Before we begin, let's get one thing out of the way. If you haven't already studied for the LSAT for at least 1-2 months, there is little you can do in the last week before the test. Yes, life can get in the way and even the best-laid plans go astray. Unfortunately, you cannot cram for the LSAT. It's a test of how you think, not how much you know.Unlike most knowledge-based tests, the LSAT measures whether you possess the skill set necessary … [Read more...]
Thought for Food: Eating Your Way to a 180 on the LSAT
These days nearly everyone recognizes that the foods they eat affect the appearance of their bodies. However, most people fail to realize that what they consume also has a considerable impact on how their brain functions. Your diet can affect your brain’s energy level, memory, and the efficiency with which it handles its tasks. So, what should you eat on the days leading up to the LSAT to make sure your brain is operating at peak levels?The … [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 … [Read more...]
Quantity or Quality?: A 2-Week Study Decision
So, your LSAT is fast approaching. Now, more than ever, you’re more eager to maximize the value of their remaining study time. That’s exactly what I’m here to discuss. How do you, with only two weeks and a mountain of materials, get the most out of the days ahead. Last Minute Game Plan There is a key to effective practice, particularly with time constraints. Recognize that the volume of work is less important than the insights that work can … [Read more...]
Submitting Your Law School Application if You’re Retaking the LSAT
We had an interesting question posed recently that we thought we would share. "When you submit an application to a law school (say, in November), but you are registered to take the test in January (or March), do law schools automatically see that and hold off on making a decision until they receive your score? Or do you have to "remind" them somewhere on the application form?" Heavy on the minds of many applicants is the need to submit … [Read more...]
Should You Take the January LSAT?
The short answer is: Yes, you probably should.True, there are some disadvantages. First, it's administered in the dead of winter and it's nondisclosed. This means that you won't see the test content until after the fact. But consider this: the January test may be your best—and last—chance to get the score you need and still apply for admission in the Fall. Virtually every law school will accept scores from this test as you'll see in our … [Read more...]
LSAT & Law School Admissions Q&A with PowerScore and Spivey Consulting!
We got together with our friends at Spivey Consulting and hosted a special, free webinar for students to do an LSAT and law school admissions Q&A with top experts.Dave Killoran and Jon Denning from PowerScore, plus Mike Spivey, Karen Buttenbaum, and Derek Meeker from Spivey Consulting covered a variety of topics relating to the LSAT and law school application best practices, while also fielding the attendee's individual questions about … [Read more...]
1 Month to Prepare for the LSAT? Here’s Your Study Plan!
Assuming you aren’t taking a prep course, but are familiar with the PowerScore LSAT Bibles, the plan below should keep you on track for the test. This also presumes you can allow for 20-25 hrs of LSAT studying each week. Thing To Do NowRegister to take the LSAT. Most registration deadlines have already passed, but you may have one last chance to meet the late registration deadline. Obtain at least 8 practice tests released no earlier … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT? Here Are Blog Posts You Should Bookmark
With the LSAT looming over you and everyone and their mother is offering you their tips, most everyone (we hope) means well. Sleep more! Study more! Worry less! Eat well! Exercise! etc. While we hope that our Blog is a reasonable voice in this cacophony of wisdom, there is no question that receiving just the right advice, and at the right time, is not always easy. (OK, it's a little easier if you pay for it).Especially if your LSAT test is … [Read more...]
Should You Do Warm Up Questions the Morning of the LSAT?
"Should I do a set of warm-up questions the morning of the LSAT? Just to get into the right frame of mind?" This is a question that comes up often among test-takers. The idea is that by doing questions prior to the start of the exam, you'll hit the ground running. Thus, setting you up for the best possible score. In theory, it sounds like a good idea. But does it really work? Should you try it? It Depends The answers are sometimes and maybe. … [Read more...]
The PowerScore 2019 LSAT Bibles: Changes and Updates
Every year I make revisions and updates to the LSAT Bibles, and there are several different reasons for that. First, at least three new LSATs are released each year. I make changes to account for new wrinkles used by the test makers. Second, I talk with many different LSAT students and also teach various sessions throughout the year, and the feedback I receive helps me shape and improve parts of each book. Finally, as I discussed previously, the … [Read more...]
Understanding Justify the Conclusion/Sufficient Assumption LR Questions
One of the common questions that comes up with students studying for the LSAT is how do Justify/Sufficient Assumption questions work, and how do they differ from regular Assumption/Necessary Assumption questions? The mere fact that there are different types of assumption questions is part of the problem. But the unique way that these questions work also causes issues. Let's take a closer look at this question type and try to understand the big … [Read more...]
Common LSAT Question Types: Must Be True vs. Weaken
When approaching Logical Reasoning on the LSAT, I think most students clearly recognize the importance of (1) understanding the unique properties of individual question types, and (2) having dedicated strategies to consistently apply when faced with a particular type of question. That is the value in knowing how to recognize, say, a Parallel Reasoning question, and then understanding the proper approach to take when attacking Parallel … [Read more...]
Good News! You Just Bombed Your LSAT Practice Test
If your LSAT is just around the corner, you’re likely taking practice tests regularly in preparation. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, you score 5 points lower than your last one. What? You just bombed your LSAT PT. But why? You are, understandably, freaked out. You call your best friend, your shrink, your tutor—all the same person if you're lucky! Then you ask the crucial question: should you postpone your LSAT?Turns out, there is nothing … [Read more...]