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...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 19: Digital LSAT Redux
Jon and Dave once again tackle July’s impending digital transition, breaking down the multitude of questions they’re still receiving about the new format and LSAC’s mysterious rollout. If you’re taking the test as part of the 50/50 audience, or simply curious about the experience of those who are, this is one you won’t want to miss! Looking for more? Read our critical list of everything you need to know about the digital test here, and our previous episode that focuses more on the technical specs of the test here. You can find the episode embedded below, but make sure to subscribe/follow and … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 17: The New LSAT Retake Policy
Episode 17 of the podcast features some game-changing news from LSAC concerning their new retake policies, severely restricting the number of times test takers can sit for the LSAT despite it being administered 10 times each year. While this information hasn’t been made public by LSAC yet, we’ve got you covered with a detailed overview of precisely how these repeat limits will affect your prep plans.You can find the episode embedded below, but make sure to subscribe/follow and rate/review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Stitcher if one of those is your preferred podcast platform! … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 16: June 2019 LSAT Review and Scale Prediction
Episode 16 of the podcast features a detailed review of the recently-administered June LSAT, as Jon and Dave discuss the test section by section and highlight the toughest content, overall student impressions (as well as some unfortunate test day horror stories), and our official curve prediction. There’s also a brief look ahead at July and an overview of PowerScore’s new digital testing platform!You can find the episode embedded below, but make sure to subscribe/follow and rate/review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Stitcher if one of those is your preferred podcast platform! We … [Read more...]
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Digital LSAT
What is the Digital LSAT? Essentially, the LSAT you've grown to love (or hate,) but delivered on a tablet that you're given at the test center rather than a paper-and-pencil test. The content and structure of the test sections and questions will be exactly the same. The main difference is that the test is now delivered on Microsoft Surface Go tablets that are loaded with patented software developed by LSAC. The digital interface means no more filling in the bubbles on a separate answer sheet. Three cheers! The tablet features a timer with a 5-minute warning and you'll be able to interact with … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 4: How to Solve Parallel Reasoning Questions
In Episode 4, Jon and Dave turn their attention to Parallel Reasoning questions—one of the most challenging and time-consuming question types in the LR sections—and outline the most effective techniques for solving them. They follow this conceptual discussion up with a detailed look at two real Parallel questions from the June 2007 LSAT and show you exactly how to apply their recommended solution strategies.You can find the episode embedded below, but make sure to subscribe/follow and rate/review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube if one of those is your preferred podcast platform! We … [Read more...]
What Does It Mean to “Go Grey” on LSAT Score Release Day?
One of the most common talking points you'll hear leading up to an LSAT score release—and incessantly on the day scores become available—is the notion of "going grey." A hysterical flurry of "I'M GREY!!" announcements is one of the most reliable predictors that scores are imminent. What's All This Grey Business About? How Can You Determine Your Own Color Status? Two quick notes before we begin. First, the grey/gray debate is really one of pure preference. "Gray" tends to be the American-ized spelling, while "grey" is much more commonly used throughout the rest of the world. Seeing as the … [Read more...]
Why Does It Take So Long for LSAT Scores to Come Out?
Once the LSAT is over, one of the most common complaints is that scores should come out more quickly. Given that we live in an era where tests are electronically scored and the results are transmitted nearly instantly by email, it sounds like a reasonable complaint. So, why does it take so long for LSAT scores to appear? Couldn't they get them out a lot earlier? To best understand what happens once you turn in your LSAT scoresheet, let's take a look at each phase of the process. Test Administration and Collection The first delay actually comes before most students take the LSAT. Typically, … [Read more...]
LSAT Cancellations, Withdrawals, and Absences: What’s the Difference?
With the LSAT just around the corner, you may be taking a look at how your prep is going and thinking that you are simply not ready for the test. There's no shame in this; in fact, knowing when you are or are not ready for the LSAT shows a great deal of self-awareness and respect for your law school application. If you know you're not ready for the test, then there are a number of options available to you. We'll discuss each of them in detail so that you have all the information necessary to make the best decision on or before test day. You Can Withdraw LSAC allows you to withdraw your LSAT … [Read more...]
3 Myths About the Experimental Section on the LSAT
We talk a lot with students gearing up for an LSAT about the ideal way to take an LSAT practice test. One of the pieces we stress the importance of including is the Experimental Section. If you want a thorough discussion of the experimental section, go here, but for now here's a very brief description.Every officially-administered LSAT since 1991 contains four, 35-minute scored sections. 2 Logical Reasoning, 1 Reading Comprehension, and 1 Logic Games. It also includes an additional 35-minute, unscored "experimental" section. This section will be either a third LR, second RC, or second LG. … [Read more...]
LSAC Announces the Digital LSAT Launch Schedule for 2019
Back in May 2017, LSAC began testing a digital version of the LSAT in select cities for limited applicants. Students were able to take a free-of-charge, tablet-based LSAT in what LSAC labeled a "Digital Pilot Test," where the test makers could gather data and collect feedback in the final stages of their transition from a paper to a tablet format. The question on everyone's mind ever since has naturally been, "So when will a Digital LSAT become reality?," and up until today no one had a clear answer.Now we do.LSAC announced this morning that they will begin transitioning to a digital … [Read more...]
The Digital LSAT is Coming!
A few years ago I wrote a two-part article on "The Future of the LSAT," in which I examined the exam's history (Part 1) and speculated on what I believe could represent its future (Part 2). In discussing what the LSAT-of-tomorrow might entail, I noted, with some confidence, that the test makers would almost certainly begin exploring a computerized version of the test before long. Specifically, I wrote: "Just as LSAC is mindful of its test taking audience, so too is it aware of the other exams catering to its demographic. In particular the GRE, GMAT, and, to a lesser extent, MCAT. And what … [Read more...]
An Open Letter to LSAC About LSAT Score Release Times
Hi LSAC,I hope everyone there is doing well! We just went through the June LSAT score release and I wanted to share some of my thoughts and the thoughts of many students I spoke to. Let me start by saying that we appreciate you moving up the score release timeline a bit and then (sort of) sticking to the announced release date. That definitely helped ease concerns! However, you also made a decision this past round that I think will have many adverse effects going forward. Because of that, I'd like to suggest you make a change for future release dates.First, more or less sticking to the … [Read more...]
Does the LSAT Test Law?
According to LSAC, the Logical Reasoning portion of the LSAT is designed to "evaluate the ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments as they occur in ordinary language . . . These arguments mirror legal reasoning in the types of arguments presented and in their complexity, though few of the arguments actually have law as a subject matter."I frequently echo this final disclaimer at the start of my classes—the LSAT is a not a legal test per se, but rather a test of the kinds of reasoning skills that students will need to employ in law school. It is true that the law … [Read more...]