We've always told you to look at this test as an enjoyable event. So, what's up with "negative thinking"? Balance the Positive With the Negative We always tell students to develop a positive mindset when it comes to the test. Cultivate the belief that success is guaranteed, and (virtually) anything is possible. Anything, indeed, including failure. True, there is much validity in the principle of so-called “self-fulfilling prophecy,” where your … [Read more...]
Conditional Reasoning 101: As Easy as Falling Off a Log
Conditional reasoning is argumentation based on “if…then” statements and it is a prominent feature of the LSAT. While the numbers vary from test to test, year to year, you can expect around 10 questions in a single LR section that involve conditional reasoning. You’ll also see that at least half of the Logic Games will employ it as well. Some games will be entirely conditional, with every single rule setting up an if/then statement. For example, … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in Kenya
Are you taking the LSAT in Kenya? Students take the LSAT if they plan to attend law schools in the US and Canada. However, the test administers across the globe. Check out this post about taking the LSAT abroad.In Kenya, only one location offers the LSAT: Nairobi, Corner Affair. While there is just one location option, it occurs twice per year: February and June. You can find a complete list of test dates and deadlines here. Students should … [Read more...]
Can You Diagram These Conditional Reasoning Phrases?
Conditional reasoning appears throughout the LSAT, in the arguments presented within the Logical Reasoning sections of the test, in the grouping games that are featured in every Logic Games section, and even (to a lesser extent) in the Reading Comprehension section of the test. This type of logic classifies conditions as Sufficient or Necessary, depending on whether they are sufficient to glean further information, or necessary for something else … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast, “In Conversation: PowerScore and Ms. JD Prelaw”
Today we are happy to present a special LSAT podcast that features PowerScore Vice President of Development and Training Jon Denning, PowerScore Senior Instructor Andrew Ash, and Ms. JD Prelaw Program Director Ani Torossian.Throughout the 35-minute conversation, Jon, Andrew, and Ani touch on such prevalent topics as: Is the LSAT a skill or IQ test? What are the most effective methods of LSAT prep? How much time should students … [Read more...]
Speed Dating with the LSAT: How to Pick a Winner
It’s the Logical Reasoning section, and you’re already cooking. You’ve read the first stimulus and reacted to it, maybe noticed some flaw or some important indicator language. You’ve read the question stem, so you know what you’re supposed to be looking for. You've developed a prephrase, so you are clear about what the right answer is supposed to look like, what it’s supposed to do. Now what do you do? Time for Speed Dating If you don’t know … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in Azerbaijan
Are you taking the LSAT in Azerbaijan? Students take the LSAT if they plan to attend law schools in the US and Canada. However, the test administers across the globe. Check out this post about taking the LSAT abroad.In Azerbaijan, only one location offers the LSAT: Baku, American Councils of International Education. The test occurs only once per year in September/October. You can find a complete list of test dates and deadlines here. Students … [Read more...]
Logical Reasoning and Its Challenges
The makers of the LSAT are very good at creating difficult Logical Reasoning questions. And since they can test new questions in the experimental sections, they can glean a lot about what works against the unwary test taker. How to Make Logical Reasoning Questions More Challenging When the makers of the LSAT create a Logical Reasoning question, they have several chances to make it more challenging. They can write a difficult stimulus. Ask a … [Read more...]
Help! My LSAT Test Center Was Closed!
So your LSAT Test Center was closed? Here are the next steps you should take:Stay calm. Don't panic. This is something that LSAC is familiar with (it's happened numerous times in the past), and they won't leave you high and dry. Hold on to your admissions ticket. You'll still need it to take the test at a later date. Wait for an email from LSAC. They will contact you to advise that your test center is closed, and to let you know what … [Read more...]
Should I Add an Addendum for a 2nd, Higher Score?
Sometimes students wonder what a drastic jump in LSAT score from one test administration to the next relays to admissions officers when considering applications. In this discussion on the PowerScore LSAT Forum, Dave Killoran provides advice for a student who is wondering if their score jump will raise suspicion and whether or not they should provide an addendum in their application. Here's a quick preview. Make sure to check out the full … [Read more...]
Complex Arguments on the LSAT: How to Be a Major League Player
The LSAT often asks you to determine something about a portion of an argument. What was the main point? What role did such and such statement play in the argument? The first question is a Main Point question (no surprise there), and the latter is what we call a Method of Reasoning, Argument Part question.Both question types are asking something very similar. They want you to pull apart the argument and identify some key component. Was it a … [Read more...]
Logical Reasoning in the Reading Comprehension Section
A student recently wrote in to ask about the relationship between Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension on the LSAT. More specifically, he wanted to know whether he should apply the lessons from the Logical Reasoning Bible to the Reading Comp section of the test. This is an interesting question and one that we’ve heard before from students seeking to clarify the relationship and distinctions between the various sections of the … [Read more...]
Last Minute Logic Games Tips
Students frequently ask questions over on our Free LSAT Forum. It's a great resource for you to connect with fellow test-takers and with LSAT experts on all things LSAT and Law School Admissions. A common struggle students have and express there is the Logic Games section. In this particular post, a test-taker struggling with Logic Games about a week away from the test asks for last minute tips to help get them through the section. While we … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in Spain
Are you taking the LSAT in Spain? Students take the LSAT if they plan to attend law schools in the US and Canada. However, the test administers across the globe. Check out this post about taking the LSAT abroad.In Spain, only one location offers the LSAT: University of Navarra in Pamplona. While there is just one location option, it occurs twice per year: June and September/October. You can find a complete list of test dates and deadlines … [Read more...]