The process of reviewing your practice test performance is one of the most important components of preparing for the LSAT, but it can be difficult to know exactly how to get the most out of the review.We advise students to analyze each test on both broad and hyper-specific levels, then focus their study time on the areas that will make the most difference. But in order to truly understand where you need to focus, you need a detailed analysis … [Read more...]
The LSAT Is About To Get Harder
Any LSAT student reading the title above probably just felt their heart stop for a moment. I apologize for that! Fortunately, the LSAT won’t be getting harder immediately, but will likely be getting harder in the years to come. Let’s talk about why.Big Data is Everywhere The rise of Big Data has been widely discussed, usually in reference to social media and advertising. But with the dawn of the Digital LSAT and the launch of LSAC's own … [Read more...]
The LSAT Never Leaves You (That’s a Good Thing)
There have been plenty of articles written about LSAT thinking in the real world, and about how LSAT logic is used (and often abused) in everyday life. Those articles are all valid, and interesting, I think! But one thought I want to mention is that the thinking skills you learn while studying for the LSAT will stay with you, and benefit you well into the future. Logical Reasoning in Daily Life While I often think of the value of learning LSAT … [Read more...]
Andy Murray’s Motivational Notes and the LSAT
During a tennis match in 2015 at the Rotterdam Open, a journalist snapped a picture of tennis star Andy Murray consulting a handwritten sheet between sets. As it turns out, the sheet contained a list of tactical and mental reminders for Murray during the match. Let's take a look at the list, and then talk a bit about how you can use something similar in your LSAT preparation to your advantage. For starters, here's the tweet from the … [Read more...]
Why Did My LSAT Score Go Down When I First Started Studying?
On occasion, I speak with students who experience a score decrease when they first start preparing for the LSAT. Despite putting in a fair number of study hours, they find that initially their score stays the same, or drops a few points. This can be an extremely distressing occurrence (to put it mildly), but it's actually quite normal, and even expected. So let's talk about why it happens, and what to do about it. But... Why? The first question … [Read more...]
LSAT-Flex: How to Score Your Tests
With the LSAT-Flex now firmly established during this pandemic, we’ve recently expanded our Digital LSAT Testing and Analytics Package to include 51 Flex exams for you to take. Each is delivered on our digital testing platform with full timing and tracking, and each has individual scoring and comprehensive performance analytics.However, if you don’t have access to our Analytics Package, then you need an alternate way to take and score your … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Lower Your Pre-LSAT Stress
If your LSAT test administration is on the horizon, you're likely focusing on the final countdown to the big day. At this point, you (should) have already invested a significant amount of time and effort into preparation. Maybe you took a course, worked with a tutor, or used our free self-study site. Ideally, you also have a number of practice tests under your belt and an effective and efficient approach to the test. Your opportunity to crush the … [Read more...]
Is LSAT Prep Worth the Cost?
On Reddit the other day I saw a comment that stuck with me: “The LSAT costs $200 so I don’t think I should pay more than that to prepare for it.” While on the one hand I completely understand the presumption that preparing for this test shouldn’t require much expenditure, on the other hand I also think that perspective only captures part of the picture. So let’s take a closer look!LSAT Prep Can Be Expensive Of all people, I’m well aware that … [Read more...]
How to Make Your LSAT Prep Efficient and Fun
If you're here, it's fair to assume that you're taking your LSAT prep seriously. That's smart! But are you being smart about how you study? Both commitments are important if you want to do well on the LSAT without going mad and burning out before test day. The LSAT Emotional Roller-coaster Most people studying for this test experience a full range of emotions: fear, excitement, loathing, you name it. The excitement you feel when a concept … [Read more...]
3 of the Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Preparing for the LSAT
There's a good and not-so-good way to prepare for the LSAT. We see test-takers make mistakes all the time! Let's review three very common errors and how to avoid them. Looking for Shortcuts Performing well on the test requires solid conceptual understanding of the material being tested. Relying on a “quick fix” or a shortcut might help in some instances; however, these are not bullet-proof methods that can be applied universally and work every … [Read more...]
Upgrade Your Brain: LSAT Test Mentality and You
Stressing about the LSAT? Dreading practice tests? Everyone suffers from some degree of test anxiety. It's completely natural and having a healthy recognition of the gravity of the test can be a helpful motivator. But, did you know you have an LSAT prep superpower? Your Hidden Superpower There's an excellent TEDx Talk by Dr. Rock Hanson titled Hardwiring Happiness. Dr. Hanson is a neuroscientist who focuses on issues relating to … [Read more...]
Wait! Did My LSAT Score Just Go Down?
Practice tests should be a part of your study routine, you may even have a few of them under your belt. If you haven't incorporated PTs, start including them! But, let's assume you've taken several by now, all under test-day conditions. You probably know how imperative it is to take and review them correctly. If not, you can find more information on how to do that on this blog post. Obviously, not all of your PTs will go well and it is important … [Read more...]
Welcome to the LSAT Casino
When talking about the LSAT, and particularly when examining test results, I like to analogize the LSAT to a casino. Yes, there is the chance that you can go into the test and lose your shirt score-wise. However, what I'm really referring to is the somewhat random nature of the questions you encounter on the LSAT and how that can dramatically affect test takers. The Test is a Gamble The LSAT is a standardized test. While that means certain … [Read more...]
The Power of Positive Thinking and the LSAT
If you've been deep into the study process preparing for the LSAT, now might be a good time to step back for a moment. Instead of talking concepts, I want to remind everyone of one of the most important and sadly overlooked components of success. A positive mental outlook. When your LSAT is right around the corner, you should feel as though your conceptual preparation is complete. In the days leading up to the LSAT, focus on preparing yourself … [Read more...]