The LSAT is a remarkably challenging test, in large part because it measures both intricate conceptual understanding, as well as application of that understanding under rigorous time pressure. Put another way: The LSAT is an exam which tests a particular skill set. But it is also a test of efficiency. Start With the Fundamentals When most people begin preparing for the LSAT, the focus is on establishing that fundamental grasp of concepts. There … [Read more...]
Top 100 Law School LSAT Deadlines: Is the March LSAT Too Late?
The 2020 Edition is now live! When applying for law school, you have to decide which LSAT you're going to take. Some of you may be asking--is the March LSAT too late? We survey top law schools yearly to find out admissions deadlines and the latest LSAT they will accept. Each year we see changes, but we were a little surprised by this year's results.It seems that the trend is moving up to a January LSAT deadline for many of the top schools. … [Read more...]
Using the LSAT Bibles: Should Your Score Go Up Immediately?
One frequent question I get comes from students reading the LSAT Bibles who wonder how much of a score increase they should see while reading the book. The answer is that while you are reading the books, you probably won't see much of a score increase. It's after you finish the book and start working with ideas where you will begin to see the greatest score increases! Let's talk about why that is the case. LSAT Studying Is Not Linear To be … [Read more...]
Why Breaks from the LSAT Can Increase Your Score
When you create a study plan for the LSAT, make sure to include liberal breaks in your schedule! How long of a break are we talking? Anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. At first glance, that advice may seem counterintuitive. To increase your score, plan to not study? But yes, it will help, and here’s why.Studying for the LSAT isn’t like studying for a History or Math test. In those exams, small universal details and rote memorization … [Read more...]
Struggling with the September LSAT? Is December Too Late?
One of the most common questions we receive is whether applying early with a September LSAT score is a better strategy than taking the December LSAT and possibly getting a better score. Many students think the advantage of applying early is so great that it is better to just take the September LSAT even if that test doesn't produce their best LSAT score. But that is not the case at all. So let's talk about what to do if you either don't feel … [Read more...]
Do Law Schools Average LSAT Scores or Use the High Score?
To prospective law school applicants, few questions are as confusing as whether law schools use the average of all your LSAT scores or just the high score. The confusion exists because law schools will see an average score if you take the LSAT more than once. The all-important US News rankings, on the other hand, use only the high score. To top it off, some schools specifically state they take the high score whereas others talk about an average … [Read more...]
48 Hours ’til Test Day: How to Stay Sane
If you're taking the LSAT in a couple of days, you must be stoked! Less than 48 hours from now, you can say goodbye to all those hours of prep. Ciao. Adieu. Auf Wiedersehen. But before you turn your LSAT books into bedding for your pet iguana, let's make sure you won't be needing them again anytime soon.So, the next 48 hours must be crucial, right? Your last chance to get that final "push," as it were.Well, yes and no. If you've already … [Read more...]
Your LSAT Scores Were Released… Now What?
A natural and somewhat obvious question arises once scores come out: what's next?The answer to that question largely depends on which of two, or possibly three, categories best describes your situation. Let's examine the scenarios below and discuss what might qualify you for each, and the appropriate actions to take moving forward (one of which inspired my picture choice for this post). 1. Retake The disappointing reality for a lot of … [Read more...]
The Ideal Way to Take an LSAT Practice Test
At some point in your studies full, timed practice tests will become part of the routine. As such, it’s critical that you understand exactly how to self-administer an LSAT practice test. Here I'm going to outline exactly how to craft the perfect practice test experience! What follows is a list of considerations related to practice test-taking. I’ve also included links to resources for each of these points in case you need more … [Read more...]
Finals and the LSAT: When is the Ideal Time to Take the Test?
In May, many of you may find yourselves either in the midst of Finals Week or having just finished your finals. With the extra stress and time constraints that accompany such a time, you have probably seen your best-laid plans for consistent LSAT preparation wane at the very least over the past couple of weeks. You may have even seen it become nonexistent. This is not an uncommon problem. Most LSAT Takers are Undergraduate Students Most (but … [Read more...]
Reading Comprehension a Total Drag? Find a Study Buddy!
The LSAT can be a daunting experience for anyone starting out their preparation. And one particular area that a number of students will struggle with is the Reading Comprehension section. After all, most people taking this test are collegiate-level students who are initially confident in their abilities as readers. As such, they should be regular perusers of periodicals such as The Economist, Scientific American, The New Yorker and National … [Read more...]
8 Weeks to the LSAT: What You Need to Know
With about eight weeks until an official LSAT administration, test day is right around the corner. In fact, it'll be here before you know it. Don't panic! I'm not here to freak you out. In fact, I'm here to help. Below you'll find a list of resources, links, and general suggestions, all designed to help you make the most of your final two months, and finish--or, as may be the case, start--strong! First Order of Business First things first, … [Read more...]
Creating an LSAT Study Bible
If you take our LSAT course, you learn the importance of accurately identifying every element you encounter on the test. In Logical Reasoning questions it might be Assumption or Flaw or underlying conceptual ideas like Causality and Formal Logic. Within a Game, constructs like Grouping and Advanced Linear may be apparent. You must be able to distinguish them consistently from one another so you can be certain your plan of attack is the best … [Read more...]
How Should Freshmen and Sophomores in College Prepare for the LSAT?
There's an adage, a truism in its self-evidence really, that it's never too early to start studying for the LSAT. So compelling and pervasive is this advice that high school seniors often ask how to get a jump on their law school journey. Most probably agree with me that it’s a bit premature to begin seriously investing energy into hardcore LSAT prep as a high-schooler...but college freshmen and sophomores are near enough to test day that it … [Read more...]