Over on the PowerScore LSAT Discussion Forum I've been talking to several students (both publicly and privately) about their LSAT performance. These are students who are either looking for big score increases (20+ points), or that are a little bit stuck with their scores, and who are looking to get back on the score increase train. In talking to these students, one of the age-old problems for LSAT takers keeps coming up. What's that problem? That … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 99: Return of the GRE
In Episode 99, Dave and Jon discuss exciting updates to the GRE’s role in law school admissions, exploring how the test is moving from a fringe prospect to a central player in the world of entrance exams. Tune in to learn why the LSAT may no longer be the only game in town when it comes to getting into law school! … [Read more...]
What to Do if You Run Out of LSAT Practice Materials
A common question pops up around LSAT crunch time. "How do I prepare for the test if I've burned through all of my practice material?" There are three key steps I'd take between now and test day so you can still maximize the remaining prep time that you have. Review Review, over and over, anything and everything that's given you the slightest bit of trouble the past several months. A lot of people underestimate or even entirely ignore the value … [Read more...]
Score Plateau? Focus on the Process
A few weeks before the LSAT, many people find themselves on a plateau. They just can't seem to improve their scores. People find themselves on plateaus for many different reasons, one of those causes is lack of organization. Over time, when you've done quite a bit of studying for the test, you can start to get lazy with your process. If you're stuck on a plateau, one of the best things you can do is organize your process! This can reduce your … [Read more...]
What Does -9, -10, -11, -12 Mean When Talking About the LSAT Curve
The shorthand reference of -6 to -10 refers to the number of questions you can miss to obtain a 170 on the current 3 scored section LSATs (which started in August 2024). It's also a reflection of test difficulty. Harder LSATs allow you to miss more questions whereas easier exams require you to miss fewer questions.After every LSAT, there is a discussion of the relative difficulty of the test. You often hear numbers such as -7 or -9 thrown … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 98: Student Question Mailbag #8
Jon and Dave are back with the 8th installment in their popular Student Mailbag series, tackling the most pressing questions submitted by listeners! In this LSAT-centric episode they explain how make up tests work, the pros and cons of Score Preview, November scale predictions for the 150s and 160s, when canceling a score is most advisable, and the application review process when schools can see you’re signed up for a future test date. … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 96: The LSAT Logical Reasoning Knowledge Test
Join Jon and Dave as they present the ultimate Logical Reasoning Knowledge Test: 20 questions covering the entirety of the LR section, each designed to measure your grasp on key concepts and fundamental principles. They begin with the 20-question quiz, then follow it up with detailed explanations of each item, explaining precisely how you should have answered and what any missteps tell you about your current LR skills. This is one of the most … [Read more...]
3 Reasons NOT to Read the Question First
This is an issue that comes up quite commonly with students; some have a favorite question type, and prefer to attack those first in a given section. Others note the potential advantage of knowing what to look for before even beginning to read the stimulus. Below are three reasons that I suggest NOT reading the question first, but instead attacking each logical reasoning question in this order: Stimulus, Question, Answer Choices. 1. "Seeing the … [Read more...]
How and When to Create Templates in Logic Games
As people continue to prep for the LSAT, Logic Games weigh heavily on the mind. And a principal concern among most test takers is this: how can you tell when to draw out templates in your setup?More specifically, I was asked this question, "How can I quickly and easily identify when I should and should not template? I know that if I have a variable or variable set that can only go in one of two places, that can be a great hint, but it seems … [Read more...]
About to Start an LSAT Prep Course? Make the Most of It!
So you’re thinking about taking a prep course! Test prep is a huge time and financial commitment. On top of that, the vast array of bells and whistles that come with a course can be daunting. Regardless of which test prep company you go with (hopefully it’s us!), here are some steps you can take to make the most of your time… and money! Show Up to Class This one should be an obvious one. How do you make the most of it? Show up/log in and make a … [Read more...]
Should You Avoid Older LSATs?
Students often ask if they should restrict their studying to LSAT's that are more recently released. The thinking behind this is that older tests are now obsolete because the test has evolved over time. It's a good question, because if the test format changes, doesn't that make those older tests different and perhaps unusable? Are Older LSATs Obsolete? How different are the newer tests from the older tests? And, are they different enough that … [Read more...]
6 Weeks Until the LSAT: What You Need to Know
If you're here, you have about six weeks until your next official LSAT administration. You're in the home stretch! Don't panic! I'm not here to freak you out. In fact, I'm here to help. Below you'll find a list of resources, links, and general suggestions, all designed to help you make the most of your final month-plus, and finish--or, dare I say it, even start--strong! First things first, you'll want to make sure you're registered for your … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 92: Student Question Mailbag #7
It’s time for another Student Mailbag episode! Jon and Dave field questions on a wide range of important subjects: how uber-busy people can best organize a study schedule, knowing when you’ve truly peaked and shouldn’t retest, when a retake makes sense and how to properly prep for it, appropriate and inappropriate personal statement topics, applying early decision, 2021-2022 cycle predictions, and more! … [Read more...]
Should You Retake the LSAT?
When LSAT scores come out, many students are faced with the uncomfortable reality of a possible retake. With that in mind, let's consider two of the most common questions regarding law school admissions. “Should I retake the exam? And if I do, how will law schools interpret my scores?”In order to help you better understand your options, we have researched the policies of LSAC and top law schools. We've also spoken with many admissions … [Read more...]