In the first part of this series, I address LSAT diagramming and how to better determine its usefulness for you. Essentially, I suggest that diagramming is an investment of your time and rhythm. In order for that investment to be worthwhile, it needs to pay dividends in terms of two things:Gaining you more time than it took as you continue on. Like a prephrase, where you can more aggressively/efficiently sort through the answers. Leading … [Read more...]
Diagramming on the LSAT Part I: Is It Worth It?
When time is running out, students face a critical dilemma. It's one that I feel is important to briefly address as it is one of the most common elements that students find slows them down: diagramming. Make Sure It's Worth Your Time Here's the thing. Any time you find yourself stopping to make notations, for a passage, game, or stimulus, you're using valuable time. Theoretically, that time may be better spent. Maybe by continuing to … [Read more...]
The Importance of Cutting Through the Bullsh*t on the LSAT
With the notable exception of Logic Games, the LSAT is full of confusing, redundant information. Unfortunately, every single Reading Comprehension passage will contain needlessly complex details. These details often combine with unfamiliar jargon and forays into minutiae that detract from the main point of the passage and obscure the purpose. Reading Comprehension boils down to two primary objectives: read and comprehend (duh!). The thing is, … [Read more...]
World Domination, LSAT-Style
For many years, the LSAT was used only in the United States and Canada. Then, a number of years ago, LSAC struck a deal with Melbourne University in Australia to have the LSAT used for admission to the JD program. Several other schools and countries that have also adopted the LSAT in some form, including schools in India, China, and Puerto Rico. But, why is LSAC doing this? The answer is market expansion and financial stability. College … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in Georgia
Are you taking the LSAT in Georgia? 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 Georgia, only one location offers the LSAT: Tblisi, American Councils (ACCELS). While there is just one location option, it occurs three times per year: June, September/October, and December. You can find a complete list of test … [Read more...]
A Causal Reasoning Smackdown
I recently had the great pleasure of teaching our free Causal Reasoning Secrets seminar, which is always a lot of fun. Getting into the spirit of things, I searched federal case law for opinions focusing on causal reasoning and found a doozy in Claar v. Burlington Northern R. Co., 29 F.3d 499 (C.A.9 (Mont.), 1994). Claar v. Burlington Northern R. Co. Twenty-seven employees brought a suit against the Burlington Northern Railroad Company. They … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in Australia
Are you taking the LSAT in Australia? Students take the LSAT if they plan to apply to Melbourne Law School and the University of Western Australia or any law schools in the US and Canada. However, the test administers across the globe. Check out this post about taking the LSAT abroad.In Australia, 10 separate locations offer the LSAT.Adelaide, SA, LTC Testing Brisbane, QLD, Queensland University of Technology Canberra, ACT, … [Read more...]
Studying GMAT Critical Reasoning? Consider Using LSAT LR Questions
Those of you who follow the PowerScore blog know that I most frequently write about the LSAT and law school related topics. However, PowerScore also offers GMAT books, so I spend time in the GMAT world as well. If you've ever studied the GMAT, you know that both the Critical Reasoning (CR) and Reading Comprehension (RC) sections of that test are very similar to the LSAT Logical Reasoning (LR) and Reading Comprehension sections. But whereas the … [Read more...]
Time Running Out in LSAT Reading Comprehension
When considering another post on our blog, Mind-Wandering, Mindfulness, and Reading Comprehension, some other RC concerns we hear from students come to mind. How do I approach the final passage when I'm running out of time? What is the best strategy for attacking a passage with only 3-5 minutes remaining in the section?Considering that the typical test taker needs 9-10+ minutes to get through a passage and its questions, this scenario is … [Read more...]
6 Key Tips to Help You Score Better Than Your Classmates
There is little doubt that prep courses give you the most bang for your buck, and it's no surprise that they are an extremely popular way of preparing to take the LSAT. According to LSAC's own research report, students who use official LSAC test-preparation materials (i.e. PrepTests), non-LSAC books (such as the Bible Trilogy) and commercial test-prep courses tend to have higher scores than those who did not use such methods. Most students, LSAC … [Read more...]
Curveballs in LSAT Logic Games
. With the release of the June 2014 LSAT, we can take solace in the notion that, although 99.9% of test-takers bombed the last game completely, better days lie ahead. For one thing, missing every single question on that game only brings your score down to 177. This is thanks to the exceptionally generous curve on that test. Why was the curve so generous? See the first sentence above. Here's the funny thing about exceptionally brutal games: they … [Read more...]
Considering an LSAT Retake? Here’s What the Experts Say!
Whenever scores release, we consistently get the same question. Should I retake the LSAT? And that's understandable. Some will receive their scores and know immediately that they need another shot. Others are fortunate enough to not have to take the test ever again. But, a large segment of students will be in the middle. The scores are solid, but not slam-dunk and give a chance at target schools, but do not guarantee admission. This leads to a … [Read more...]
Using the PowerScore LSAT Bibles: 3 Month Self-Study Plan
Students often ask about combining the LSAT Bibles when they are self-studying. You can find a full list of guides for your LSAT timeline on our Self-Study site, but here's an overview of what to do if you have 3 months to study for the LSAT. This plan assumes you have our 3 LSAT Bibles, our first Training Type Series (which includes LSAT PrepTests 1-20), and a plethora of actual LSATs, including some recent exams. You can purchase full digital … [Read more...]
Do You Need to Do Every Released Practice Test Question?
The release of the May 2020 LSAT-Flex means there are now 96 official LSAT PrepTests. That's over 9,000 official LSAT Prep Test questions for you to use in your LSAT prep journey. Does it sound daunting? That's because it is. Yet, some students are still complaining that it's not enough.To put this in perspective, hundreds of test-takers have managed to get a top-1% score without doing anything near that many questions. Despite minor … [Read more...]