The 2025 US News law school rankings have been released, setting the “official” standard by which schools will be compared to one another for the upcoming admissions cycle. In Episode 168, Dave and Jon offer their take on this year’s rankings, including the controversial metrics and weighting involved, the most prominent winners and losers as schools rise and fall, and—above all—exactly what these rankings mean to you as an … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 166: LSAT Faceoff: Dave and Jon Debate Five Common Test Concerns
In Episode 166, Dave and Jon go head-to-head on five of the most contentious issues that often divide LSAT students and prep providers, serving up their unique—and at times opposing—perspectives on these hot-button topics. Tune in to hear them debate everything from whether to read the stimulus or question stem first, when and why you should cancel your score, the value of diagramming, their ideal pre-test routine, and even the utility of the … [Read more...]
Top 100 Law School Application Deadlines and Latest Acceptable LSAT: 2025 Edition
The LSAT you take—or retake—can have a great impact on your admission chances. Some of you may be asking, “Is the January LSAT too late? Are the February or April LSATs too late?” We survey top law schools yearly with those exact questions to find out admissions deadlines and the latest LSAT each school will accept.Many of the top law schools are still requiring a January LSAT deadline. But, as you’ll see in the chart below, the February and … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 157: Admissions Mailbag: Abnormal Breaks in Your Record
Jon and Dave are back with another of their popular Student Mailbag discussions! In Episode 157, they tackle questions related to a common admissions concern: how to best handle abnormal gaps or low points in your academic (and in one instance, personal) record. So if you’ve ever had an extended break from school, or a rough patch grade-wise, or even a challenging personal issue that law schools may see, you’ll find the guidance you need right … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 152: Letters of Recommendation
There’s an old law school adage, “Letters of Recommendation won’t get you in...but they can certainly keep you out.” In Episode 152, Jon and Dave explore this crucial admissions component, explaining how Letters of Rec work, who should write yours, how to ensure you get the best possible recommendations, and the pitfalls to avoid as you finalize your application.Episode … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 151: The 2024-2025 US News Law School Rankings
It’s that time of year again: after an error-plagued preview in early April, with 80 (!) schools ranked incorrectly, US News has finally re-released their “correct” 2024-2025 law school rankings. In Episode 151, Dave and Jon break down the algorithm behind the rankings, sift through the biggest winners and losers as schools moved up and down the list, and offer insights into just how much weight you should give these standings as you decide where … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 140: The Logic Game of LSAT Test Scheduling
LSAC’s troubled proctoring partnership with ProMetric is once again under scrutiny, as October scheduling—where registrants select their test day and time—has been plagued by numerous issues for both in-person and remote LSATs. In Episode 140, Jon and Dave outline the causes behind the limited test center availability, inaccessible time slots, and hours-long registration queues, and offer guidance for future test takers desperate for a smoother … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 136: Applying to Law School as a Nontraditional Student
In this special admissions episode, Jon and Dave focus on nontraditional applicants: essentially anyone whose resume doesn’t fit the “normal” model of law school in their early-20s, straight out of college. So whether you’re applying several years post-grad, or with a family in tow, or with motivations for pursuing a degree beyond the typical career in Biglaw, this episode will instruct you on exactly how to present your nontrad credentials in … [Read more...]
Is My Dream Law School Too Expensive?
Finally! Your LSAT’s done, essays have been written, applications submitted, and you’re in at your top choice. But with one caveat… no scholarship. Let’s assume that you’ve employed the negotiation tips from previous blogs and podcasts and the school just won’t budge. You’ve got some other great offers, but the entire process you’ve been dead set on attending XYZ school. What should you do? Working Backwards The first step is to work backwards … [Read more...]
How Many Law Schools Should I Apply To?
If one thing is certain from this blog series, you should expect the answer to be: it depends. There is no perfect number of schools to apply to. I applied to over twenty schools and sat in class next to students who submitted one ED application. Hopefully, this blog will help you determine whether you’re a mass applier (like I was), a targeted applicant (5-10 schools), or an applicant focused on one or a handful of schools. As a general rule, … [Read more...]
How Do I Write My Personal Statement?
You’re ready. You’ve graduated college, taken the LSAT, and started your applications. But you’re stumped: how do I write a personal statement?First, there’s no formula for perfecting the personal statement (like taking the LSAT). Rather, the personal statement is highly subjective and need not be about any specific topic. What matters most is that you show a side of yourself that is personal, vulnerable, and genuine. AdComms read hundreds of … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 132: The 2024 US News Law School Rankings
After weeks of mixed messaging and false starts, US News has finally released its controversial 2024 law school rankings. In their latest episode, Jon and Dave break down this year’s revamped ranking metrics explaining what caused such volatility from top to bottom, and then run through the big winners and losers as schools moved up and down the list! … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 131: 8 Tips For The Law School Scholarship Reconsideration Process
With the application cycle in full swing and admissions decisions finally finding their way to eager applicants, one topic on everyone’s mind is financial aid. In Episode 131, Dave and Jon cover the delicate process of scholarship reconsideration requests, highlighting the do’s and don’ts that can make all the difference when it comes to what you’re offered! Register for the upcoming Crystal Ball: Revisited - The June 2023 LSAT webinar with Dave … [Read more...]
When Should I Take The LSAT?
You’ve always known you wanted to go to law school. Like Rachel Zane on Suits, taking the LSAT and going to law school has been your calling since before you can remember.Or you’re completely unsure. Law school sounds fun, but you have no interest in being a litigator, and you’re not sure whether it’s worth the time and financial investment. Either way, there is long-term and short-term planning that goes into taking the LSAT. Consider both … [Read more...]