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!

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577 episodes
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Episodes577

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May 23, 2022 · 1 hr 16 min
Advice for International Applicants (Ep. 351)
The LSAT is first and foremost a test of English reading comprehension. Strong English reading and reasoning skills are essential because lawyers in the United States are gladiators of the English language. While the LSAT is learnable for everyone, non-native English speakers may face more of an uphill battle. Today on the show, Nathan and Ben offer advice to an international student who describes his lack of proficiency in English as a barrier to achieving his desired LSAT score. In keeping with the international theme, the guys answer another listener’s questions about law school scholarships for international applicants. They also discuss whether an applicant ought to write an addendum explaining an F on their transcript. But first, the guys revisit their analysis of the index formulas discussed in previous episodes. As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 351 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 5:45 - Weight of LSAT vs. GPA in Admissions Formulas 43:17 - Prepping for the LSAT as an International Student 55:55 - Applying to Law School as an International Student 1:01:19 - An Addendum for an F? Read more on our website!
May 16, 2022 · 1 hr 3 min
The LSAT Is Here to Stay (Ep. 350)
Law schools love the LSAT. Most weigh it far more heavily than any other application component—and with good reason: The LSAT is the single most accurate predictor of law school success. The ABA has recently announced a recommendation to allow “test optional” policies for law school admission. Ben and Nathan share their thoughts and explain why the LSAT isn’t going anywhere. Then, the guys pick apart a Pearls vs. Turds candidate and hear from a listener who successfully appealed LSAC’s three-tests-per-cycle rule. They wrap up with a Supported question from PrepTest 73. Be sure to check out LSAT Demon’s free class with Rachel Gezerseh, author of The Law Career Playbook. The class will be held on May 21 at 1:00 pm EDT. All you need is a Demon Free account to join. Go to lsat.link/rachel for more details and to register. As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 350 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 8:02 - Is the ABA Eliminating the LSAT? 34:56 - Pearls vs Turds 41:40 - Test Taking Limits 46:57 - Test 73, Section 4, Question 12 Read more on our website!
May 9, 2022 · 1 hr 22 min
LSAT Dwarfs GPA in Admissions Formulas (Ep. 349)
The LSAT is arguably the best predictor of your success in law school. It’s no wonder that law schools weigh the LSAT heavily in the admissions process. But just how much weight is an applicant’s LSAT score given relative to their UGPA? Nathan and Ben analyze the index formulas used by law schools and share a surprising realization. But first, the guys kick off the show with some stories of ProctorU mishaps from the April LSAT. They critique a listener’s study schedule and discuss the nature of 1L writing assignments. Finally, they respond to some questions that circulated after Derek Brainard’s appearance on episode 348. As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 349 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 3:44 - ProctorU Mishaps 23:20 - LSAT Study Schedule 33:35 - Writing Consulting 37:40 - GPA vs. LSAT 1:02:56 - A Shout-Out to Demon Student Ryan 1:04:26 - Follow-Up Questions From Episode 348 Read more on our website!
May 2, 2022 · 1 hr 34 min
Don’t Bank on Loan Forgiveness, with Derek Brainard (Ep. 348)
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—don’t pay for law school. Today on the show, Ben and Nathan are joined by financial advisor Derek Brainard to help educate students on the realities of law school debt and loan forgiveness programs. But before that, the guys roast a Pearls vs. Turds submission regarding the correlation-to-causation flaw. They also tackle another Logical Reasoning question from PrepTest 73 and denounce a law school “scammership.” As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 348 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 8:27 - Pearls vs. Turds 16:15 - Test 73, Section 4, Question 11 29:34 - Law School Scammership 51:47 - Getting Ahead of Expenses Read more on our website!
Apr 25, 2022 · 1 hr 16 min
How You Study Matters More (Ep. 347)
Effective LSAT study requires more than just a time commitment. This week, Ben and Nathan emphasize that how you study for the LSAT matters more: More than the length of time you spend studying. More than the number of questions you cover. And more than any distracting analysis of whether the LSAT has gotten harder over the years (it hasn’t). The guys also answer listener questions about skipping answer choices to save time on the LSAT, making sense of law school scholarship variations, and more. Plus, they announce a Demon discount for university pre-law societies and roast a marketing email from a law school. Attention, day-1 listeners: The guys are interviewing Derek Brainard, the national director of financial education at AccessLex, tomorrow (April 26). Submit any questions you have about financing law school to help@thinkinglsat.com today. As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 347 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 6:38 - Test 73, Section 4, Question 9 31:29 - Eliminating Wrong Answers 41:47 - Has RC Gotten Harder? 47:02 - Pre-Law Society Offer 48:17 - How You Study Matters More 57:20 - Scholarship Estimator and Law School Rankings 1:10:36 - Law School Advertisements Read more on our website!
Apr 18, 2022 · 1 hr 12 min
Get Greedy with Your LSAT (Ep. 346)
If you want to go to law school for free, you have to start getting greedy with your LSAT. Tune in this week to hear Nathan and Ben respond to a bucketload of listener emails. As usual, their advice centers on one main theme—don’t pay for law school! The guys also discuss why it’s never a good idea to read the question first in Logical Reasoning. They critique an admissions dean’s comments on law school scholarships. Last but not least, they encourage a student with a 171 on record to get greedy and shoot for a higher score. Be sure to check out LSAT Demon’s free class with Rachel Gezerseh, author of The Law Career Playbook. The class will be held on May 21 at 1:00 pm EDT. All you need is a Demon Free account to join. Go to lsat.link/rachel for more details and to register. LSAT Demon is now in the App Store! Download the iPhone app and start practicing on the go. As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 346 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 5:05 - Don’t Read the Question First 15:03 - Invest in Yourself 29:40 - Apply Early 54:34 - Negotiate Scholarships 1:06:25 - Get Greedy with Your LSAT Read more on our website!
Apr 11, 2022 · 1 hr 26 min
Read Sentences, Not Passages (Ep. 345)
If you want to improve at LSAT Reading Comprehension, remember what your job is: Read the sentences, not the passage. On today’s episode, Ben and Nathan explain why focusing on one sentence at a time is the best way to understand and retain information in both Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning. Then, the guys help one listener decide whether to retake the LSAT—even though he has a 175 on record. Another listener shares an email from LSAC’s Office of Test Security, warning them about taking the official test too many times. The guys help a former Demon student choose which law school scholarship offer to accept. And finally, they discuss why the new law school rankings fail the “100% rule.” LSAT Demon is now in the App Store! Download the iPhone app and start practicing on the go. As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 345 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 5:35 - LR Method to Madness 10:27 - Read Sentences, Not Passages 19:04 - Retaking After a 175? 22:50 - Official LSAT Limits 38:35 - Choosing Which Scholarship to Take 51:45 - New Rankings and a Letter from Dean Faigman 1:22:06 - Increasing Your GPA Read more on our website!
Apr 4, 2022 · 1 hr 3 min
Find Your Niche with Judy the YouTube Lawyer (Ep. 344)
How does a new lawyer find their niche in the legal field? Specializing in an up-and-coming area of the law might sound appealing—space law, anyone?—but it might not be the most practical choice. Today on the show, special guest Judy the YouTube Lawyer sheds light on how and when to choose an area of law to practice in. But first, Ben and Nathan discuss a Logical Reasoning question from PrepTest 73. They respond to listener emails and comment on whether it’s worth going into debt for higher education. And they help a former student decide which law school to attend (hint: follow the money). LSAT Demon is now in the App Store! Download the iPhone app and start practicing on the go. As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 344 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 1:54 - Test 73, Section 4, Question 8 13:25 - Higher Education vs. Entrepreneurship 32:53 - Choosing a Law School 36:32 - Judy the YouTube Lawyer Read more on our website!
Mar 28, 2022 · 1 hr 18 min
How to Network Before Law School with Rachel Gezerseh (Ep. 343)
Finding a job after law school doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. Give yourself a leg up on the competition, and start networking now. Today on the show, special guest Rachel Gezerseh, author of The Law Career Playbook, offers aspiring lawyers her best tips on how to network before and during law school. Then, Nathan and Ben tackle another logical reasoning question from PrepTest 73. A student shares how she got her university to expunge an F from her transcript. And the guys check out a listener-recommended app for reading and listening to books for free. What do you want to know about law school, student loan debt, and lawyer salaries? Next week, Ben and Nathan interview Judy the Youtube Lawyer. Send your questions to help@thinkinglsat.com before March 29! LSAT Demon is now in the App Store! Download the iPhone app and start practicing on the go. As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 343 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 2:24 - Interview with Rachel Gezerseh 39:33 - Score Inconsistencies 55:45 - Test 73, Section 4, Question 7 1:07:29 - Expunging Low Grades 1:12:41 - Read More Books Read more on our website!
Mar 21, 2022 · 1 hr 26 min
LSAC Acquires Law School Transparency (Ep. 342)
What does LSAC’s recent acquisition mean for the future of Law School Transparency? Tune in this week for an eye-opening interview with LST founder Kyle McEntee—now a senior director at LSAC. Plus, the guys declare LSAT Demon a contrapositive-free zone, explain how to transform a weakness in Logic Games into a strength, and encourage listeners to become their own boss. But first, a word about Wordle: Is this trending game anything like an LSAT logic game? Nathan and Ben comment. What do you want to know about the legal market and how to get a job? Next week, Ben and Nathan interview Rachel Gezerseh, author of The Law Career Playbook. Send your questions to help@thinkinglsat.com before March 22. LSAT Demon is now in the App Store! Download the iPhone app and start practicing on the go. As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 342 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 3:44 - Wordle 9:28 - Interview with Kyle McEntee 47:53 - F*** Contrapositives 54:15 - A Weakness in Logic Games 1:06:19 - Waitlist Surveys and the Google Analytics Course Read more on our website!
Mar 14, 2022 · 1 hr 48 min
High LSAT: The Solution to All Problems? (Ep. 341)
It might not solve all life’s problems, but a high LSAT score is the closest thing to a panacea for law school application troubles. It can overshadow a mediocre GPA and demonstrate your aptitude to succeed in law school. It can open doors at higher-ranked schools. And, most importantly, it can save you from taking on a lifetime of student debt. Tune in this week for a mixed-bag episode covering everything from LSAT strategies and score improvements to scholarships and URM status. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 341 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 7:30 - The Solution to All Problems? 13:26 - A 22-Point Improvement 32:03 - Advice from a Corporate Lawyer 37:15 - Running the Tables 40:25 - CTRL+F on the LSAT 47:00 - Cost-of-Living Loans 1:12:44 - Focus on What You Can Control 1:25:38 - The LSAT Is Easy 1:29:26 - URM Status Read more on our website!
Mar 8, 2022 · 1 hr 44 min
Should You Go to Law School? (Ep. 340)
It takes a “special type of crazy” to really enjoy doing the work of a lawyer. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before deciding to embark on a three-year quest for a JD. This week’s episode is all about shedding light on what it takes to be successful as a lawyer. Ben and Nathan dive into the listener mailbag and answer questions about what personality type is best suited to a career in law, how to block out distractions and focus on the LSAT, whether a waitlisted applicant has a shot at earning a scholarship, and more! As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 340 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 3:40 - Be Careful Who You Take Admissions Advice From 31:14 - Yale Scholarships 38:40 - Judy, the YouTube Lawyer 1:00:45 - Scholarships Off the Waitlist 1:10:05 - LSAT Studying Amid World Chaos 1:32:33 - What Makes a Good Lawyer? Read more on our website!
Mar 3, 2022 · 1 hr 11 min
GPA First, LSAT Second (Ep. 339)
If you’re an undergraduate student earning anything less than straight A’s, you don’t need to be thinking about the LSAT yet. Now is your opportunity to maximize your GPA. Tune in to hear Ben and Nathan discuss why undergraduate grades are so important to law school admissions—and why students should focus on acing their courses before anything else. The guys also discuss GPA addenda, law school scholarships, and GI benefits. They hear from a first-generation immigrant who used LSAT Demon to raise his score 27 points. And finally, they grind out an Evaluate question from PrepTest 73. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 339 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 3:20 - Get Straight A’s Starting Today 26:45 - T-14 Dreams with a Bad GPA 42:00 - Recycling Cans in Law School 50:06 - A 27-Point Improvement and a Full Ride 55:40 - Test 73, Section 4, Question 5 Read more on our website!
Feb 21, 2022 · 1 hr 27 min
Read Like a Lawyer (Ep. 338)
Ben and Nathan take another dive into the listener mailbag and answer questions about law school admissions. Tune in to hear about an update to the LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator, GPA addendum advice, a critique of JFK’s Harvard application essay, and more! Then, the guys discuss an undergraduate scholarship program that offers pre-law experience to minorities. Finally, they demonstrate how to “read like a lawyer” while dissecting a logical reasoning question from PrepTest 73. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 338 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 13:04 - Scholarship Estimator Update 18:01 - A 24-Point Score Increase 31:09 - Admissions Questions from a Former Therapist 50:35 - Nathan Takes a Dig at the Team 55:35 - JFK’s Harvard Application Essay 1:00:09 - LSAC PLUS Program 1:08:07 - Test 73, Section 4, Question 5 Read more on our website!
Feb 14, 2022 · 1 hr 32 min
Law School Finances with an Actual Economist (Ep. 337)
On this week’s episode, Ben and Nathan interview Harvard-trained economist Laurence J. Kotlikoff! But first, the guys answer a bucketload of listener emails about LSAT strategies, law school admissions, undergraduate majors, GPAs, and more. This episode is chock full of advice for students at any stage of the LSAT and law school application process. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 337 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 3:09 - Breaking 170 6:09 - Reading Comprehension Advice 12:07 - Logical Reasoning Strategy 17:56 - Live Classes 23:04 - Scholarship Correction Email 25:05 - Retake and Reapply? 34:34 - 173 by April? 45:54 - GPA Addendum 50:18 - Using All Your LSAT Attempts 53:23 - Choosing Your Major 1:00:16 - Interview with Economist Laurence J. Kotlikoff Read more on our website!
Feb 7, 2022 · 1 hr 22 min
The LSAT and 1L Grades (Ep. 336)
Your LSAT score can be a strong indicator of your future success in law school. This week, Ben and Nathan discuss the relationship between the LSAT and 1L grades while dissecting some admissions advice from Dean Z of Michigan Law. They also respond to a bunch of emails from the listener mailbag. Then, they interview part-time criminal defense lawyer Michael Guingona. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 336 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 4:54 - ABA 509 Data & Dean Z 31:03 - LSAT Study Schedule 43:44 - Part-Time Legal Work 47:50 - Interview with a Part-Time Criminal Defense Lawyer Read more on our website!
Jan 31, 2022 · 1 hr 27 min
Unconscious Competence in the LSAT (Ep. 335)
Today on the show, Ben and Nathan discuss the four phases of learning and why LSAT students should strive to achieve “unconscious competence” in the material. They also break down when and how many times applicants should plan to take the official LSAT and advise a listener who is debating whether to join the Fulbright program before law school. They wrap up with a snowboarding analogy and advice to a student who scores perfectly on Logical Reasoning but struggles with Reading Comprehension. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 335 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates 3:13 - 2022 LSAT Dates 18:48 - Fulbright Scholarship 35:47 - The Four Learning Phases 49:16 - Waitlisted at USC 56:12 - Overcoming Hardships as a Personal Statement Topic 1:05:16 - Podcast Reviews 1:12:26 - A Snowboarding Analogy 1:19:40 - Put in the Reps Read more on our website!
Jan 24, 2022 · 1 hr 27 min
The LSAT Is a Mindset, Not a Strategy (Ep. 334)
The LSAT makes perfect sense. The best way to improve is to focus on understanding one question at a time. Ben and Nathan explain why study methods that overemphasize strategy—at the expense of understanding—are counterproductive. Then, they dive into the listener mailbag and talk about what types of information might negatively impact a law school résumé. They wrap up with some comments on applying to law school as a veteran and/or with a criminal record. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 334 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates Read more on our website!
Jan 17, 2022 · 1 hr 26 min
The Only LSAT Affirmation You’ll Ever Need (Ep. 333)
Pearls vs. Turds, personal statement advice, and a bucketload of listener emails! Tune in this week to hear the lowdown on LSAT affirmations, law school scholarships, part-time lawyering (is that a thing?), personal statement topics, and more. The guys also announce some new features that are coming soon to the Demon. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 333 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates Read more on our website!
Jan 10, 2022 · 48 min
Burn Your Boats, and Focus on the Battle Ahead (Ep. 332)
On today’s episode, Ben and Nathan explain why it’s a good idea to “burn your boats” and go all in on your LSAT prep if you want to start your legal career on the right foot. They respond to listener emails, talk about the difference between US and Canadian law schools, and double down on their advice not to pay for law school in the US. Then, they wrap it up with a logical reasoning question and remind listeners that one word never makes an answer right—but frequently, one word makes an answer wrong. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 332 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube Important Dates Read more on our website!