Part Five of our series examining common flaws in LR questions is here! But, before we continue, here's a recap of our mission 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 … [Read more...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part IV: Errors of Composition and Division
Let's recap the purpose pf this series before we tackle Part Four. Why is it so important to understand these argumentative errors? Here’s how we started the series when looking at Source Arguments: Considering the vast majority of LSAT Logical Reasoning questions will have an argument in their stimulus, and the vast majority of those arguments will contain some sort of flawed reasoning, I thought I would take a moment to address a variety of … [Read more...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part III: Exceptional Cases and Over-generalizations
Before continuing with Part Three of our Flaws in Logical Reasoning series, let’s review the importance of understanding argumentative errors. Here’s how I began the series when 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 … [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...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part I: 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 prove useful for Flaw in the Reasoning questions (which account for about 15% of LR questions.) It should also help with other question types … [Read more...]
What’s the Most You’ve Ever Lost on a Coin Toss? Tracking 50/50 Elements in Logic Games
For some students, the mere thought of a logic game is as terrifying as the anthropomorphic creeping death presented by Anton Chigurh in the Coen Brothers’ classic film, No Country For Old Men. Javier Bardem brings Cormac McCarthy’s world-class literary villain to life. In my mind, the best scene of the whole movie involves a coin toss.Despite how it can sometimes feel, a logic game is never quite as scary as that particular coin toss. The … [Read more...]
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Digital LSAT
What is the Digital LSAT? Essentially, the LSAT you've grown to love (or hate,) but delivered on a tablet that you're given at the test center rather than a paper-and-pencil test. The content and structure of the test sections and questions will be exactly the same. The main difference is that the test is now delivered on Microsoft Surface Go tablets that are loaded with patented software developed by LSAC. The digital interface means no more … [Read more...]
What Should I Do Differently to Prepare for the Digital LSAT?
If you're preparing to take the LSAT in July, you are doubtlessly aware that you'll need to be prepared to take it in either a digital or old-school , paper-based format. Beyond that date, all of the tests will be digital. So what should you do differently to prepare for this new format of the test? As someone who's had the privilege (?) of taking the Digital LSAT already, let me tell you what I would have done to prepare for it. The structure … [Read more...]
Taking the June LSAT: An Application Schedule
It's never too early to start working on your law school applications. Part of being a successful law school applicant is knowing when and where to submit your documents, and how to make sure nothing is missed.The more time you devote to your application components, the better off your applications will be. Note that these tips also apply if you're taking the July test...just move a few of the dates back a few weeks.There is, however, a … [Read more...]
Conditional Reasoning 101: Circular Reasoning and the Contrapositive
Students often ask great questions on our LSAT Forum.One that specifically sticks out regards the existence of circular reasoning in a question that appeared to use the contrapositive. From appearances, the question did use the contrapositive but the reasoning was still flawed, precisely because of the way it was used. Because so many become used to the contrapositive and eventually take it for granted, questions that trade on the point … [Read more...]
What Does It Mean to “Go Grey” on LSAT Score Release Day?
One of the most common talking points you'll hear leading up to an LSAT score release—and incessantly on the day scores become available—is the notion of "going grey." A hysterical flurry of "I'M GREY!!" announcements is one of the most reliable predictors that scores are imminent. What's All This Grey Business About? How Can You Determine Your Own Color Status? Two quick notes before we begin. First, the grey/gray debate is really one of pure … [Read more...]
Why Does It Take So Long for Paper LSAT Scores to Come Out?
Once the LSAT is over, one of the most common complaints is that scores should come out more quickly. Given that we live in an era where tests are electronically scored and the results are transmitted nearly instantly by email, it sounds like a reasonable complaint. So, why does it take so long for LSAT scores to appear? Couldn't they get them out a lot earlier? To best understand what happens once you turn in your LSAT scoresheet, let's take a … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 1: January LSAT Recap and 2019 Test Info Discussion
We are excited to present the first full episode of our brand new PowerScore LSAT PodCast with hosts Dave Killoran and Jon Denning! In this inaugural episode, Dave and Jon discuss the various January '19 LSATs recently offered, provide updates on some recent LSAC news regarding registration deadlines and digital testing, and examine the remainder of 2019’s test dates with analysis on how each will be administered and advice on which to take. They … [Read more...]
LSAT Cancellations, Withdrawals, and Absences: What’s the Difference?
With the LSAT just around the corner, you may be taking a look at how your prep is going and thinking that you are simply not ready for the test. There's no shame in this; in fact, knowing when you are or are not ready for the LSAT shows a great deal of self-awareness and respect for your law school application. If you know you're not ready for the test, then there are a number of options available to you. We'll discuss each of them in detail so … [Read more...]