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 daunting, and can tax your brain as you get more and more wrapped up in studying. During your final stretch to your test, you should make sure you are as mentally 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 impact your … [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...]
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 than 2005, other than the ones you’ve already taken. Having a hard time figuring out which tests are which? Check out our Comprehensive Law Services … [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 right around the corner, now, more than ever, you want the advice you receive to be on point. To that end, below you will find a list of our most … [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. Some people are naturally slow starters! After taking several practice tests, if you notice that your performance in the first section of the exam is … [Read more...]
48 Hours ’til Test Day: How to Stay Sane
If you're taking the July LSAT, 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 been preparing, it should be fairly obvious, but the LSAT is not the sort of test that can be effectively attacked with last-minute cramming. Quite frankly, there is … [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 a sample LSAT. 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 information. Consider Your Mindset Like any serious discussion of the LSAT, the most appropriate way to begin is by talking about mentality. We’ve talked at length about … [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 things first, you'll want to make sure you're registered for the exam. Don't delay! Go to LSAC's registration page here and sign up.Now that you're registered, the next seven to … [Read more...]