A lot of students ask us what makes for a good LSAT studying book. While we're naturally keen on our own publications, here are some quick ways to tell if the book you are using is useless, out of date, or written by someone without a true understanding of the LSAT. General PointsThe book uses simulated LSAT questions. Real questions are available from LSAC (producers of the test) for a fee. A book uses real LSAT questions only if the … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 18: June 2019 LSAT Deconstructed
In Episode 18 of our LSAT Podcast, Jon and Dave bid farewell to the last-ever paper test with a deep dive into the just-released June 2019 LSAT. Section by section, they deconstruct the exam, running through LR’s most notable features and their favorite questions, analyzing all four RC passages and the highlights (and lowlights) of each, and finally providing a thorough breakdown of every Logic Game, guiding you through the trickiest rules, key … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 17: The New LSAT Retake Policy
Episode 17 of the podcast features some game-changing news from LSAC concerning their new retake policies, severely restricting the number of times test takers can sit for the LSAT despite it being administered 10 times each year. While this information hasn’t been made public by LSAC yet, we’ve got you covered with a detailed overview of precisely how these repeat limits will affect your prep plans.You can find the episode below, but make … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 16: June 2019 LSAT Review and Scale Prediction
Episode 16 of the podcast features an in-depth review of the recent June 2019 LSAT, as Jon and Dave discuss the test section by section and highlight the toughest content, overall student impressions (as well as some unfortunate test day horror stories), and our official curve prediction. There’s also a brief look ahead at July and an overview of PowerScore’s new digital testing platform!You can find the episode below, but make sure to … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Guide to LSAT Writing
LSAT Writing is a mandatory writing sample that students complete on their own time in the days, weeks, or even months following the test. We put together this guide to explain what’s expected of you, how it’s administered, its general importance, and how to write the most compelling essay possible.LSAT Writing is a 35-minute assignment that requires you to write a persuasive essay in favor of a particular choice among two possible … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 15: The Digital Writing Sample
Episode 15 of the podcast is all about the LSAT Writing Sample, as Jon and Dave discuss its purpose and potential impact on your app, upcoming changes to its administration, what the new digital format will mean when submitting your essay, and, perhaps above all, precisely how to craft a response that satisfies even the most inquisitive admissions committee. You can find the episode below, but make sure to subscribe/follow and rate/review on … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 14: Student Question Mailbag
The 14th episode of the podcast is a Student Question Mailbag edition, where Jon and Dave tackle submitted inquiries about admissions—including undergrad vs grad school GPA usage and why your college GPA and LSAC GPA may not match—as well as some big-picture curiosities about using older LSAT Bibles, when to read the question stem in LR, and the best guessing strategy to employ as time runs out. You can find the episode below, but make sure to … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 13: The Digital LSAT
In Episode 13, Dave and Jon do a deep dive into the upcoming Digital LSAT, exploring everything from the hardware and software being used to section-specific strategies to help you take full advantage of the interface’s features. If you have questions or concerns about tablet testing this episode has your answers! You can find the episode below, but make sure to subscribe/follow and rate/review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Stitcher! … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 12: Sufficient Assumption/Justify the Conclusion Questions
Episode 12 continues the discussion from the last episode by looking at the other Assumption question type: Sufficient Assumptions (also known as Justify the Conclusion). Dave and Jon provide an extensive analysis of this unique LR task, exploring everything from how to spot Justify questions to the relationship between Assumption and Justify—key similarities and differences—to powerful mechanistic techniques like the Justify Formula to help you … [Read more...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part II: Circular Reasoning
Before we continue examining common flaws in LSAT LR questions, let’s review the importance of understanding these argumentative errors. Here’s how I began the first post in this series, where we looked at Source Arguments: The majority of LSAT Logical Reasoning questions have an argument in their stimulus and most will contain some sort of flawed reasoning. In this series, we will address a variety of the flaws that tend to appear with some … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 11: Necessary Assumption Questions
Episode 11 centers on one the LSAT’s toughest LR question types: Necessary Assumptions. In this episode, Jon and Dave break down how these problems operate, describe what makes them unique (and how to keep them separate from Sufficient Assumptions, which are covered next week!), and provide several powerful strategies for solving any Assumption question, whether Supporter or Defender. If you struggle with this tricky concept you won’t want to … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 10: March 2019 LSAT Review and Scale Prediction
The 10th episode focuses on the four March LSAT administrations students just experienced—North American, two International, and a Sabbath-observer—detailing the scored topics section by section, the original appearance of any reused tests, student reactions, and overall impressions of difficulty, including curve predictions. There’s also a discussion of the keep-or-cancel decision and advice on what to do if you’re unsure about your next … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 9: Test Week Preparation
Episode 9 of the podcast is all about test day! Dave and Jon outline exactly how to study in the 72 hours prior to an LSAT, dos and don’ts for the day before, tips for the morning-of (including some warm up advice!), and suggestions for minimizing stress and anxiety at the test center. As part of that discussion you’ll get answers to common questions. "Which sections or concepts offer the most opportunity for last-minute improvement?” And, “How … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 8: Logical Reasoning Outliers – The Black Sheep
The episode begins with a quick rundown of the latest news, from Dave’s current Vegas adventure for March Madness to an update on the college admissions scandal and finally a look at the week in the LSAT World. Then they turn to the night's central theme! How to use the final week before an LSAT to prepare for outlier elements and oddball scenarios. Specifically, they focus on two of the most obscure LR question types, Cannot be True and Evaluate … [Read more...]