Hot on the heels of the November LSAT, Jon and Dave give their thoughts on the exam, covering everything from test content to (the many) center issues. … [Read more...]
Off to the R.A.C.E.S.: The Playbook to Follow in Seeking LSAT Success
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! In preparing for the mental Olympics that is the LSAT, it’s important to train like a gold medalist. I have been tutoring and teaching in LSAT dojos across the country since 2005. Since then, I've found the proper regimen to help take your scores to the top of the podium. The origin of this regiment starts with the nerdiest argument I've ever heard. Years ago, while in Berkeley to give an LSAT presentation on campus, I sat in the back row of the auditorium and took in my surroundings. There, I overheard two underclassmen having an irrationally … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 34: How To Take A Practice LSAT
Episode 34 sees Dave and Jon break down one of the most important components of successful LSAT prep: the ideal way to take practice tests! Specifically, you’ll hear them cover everything from the various digital testing platforms to the proper use of experimental sections to recommended locations for testing. They also spend time discussing pre-test routines and mentality, and managing your schedule to accommodate testing and review while avoiding burnout. … [Read more...]
Why is My LSAC GPA Different from My Transcript GPA?
One of the steps to getting your law school applications ready is sending LSAC your college transcript(s) for processing. They take your transcripts, convert your grades to a 4.0 scale, and calculate an overall GPA for you. This is your “LSAC GPA”. To the surprise of some students, their LSAC GPA is different from their transcript GPA. Not necessarily in a good way, either. But, why is that the case? Let's Talk BasicsYou have to submit transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended. No exceptions. It doesn't matter if you didn't graduate from one of them or if one is … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 33: Student Question Mailbag
Jon and Dave are back with another student mailbag episode, which means you’ll hear them tackle a whole host of commonly asked questions, from test diagramming advice to score fluctuations (and how to handle them). You’ll also get their take on everything from accommodated testing to how to best use the full spectrum of PowerScore’s publications. … [Read more...]
Is My Target LSAT Score Realistic?
When you decide to take the LSAT and start looking at law schools, you inevitably run into the score requirements for admission. From there, you can develop an idea of what you want, and likely need, to get on the LSAT in order to get into the school of your dreams. After taking a few practice tests, you might start asking yourself the question. Is it possible to get a 165? A 170? A 175? This question makes a regular appearance in our classrooms, in private conversations with tutoring students, and on the LSAT Forum. So, is it possible? Statistically, Speaking When looking at statistics, … [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 to understand why.While getting an awesome score on your practice test can give you an important confidence boost, it has little pedagogical … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 32: October 2019 LSAT Review and Scale Prediction
Another test is in the books, and Dave and Jon are here to talk you through it! Tune in as Episode 32 breaks down the October 2019 LSAT, including the highs and lows of test day, a section by section look at the exam’s content, and an official curve prediction. They also offer thoughts on what this test means for the upcoming November LSAT, and how to best prepare for the exams ahead! … [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 elements are consistently tested, norming protocols are used, and the test is administered in a similar way each time, the exact content of the LSAT … [Read more...]
A Qualitative Analysis: How Measurements of Quantity Affect the LSAT
“Thanks for teaching me the definition of many....it really means a lot.” Dad Jokes aside, knowing the exact definition of quantified terms like many can be crucial in mastering the LSAT. Quantification is an integral element in the discussion of logical force. This concept is of the utmost importance in understanding the power of language. Speaking with high levels of logical force doesn’t imply that you hold any special title, nor does it apply when you’re using whatever is the opposite of your inside voice. Rather, logical force refers to the power of your words and how much evidence would … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 31: The September 2019 LSAT Logic Games Section
The September 2019 LSAT Logic Games section was a killer for many test-takers, but Jon and Dave are here to help! Tune in as they deconstruct the latest set of games and explain exactly how to tackle this test’s toughest content. … [Read more...]
When to Skip a Question on the LSAT
When you're working your way through the LSAT, it's easy to get caught up in a difficult question and he test-makers know this. That is why they don't present questions in order of difficulty. It is true that the first question on an LR section is generally more straightforward than the last, but there is quite a bit of variety in the middle. Even if the test makers did want to put the questions in order of difficulty, everyone has a different set of strengths and weaknesses.All of this is to say, the questions that are most challenging for you will show up in random places in a section. … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 30: Are Logic Games Disappearing from the LSAT?
Episode 30 brings breaking news about the future of the LSAT’s most notorious feature, Logic Games! Specifically, Dave and Jon decrypt a just-published press release co-signed by LSAC that raises speculation (to put it mildly) that within the next four years the test will no longer contain a Logic Games section. They cover possible interpretations of the article’s wording, potential confirmation of the change from an inside source, and content that could theoretically replace Games if they are in fact removed. … [Read more...]
Does Submitting an Early Law School Application Improve Your Chances at Getting In?
Applying Early HypeThere's a lot of buzz about applying early. Everywhere you look online blasts the same ideals: apply as early as you can, apply today! Apply yesterday! If you don't all hope is lost. To be honest, having your applications ready to go on day one is not a bad idea. But, that's for reasons wholly unrelated to whether or not it improves your admissions chances.First of all, getting things done sooner rather than later gives you breathing room. Who knows what might happen a week from now that will prevent you from getting that application finished? If you have the time … [Read more...]