Episode 9 of the podcast is all about test day! Dave and Jon outline exactly how to study in the 72 hours prior to an LSAT, dos and don’ts for the day before, tips for the morning-of (including some warm up advice!), and suggestions for minimizing stress and anxiety at the test center. As part of that discussion you’ll get answers to common questions. "Which sections or concepts offer the most opportunity for last-minute improvement?” And, “How … [Read more...]
What’s the Most You’ve Ever Lost on a Coin Toss? Tracking 50/50 Elements in Logic Games
For some students, the mere thought of a logic game is as terrifying as the anthropomorphic creeping death presented by Anton Chigurh in the Coen Brothers’ classic film, No Country For Old Men. Javier Bardem brings Cormac McCarthy’s world-class literary villain to life. In my mind, the best scene of the whole movie involves a coin toss.Despite how it can sometimes feel, a logic game is never quite as scary as that particular coin toss. The … [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 … [Read more...]
What Should I Do Differently to Prepare for the Digital LSAT?
If you're preparing to take the LSAT in July, you are doubtlessly aware that you'll need to be prepared to take it in either a digital or old-school , paper-based format. Beyond that date, all of the tests will be digital. So what should you do differently to prepare for this new format of the test? As someone who's had the privilege (?) of taking the Digital LSAT already, let me tell you what I would have done to prepare for it. The structure … [Read more...]
Taking the June LSAT: An Application Schedule
It's never too early to start working on your law school applications. Part of being a successful law school applicant is knowing when and where to submit your documents, and how to make sure nothing is missed.The more time you devote to your application components, the better off your applications will be. Note that these tips also apply if you're taking the July test...just move a few of the dates back a few weeks.There is, however, a … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 7: How to Prepare for the LSAT During the Final 2 Weeks
In this episode Dave and Jon start with a discussion of the latest test prep scandals—they haven’t affected the LSAT yet, but someday soon they certainly could—before turning their attention to the final two weeks of prep for those planning on a March LSAT date. As part of that conversation they give key tips for preparing for the LSAT in these remaining two weeks. This includes advice on mentality, PTs and proper review, and the appropriate … [Read more...]
Conditional Reasoning 101: Circular Reasoning and the Contrapositive
Students often ask great questions on our LSAT Forum.One that specifically sticks out regards the existence of circular reasoning in a question that appeared to use the contrapositive. From appearances, the question did use the contrapositive but the reasoning was still flawed, precisely because of the way it was used. Because so many become used to the contrapositive and eventually take it for granted, questions that trade on the point … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 5: Scholarship vs Prestige – How to Choose Between Multiple Law School Acceptances
In this episode, Dave and Jon explore an agonizing dilemma many law school applicants face: how to determine the best school to attend if you’ve been accepted to several. Within that discussion they provide a wide variety of analytical tools for gathering and comparing data, run through the main factors that should affect your decision, and finally take a close look at five specific, real-life application scenarios and explain precisely how they … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 3: Retaking the LSAT Part II – How to Study
Continuing the retake discussion from Episode 2, Dave and Jon now explore study habits and techniques to help ensure your next attempt is the one that gets it done! They break it all down--from proper mindset (including time off) to identifying and tracking specific strengths and weaknesses to the ideal practice test approach. There’s also an in-depth look at Blind Review and tips for using an incredibly powerful learning tool,“The Teaching … [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 … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 2: Retaking the LSAT Part I – Pros and Cons
Retaking the LSAT can be a big—and tricky—decision. Fortunately, Jon and Dave are here to help you make the right one. They discuss what it takes to justify a retake, outlining five key scenarios where a retake is the correct call. With that comes talk of rolling admissions and “late” applications, incomplete apps, waitlists, and even scholarships! They wrap up by looking at things from the other side. What might prevent a retake as you weigh the … [Read more...]
Why Does It Take So Long for Paper 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 … [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...]
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 … [Read more...]