So far in this mini series, we have covered Question-by-Question Difficulty and Individual Question Difficulty. These have largely covered the individual questions within a section on Logical Reasoning on the LSAT. In this post, I am focusing my efforts to discuss overall difficulty in the LR section. Following that, I'll address how that figures into the creation of an LSAT. Overall Difficulty by the Numbers For this, we are using the … [Read more...]
The LSAT Bibles: Do You Need the Newest Editions? Part I
It's a common question! Students always ask us, "I have an older version of the LSAT Bibles, do I need to buy the current edition?" The easiest answer for us to give is "Yes, you do!" But, we're cognizant that these books are expensive. So, the answer isn't quite as simple. In order to give you the information to help you make your own decision, let me first give you an overview of how the update process works. In part II, I talk more about each … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 19: Digital LSAT Redux
Jon and Dave once again tackle July’s impending digital transition. They break down the multitude of questions they’re still receiving about the new format and LSAC’s mysterious rollout. If you’re taking the test as part of the 50/50 audience, or simply curious about the experience of those who are, this is one you won’t want to miss! Looking for more? Read our critical list of everything you need to know about the digital test here, and our … [Read more...]
How Can I Tell if the LSAT Book I Bought is Any Good?
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we're naturally keen on our own publications, here are some quick ways to tell if the book you are using is useless, out of date, or written by someone without a true understanding of the LSAT.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...]
Individual Question Difficulty in Logical Reasoning
In my last post, I discussed question-by-question difficulty in LSAT Logical Reasoning sections. Continuing in that same vein, let’s look inside the statistics a bit further. When you examine the difficulty rating for individual questions and sections, you can make several useful inferences. The First Question The first question is always easy or relatively easy (seven of the eight sections under discussion began with a level 1 (easy) … [Read more...]
Question-by-Question Difficulty in Logical Reasoning
In Logical Reasoning on the LSAT, there is a question many students ask. How does the difficulty of the questions change as the section progresses? In our courses and books, we delve into this point in some detail. Here, I’m going to give a brief overview of how difficulty changes throughout the section. Where Our Data Comes From Before addressing the questions, a note about the statistics we use. You might ask how we derive our information and … [Read more...]
What to Trust and What to Question in LSAT Logical Reasoning
One of the most common questions test takers ask when considering LSAT Logical Reasoning is "How do I know what information I can accept as fact?" So let's consider what information you should question or approach with skepticism.This very question came up on our Forum. A student considered a question from the second LR section, #24 on the February 1994 LSAT. This question discusses investments and the relationship of inflation to … [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...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part X: Time Shift Errors
[Further Reading in Flaws in Logical Reasoning: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10] As we finish up this series on common flaws in logical reasoning, here's a reminder of where we started.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 … [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...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part IX: Appeal to Emotion
We're at the final stretch! Before we can get to Part 9, here's a recap on our purpose as stated in the first post on 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 frequency. I’ll examine common mistakes that authors on the test make. This should … [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...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part VIII: Appeal to Authority
Before continuing on to Part Eight of our flaws in LR on the LSAT, let’s review once more. 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 frequency. I’ll examine common mistakes that … [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...]