One of the most unexpected and misunderstood aspects of the LSAT is the test makers’ frequent reuse of previously-administered, nondisclosed exams. In Episode 133, Dave and Jon take a closer look at this practice by focusing on the repeated appearance of a particular RC passage from early 2009 all the way to its eventual public release in late 2022, examining both how the reuse process works, and the many benefits that come from understanding … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 130: April 2023 LSAT Recap
With the April 2023 LSAT finally behind us, Jon and Dave are checking in with all the details! In this episode they break down the April LSAT, reviewing its source tests and how well they match the Crystal Ball predictions, highlighting the most notable elements that featured each day, and finally offering a section-by-section scale matrix to help you determine the exact curve for your particular exam. Register for the upcoming Crystal Ball: … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 126: January 2023 LSAT Recap
With the first LSAT of 2023 officially over, Jon and Dave are blazing into the new year with a full test recap! Tune in to hear them deconstruct the January LSAT, explaining what was scored and what was experimental, the relative difficulty of each scored section, and their 155-170 curve predictions for every content combination. They also discuss their latest Crystal Ball forecasts, examining just how accurate they were for January, and what … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 124: Student Question Mailbag: Reading Comprehension Edition
Jon and Dave have once again reached into their sack of student questions, focusing their 10th mailbag episode exclusively on the topic of Reading Comprehension. Tune in to hear them answer 12 of the most common Reading Comp questions, including how to apply LR skills to RC, how to stay focused during the passage, how to best use CTRL-F, how to attack Comparative Reading, how to maximize points as time is running out, and many more! … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 122: November 2022 LSAT Recap
The November LSAT—and with it the 2022 testing year—has officially wrapped! And that means Jon and Dave are on the scene with everything you need to know, highlighting the exam’s scored vs experimental content, explaining difficulty section by section, and finally examining every possible combination to predict a scoring scale for each test taker. If you tested in November you won’t want to miss this! … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 120: October 2022 LSAT Recap
The October LSAT was not only the biggest test of 2022 enrollment-wise, it also included the most scored section combinations and some of the toughest LG and RC content that we’ve seen all year! But as always, Jon and Dave are here to cut through the confusion, clarifying what was real, the standout moments of difficulty, and, above all, how it all fit together to produce a surprisingly-wide range of scoring scales. … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 103: February 2022 LSAT Recap
The February 2022 LSAT is officially over, which means Dave and Jon are in the clear to reveal everything you need to know about it! In Episode 103 they outline the scored and experimental sections used, general impressions of difficulty, and, as always, their scoring scale predictions for every section combination. Don't miss it! … [Read more...]
The Best Way to Review LSAT Reading Comprehension Questions
There are many excellent resources that discuss how to review LSAT questions in general, but few discuss the best ways to specifically review Reading Comprehension questions. It can be tough to review a full passage and 5 to 8 questions, so let’s discuss what you should be doing.Understand the Passage This may seem rather obvious, but it’s often an overlooked part of Reading Comprehension review. Go back and re-read the passage, and as you … [Read more...]
Reading Comprehension Webinar: Skills & Diagnostic Tests
Do you spend too much time reading? Fail to absorb enough information about the structure of the passage? Or is it that you go too slowly in the questions? Dave and Jon explore these common problems and teach you how to overcome them. They also showcase how to make this often-loathed section actually fun. Below is the recording for a webinar from Dave Killoran and Jon Denning on the best way to analyze your strengths and weaknesses in Reading … [Read more...]
Killer RC: The Hardest LSAT Reading Comprehension Passages of All Time
Students studying Reading Comprehension passages often want to see the hardest passages in LSAT history. To that end, here is a list of the hardest Reading Comprehension passages of all time, in chronological order. It is accompanied by our at-times jesting commentary. Although we can no longer offer direct downloads of the games due to LSAC rules, this publication identifier link will tell you where to find them. Want to try them all? We've … [Read more...]
Reading Comprehension a Total Drag? Find a Study Buddy!
The LSAT can be a daunting experience for anyone starting out their preparation. And one particular area that a number of students will struggle with is the Reading Comprehension section. After all, most people taking this test are collegiate-level students who are initially confident in their abilities as readers. As such, they should be regular perusers of periodicals such as The Economist, Scientific American, The New Yorker and National … [Read more...]
Note-Taking Reading Comprehension: Mark Up Your Map
Taking notes on Reading Comp passages can be a challenge for many students, especially because RC on the LSAT is so unlike RC on other standardized tests. Most students either forego note-taking altogether in favor of trying to “just get it”. Or else they go crazy underlining everything they think might be important somehow.Neither of these strategies lends itself to the evidence-based approach you should take to answer the questions. … [Read more...]
Multiple Subjects and Varied Viewpoints on the Reading Comprehension Section
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of reading an LSAT Reading Comprehension section, you may have noticed that the passages are not necessarily intended to delight and amuse. Even if you are an avid reader, they can be very challenging because the passages are not written or chosen for clarity. Unlike newspapers and magazines, whose writers do their best to be clear and direct. The makers of the LSAT aren’t trying to sell you their passages. You … [Read more...]
Approaching Reading Comprehension Sections Strategically
Approaching the LSAT Strategically Series: Part I, Part II, Part III There is a fundamental truth about test takers when it comes to the LSAT: everyone is different. That is, everyone who sits down with this exam will have unique strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and ultimately, ways they can optimize their performance in every section. While that certainly affects how it is that people prepare, I think it also dictates how test … [Read more...]