Thinking Lsat

Nearly 35,000 people have already applied to law school this cycle,  according to data from LSAC. And many top law schools have already begun  handing out scholarships. On today’s pod, Ben and Nathan examine the  current application data and advise would-be late applicants to wait  until next year. Later, the guys discuss how to use scholarship offers  in negotiations with other law schools. They consider the impact of  affirmative-action legislation on the “URM bump.” And they read  admissions updates from LSAT Demon students. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 386 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:27 - New Test Dates for 2023–2024 - Ben and Nathan examine the new test dates for the upcoming LSAT cycle. 6:08 - Your Most Valuable Asset - Ben shares some wisdom from Sam Harris: your most valuable asset isn’t your time, it’s your attention. 16:07 - Application Data - The guys analyze LSAC’s current application volume statistics. 25

A wall stands between you and law school. Would you rather swing at it with a hammer or a wrecking ball? On this week’s podcast, Ben and Nathan remind listeners that the LSAT is by far your most powerful tool for breaking into law school. The guys also debate the existence of “trap” answer choices on the LSAT, consider a New York Times article’s tips for improving concentration, and critique Dean Faigman’s long-winded announcement that UC Law San Francisco will no longer provide data for the US News rankings. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 385 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:45 - “Trap” Answers - Listener Sean self-diagnoses a hyperawareness of “trap” answer choices and a tendency to overthink Logical Reasoning questions. Nathan and Ben dispel the notion of trap answers and urge Sean to attack the test with confidence. 9:58 - The LSAT Is a Wrecking Ball - Listener Laura wonders whether her years of work experience will make her a more compelling law school c

US News & World Report is changing the way it ranks law schools. A recent letter to law school deans outlines updates to the ranking methodology, including reduced emphasis on reputational surveys. On today’s pod, Ben and Nathan predict the impact that these changes may have on the rankings and on the law school scholarship game. Later, the guys weigh the importance of GPA versus school reputation on law school applications, recommend strategies for networking with lawyers, and warn a new LSAT student not to aim too high too soon. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 384 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:59 - US News Ranking Methodology - Listener Kris shares information about upcoming changes to US News’s ranking methodology. The biggest change: US News will give less weight to reputational surveys, which previously accounted for 40% of a law school’s assessment. 19:26 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener Ana passes along some sage advice: “you get good at what you pr

Students are often tempted to take the official LSAT before they’re ready or to apply to law school late in the cycle “just to see what happens.” On this week’s episode, Ben and Nathan explain why such plans are dangerous. They advise listeners to take a different approach: one that makes it impossible to settle for less than your best. Also on the pod, the guys discuss law schools with abysmal bar passage rates, compare “evidence” and “premises” in Logical Reasoning arguments, and offer advice on conditional scholarships. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 383 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:25 - 3+3 Program - Listener Abe considers a course of study that consists of a three-year undergraduate degree followed by a three-year JD at the same university. Ben and Nathan discourage this idea because it could limit Abe’s opportunities to attend a better law school for free. 9:10 - Failing Law Schools - Three law schools have recently failed to meet the ABA’s minimum

Law school prices aren’t real. Scholarship data from ABA 509 reports show that most students don’t pay anything close to sticker price. Are law schools due for a tuition reset? On this week’s pod, the guys discuss a New York Times article about universities that are slashing tuition to better reflect the real cost of college. They consider whether law schools might follow suit. Also on the show, the guys hear from a former student who’s bound for Yale, encourage a new listener to withdraw their applications, and discuss how law schools may view an applicant who reapplies after a rejection. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 382 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 6:09 - In at Yale - Demon student Dez will attend Yale Law School next year, after scoring 169 on the LSAT. Well done, Dez! 9:33 - Overcoming Score Plateaus - Nathan previews his upcoming live class on whether score plateaus are real and how to overcome them. Register here—all you need is a Demon Free account

Two mice fell into a bucket of cream. One gave up quickly and drowned. The other refused to quit and struggled for so long that it churned the cream to butter and crawled out. On today’s episode, Ben and Nathan answer an anonymous listener’s question: Which mouse should you be? If you’re drowning in the LSAT, how long should you struggle before calling it quits? The guys discuss why people who are meant to be lawyers will always tough it out—and why it’s okay if you’re not one of those people. Later on the show, they critique UVA’s statement about the U.S. News rankings, explain practice-test score ranges, and evaluate a tip for finding the main point in Reading Comprehension. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 381 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:20 - Which Mouse Should You Be? - An anonymous listener calls upon a parable about drowning mice to ask how relentlessly they should pursue law school. LSAT study requires grit and determination. The struggle may be wor

Fears and false narratives often destroy our productivity. Only when we let go of such counterproductive thoughts can we achieve our full potential. Today on the pod, Ben and Nathan counsel listeners whose misconceptions about law school admissions have distracted them from what’s truly important. They respond to a father’s misguided advice about admissions, address fears about rising medians, and analyze “customized” scholarships. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 380 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 8:27 - Penn State Merger - Penn State University Park and Penn State Dickinson have announced their merger into a single law school. Will two good law schools combine to make one excellent one? Ben and Nathan weigh in. 17:05 - Switch to the Demon? - Should listener Stefan enroll in another prep company’s “170+ guarantee” course, or should he switch to LSAT Demon? Nathan and Ben are biased, but that doesn’t make them wrong—Stefan will learn far more from the Demon. 22

Ben and Nathan review a law school’s streamlined application process that doesn’t require a personal statement or letters of recommendation. The evidence is clear: some law schools really care only about your LSAT and GPA. Later on, the guys reassure an applicant that a great LSAT score overshadows a lackluster résumé. They also consider whether ABA 509 data misrepresent scholarship offers and discuss a listener’s mathematical analysis of guessing on the LSAT. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 379 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 5:22 - WashU Low-Income Scholarships - WashU Law announced full-tuition scholarships for low-income students, but questions remain about who will actually qualify. 16:57 - No Personal Statement, No Problem - The University of Alabama recently invited listener Abhi to apply via a “streamlined” application that doesn’t require a personal statement or letters of recommendation. 30:24 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener G submits a Pearls vs. Turds

Ben interviews Angela Vorpahl, a consultant who guides law students through their 1L year. Angela shares the top five mistakes students make on law school final exams. But first, Nathan and Ben kick off this week’s episode with a brief discussion of the recent news surrounding the U.S. News rankings and the ABA’s decision to end the testing requirement for law school applications. Current applicants can rest assured that law schools will continue to value the LSAT and offer merit scholarships to attract high-scoring applicants. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 378 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 4:01 - Rankings and ABA News - Nathan and Ben discuss the implications of top law schools withdrawing from the U.S. News rankings and the ABA’s decision to remove the standardized test requirement for law school applicants. For now, these changes are unlikely to affect law school admissions in any meaningful way. 13:58 - Angela Vorpahl - Angela Vorpahl helps law students

Ben and Nathan discuss score ranges and why your confidence in your ability shouldn’t rise and fall with your practice test scores. The guys also review an unusual Logic Games question type that popped up on the November test, poke fun at an email soliciting donations for Nathan’s alma mater, and celebrate another soul saved from law school. Watch Ben and Nathan's response to Yale and other law schools' decision to withdraw from the rankings. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 377 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 5:45 - A New LG Question Type? - Test takers encountered an unusual question type on the Logic Games section of the November test. Demon teacher Matt DuMont proves it’s nothing the LSAT hasn’t done before. 8:04 - Your Range Is Not a Fluke - Nathan and Ben reassure a Demon student that their recent high practice test score wasn’t a fluke but a new max in their score range. 13:28 - Early Letters of Recommendation - The guys advise Demon student A.D. to go ah

Ben and Nathan celebrate Demon students’ successes on the October LSAT—and encourage more students to retake the test. When every point matters, it pays to get greedy. Also on the show, the guys advise a law enforcement officer on his study habits, counsel a student who faces tremendous parental pressure to apply this cycle, and evaluate a full-ride scholarship offer with an early deadline to commit. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 376 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 4:03 - A 22-Point Improvement - A year after his 151 diagnostic, Demon student Arman scored 173 on the October LSAT. Ben and Nathan encourage him to get greedy and retake. 7:03 - A 24-Point Improvement - Demon student Alex raised his score from 139 to 163 in four months with the Demon. The guys think Alex should shoot even higher. 10:28 - From Law Enforcement to Law School - Demon student Jared plans a midlife career shift from law enforcement to lawyering. But he finds the LSAT to be a stiff chall

Ben and Nathan discuss LSAC’s upcoming Analytical Reasoning Field Study and assure listeners that the Logic Games aren’t changing anytime soon. They also hear from two former students who followed their advice and decided not to pay for law school—or not to go at all. Plus, the guys recommend resources for improving your writing and comment on the first fully online JD program to be approved by the ABA. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 375 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:31 - LSAC Testing New Logic Games - LSAC continues to test new Logic Games formats. Ben and Nathan assure current LSAT students that the Logic Games aren’t changing anytime soon. 11:01 - Spatial Reasoning - An anonymous listener shares an article critical of IQ tests in response to Nathan and Ben’s recent discussion of IQ and the LSAT. 15:19 - Books about Writing - Long-time listener Jeff asks about a book on writing. The guys recommend several, including Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace, b

Nathan and Ben continue their discussion about IQ and the LSAT with some input from Thinking LSAT listener and amateur psychometrician Anthony. They discuss how the LSAT differs from other tests of IQ and why it’s possible to make huge improvements to your LSAT score despite its correlation with IQ. Later on the show, the guys analyze CUNY School of Law’s decision to stop awarding merit-based scholarships, warn a listener that law school won’t make her a better writer, and share their results from an online personality test. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 374 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:43 - IQ and the LSAT - On last week’s episode, the guys discussed whether the LSAT tests IQ. Demon student Anthony responds with more information about IQ, how it’s traditionally tested, and why LSAT scores might be roughly correlated with IQ. Ben and Nathan reiterate that the LSAT is largely a test of how hard you’re willing to work—regardless of your inherent IQ. 23:27

Today on the show, Ben and Nathan take a glimpse behind the curtain at a law school’s approach to scholarship negotiations. The guys examine an email that reveals how one school is prepared to negotiate, and they discuss what it means for applicants. Also on the pod, Nathan and Ben advise an MMA fighter on his personal statement, comment on whether the LSAT tests IQ, and evaluate tips for addressing a low LSAT score in your applications. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 373 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:09 - Misleading Scholarship Data - Demon student Matt shares details of his recent conversation with a law school admissions dean. According to this dean, the scholarship data on their ABA 509 report are misleading. 6:07 - Scholarship Negotiation - An anonymous listener has begun to negotiate their scholarship with a law school. The law school’s response sheds useful light on their approach to the process. Ben and Nathan discuss why law schools are savvy nego

Should you retake the LSAT? The answer is almost always yes. Today on the show, Ben and Nathan advise a student who fears scoring lower on a second attempt. They discuss why law schools care only about your highest LSAT score—and why that means there’s only upside to retaking the test. Also on the pod, the guys review a task management framework, give advice on how to stay focused, and tackle a Logical Reasoning question from PrepTest 73. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 372 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:14 - The Four D’s of Task Management - Ben and Nathan discuss the four D’s of task management, by productivity consultant Ashley Janssen: Delete, Delegate, Defer, Do. This approach to your to-do list emphasizes deciding what NOT to do so that you can prioritize what’s truly important. 12:11 - Logical Reasoning: Test 73, Section 4, Q14 - Nathan and Ben tackle a “Supported” question from Test 73 about taxes on gasoline. Click here to try this question on your

Nathan and Ben are joined by special guest Megan Smiley, who coaches lawyers seeking to leave legal practice. They discuss why so many lawyers want to escape their careers—and why that’s especially challenging for anyone burdened with student loans. Megan encourages listeners to examine their values and strengths before committing to law school. Also on the pod, Nathan and Ben hear from recent students who crushed the LSAT, discuss law schools’ incentives for granting application fee waivers, and question whether there’s such a thing as a “bad test taker.” LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 371 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 5:30 - Megan Smiley - Megan Smiley left legal practice to start her own heart-centered business. She now coaches other lawyers who want to do the same. Learn more about Megan’s work at megansmiley.com and The Lawyer’s Escape Pod. 41:49 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener Jon proposes that “there’s no such thing as a bad test taker.” Nathan and Ben

Ben and Nathan are joined by special guest Alison Monahan, cofounder of Law School Toolbox. They discuss law school and bar exam prep, the law school–big law pipeline, and the current legal job market. Also on the show, the guys talk tactics for scholarship conversations, consider the value of learning to speed-read, and review a strategy for answering Flaw questions. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 370 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:29 - Alison Monahan - Alison Monahan founded the Law School Toolbox and The Girl’s Guide to Law School. She joins Ben and Nathan for a discussion about test prep and making the most of law school. 37:18 - Drilling Leaderboard - Nathan and Ben check the LSAT Demon drilling accuracy leaderboard. 38:06 - Dean Z Revisited - The guys revisit Dean Z’s recent video on financial aid and respond to her advice about scholarship negotiations. 50:28 - Universities Are Businesses - Ben and Nathan discuss a Slate article about the growing sha

Admissions officers may say that you have to pay for law school. Nathan and Ben disagree. On today’s pod, the guys review financial aid advice from Dean Z of Michigan Law. They then discuss how applicants can improve their scholarship bargaining power. Later, the guys vibe to some soulful advice from Ray Charles, evaluate the diminishing returns of higher LSAT scores for “splitters,” and consider the advantages of applying as a “non-KJD.” LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 369 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 4:43 - Dean Z on Financial Aid - Listener Anthony shares a recent video in which Dean Z from Michigan Law downplays applicants’ ability to negotiate scholarships. Ben and Nathan respond and inform listeners on how to empower their bargaining positions. 27:54 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener Krista proposes a color-coded mindfulness practice used by her daughter’s kindergarten class. 34:36 - Testing on an Unlicensed OS - Nathan and Ben discuss listener Sarah’s bru

Savvy listeners who applied early this cycle continue to receive scholarship offers. Today, Ben and Nathan discuss an offer that promises all the benefits of an early-decision program without any of the risk. The guys also discuss the shady history of government-backed student loans, an inventive strategy for ignoring the test timer, and the futility of worrying about yield protection. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 368 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:57 - We Are Anti Debt 11:35 - School Rankings Are Unreliable 16:30 - Another Early Scholarship Offer 20:16 - From 151 to 170 25:49 - Pearls vs. Turds 29:43 - Diversity Statement 33:01 - Nested Conditionals 37:05 - Yield Protection 41:48 - Aim to Exceed Medians 46:55 - Pre-Law Societies 48:54 - LSAC Fee Waiver 51:70 - From 156 to 174 53:38 - Test Day Routine 58:57 - GPA Addendum 1:03:05 - LSAT Question Types 1:06:56 - Character & Fitness Issues 1:10:47 - Set Your Sights Higher 1:16:44 - Scholarships for In

Today on the pod, Ben and Nathan celebrate two LSAT Demon students who increased their scores by a whopping thirty-one points. They also offer advice and encouragement to listeners who are disappointed by their August test scores. Plus, the first full-ride scholarship of the 2023 admissions cycle arrived even earlier than Nathan and Ben had anticipated. The guys remind listeners to apply at the beginning of the cycle—which may be August for some schools. And they discuss a tweak to their GLAD guide to law school admissions. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 367 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 6:62 - The First Scholarship of the Cycle - Listener Delia shares news of her August scholarship offer from Arizona State. Ben and Nathan double down on their advice to apply as soon as applications open. 12:31 - From 145 to 176 - Long-time listener Amanda studied for three years to increase her score from 145 to 176. She reflects on some of the biggest lessons from her LSAT