Thinking LSAT

Nathan Fox and Ben Olson

Ben Olson and Nathan Fox started the Thinking LSAT Podcast to become better LSAT teachers and have some fun. Please 1) subscribe, 2) rate and review, and 3) send us questions: help@thinkinglsat.com. Don't pay for law school!

Learn more at lsatdemon.com

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

577 episodes
Updated Monday
Explicit

Episodes577

Newest first

Feb 27, 2023 · 49 min
Regional School with National Reach? (Ep. 391)
Ben and Nathan assess whether attending a regional school may prevent you from finding work in a more competitive market. The guys double down on their advice to apply broadly even if you’re set on attending law school in a particular location. They also consider whether earlier PrepTests are easier than more recent ones, investigate an elite law school’s URM bump, and shake their heads at the ABA’s continued attempts to eliminate the standardized testing requirement. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 391 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:59 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener Owen shares some LSAT tips from lsat-center.com. Ben and Nathan detect some turds and implore listeners to reject LSAT gimmicks. 21:19 - Regional Law Schools - An anonymous listener was offered a full-tuition scholarship plus a stipend to attend the University of Iowa. But Anonymous worries that attending a regional school will prevent them from finding work in a competitive market, like Washington, D.C. Nathan and Ben recommend connecting with Iowa alumni who’ve followed similar paths. 28:34 - Apply Broadly - Listener Heidi wants to attend law school in a particular region. Should she still apply broadly, even to schools she wouldn’t attend? Ben and Nathan say yes. By applying broadly, Heidi can better judge her value to law schools and keep her options open. 31:25 - Are Early PrepTests Easier? - Listener Jack was shocked to score 177 on PrepTest A (an official LSAT from 1996) after weeks of scoring in the 160s. How much should Jack read into this score jump? Are earlier PrepTests easier? Nathan and Ben tell Jack not to overthink a single data point and to keep learning from his mistakes. 36:08 - URM Bump - The guys resolve a question about the URM bump in the LSAT Demon scholarship estimator. 42:07 - ABA Tries to Eliminate LSAT Rule - The ABA will try yet again to eliminate the standardized testing requirement for law school admissions. Ben and Nathan remind listeners that law schools will continue to use the LSAT even if they aren’t required to do so.
Feb 20, 2023 · 1 hr 13 min
From Rejection to Full Ride (Ep. 390)
Nathan and Ben read the story of an applicant who improved his LSAT and received a full-ride scholarship offer from a school that had rejected him last year. The evidence mounts: every LSAT point is worth at least $10,000. Also on the show, the guys examine a Logical Reasoning question written by ChatGPT, explain how Loan Repayment Assistance Programs work, and encounter one of the turdiest Pearls vs. Turds submissions of all time. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 390 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:00 - Parents’ Night - On March 9 at 7pm ET, Nathan will host a free class for parents so they can better understand the law school admissions process. Parents can register at lsatdemon.com/classes using their kids’ accounts or by creating their own Demon Free accounts. 3:44 - ChatGPT - What happens when you ask ChatGPT to write an LSAT question? Ben and Nathan review a Logical Reasoning question from the chatbot that misses the mark. Then they read a personal statement penned by ChatGPT. It’s not pretty. 14:59 - Scores Going Down - Demon student Kaitlyn feels that the more she studies, the worse she gets at the LSAT. The guys suspect that Kaitlyn is reading too much into a small sample size and encourage her to focus on one question at a time. 21:50 - Pearls vs. Turds - Nathan and Ben encounter an especially bad piece of LSAT advice. They implore listeners to cut the gimmicks and practice like they’ll play on the official test. 28:36 - Live Class Schedule - Demon student Colt asks how best to schedule his time with Demon Live classes. Ben and Nathan recommend picking one class every day or two and leaving plenty of time for self study. 33:46 - LRAPs - Nathan and Ben break down law schools’ Loan Repayment Assistance Programs. The guys tell listeners to do their research and to be extremely careful with such programs, which may simply kick debt further into the future. 50:09 - From Rejection to Full Ride - An anonymous listener shares a story of an applicant who improved their LSAT score and received a full-ride scholarship from a school that had previously rejected them. Ben and Nathan see this as further proof that every LSAT point is worth $10,000, sometimes more. 1:01:41 - Getting Off Waitlists - Listener Brad wonders if a better score on the April LSAT could help him get off the waitlists at several T14 schools. The guys tell Brad to withdraw his applications and reapply next cycle with a better LSAT score. If he follows that plan, Brad should have scholarship offers in hand by the end of 2023. 1:08:44 - An UGPA Miracle - Listener Kash convinced their old school to convert their Fs to Ws, saving their 3.9 GPA from dropping to a 3.3.
Feb 13, 2023 · 1 hr 36 min
LSAT Survives ABA Vote (Ep. 389)
Reports of the LSAT’s impending demise have been greatly exaggerated. The ABA voted last week to uphold the required use of a standardized test, like the LSAT, in law school admissions. On this week’s podcast, Ben and Nathan react to news about the vote and remind listeners that law schools will continue to find the LSAT useful regardless of whether the ABA ever removes the testing requirement. Later, the guys hear from LSAT Demon students who crushed the January test, and they review a listener’s personal statement. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 389 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:21 - LSAT Survives ABA Vote - Nathan and Ben react to the big news: the ABA’s House of Delegates has voted to keep the standardized test requirement for law school admissions. The guys talk about why the LSAT was created in the first place and why law schools find it so useful. 9:22 - January LSAT Scores - Ben and Nathan celebrate Demon students’ successes on the January LSAT. 26:32 - Smartphone Liberation - Ben shares a New York Times article titled, “The Teenager Leading the Smartphone Liberation Movement.” The guys offer tips to minimize your smartphone’s negative impact on your focus without entirely ditching your device. 32:31 - Don’t Overcommit - Listener Cora struggles to find time for LSAT prep amidst her classwork and extracurriculars. Ben and Nathan advise Cora to drop the LSAT for now to focus on—and enjoy—school. 45:35 - Rolling Admissions - Nathan and Ben explain to listener Diana why law schools’ rolling admissions favor those who apply at the beginning of the cycle. The guys revisit the GLAD method for law school applications. 52:09 - Tracking Costs - Listener Eddie shares his spreadsheet for tracking law school applications and projected costs. Ben and Nathan discuss why Eddie should consider ignoring living expenses in his cost projections. 58:40 - Advice for a Splitter - An anonymous listener worries that their low GPA may preclude acceptance into a high-ranked law school. Should Anonymous apply only to low-ranked schools and plan to transfer out? Nathan and Ben tell Anonymous to apply broadly and not to count on a transfer. 1:05:10 - Personal Statement Review - Listener Nathaniel tried to follow Ben and Nathan’s advice in writing his personal statement, but the final product is a little dry. Ben and Nathan temporarily break their moratorium on personal statement reviews and give Nathaniel some feedback. 1:27:34 - Soft Factors - The guys suggest some useful takeaways from Dean Z’s video about soft factors on law school applications.
Feb 6, 2023 · 58 min
Start with One Question (Ep. 388)
New LSAT students often feel overwhelmed and don’t know how to begin studying. On this week’s pod, Ben and Nathan demystify the process: start with one LSAT question. Later, the guys emphasize the importance of getting straight A’s in undergrad. They question whether it’s worth paying for the prestige of a top-ranked law school. And they discuss whether any LSAT questions have multiple good answer choices. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 388 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:48 - Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT - LSAT Demon and the Council on Legal Educational Opportunities are partnering to facilitate the Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT program at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law on Saturday, February 25. 2:03 - Start with One Question - Listener Sierra isn’t sure where to begin her LSAT study. Nathan and Ben tell her not to overthink things: Start with one LSAT question. Then do another one. 11:41 - Undergraduate GPA - Listeners Evan and Landry ask how LSAC will calculate their undergraduate GPAs. Ben and Nathan turn to LSAC’s grade conversion table and highlight the huge difference between an A and an A-. Later, the guys examine the average median GPA for all ranked law schools. 27:52 - Pearls vs. Turds - Nathan and Ben critique “context reinstatement” as an LSAT study strategy. They warn listeners not to exert too much mental effort for minimal return. 36:54 - Money vs. Prestige - An anonymous listener used to think that cost would be the determining factor when deciding where to attend law school. But now that they’ve been admitted to Harvard, Anonymous may pick the prestige of an elite school over a full-ride scholarship elsewhere. Ben and Nathan weigh in. 39:43 - Online vs. Books - Listener Courtney asks if she should donate her copies of Nathan’s old books and switch to LSAT Demon. Nathan and Ben say yes. LSAT Demon includes all the explanations from Nathan’s books and many, many more. 42:16 - Multiple Good Answers? - Listener Alex wonders if you can ever make a case for more than one answer choice on the LSAT. Ben and Nathan concede that some Logical Reasoning questions feature multiple answer choices that may strengthen or weaken the argument—but only one answer is unequivocally correct. 48:09 - Philadelphia Law Schools - Two listeners ask Nathan and Ben to compare Philadelphia law schools. Is it worth it to pay for a prestigious school like Penn rather than accept a scholarship to attend a lower-ranked school like Drexel? The guys discuss the academic competition and job prospects at these institutions.
Jan 30, 2023 · 1 hr 12 min
Will AI Replace Lawyers? (Ep. 387)
Is ChatGPT coming for lawyers’ jobs? On this week’s episode, Nathan and Ben speculate on how AI chatbots will affect the legal industry. They imagine profound changes to the ways that lawyers work, and they advise future law students to familiarize themselves with this new and vital tool. Later, the guys warn undergrads against studying for the LSAT while in school, discuss the pitfalls of highlighting in Reading Comprehension, and hawk Demon swag. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 386 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:38 - ChatGPT - Listener Amy wonders how chatbots like ChatGPT will affect the legal profession. Ben and Nathan believe that AI may take over many rote tasks, like document review, but that it will never completely replace human lawyers. 19:38 - Getting to 175 - Demon student Daniel scored 170 on the June LSAT after taking only two practice tests. Now he has his sights set on a 175 or higher. Nathan and Ben think Daniel can reach his goal if he’s willing to put in the work and take the test multiple times. 23:57 - Studying While in Undergrad - The guys warn listeners Cassidy and Jack not to let the LSAT distract them from getting straight A’s. 27:54 - Highlighting on RC - Listener Caleb shares his thoughts on the highlighter tool for Reading Comprehension passages. Ben and Nathan maintain that the highlighter is a distraction for most students. 39:46 - Comparing Full Rides - Nathan and Ben evaluate listener Nick’s full-ride scholarship offers from Drexel and the University of Missouri. Should better job prospects at one school outweigh a lower cost of living at the other? The guys advise Nick not to let a relatively small amount of money sway his decision. 45:35 - Regional Law Schools - Demon student Conor asks about the value of attending a prestigious out-of-state school as opposed to a lower-ranked regional school. Ben and Nathan think that it depends on what those schools will cost. They double down on their advice to apply broadly. 50:26 - Fulbright Disclosure? - Demon student and law school applicant A just found out that they’re a semi-finalist for a Fulbright award. Should they disclose this to law schools? Nathan and Ben debate the pros and cons of sharing this conflict before it’s a sure thing. 56:49 - Tax Law - Listener “Tax Guy” wants to add a JD to his CPA designation. Ben and Nathan discuss the lucrative field of tax law. 1:00:39 - Study Schedule - Demon student Nate asks how to split his time between drilling, timed sections, and practice tests. The guys recommend their One-Hour LSAT study schedule. 1:05:40 - Merch - Nathan and Ben poke around the new UC Law San Francisco merch store and invite listeners to pick up LSAT Demon swag.
Jan 23, 2023 · 1 hr 17 min
When to Apply to Law School (Ep. 386)
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. 25:54 - Scholarship Negotiations - An anonymous listener asks how to leverage a scholarship offer from Michigan in their negotiations with other schools. 33:32 - Denied the Bar Because of Debt? - Listener Carol shares a Forbes article about someone who was denied admission to her state bar—despite passing the bar exam—in part because of her massive student debt. 40:46 - URM Bump - Listener Hodari wonders whether Proposition 209, which prohibits affirmative action in California public schools, means that underrepresented minorities receive less of a “bump” when applying to California law schools. Nathan and Ben review data on LSD.law that suggest otherwise. 50:12 - Improving LSAT Demon - A student suggests a way to improve written explanations in the Demon. 54:12 - Preparing for Law School - Listener Sam asks how to prepare during the summer before law school. The guys recommend The Law School Toolbox as well as a few books. 1:03:28 - Waiting to Apply - Listener Aloe isn’t sure whether retaking the LSAT and waiting to apply next cycle will improve their admissions chances. Ben and Nathan see nothing but upside in that plan. 1:05:27 - Admissions Updates - Several LSAT Demon students share their admissions and scholarship success stories. 1:07:37 - Not Going to Law School - Demon student Krista has decided not to attend law school. Instead, she’s embraced her current career and found peace in her life as it is. Krista thanks the Demon team for helping her reach her decision.
Jan 16, 2023 · 1 hr 21 min
The LSAT Is Your Wrecking Ball (Ep. 385)
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 candidate. Ben and Nathan remind Laura and other listeners that soft factors are like tiny hammers compared to the wrecking ball that is the LSAT. 20:00 - LSAT Writing - Nathan and Ben speculate on the purpose of the LSAT Writing section and advise listeners on how to prepare. 26:33 - Mid-Cycle Update - With multiple T14 acceptances and a full-ride offer in hand, an anonymous listener reaps the rewards of applying early and broadly. 29:20 - Undergraduate Major Versus GPA - Listener Noah asks whether his difficult major will make him more competitive for admission to elite law schools. Ben and Nathan think it might, but they maintain that GPA is more important. 33:50 - LSAT Demon Fee-Waiver Discount - The guys share information about LSAT Demon’s fee-waiver discount. Recipients of LSAC’s fee waiver can get four months of Demon Basic for $30—or 20% off any plan indefinitely. Find out more at lsatdemon.com/plans. 35:27 - Focus Like It’s 1990 - Nathan and Ben discuss a recent New York Times article on how to improve your focus by taking intentional tech breaks. Should you dedicate time to reading physical books every day? Ben is sympathetic to the suggestion. Nathan thinks electronic screens are fine as long as you’re reading something you enjoy. 49:12 - UC Law San Francisco - The guys critique a screed from Dean Faigman of UC Law SF about why the T51 school will no longer participate in the US News rankings survey.
Jan 9, 2023 · 1 hr 12 min
US News Revamps Rankings (Ep. 384)
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 practice.” Nathan and Ben see this philosophy as crucial to LSAT prep—practice incorrectly and you’ll just reinforce an approach that makes you worse at the test. Listener Alex then describes the “rule of thirds” for judging your progress toward a challenging goal. 32:14 - GPA vs. School Reputation - An anonymous listener asks whether attending an “easy A” religious college will be held against them on their law school applications. Ben and Nathan maintain that an applicant’s GPA matters more than the school they attended. 43:04 - Networking with Lawyers - Listener Sidney is interested in learning what it’s like to work as a family lawyer. Nathan and Ben recommend some networking strategies. 54:32 - More Gladwell Shade - TLP producer Erik recommends an episode of the podcast If Books Could Kill that eviscerates Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. 57:32 - One Step at a Time - An anonymous student just began studying and aims to score 173. Ben and Nathan worry that this goal might be counterproductive: aiming too high too soon can tempt students to sacrifice accuracy for speed. 1:04:00 - Canadian Law Schools - Demon student G requests an episode focused on Canadian law schools. The guys recommend that G check out these episodes of LSAT Demon Daily: Canadian Law Schools Is It Easier to Get into Law School in Canada? USA vs. Canada Law School Scholarships 1:06:40 - ABA 509 Confusion - Nathan and Ben share an anonymous listener’s frustration over confusing ABA 509 reports. These reports are imperfect, but they’re still an applicant’s best source of information regarding law school scholarships.
Jan 2, 2023 · 58 min
Make Failure Impossible (Ep. 383)
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 bar passage rate. Nathan and Ben suspect that the ABA is unlikely to take any meaningful action against these schools. 16:56 - Withdrawing from the January LSAT - Ben and Nathan assure Demon student Nate that it’s not too late to withdraw from the January LSAT. Withdrawals don’t appear on your record, so law schools won’t know. 18:05 - Score Conversion - The guys walk student Abby through the process of merging individual sections to get a full test score in the Demon. Convert your raw score from any official PrepTest to an LSAT score at lsatdemon.com/converter. 20:40 - Make Failure Impossible - An anonymous listener plans to take the January LSAT, despite not feeling ready, and then apply to law school in February just to see what happens. Nathan and Ben think this plan is a recipe for failure. You should plan to act in a way that makes failure impossible. 26:44 - “Evidence” vs. “Premise” - Ben and Nathan respond to listener Alex’s question about whether “evidence” and “premise” mean the same thing in LSAT Logical Reasoning. (They do.) The guys also discuss what it means for a conclusion to be implicit, how the LSAT rewards accuracy over speed, and why they no longer trust Malcolm Gladwell. 41:20 - LSAC PLUS - An anonymous listener describes their experience with the LSAC PLUS program at Alabama Law. They received some questionable counseling on how to afford law school. Nathan and Ben remind listeners that most advice about financing your education is designed to convince you that it’s okay to take on massive debt. 47:37 - Conditional Scholarships - Ben and Nathan break down conditional scholarships: what they are, whether you should accept one, and what to do if a law school reduces or eliminates your scholarship.
Dec 26, 2022 · 1 hr 12 min
Will Law Schools "Reset" Tuition? (Ep. 382)
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. 11:59 - Medical Records for Accommodations - An anonymous student worries that if they apply for accommodations on the LSAT, law schools may see the medical records that they submit to LSAC. Ben and Nathan doubt that such information is shared with schools, but they recommend contacting LSAC to find out for sure. 15:59 - Tuition Cuts - The guys review a New York Times article about a New Hampshire college that’s cutting its tuition by 62 percent. Similar “tuition resets” enacted by other private colleges shed light on how wildly inflated their prices were to begin with. 23:12 - Reapplications - Ben and Nathan examine screenshots from a law school application courtesy of Demon team member Brittany. One of the questions asks whether you’ve applied previously. Reapplications aren’t a big deal, but the guys explain why you should still plan to apply only once. 33:22 - Withdraw Your Applications - Listener Taylor applied to 20 schools this November with a score of 159. But Taylor believes they can score higher. Nathan and Ben encourage Taylor to withdraw their applications and to focus on improving their LSAT. 48:53 - The Tests Are All the Same - The internet loves to speculate about which test dates might give test takers an advantage. Don’t listen to the internet. Ben and Nathan urge you to let your practice test scores determine when to register for the official test. 1:03:36 - LSAT Penance - Listener Joseph wonders if he should take more classes at a local college to increase his GPA. The guys tell Joseph not to bother. Any grades earned post-graduation won’t count toward his LSAC-calculated GPA. Nathan and Ben reiterate why the LSAT is such an important opportunity to make up for a lackluster GPA.
Dec 19, 2022 · 1 hr 9 min
When to Give Up on Law School (Ep. 381)
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 worth it—but only if law school is right for you. Ben and Nathan discuss when to double down on your efforts and when to walk away. 25:02 - UVA and U.S. News - Listener Kris shares an open letter from UVA Law dean, Risa Goluboff, on the school’s decision not to provide data for the U.S. News rankings. Dean G claims that the rankings fail to capture what UVA values most. Nathan and Ben point out that UVA displays their LSAT and GPA medians front and center for prospective students. The guys assure listeners that law school rankings and the LSAT aren’t going away anytime soon. 49:25 - Master of Legal Studies - An anonymous listener feels that they’ve reached their limit on the LSAT. Would padding their résumé with a Master of Legal Studies degree help their law school applications? Ben and Nathan recommend cutting negative self-talk and focusing on the LSAT. 54:15 - How to Determine Your Score Range - Nathan and Ben explain how to determine your score range by averaging practice test scores. They also discuss why it doesn’t matter whether you take a full-length test or break it up into individual sections. 1:00:40 - Pearls vs. Turds - TLP producer Erik shares a lecture on writing and explains how its lessons help him find the main point in LSAT Reading Comprehension passages.
Dec 12, 2022 · 47 min
Surrender to Win (Ep. 380)
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. 22:04 - When Should I Subscribe? - Listener Ryan is a college student and can’t afford to spend much on LSAT prep. He asks Ben and Nathan for advice on timing his subscription. The guys urge Ryan to focus on school. He should begin his LSAT prep when his grades are right—and maybe after he finds a better-paying job. 27:37 - Misguided Advice from Dad - Listener Priscila knows she can beat her 160 LSAT score if she keeps studying. But her father wants her to apply to law school right now. Nathan and Ben counsel Priscila to stay the course and keep working to improve her score. Priscila should see herself as a potential asset to law schools and expect appropriate scholarship offers. 34:34 - Customized Scholarships - LSAT Demon team member Brittany shares an email from WashU about their “customized” scholarships, which cover special types of aid like child care and conference funding. Ben and Nathan respect WashU’s gamesmanship, but these awards don’t measure up to real merit scholarships. 41:55 - Fear of Rising Medians - Listener Larry doesn’t want to apply this cycle, but he worries that law schools’ median LSAT scores might go up next year. Nathan and Ben explain why this fear is overblown. They advise Larry that taking an extra year might do wonders for his career.
Dec 5, 2022 · 1 hr 35 min
No Personal Statement? No Problem (Ep. 379)
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 candidate adopted from their work as a police officer: “Drive as slowly as possible and as fast as necessary.” 36:34 - Scholarships for a Splitter - Demon student Olivia wonders whether her low GPA means she’ll need to score 175 on the LSAT to attract merit scholarship offers. Ben and Nathan use the LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator to investigate Olivia’s chances. 45:55 - The LSAT Is What Really Matters - Demon student Aly worries that law schools will be unimpressed with her extracurriculars and work experience. Nathan and Ben implore Aly not to chase résumé padders at the expense of study. 59:28 - Character and Fitness - An anonymous listener worries that their separation from the Navy might be flagged as a Character and Fitness issue. Ben and Nathan suspect that it’s not a big deal but recommend that Anonymous ask their state bar. 1:03:58 - Start with Free - Listener Kiana scored 131 on her diagnostic and now feels lost. The guys warn Kiana of the long road ahead and recommend that she begin with LSAT Demon Free before committing more time and money to LSAT prep. 1:10:55 - Misleading Scholarship Data? - Anonymous asks whether scholarships reported on ABA 509 reports misrepresent those actually offered by law schools. Nathan and Ben discuss this possibility and double down on their advice to apply broadly. 1:19:42 - Chasing a Perfect Score - International applicant Phuong wonders whether it’s feasible to aim for a perfect score in Logical Reasoning. Ben and Nathan remind Phuong that their goal should be -0 on one question at a time, not -0 on the section. 1:24:21 - Lucky 177 - Listener Karl shares his analysis of the likelihood of scoring 177 given varying degrees of random guessing. As suspected, random chance accounts for a miniscule portion of your LSAT score. Luck won’t get your score into the 170s.
Nov 28, 2022 · 1 hr 10 min
Top Five Mistakes on 1L Exams, with Angela Vorpahl (Ep. 378)
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 take control of their 1L grades through her consulting business and YouTube channel. Angela joins Ben to discuss why students need actionable study plans. She also shares the top five mistakes that students make on final exams. 32:38 - Mistake #1: Not Creating a Study Plan - Angela explains why you shouldn’t simply study for your first exam first. Instead, create a schedule that spaces out your study in the buildup to exam week. 41:30 - Mistake #2: Repeating the Facts of the Case - On law school exams, you don’t get points for simply repeating the facts of the case. Instead, you should use the facts in the context of your arguments about the relevant issues. 45:21 - Mistake #3: Ignoring Format - Make an effort to format your arguments so the professor can more easily award you points for them. In some cases, this might mean numbering your arguments. 52:12 - Mistake #4: Not Talking to Your Professors - Angela recommends talking to your professors in person to ask about their formatting preferences for their final exams. Professors are also invaluable resources for finding jobs and securing letters of recommendation. 59:20 - Mistake #5: Trying to Get the Answers “Right” - On law school exams, you get points by making arguments and counterarguments for each issue you spot. You aren’t expected to—and shouldn’t try to—get the question “right.” Angela discusses why “thinking like a lawyer” helps avoid blind spots that might sabotage your exam. 1:05:41 - Final Advice - Angela advises you to think of law school as a step toward the life you want to build. After all, you attend law school to become a lawyer, not a law student.
Nov 21, 2022 · 48 min
What's My Score Range? (Ep. 377)
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 ahead and request a letter of recommendation from their employer even if they won’t apply until next cycle. 16:31 - Eliminate Excuses - The 170s are within reach for Demon student Audrey now that she’s embraced the Demon mindset and eliminated excuses from her study. 19:07 - Worth the Cost? - The guys review an email from UC Hastings that asks Nathan to donate money. Nathan’s alma mater hopes their students “feel that the value of their education is worth the cost.” 23:32 - Advice for a Fifth Attempt - Listener Sarah asks for last-minute tips as she prepares for her final test attempt. Ben and Nathan’s advice remains the same whether it’s your first or fifth official test: treat it like any other practice test. 26:46 - A Vague Scholarship Offer - Demon student G shares an unsolicited email from Elon University School of Law advertising a vague potential scholarship and guaranteed residency-in-practice. The guys weigh in. 31:14 - Another Soul Saved - Despite enjoying LSAT study, Demon student Pat decided not to attend law school after realizing that they don’t need a J.D. for the work they’re interested in. 34:03 - One Logic Games Section Per Day? - Nathan and Ben advise Demon student Amina on how much to focus on LG while not neglecting the other sections of the test. 38:44 - A Canadian Success Story - A Canadian Demon student thanks the guys for helping them score 171 on the September LSAT. Should this student retake? Since Canadian law schools consider applicants’ average LSAT scores, the answer is unclear. 41:26 - Prestigious Master’s Degree - A listener asks if law schools will care about their master’s degree from Oxford. The guys think so, but not as much as LSAT or UGPA. 43:25 - Addressing a Withdrawal - Listener Amanda wonders how law schools will view a withdrawal from a second bachelor’s program. Ben and Nathan weigh in and draft a sample addendum to address the withdrawal.
Nov 14, 2022 · 58 min
It Pays to Get Greedy (Ep. 376)
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 challenge. Nathan and Ben explain why his progress will depend on his willingness to slow down and get the easy questions right. 15:47 - Parental Pressure - Demon student Connor faces familial pressure to apply to law school as soon as possible. Ben and Nathan advise Connor to stay the course and apply next cycle with his best LSAT score. 22:48 - Simulating Accommodations - An anonymous listener can’t accurately simulate their accommodations on practice tests in LawHub. Luckily, the Demon lets them do so. 27:23 - Scholarship Deadline - An anonymous listener received a full-ride scholarship offer with a deadline to commit by December 1. Should they accept, or wait to hear from other schools? Nathan and Ben weigh in. 48:50 - LSAT Investment - Demon student Simon increased his score from the mid 150s to 173 on the October test. The guys consider the lifetime return on his investment in the LSAT before they—you guessed it—tell him to get greedy and retake the test. 54:02 - Funded Legal Education Program - Demon student Kaitlyn asks about the Funded Legal Education Program for active-duty military members. Ben and Nathan discuss why law schools might find FLEP applicants attractive.
Nov 7, 2022 · 59 min
Logic Games Aren’t Changing Soon (Ep. 375)
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, by Joseph Williams, and On Writing, by Stephen King. 19:18 - Twelve Points in One Month - LSAT Demon student Hannah had modest LSAT goals but surprised herself with a twelve-point improvement in one month of study. She now has her sights set on the 170s and a full scholarship to law school. 21:28 - Online Law School - St. Mary’s University School of Law offers the first fully online ABA-approved JD program. The guys discuss why online law school is a great idea. 28:16 - Avoiding Law School - In episode 366, Nathan and Ben encouraged LSAT Demon student James to pursue other career interests before committing to law. James updates the guys on his decision. 32:01 - Launch Your Legal Career - Listener Juan worries about being “late in the game” if he takes a gap year. Ben and Nathan discuss why age doesn’t matter in law school and why it’s important to launch your legal career the right way—with a great LSAT score. 42:01 - Logical Reasoning: Soot - Try this question for yourself here.
Oct 31, 2022 · 57 min
Do LSAT Scores Correlate with IQ? (Ep. 374)
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 - CUNY Drops Merit Scholarships - CUNY School of Law has announced that they will no longer award merit-based scholarships. Ben and Nathan wonder if CUNY’s need-based aid might still go primarily to higher-qualified students. 30:13 - Undergrad Course Selection - Listener Gabe asks for Nathan and Ben’s advice in picking an elective course for his final semester of school. The guys consider his options and ultimately advise him to take one that he knows he’ll ace. 36:19 - Will Law School Improve My Writing? - International applicant Nafoset says she wants to pursue a JD over an LLM to help improve her English writing and speaking skills. Ben and Nathan warn her that law school is a terrible place to learn how to write. 48:27 - Determine Your Strengths - Listener Mary shares a free online test that she found to be useful in determining her strengths. Nathan and Ben discuss their own results and their general thoughts on personality tests in the style of StrengthsFinder.
Oct 24, 2022 · 55 min
Scholarship Negotiation Insights (Ep. 373)
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 negotiators and what bargaining chips you can bring to the table. 15:16 - Harvard’s Junior Deferral Program - An anonymous listener considers applying to Harvard’s binding Junior Deferral Program. Ben and Nathan advise listeners to remain flexible and not to bind themselves to any one school. The guys also discuss whether it’s worth paying full tuition to attend an elite law school. 21:46 - Running Low on Attempts - Demon student Abhi is hesitant to register for their fourth official LSAT attempt. Nathan and Ben think that if you’re truly ready to take the test, then you should go ahead and register. Your approach doesn’t change depending on how many attempts you have remaining. 27:02 - Picking a Personal Statement Topic - Demon student Darren wonders whether his MMA career could be an appropriate topic for his personal statement. Ben and Nathan think so, but they also suspect that some people might be turned off by the topic. They recommend that Darren write multiple rough drafts about different topics and then choose the one that portrays him in the best light. 33:21 - IQ and the LSAT - Does the LSAT test IQ? Probably not—or at least not exclusively—given how much people can improve at the LSAT. 36:47 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener Meghan shares some advice from US News & World Report. Nathan and Ben analyze their three tips for addressing a low LSAT score in law school applications. 43:05 - Waiting for a Letter of Recommendation - An anonymous listener can’t submit their applications until they get a final letter of recommendation. Unfortunately, the professor who agreed to write it is dragging their feet. Ben and Nathan think it’s probably time for Anonymous to find a new recommender. 47:35 - Working While Studying - Listener Nafosat has received a job offer from a law firm. But they worry that the position would restrict their ability to study more than two hours per day. The guys assure Nafosat that an hour or two of LSAT study each day is plenty.
Oct 17, 2022 · 45 min
Only Your Best Score Matters (Ep. 372)
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 own. 24:03 - Only Your Best Score Matters - An anonymous Demon student scored lower than expected on the September LSAT. They’re prepared to retake the test, but they worry that law schools will look unfavorably on a lower score. Ben and Nathan reassure Anonymous that law schools care only about your best LSAT score. 29:13 - Should I Retake? - An anonymous listener with a score of 174 on record wonders whether to retake the LSAT to improve their chances at a top-twenty law school. Nathan and Ben think so. The guys also speculate on why LSAT scores have gone up since the beginning of the pandemic. 40:21 - Zoning Out - An LSAT Demon student asks for Ben and Nathan’s advice on how to stop zoning out on their practice tests. The guys discuss why awareness is a crucial first step. They recommend meditation to practice regaining focus.