Stressing about the LSAT? Dreading practice tests? Everyone suffers from some degree of test anxiety. It's completely natural and having a healthy recognition of the gravity of the test can be a helpful motivator. But, did you know you have an LSAT prep superpower? Your Hidden Superpower There's an excellent TEDx Talk by Dr. Rock Hanson titled Hardwiring Happiness. Dr. Hanson is a neuroscientist who focuses on issues relating to neuroplasticity. Unfortunately, there's not pseudo-science elixir for instant intelligence and memory boosts. But, you can hack your brain and use the practice of … [Read more...]
Is My Target LSAT Score Realistic?
When you decide to take the LSAT and start looking at law schools, you inevitably run into the score requirements for admission. From there, you can develop an idea of what you want, and likely need, to get on the LSAT in order to get into the school of your dreams. After taking a few practice tests, you might start asking yourself the question. Is it possible to get a 165? A 170? A 175? This question makes a regular appearance in our classrooms, in private conversations with tutoring students, and on the LSAT Forum. So, is it possible? Statistically, Speaking When looking at statistics, … [Read more...]
Wait! Did My LSAT Score Just Go Down?
Practice tests should be a part of your study routine, you may even have a few of them under your belt. If you haven't incorporated PTs, start including them! But, let's assume you've taken several by now, all under test-day conditions. You probably know how imperative it is to take and review them correctly. If not, you can find more information on how to do that on this blog post. Obviously, not all of your PTs will go well and it is important to understand why.While getting an awesome score on your practice test can give you an important confidence boost, it has little pedagogical … [Read more...]
Welcome to the LSAT Casino
When talking about the LSAT, and particularly when examining test results, I like to analogize the LSAT to a casino. Yes, there is the chance that you can go into the test and lose your shirt score-wise. However, what I'm really referring to is the somewhat random nature of the questions you encounter on the LSAT and how that can dramatically affect test takers. The Test is a Gamble The LSAT is a standardized test. While that means certain elements are consistently tested, norming protocols are used, and the test is administered in a similar way each time, the exact content of the LSAT … [Read more...]
When to Skip a Question on the LSAT
When you're working your way through the LSAT, it's easy to get caught up in a difficult question and he test-makers know this. That is why they don't present questions in order of difficulty. It is true that the first question on an LR section is generally more straightforward than the last, but there is quite a bit of variety in the middle. Even if the test makers did want to put the questions in order of difficulty, everyone has a different set of strengths and weaknesses.All of this is to say, the questions that are most challenging for you will show up in random places in a section. … [Read more...]
LSAT PodCast Episode 9: Test Week Preparation
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 even suggestions for minimizing stress and anxiety at the test center. As part of that discussion you’ll get answers to common questions like “which sections or concepts offer the most opportunity for last-minute improvement?” and “how do I keep prepping but ensure I don’t burn out?” You can find the episode embedded below, but make sure to subscribe/follow and rate/review on … [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. Listen in as they discuss precisely 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 pros and cons.You can find the episode embedded below, but make sure to subscribe/follow and rate/review on Apple … [Read more...]
What You Should Do the Day Before and Morning of the LSAT
The LSAT is almost here! As you finalize your last-minute preparation for the test, remember that there are things you can do outside of LSAT prep to help ensure your best performance on test day. The Day Before the LSATBe certain that you have your LSAT admission ticket from LSAC. Make sure the information on the ticket is accurate. Remember, your first and last name on your ticket must exactly match the first and last name on your valid photo ID. Your admission ticket can be in color or black and white, LSAC has no preference. A great resource for what you can bring to the LSAT … [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 mentally for an amazing test day experience. Here are a few key tips that will help get you mentally ready in the days before the LSAT. It's an … [Read more...]
1 Week Until the LSAT: Last-Ditch Efforts and How to Make Them Work
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 to excel in law school. For example: close reading, critical reasoning, rule application, and information synthesis. These skills develop over time, … [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 brain is an exceptionally active metabolic organ. This means that it must constantly consume energy to function. Still, the brain is a picky eater. … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Test Mentality Resource List
The LSAT is a daunting task, one that can tax your brain as you get more and more wrapped up in studying. During your final stretch to your LSAT, you should make sure you are as mentally well-prepared as possible for the pressures of test day. To help you reach a state of pure mental power and balance, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite LSAT confidence resources. Set aside some time before the test to think about how you will approach the LSAT when it begins and especially how you will react if you encounter any difficulties. It's an essential step, and one that can dramatically … [Read more...]
The Secrets of Mindfulness Meditation (Your Local Monk Never Told You About)
This blog is brought to you by a special guest, Lauren Hartfiel. This post is about mindfulness meditation: what it is, how to do it, and its scientifically-proven benefits that may help improve your LSAT performance. Buddhist monks have used mindfulness meditation for over 2,600 years in an effort to achieve self-enlightenment. However, in the past few decades scientific research has shown that its beneficial effects go beyond spiritual progression. Most current scientific research is based on the practice of secular meditation, which is our focus here in regard to LSAT preparation and … [Read more...]
This Thanksgiving, Be Grateful for the LSAT
In a piece he published in the NYTimes, Artur Brooks argues that acting grateful can actually make you grateful. We have long been conditioned to believe that gratitude is not real unless it is sincere, but new research shows that emotional authenticity is somewhat overrated. Apparently, an article in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience identified a variation in a gene (CD38) associated with gratitude, suggesting that we can actively choose to practice gratitude, and become happier as a result. The power of positive thinking at work, as it were, which is something we've … [Read more...]