Continuing the retake discussion from Episode 2, Dave and Jon now explore study habits and techniques to help ensure your next attempt is the one that gets it done! From proper mindset (including time off) to identifying and tracking specific strengths and weaknesses to the ideal practice test approach, it all gets broken down. There’s also a detailed look at the Blind Review process, and tips for using an incredibly powerful learning tool they term “The Teaching Test.”You can find the episode embedded below, but make sure to subscribe/follow and rate/review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, … [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...]
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, and 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 books have changed so much over time that providing new versions each year helps students know they are getting the most up-to-date information … [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.To be sure, many students do see significant increases while they are still reading the books. But, that's not the case for everyone, nor is it a surprise. This is because studying for … [Read more...]
The PowerScore 2018 LSAT Bibles: Changes and Updates
Each 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, and I like to make changes to some of the content to account for new directions taken 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. And, finally, as I discussed last year, the books have changed so much over time that providing new versions each year helps students know they are … [Read more...]
The LSAT Bibles vs. the LSAT Bible Workbooks vs the LSAT Training Type Books
People often ask about the differences between our various books. Here’s a short guide: The LSAT Bibles: These books explain the concepts that underlie the section, and detailed techniques for solving each question. They are the foundation for learning how to approach each section. The LSAT Bible Workbooks: These books provide more drills and questions, and are based on the material in the LSAT Bibles. They help cement the ideas contained in each LSAT Bible. The LSAT Training Type Books: The books provide extended practice for each type of question, and allow you to repeatedly practice … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Lower Your Pre-LSAT Stress
With just over a week to go before the October LSAT, many students are now focused on the final countdown to the big day. At this point, you've likely already invested significant time and effort into your preparation, perhaps with a class, a tutor, or a program of self-study. Ideally, you've taken at least a few practice tests, you're ready with an effective, efficient approach to the test, and you're looking forward to your opportunity to distinguish yourself next Saturday! If so, here are a few ways to help make the countdown to test day as stress-free as possible:1) To whatever extent … [Read more...]
Timing Your LSAT Course: Now or Later?
When choosing which LSAT course to take, students are often faced with a dilemma: should I take the course that starts early and ends early, or wait until later so my course ends closer to the test date? There are pros and cons of each decision. Let's look at what they are.Taking an early course is best if your target score range is way above what you are currently scoring, and you suspect it will be awhile before you reach your target. An early course is particularly advantageous if you don't think you can complete all of your homework while also taking additional practice tests in the … [Read more...]
Using the PowerScore LSAT Bibles: 3 Month Self-Study Plan
Students often ask about combining the LSAT Bibles when they are self-studying. You can find a full list of guides for your LSAT timeline on our Self-Study site, but here's an overview of what to do if you have 3 months to study for the LSAT. This plan assumes you have our 3 LSAT Bibles, our first Training Type Series (which includes LSAT PrepTests 1-20), and a plethora of actual LSATs, including some recent exams. You can purchase full digital prep tests and sections here. General Thoughts Studying for the LSAT is about consistency and diligence. This is not a test you can cram for, so … [Read more...]
The 2015 vs. 2016 PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bibles
Every year, we release an updated version of the LSAT Logic Games Bible, including the 2016 version. We do this to account for changes in the test, to expand and clarify certain explanations, and to add new and refreshed content in order to keep the books as useful as possible. Because of the extent of these yearly changes, one of the most common questions we get each year is: can I use an LGB from a prior year to study for this year's LSAT? Sometimes the answer is yes, and sometimes it is no. This year, the answer is no, so please allow me a moment to explain why.First, if you've bought … [Read more...]
The PowerScore LSAT Self-Study Guide
So, you're taking the LSAT. There are many ways to prep: Courses, tutoring, books. Decided to study on your own? This guide walks you through the steps and gives you a concrete plan of action.Best of all? It's FREE. You can get it on our LSAT Free Help Area (along with a host of other very useful LSAT prep materials), or you can access it directly by clicking here.Note: The Guide is in PDF format, and you will need a PDF reader to access it. Don't have a PDF reader? Get Adobe Reader here. … [Read more...]