The LSAT often asks you to determine something about a portion of an argument. What was the main point? What role did such and such statement play in the argument? The first question is a Main Point question (no surprise there), and the latter is what we call a Method of Reasoning, Argument Part question.Both question types are asking something very similar. They want you to pull apart the argument and identify some key component. Was it a … [Read more...]
Tom Brady and the LSAT
Over in our free LSAT Discussion Forum, I've been trading messages with one of our students that is working towards a 170. He started at 143, and has increased his score over 20 points already. But, he was running into a few issues with confidence and having the words of others affect his perception of how he will perform. I won't recount what I've said to him publicly because it's right there on the forum. But I have also been chatting with him … [Read more...]
Logical Reasoning in the Reading Comprehension Section
A student recently wrote in to ask about the relationship between Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension on the LSAT. More specifically, he wanted to know whether he should apply the lessons from the Logical Reasoning Bible to the Reading Comp section of the test. This is an interesting question and one that we’ve heard before from students seeking to clarify the relationship and distinctions between the various sections of the … [Read more...]
Last Minute Logic Games Tips
Students frequently ask questions over on our Free LSAT Forum. It's a great resource for you to connect with fellow test-takers and with LSAT experts on all things LSAT and Law School Admissions. A common struggle students have and express there is the Logic Games section. In this particular post, a test-taker struggling with Logic Games about a week away from the test asks for last minute tips to help get them through the section. While we … [Read more...]
Think INSIDE the Box
There is a quote from the late Christopher Hitchens, and it's both too good, and too applicable to the LSAT, not to share. Hitch opines:...skepticism rather than credulity is the highest principle that the human intellect can use to ennoble our existence.While I agree wholeheartedly with his intent, for our purposes I'm reminded of a common concern students face. Namely, how do we know what to treat with skepticism, and what to treat … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in Spain
Are you taking the LSAT in Spain? 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 Spain, only one location offers the LSAT: University of Navarra in Pamplona. While there is just one location option, it occurs twice per year: June and September/October. You can find a complete list of test dates and deadlines … [Read more...]
How to Approach a Nested Conditionals Statement
If you come across a Nested Conditional statement, you cannot completely ignore it unless, of course, you don't care about that one extra point. Oh, and by the way, you just came across a Nested Conditional statement. See how easy that was? In today's LSAT Forum Post of the Day, LSAT expert Nikki Siclunov offers some tips to a student on handling such complex conditionals.Here's a quick preview. But be sure to check out the full … [Read more...]
Law School Applications: Every Word Counts
The other night I co-hosted a free PowerScore online seminar on the basics of the law school admissions process. This seminar, known as Admissions 101, covers each step of applying to law school, and it discusses how to approach the application process and what the law schools are seeking from you as an applicant. During this seminar I spend a lot of time answering questions about two things in particular: letters of recommendation (LOR) and the … [Read more...]
Approaching Logical Reasoning 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...]
Consistency of the LSAT and the Illusion of Change
I tell people all the time that one of the greatest things about the LSAT is that it’s remarkably consistent! That is, for the test to be considered a legitimate measuring device where people taking different LSATs can still be compared to one another in a meaningful way, the measuring device itself (the LSAT) absolutely CANNOT change! That, in a way, is the very definition of a "standardized" test. I mean, what good is a ruler if yours has 13 … [Read more...]
How to Be an LSAT Jedi
Star Wars is a classic. A particularly memorable scene depicts Ben Kenobi and Luke Skywalker heading to the nearby spaceport to find a ship to get them and their two droids (R2D2 and C3PO) off the planet. Their goal is to get back into the hands of the Rebel Alliance. R2 is carrying important information about how to destroy the Death Star. It's a great plan, but there's a problem. The Empire is looking for the droids and they've set up … [Read more...]
3 Pieces of Admissions Advice from the USC Law Fair
The University of Southern California's annual Law Fair was held in November, and I was fortunate enough to be in attendance. Over the course of the day, I spoke to dozens of prospective law students about their LSAT plans, several other test prep companies about their various offerings, and, most central to this blog, an incredibly gracious admissions officer from UC Hastings College of Law.*Our conversation was largely free-wheeling and … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in Finland
Are you taking the LSAT in Finland? 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 Finland, only one location offers the LSAT: Fulbright Commission, Helsinki. The test occurs once per year in September/October. You can find a complete list of test dates and deadlines here. Students should know that testing … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in Bulgaria
Are you taking the LSAT in Bulgaria? 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 Bulgaria, only one location offers the LSAT: the Bulgarian-American Commission for Education. While there is just one location option, it occurs twice per year: September/October and December. You can find a complete list of test … [Read more...]