, your processing speed and reasoning powers are critical, but I look at them as only half of the equation. If you process quickly and understand argumentation, that will take you a long way, but if you are also afraid of the exam and don't fully trust … [Read more...]
Need LSAT Advice? How to Help Us, Help You
One of the most common LSAT preparation questions we receive is: "I've been studying for a while and want to increase my score even more. Do you have any tips to help me out?" This is a question we love to get because it directly relates to what we do. We love the LSAT, and we are passionate about helping students get better at taking this test.When answering this question, one of our goals is to provide advice that is specific to the … [Read more...]
Combining the PowerScore LSAT Bibles for Self-Study
Students who buy multiple PowerScore LSAT Bibles often ask if there is some special way they should be combined during study to produce optimal results. Although each LSAT Bible is designed to stand as an independent entity, there are steps that can optimize your overall absorption of the material. Start with Your Struggles Start by reading the LSAT Bible that covers the section that concerns you most. You should always begin by attacking any … [Read more...]
Studying GMAT Critical Reasoning? Consider Using LSAT LR Questions
Those of you who follow the PowerScore blog know that I most frequently write about the LSAT and law school related topics. However, PowerScore also offers GMAT books, so I spend time in the GMAT world as well. If you've ever studied the GMAT, you know that both the Critical Reasoning (CR) and Reading Comprehension (RC) sections of that test are very similar to the LSAT Logical Reasoning (LR) and Reading Comprehension sections. But whereas the … [Read more...]
Considering an LSAT Retake? Here’s What the Experts Say!
Whenever scores release, we consistently get the same question. Should I retake the LSAT? And that's understandable. Some will receive their scores and know immediately that they need another shot. Others are fortunate enough to not have to take the test ever again. But, a large segment of students will be in the middle. The scores are solid, but not slam-dunk and give a chance at target schools, but do not guarantee admission. This leads to a … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT-STL, a Special Chinese LSAT
Note: this test has been discontinued. Since 2010, applicants to the Peking University School of Transnational Law (STL) have been taking an LSAT specifically created for the purpose of admission to the STL. The LSAT-STL is an adapted version of the regular LSAT. It is designed for applicants who are not native speakers of English. Accordingly, the test is administered only in Beijing and Shanghai, and the cost is approximately $130 USD. … [Read more...]
The LSAT Bibles: Do You Need the Newest Editions? Part II
In Part I of this blog, I discuss why we use cover medallions on our LSAT Bibles to indicate the year of release. The short answer is that they help students identify the most up-to-date versions and avoid accidentally buying an older version that's out of date. In this continuation, I go into each book individually and provide an overview of some of the changes over the years. Want more in-depth explanations between specific years? Here are some … [Read more...]
Logic Games Practice Tips
When preparing for the LSAT, it's not uncommon to study long and hard. There are only so many official LSAT practice tests and there's a chance you will eventually run out. So, what do you do if you run out of Logic Games questions and still want to raise your score? With no new questions, you may worry about getting rusty and your score deteriorating. This situation comes up more frequently than you may think! Let's get into some tips on what to … [Read more...]
Have You Retaken the LSAT? Here Are Some Statistics for You
Have you ever wondered whether you should re-take the LSAT? Or how many people actually do take the LSAT more than once? Well, even if you haven’t, we’re here to provide some insight into just how many people do take the LSAT multiple times. The Numbers According to an LSAT Research Report covering the period of 2010 to 2018, the average percentage of first-time test takers was 68%. So, on average, almost 7 out of 10 test takers yearly are … [Read more...]
How Stress Can Actually Help Your Score
For the last week or so we have been posting articles about mentally and physically preparing for the upcoming LSAT. Now the day of the test is almost here, and I wanted to add a final thought about the stress that everyone faces when taking the LSAT. As you walk into the test, keep this in mind: Stress will not hurt your performance, and it can actually help. That's right, stress isn't the test-killer that many people expect it to be. In … [Read more...]
Law School Personal Statements You SHOULDN’T Write
I've been working with law school applicants for years. Every year I see some absolutely unique essays and I see essays that I swear I've seen before (sometimes many, many times). Some of them are strikingly good, while others are jarringly bad. In an effort to shed some light on essay topics that could quickly go from mundane to radioactive, I've compiled a list of a few of the topics that I wish would go away—or, at least, get done by fewer … [Read more...]
LSAT Test Composition: How and Why Difficulty Varies
Struggling with Consistency? One question that arises frequently is, “Why am I not consistent in how I score on a certain section?” For example, a student may see his or her score in Logical Reasoning move around by a few questions with each practice test. Or, a student with consistent overall scores notices that sometimes she performs well on Reading Comprehension, other times Logical Reasoning, and other times Games. So, she ends up scoring … [Read more...]
LSAT Private Tutoring: In-Person vs. Live Online
When searching for LSAT private tutoring these days, students have a choice: they can either choose to meet their LSAT tutor in person (in the real world!), or they can choose to meet their tutor online, using an e-learning platform. But, how are the two approaches different, and which is the best approach for you? The answer depends on several factors, so let's examine some of the key elements about both forms of tutoring: The Teaching … [Read more...]