Thinking Lsat

Love it or hate it, the r/LSAT subreddit is a popular forum for LSAT news and advice. Unfortunately, LSAT Demon students have been unable to engage fully with this community for almost a year. Their posts and comments about the Demon are secretly banned. Ben and Nathan recount the curious back story of LSAT Demon’s shadow ban on Reddit and ask for listeners’ advice. Later, the guys discuss upcoming changes to LSAT Writing. They share tips on becoming a gladiator of the English language. And they examine why some lawyers might be better off working in fast food. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 445 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:11 - Reddit Shadow Ban - The guys detail LSAT Demon’s shadow ban on the r/LSAT subreddit. Read more in their blog post and share your thoughts at help@thinkinglsat.com. 14:19 - Changes to LSAT Writing - Big changes are coming to LSAT Writing. Starting July 31, 2024, the section will feature a more open-ended essay prompt that asks writers to de

When Ben and Nathan say “the LSAT is easy,” it’s not to suggest that LSAT improvement comes effortlessly. This week, the guys elaborate on their motto. The LSAT becomes easy when you do it the Demon way. Later, the guys discuss strategies for negotiating scholarships with schools that claim not to engage in such discussions. They offer advice to a listener battling fatigue at the end of Reading Comprehension sections. And they urge a well-qualified applicant not to settle for a disappointing outcome this admissions cycle. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 444 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:18 - The LSAT Is Easy - Departing Demon Tatiana sends a message of support to her peers: “Keep showing up and don’t give up. Ben and Nathan are right—the LSAT is easy if you let it be.” 22:07 - Scholarship Negotiation - Some law schools claim not to negotiate scholarships. But every offer of admission opens the door to negotiation. Asking for more financial support carries no downside

What does it take to score 170 on the LSAT? A mastery of the English language, sharply honed reasoning skills, and a strong work ethic. But with the increasing trend of scores surpassing 170 in recent years, maybe we should now ask: What does it take to score 175? This week, Nathan and Ben explore the habits and traits of those who excel at the highest levels on the LSAT. The guys also contemplate the future of Logical Reasoning, delve deeper into law schools’ unjust pricing, and consider an unconventional transfer plan. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 443 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 8:46 - April LSAT Registration - An anonymous listener seeks guidance on whether to register for the April LSAT. Nathan and Ben are concerned by Anonymous’s relatively small amount of progress over a year of LSAT study.  21:06 - The Future of LR - Some people have speculated that Logical Reasoning will feature more “formal logic” and formulaic Must Be True questions when the logic games

Many prospective lawyers dream of big law salaries. Far fewer achieve them. Ben and Nathan examine the disappointing reality of big law placement at non-elite law schools and insist that money is a terrible reason to pursue a legal career. The guys also warn listeners not to let application accoutrements distract from the LSAT. They reject a backward approach to Logical Reasoning. And they denounce law schools’ unfair pricing practices. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 442 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:16 - Focus on the LSAT - Listener Tony asks whether to highlight his masters thesis in his law school personal statement. Nathan and Ben tell Tony to bake his cake before he worries about frosting it. 13:51 - Grade Change - Persistence pays off for an anonymous listener in their campaign to change an A- to an A. 17:20 - Pearls vs. Turds - An LSAT Demon student finds a pearl of LSAT wisdom in an RC passage about the memory-altering effects of leading questions. 26:28 -

Ben and Nathan address a frequently asked question: “Why the name LSAT Demon?” The name’s origin aligns with their belief that every LSAT question can be solved with certainty. Later, the guys critique some shortsighted advice for Logical Reasoning. They also explore strategies for negotiating scholarships, and they discuss a rare exception to their advice not to pay for law school. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 441 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:35 - January LSAT Scores - Listener Josie asks how to bounce back from a disappointing score on the January LSAT. Ben and Nathan pinpoint a problem with Josie’s mindset: too much concern for the clock and the calendar. 16:06 - Laplace’s Demon - The guys reveal the origin of the name LSAT Demon and its relevance to their teaching philosophy. 22:27 - Pearls vs. Turds - How important are question types in Logical Reasoning? Should you skip Parallel Reasoning questions for the sake of time? Nathan and Ben offer their insights.

Nathan is joined by Maya Russell, chair of the Pre-Law Advisor National Council, for an insightful discussion of the law school admissions process. Maya provides expert analysis of the rapidly changing admissions landscape, highlights common mistakes made by law school applicants, and outlines key questions to ask when deciding where to apply and attend. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 440 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:09 - Application Timing - In a recent study focusing on application timing, AccessLex found that historically underrepresented applicants who apply early tend to have better admissions chances than those who apply late. Nathan and Ben acknowledge the findings, but they’re unconvinced by AccessLex’s methodology and recommendations. The guys express their concerns about the study and about law school pipeline programs in general. 25:08 - Maya Russell, Pre-Law Advisor - Maya Russell is a pre-law advisor at Furman University and chair of the Pre-Law Adviso

Law school doesn’t have an age limit. But older applicants be warned: law isn’t a fallback career. This week, Nathan and Ben beseech listeners of all ages to examine their motivations for pursuing law school. Later, the guys consider some students’ contention that Logic Games on the January LSAT were unusually difficult. They share tips for LSAT study groups. And they clear up a misunderstanding regarding LSAC’s GPA calculations. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 439 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:18 - JD Advantage Jobs - In Episode 437, data privacy expert Jonea Gordon described how her legal background contributed to her success in jobs that don’t require a JD. Ben and Nathan nonetheless maintain that law school should be pursued by those who intend to practice law. 16:10 - Too Old for Law School? - Listener Melissa wants to make a career change, but she worries that she’s too old for law school. Nathan and Ben assure Melissa that her age isn’t an obstacle

The LSAT is a test of reasoning skills. But the best lawyers often go beyond reason—they set unreasonable goals and work unreasonable hours to attain them. If you have dreams of attending a top law school, you should embrace a similar level of commitment. This week, Ben and Nathan discuss how your work ethic impacts your success on the LSAT, in law school, and throughout your legal career. Later, the guys share tips for managing test anxiety. They critique a misguided approach to studying Logic Games. And they contemplate the biggest risks that the world faces in 2024. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 438 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:41 - What’s My LSAT Potential? - Don’t limit yourself to a “reasonable” score increase. Your LSAT potential comes down to how hard you’re willing to work. 19:15 - Test Anxiety - The guys discuss strategies for overcoming test-day nerves and treating the official test like an ordinary practice test. 29:21 - Overconfident and Un

Jonea Gordon left her job as a lawyer and quadrupled her salary. She’s now a data privacy expert who has worked with some of the biggest tech companies in the world on issues like artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Jonea joins Ben to share the story of her career, offer advice on networking and negotiation, and explain why her experience as a litigator remains invaluable to her work in tech. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 437 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:56 - Expectations vs. Reality in Legal Practice - Jonea recounts her path to legal practice and her discovery that litigation wasn’t right for her. 23:44 - From Law to Tech - Jonea prefers her work in data privacy to the toil of legal practice. But she doesn’t regret becoming an attorney. Jonea describes how the skills she honed as a litigator remain crucial to her work in tech. 33:51 - Networking - Jonea shares simple networking techniques that she used to advance and transform her career.

Many applicants face a dilemma at this point in the admissions cycle: Do they settle for a mediocre LSAT score and uninspiring scholarship offers? Or do they retake the LSAT and reapply next year? To Ben and Nathan, the choice is clear. There’s too much upside and too little downside not to take the long-term approach. Later, the guys explain why common sense trumps formal logic on the LSAT. They speculate that the LSAT will soon increase in difficulty. And they discuss the proper use of law school rankings. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 436 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:45 - How to Start Studying - After a five-year break from the LSAT, listener Ellen asks how to restart her studies. Nathan and Ben answer simply: begin with one question. 5:26 - Retake and Reapply - Listener Dale believes that he can improve upon his official 166, but he fears that his parents won't support his decision to retake and reapply next cycle. Ben and Nathan recommend patie

Happy New Year! Nathan and Ben kick off 2024 with New Year’s resolutions for LSAT students. The guys also discuss whether nontraditional applicants face a disadvantage in law school admissions. They endorse a slow-and-steady approach to Reading Comprehension. And they assess the LSAT timelines of listeners who may miss out on Logic Games. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 435 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:02 - New Year’s Resolutions - The guys propose some New Year’s resolutions for LSAT students. 14:28 - Nontraditional Applicants - “Nontraditional” applicants aren’t disadvantaged in law school admissions. Law schools often prefer students with work experience.  23:11 - Test Schedule - Listener Timothy wants to take the LSAT before the Logic Games go away, but his practice test scores fall short of what he needs for the T14. Ben and Nathan urge Timothy not to rush his timeline. 28:59 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener Sneha was told to attempt only the first thr

Ben and Nathan address a listener’s concerns about his stagnant test scores, providing guidance for improvement. Also on the show, the guys share insights on how to inform impatient family members about the reality of law school admissions. They express support for online law school. And they discuss the decades-long trend of undergraduate GPA inflation. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 434 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:02 - Family Pressure - An anonymous listener is patiently pursuing a 170+ LSAT score, but their parents are hounding them to apply this cycle. Nathan and Ben suggest LSAT Demon Parent’s Night among other ways to educate family members about the law school admissions game. 6:04 - An Hour a Day - After improving his score by 20 points, listener Nate feels that he has reached a plateau. Ben and Nathan challenge Nate to remain consistent in his study schedule and to prioritize reviewing his mistakes. 18:55 - Online Law School - Nathan and Ben are

Feared by some, loathed by others, “yield protection” remains a steadfast reality in law school admissions. This week, Nathan and Ben discuss why law schools justifiably use yield-protecting strategies in admissions. The guys also share the story of a listener who successfully petitioned their college to expunge a semester of failing grades. They compare law schools’ debt-to-income ratios for recent graduates. And they offer practical tips to a student seeking ways to avoid underperformance on test day. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 433 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:26 - Word of the Week - Avoid zoonotic diseases like the plague. 5:24 - Appeals - Persistence pays off. Ben and Nathan hear from a listener who convinced their community college to withdraw a semester of failing grades. They also discuss another listener’s successful appeal to LSAC for a fee waiver. The conversation then shifts to considering the chances of an international student procuring a

Another one bites the dust. Ben and Nathan bid adieu to Golden Gate University School of Law, which will end its JD program in May. Unfortunately, eliminating one law school doesn’t fix the problem of having too many law schools. Also on the show, the guys simplify Reading Comprehension for an overthinker. They counsel some downcast listeners on how to bounce back from a disappointing LSAT. And they weigh the admissions value of work experience versus GPA. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 432 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 4:07 - Word of the Week - The guys look up a melange of words. 7:08 - Goodbye, Golden Gate - Ben and Nathan react to the news that Golden Gate University will soon discontinue its JD program. 22:40 - Stop Overthinking RC - Nathan and Ben condense Reading Comprehension down to two essential questions: What did the passage say? What’s the author’s main point? The guys instruct a listener to forget question types in RC and treat them all as Must

Law school is famously time-consuming. Many students consider quitting their jobs and relying on student loans for living expenses. In this week’s episode, Ben and Nathan discuss the feasibility of working while attending law school. The guys also help listeners decide when to register for the LSAT, and they shed light on the surprising similarities among differently ranked law schools. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 431 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:10 - Word of the Week - Mistrust law schools’ machinations. 6:33 - Split Strategy - Nathan and Ben support listener Jackson’s “split strategy” to target official test dates in both the current and next cycle. The guys are confident that Jackson can shore up his performance in Logic Games by the February LSAT. 10:10 - Abandon LG? - LSAT Demon student Alexis has a weakness in Logic Games. Should she abandon LG and focus on preparing for the August 2024 LSAT? In any case, the guys counsel Alexis not to rush into

Lawyers are gladiators of the English language. Words are their weapons. So if you’re entering the arena of legal practice, you’d better hone your vocabulary. This week, Ben and Nathan encourage listeners to keep a dictionary handy and to embrace a growth mindset when it comes to their English proficiency. Later, the guys roast some of the internet’s most bizarre LSAT advice. They probe the motives of WashU’s “redacted  review.” And they consider the benefits of taking a gap year before law school. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 430 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:00 - January LSAT Registration - The January LSAT registration deadline is upon us. Ben and Nathan explain why November test takers should plan to retake in January. 8:32 - Vocabulary - Nathan and Ben explain how to approach unfamiliar words on the LSAT. 21:44 - Word of the Week - Ben and Nathan upbraid LSAT students who don’t make efforts to expand their vocabulary. 27:08 - Pearls vs. Turds - Nat

LSAT students have a limited-time opportunity to conquer Logic Games before they’re gone for good. This week, Nathan and Ben share insights on strategically planning your official LSAT attempts in anticipation of the upcoming changes. The guys also clarify what counts as an “assumption” in Logical Reasoning. They advocate a low-key approach to communicating with admissions offices. And they premiere a new “Word of the Week” segment. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 429 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:51 - January LSAT Registration - Ben and Nathan give listener Jason their conditional approval to register for the January LSAT despite Jason’s inconsistency in Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. The next four LSAT administrations are golden opportunities for students who have mastered Logic Games. 7:08 - LSAT Swagger - Listener Brennan hesitates to register for an official test despite scoring as high as 177 on practice tests. Nathan and Ben encourage

Test day doesn’t always go as planned. From tech problems to tricky logic games, unexpected challenges during an official LSAT attempt can be intimidating for many students. But the best-prepared test takers don’t hide from their fears—they plan for them. Also on this week’s pod, Ben and Nathan discuss why retaking is almost always the correct decision, how students can learn from their mistakes, and what low-GPA applicants can do to bolster their applications. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 428 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:45 - October LSAT Scores - Nathan and Ben applaud LSAT Demon students’ successes on the October LSAT. The guys encourage anyone who was disappointed with their score to retake. 11:09 - Test Anxiety - Ben and Nathan describe a powerful technique for dealing with test anxiety: anticipate test-day challenges, and plan how you’ll respond. 16:14 - Learning from Mistakes - The goal of review is to learn from your mistakes so that you don’t

Law school isn’t a level playing field. First-generation college students face significant disadvantages in law school, as reported by the Law School Survey of Student Engagement. Nathan and Ben discuss the major challenges that await first-gen students—underscoring the importance of not paying for law school. Later, the guys explain their approach to questions that they can’t immediately solve. They urge a geographically limited applicant to expand their list of schools. And they deliberate on a listener’s choice between the LSAT and the GRE. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 427 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:28 - LR in the Real World - The guys use their Logical Reasoning expertise to criticize a sentimental bumper sticker. Ben reveals why he isn’t a big fan of poetry. 6:58 - First-Gen Students - The Law School Survey of Student Engagement sheds light on the challenges faced by first-generation college students attending law school. 19:46 - Timing - Natha

Logic Games will soon be on their way out, and many LSAT students are now grappling with the decision of whether to study them. Should you invest time in mastering LG, or should you pivot toward preparing for a games-free LSAT? In this week’s discussion, Ben and Nathan advocate a balanced approach that prepares students for any version of the test. Later, the guys provide feedback on personal statement topics, share the key to unlocking perfect RC passages, and weigh the pros and cons of retaking the test. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 426 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:28 - Should I Keep Studying LG? With Logic Games leaving the LSAT in August 2024, listener Amanda is unsure whether to continue practicing LG or to shift her focus solely to Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Nathan and Ben propose a flexible study plan that allows Amanda to keep her options open. 10:59 - Personal Statement Topics Ben and Nathan provide insights on several listen