PowerScore student Marvin Dike blogs about his comprehensive study regimen so that our readers can learn from his experience. Make sure you read Part I, Part II, Part III, and Part IV. So my LSAT journey is over. Finally. I want to give you a rundown of my test day experience and my mentality. I'll also include a handful of things I learned, a few tips, and some things I would've done differently if I could start the whole process over knowing … [Read more...]
How to Handle “Even If” in Conditional Reasoning (Even If it Doesn’t Matter)
Most students confront conditional reasoning very early on in their LSAT preparation. They spend hours mastering the logic of conditional rules in Logical Reasoning stimuli and answer choices, and in Logic Games as well. To this end, students must memorize a number of common conditional reasoning keywords and phrases that help indicate the presence of this logic.Some of these indicators become incredibly obvious with practice. Many of us can … [Read more...]
Why You Should Take the LSAT in June (and Not in September)
When taking the LSAT, timing when you should take the test is a big factor. A lot of students plant to the June LSAT, but when that test swiftly approaches, you may start to question postponing. Maybe you take a prep course, buy the Bible Trilogy, or invest in tutoring. If you see an uptick in your PT scores, that's awesome. If you aren't, then taking the June test becomes daunting. So, you may think that putting it off until September is a good … [Read more...]
Numbers and Percentages in Logical Reasoning Questions? Count On It!
The authors of the LSAT love to play with numbers. This makes sense when you consider that the LSAT is a test of logical reasoning, and math is completely logical. While it’s true that they sometimes test our understanding of actual numerical concepts, like averages and ratios, most questions are not testing your math skills. Don’t worry, you will never have to recall the Pythagorean theorem. Instead, they test your understanding of logical … [Read more...]
Weaken and Strengthen EXCEPT Questions
In our forum, we get students asking a variety of questions relating to the LSAT. There is one question in particular that I think sharing my reply here might help others struggling with the same issue, so let's get to it. What's the best way to understand the right and wrong answer choices in Weaken EXCEPT and Strengthen EXCEPT questions? My Explanation Those EXCEPT questions and their answer choices are often a little confusing for people at … [Read more...]
Advanced LSAT Guessing Strategy: Referring to Prior Answers
Note that this strategy largely applies to students taking the PAPER version of the LSAT. The digital format does not give you a preview of your answer choices at a glance. In a perfect world, you'd never have to guess on any question while taking the LSAT. But, there are occasions where time simply runs out, and when that occurs you have to guess (especially because, unlike the SAT, there is no penalty for guessing on the LSAT). I've talked … [Read more...]
The LSAT’s Trends: Looking Back to See What’s Ahead
Before the December 2016 LSAT I wrote an article attempting to predict that test's content based on the material presented on the most recent LSATs. Here I'm examining those trends and results and making informed guesses as to what the February 2017 exam may have in store. I'll begin with the same intro that prefaced my previous post: "The LSAT is not a static exam. Rather, it varies slightly from year to year and even from test to test, as LSAC … [Read more...]
Note-Taking Reading Comprehension: Mark Up Your Map
Taking notes on Reading Comp passages can be a challenge for many students, especially because RC on the LSAT is so unlike RC on other standardized tests. Most students either forego note-taking altogether in favor of trying to “just get it”. Or else they go crazy underlining everything they think might be important somehow.Neither of these strategies lends itself to the evidence-based approach you should take to answer the questions. … [Read more...]
So Your Child Is Preparing for the LSAT: A Memo to the Parents
So, your child has decided to become a lawyer. You are proud as well as relieved: no future rock stars will be living in your basement for years. Now that your child is prepping for the LSAT, you want to be supportive without being overbearing. Here's how to strike the right balance: Things You Can DoLearn a little about the LSAT. Unless you are an attorney yourself, you probably know little about the test. No, it's not an IQ test (if it … [Read more...]
Virtual Proctors for Practice LSAT Tests!
Getting the timing of the LSAT down is one of the most important parts to beating the test. Do you still need an easy way to time yourself while you take practice tests at home? Don't worry, we’ve got an LSAT Virtual Proctor that you can access online to time your tests. Best part? It's entirely free.Our proctors are set up to time you on standard 4-section and 5-section prep tests. If you don't have any practice tests, you can purchase them … [Read more...]
Conditional Reasoning 101: The Domino Effect
In a previous blog post, I talk about the basics of conditional reasoning on the LSAT. It deals with fairly simple statements involving a single sufficient condition and a single necessary condition. Though, on the LSAT, things are not always that simple! Sometimes, you will encounter conditional chains. This is where one thing is sufficient for another, which is sufficient for a third, which is sufficient for a fourth. Stringing these … [Read more...]
What to Do to Prepare for Law School as a High Schooler
We answer a lot of law school admissions questions throughout the year. One of the most prevalent comes from the younger crowd of aspiring law school applicants. "I'm only a junior/senior in high school, but I already know I want to go to law school. What do I need to do to increase my chances of getting into [law school]?" First of all, kudos to you for pre-planning! Here are some pointers to help you on your path. Basic Requirements These are … [Read more...]
LSAT Scoring Scales: Facts and Figures
In the days following each LSAT, students often worry about how their LSAT will be scaled. A more generous scoring scale can positively affect scores whereas a harsher curve can adversely affect scores. For those of you considering your possible test scaling, let’s examine a few historical facts about LSAT scoring scales.Here are a few facts about LSAT tests and scoring scales:Average number of questions per LSAT:100.71Greatest number … [Read more...]
The Power of Negative Thinking and the LSAT
We've always told you to look at this test as an enjoyable event. So, what's up with "negative thinking"? Balance the Positive With the Negative We always tell students to develop a positive mindset when it comes to the test. Cultivate the belief that success is guaranteed, and (virtually) anything is possible. Anything, indeed, including failure. True, there is much validity in the principle of so-called “self-fulfilling prophecy,” where your … [Read more...]