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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Jul 10, 2023 · 1 hr 52 min
How to Answer "Except" Questions (Ep. 410)
Beginning with the August LSAT, certain key words like “except” will be presented in lowercase bold rather than ALL CAPS. On this week’s episode, Ben and Nathan react to the change and give a crash course on how to approach these types of questions. The guys also discuss another perspective on affirmative action in college admissions, celebrate LSAT Demon students’ successes on the June LSAT, and implore listeners to turn off the clock while taking timed practice tests. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 410 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:45 - Affirmative Action - The guys discuss a New York Times opinion piece about the shortcomings of affirmative action for most college students. 25:06 - Changes to “Except” Questions - Nathan and Ben explain why they like the change to the presentation of “except” questions on the LSAT. They then share some tips on how to approach these types of questions. 40:26 - June LSAT Score Release - Listeners share their success stories from the June LSAT. 43:31 - Turn Off the Clock - Listener Ikey blames his inconsistency in RC for his disappointing score on the June LSAT. Ben and Nathan remind Ikey that it’s okay not to finish the section. Ikey should turn off the clock and commit to solving every question that he attempts. 50:31 - Ignore Game Types - Listener Steven’s habit of skipping “circle” games in his prep came back to haunt him on the June LSAT. Nathan and Ben encourage Steven to ignore game types and treat every logic game as a solvable puzzle. 57:58 - Full Rides and Stipends - Listener Parker asks for help assessing whether his local law school awards stipends in addition to full-tuition scholarships. The guys dig into the ABA 509 data, but they implore Parker to apply broadly and not to bank on a great offer from a single school. 1:12:39 - Don’t Skip Questions - Listener Angelica was taught to skip certain games and question types. Ben and Nathan reject this approach. They advise Angelica to answer the questions in order and not to worry about “pacing” strategies. 1:24:51 - Personal Statement Topic - Listener Jane worries that her law firm work experience is too generic to write about in her personal statement. Nathan and Ben assure Jane that “generic” isn’t a problem for law schools, who are in the business of producing Big Law worker bees. 1:31:13 - 3+3 Programs - The guys warn listeners against 3+3 programs that lock you into law school after only three years of undergrad. 1:37:39 - School Visits - Ben and Nathan advise listener Caleb to delay his law school visits until after he’s received his scholarship offers. 1:47:28 - Patent Law - Listener Jay asks whether it’s worth it to take some science classes as a step toward working in patent law. Nathan and Ben suggest that Jay instead find work in a law office to gauge his actual interest in legal practice.
Jul 3, 2023 · 1 hr 14 min
Sufficient vs. Necessary (Ep. 409)
Understanding the difference between necessary and sufficient is necessary—but not sufficient—for success on the LSAT. This week, Nathan and Ben illustrate the difference using some morbid examples of their own invention and a less gory one from PrepTest 65. Later, the guys examine a study that suggests that 76% of legal jobs are at risk of automation by AI. They weigh a listener’s chances of reaching the T14 with a 3.0 GPA. And they encourage applicants to treat their personal statement like a Tinder profile. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 409 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 4:41 - Sufficient vs. Necessary - Ben and Nathan evaluate an LSAT Demon student’s method of distinguishing sufficient conditions from necessary conditions. 12:13 - Example: Sufficient vs. Necessary - To illustrate sufficient and necessary conditions in action, Nathan and Ben attempt a Logical Reasoning question from PrepTest 65. Try the question for yourself here. Then listen to Ben and Nathan’s explanation. 25:01 - Slow Down to Speed Up - Listener Henry strives to focus on accuracy over speed. But his long-term goal of scoring in the 170s may be sabotaging his approach. The guys encourage Henry to slow down and focus on one question at a time. 33:18 - AI Replacing Lawyers? - Ben and Nathan examine a Yahoo! Finance article about the legal industry’s significant exposure to automation through AI tools like ChatGPT. 38:03 - T14 with a 3.0? - Listener Cassandra wonders whether her URM status could help her into a T14 school despite her mediocre GPA. The guys suspect that it will, but they question the importance of attending a T14 and advise Cassandra to apply broadly. 47:25 - How to Start Studying - Nathan and Ben direct a new student to their One-Hour LSAT study schedule for guidance on how to start studying. They explain why students benefit from taking timed sections in addition to drilling untimed questions from the beginning of their study. 58:10 - Applicants Without GPAs - Ben and Nathan suggest that an applicant’s LSAT score is even more important when that applicant lacks a traditional GPA. 1:01:10 - Create FOMO - The guys advise an anonymous listener to treat their personal statement like a Tinder profile: omit anything negative and stick to the stuff that’ll leave law schools with FOMO. 1:06:20 - Grade Point Median? - Nathan and Ben counsel listener Mike not to use an unconventional statistic in his GPA addendum. 1:11:31 - Student Loans and Tuition Hikes - The guys discuss a Washington Post opinion piece that examines how student loan programs have inflated college tuition.
Jun 30, 2023 · 38 min
Special Episode: Supreme Court Ends Affirmative Action in College Admissions
Ben and Nathan weigh in on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which bans the consideration of race as a specific factor in college admissions. The guys discuss what this might mean for future law school applicants. Read the Supreme Court’s opinion here.
Jun 26, 2023 · 1 hr 19 min
How to Find the Main Conclusion in LR (Ep. 408)
To succeed in LSAT Logical Reasoning, you must learn to identify conclusions. On this week’s podcast, Ben and Nathan respond to Ask Button questions from students who struggled to distinguish conclusions from premises. The guys suggest three ways to find the main conclusion of an argument. Later, Ben and Nathan discuss how to apply Reading Comprehension skills to Logical Reasoning. They evaluate some dubious strategies for comparative passages in RC. And they answer a grab bag of admissions-related questions. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 408 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:56 - Identifying Conclusions and Premises - Nathan and Ben demonstrate how to identify argument parts on two practice questions: Test 73, Section 2 — Question 10 Test 65, Section 1 — Question 10 The guys discuss why it’s dangerous to rely on keywords alone and suggest three ways to spot conclusions in Logical Reasoning. 41:16 - Good at RC, Bad at LR - Reading Comprehension has always come naturally to listener Zachary, but he struggles with Logical Reasoning. Ben and Nathan suspect that Zachary isn’t reading arguments carefully enough. They encourage Zachary to find ways to treat LR like RC. 48:23 - Comparative Passages - The guys shoot down some bad strategies for comparative passages in Reading Comprehension. 55:50 - Make Time for the LSAT - Listener Chance asks for study tips for students whose busy schedules allow them to listen to lessons only while driving. Nathan and Ben remind Chance that some of his competitors find time to study consistently despite keeping even busier schedules. One high-quality hour a day is all you need. 1:01:59 - LSAC GPA vs. Transcript GPA - Ben and Nathan explain the difference between the GPA on your transcript and the GPA that LSAC reports to law schools. 1:04:10 - Legal Woes in Personal Statements - Nathan and Ben discourage an anonymous listener from writing about their past arrest in their personal statement. They advise Anonymous to relegate the topic to a character and fitness addendum and to treat their personal statement as their sales pitch. 1:11:14 - LOR Access Waiver - The guys advise listener Christian to waive his right to access his letters of recommendation. They warn Christian that if he feels the need to review his LORs, then he’s requesting them from the wrong people. 1:13:20 - From Lassos to Law School - Listener Jake asks whether law schools will appreciate his work history as a professional cowboy. Ben and Nathan discuss how Jake can make the most of his personal brand on his applications, but they remind him that soft factors are ultimately less important than LSAT and GPA.
Jun 19, 2023 · 1 hr 12 min
The Matthew Effect (Ep. 407)
LSAT Demon teacher Matt DuMont takes a break from bar prep to join Ben and Nathan for a deep dive into his law school experience. Matt shares insights into what future law students can expect and how they can set themselves up for success. Later, the guys break down the real-world benefits of LSAT prep, discuss whether applicants should care about school rankings, and consider the merits of a new alternative to the LSAT. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 407 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:10 - Matt’s Road to Maryland - Matt just graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law near the top of his class. Today, he turns back the clock to share his law school application journey and discuss how he ended up at the University of Maryland. 11:33 - The Matthew Effect - The Matthew Effect is the tendency for those with advantage to accrue even more advantage over time. Matt turned down higher-ranked schools to attend the University of Maryland on a full-ride scholarship. He explains the advantages of attending a school that invested in him, including having a leg up on his competition for top jobs. Graduating debt-free means he can pursue his public interest goals without the pressure of paying off student loans. 28:38 - Tips for Law School - Matt answers a bevy of questions from listener Mike about law school, including how much reading to expect each week, which classes to take after 1L, how to maintain mental health, and more. What’s Important in Law School? | LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 482 49:32 - Real World Benefits of LSAT Prep - Listener Ryan describes how studying LSAT Logical Reasoning helped him tackle a big project at work. Matt confirms that the LSAT helps to prepare you for law school and legal practice. Does the LSAT Prepare You for Law School? | LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 237 55:30 - Does School Rank Matter? - Does it really matter where you attend law school as long as you earn your JD? The guys discuss job outcomes that students can expect from differently ranked schools and opine on when it’s useless to compare school ranks. They double down on their advice to choose the best law school you can attend for free. 1:03:18 - A New Admissions Test - An anonymous listener asks Ben and Nathan to weigh in on JD-Next, the new ABA-approved admissions test launched by the University of Arizona. The guys don’t see it replacing the LSAT any time soon.
Jun 12, 2023 · 1 hr 8 min
1L Prep (Angela Vorpahl) (Ep. 406)
As the fall semester approaches, incoming 1Ls may wonder how to prepare themselves for law school. On this week’s episode, Nathan and Ben are joined by Angela Vorpahl, creator of the Law School Master Plan. Angela lays out what new law students should (and shouldn’t) do to build the skills they’ll need throughout law school. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 406 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:00 - Testing Limits - Beginning with the August 2023 LSAT, test takers will no longer be restricted to three attempts per application cycle. You can take the LSAT up to five times in five years and seven times in a lifetime. Read LSAC’s policy on repeating the test here. 6:30 - What You Won’t Learn in Law School - Not only does law school not teach you what it takes to succeed in legal practice, it doesn’t teach you what it takes to succeed in law school. Angela Vorphal started her YouTube channel and consulting business to address that knowledge gap. She joins the guys to discuss why it’s crucial to go into law school with a plan to approach your study efficiently and with a focus on what really matters. 23:48 - How to Prepare for Law School - Angela explains why incoming law students should focus on strategies to hone their approach to law school rather than try to learn the substantive law on their own. Angela also shares some career development tasks that 1Ls can tackle to get a leg up on the competition. 52:53 - Application Timing - How late is too late to apply? Ben and Nathan double down on their advice to apply early. They implore students to decouple their LSAT study from any application timeline.
Jun 5, 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
Read Better, Not Faster (Ep. 405)
Reading faster won’t solve your problems on LSAT Reading Comprehension. On this week’s pod, Ben and Nathan encourage a time-conscious student to slow down and focus on understanding what they read, not how quickly they read it. Later, the guys discuss why it’s crucial to remain open to taking the LSAT up to five times. They explain the difference between finding the main point of an RC passage and the main conclusion of an LR argument. And they hear from a student who praises LSAT Demon’s intuitive approach to the LSAT. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 405 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:47 - Read Better, Not Faster - Listener Connor worries that he reads too slowly to score well in LSAT Reading Comprehension or on his future law school exams. Nathan and Ben assure Connor that reading slowly isn’t a problem, but reading poorly is. The guys also briefly discuss disability accommodations in law school. 14:24 - LSAT Cross-Training - An anonymous listener credits their Logic Games practice for some of their progress in Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Ben and Nathan confirm that improving at one section of the LSAT can make you better at all sections of the test. 18:33 - Expect to Retake - Listener Emily fears that she won’t match her practice test scores on her official test. The guys encourage Emily to overcome this fear by embracing the idea that she can take the test up to five times, and only her highest score matters. 34:04 - Finding the Main Point in RC - Nathan and Ben discuss how to uncover the main point of an RC passage—and how doing so differs from identifying the main conclusion of an LR argument. 44:36 - Trust Your Intuition - Listener David asks an overly technical question about mistakes in conditional logic. Ben and Nathan implore David to forget these technicalities and approach the test more intuitively. The guys then hear from a student who wholeheartedly endorses LSAT Demon’s intuitive approach to the LSAT. 1:00:42 - Nathan Wins the Bet - Listener Robert shares evidence to settle Ben and Nathan’s bet about whether high school sweethearts fare worse in marriage than other couples do.
May 29, 2023 · 1 hr 37 min
Worlds First, Worlds Always in Logic Games (Ep. 404)
LSAT Demon teacher and Logic Games guru Matt DuMont joins Ben to share some LG wisdom. Matt and Ben discuss their approach to building worlds in Logic Games and outline productive study habits. Later, the guys help a listener who is concerned about how law schools may view his personal brand. They warn applicants against throwing up red flags in optional essays. And they implore listeners not to decide on a law school before beginning their application process. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 404 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:19 - Test Location Options - If you change your mind about taking the LSAT at a test center, you will have until three days before testing begins to schedule a remote session instead. If you’d like to switch from remote to in-person testing, you must do so before the seven-day deadline to schedule a test center. 5:35 - Worlds in Logic Games - Matt summarizes LSAT Demon’s world-building approach to Logic Games and answers some frequently asked questions: How do I know when to stop making worlds? What about games where it doesn’t make sense to build worlds? 21:59 - Do the “If” Questions First - Ben and Matt explain why they recommend answering “If” questions first in Logic Games: it’s a strategy that can’t hurt you and can sometimes help you by exposing you to new information about the game. 31:30 - Getting Faster in LG - Listener Don asks how to get faster at the games to overcome an LG plateau. Matt and Ben recommend attending live classes to sharpen world-building fundamentals, and they detail review methods that may help Don to approach games more efficiently. 46:01 - Does Law School Make Financial Sense? - Listener Brenda has sunk thousands of dollars and years of her life into preparing for the LSAT and law school. She now wonders whether law school is a wise financial decision. Ben and Matt advise Brenda to forget sunk costs and to reconsider going to law school if money is her motivation. 54:33 - Personal Brand - Listener Caleb worries that his religious college and work history may negatively impact his personal brand on law school applications. Matt and Ben discuss how Caleb can highlight his professional accomplishments without evangelizing. 1:00:38 - Optional Essays - Listener J is unsure how to approach optional essays related to diversity. Ben and Matt warn J not to overshare and to treat every essay as a potential red flag generator. If the essay won’t add something meaningful to your application, it’s better not to write it at all. 1:12:32 - Decide Last - Listener Marc has set his sights on Arizona State Law and asks when he should start studying for the LSAT. The guys worry that Marc has flipped the GLAD order of operations by deciding on a law school before applying. They encourage Marc to decide on a school at the end of his application process, not the beginning. 1:22:34 - Don’t Buy a Brand - Listener Jay asks whether he should accept a partial scholarship to his dream law school over a full ride at another good school. Ben and Matt counsel Jay not to invest in a law school’s “brand”—they want Jay to attend a school that invests in him.
May 22, 2023 · 1 hr 6 min
Breaking Down the New Rankings (Ep. 403)
After months of delays, the new law school rankings have arrived. Will changes to U.S. News’s methodology mean fewer merit scholarships? Ben is joined by TLP producer Erik to discuss the new rankings and how they might affect prospective law students. Later, Ben and Erik dig into the correlation–causation flaw, discuss the trouble with study timelines, and advise applicants on whether and how to write a GPA addendum. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 403 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:57 - Law School Rankings - Ben and Erik recap U.S. News’s tumultuous year and consider how the new ranking methodology might impact law schools’ admissions and scholarship decisions. LSAC claims ⁠the LSAT is the most accurate predictor of law school success⁠. A Journal of Empirical Studies article questions ⁠the correlation between LSAT and LGPA⁠. 31:57 - Correlation vs. Causation - Ben breaks down the correlation–causation flaw. While correlation alone doesn’t prove causation, it is evidence of causation. 38:40 - Study Tips for a Marine - An anonymous student who’s also an active duty Marine officer asks for advice on how to study for the LSAT. Ben and Erik explain why LSAT Demon is the perfect study tool for a student who frequently travels. They also encourage Anonymous not to settle for a 155 target score. 44:15 - When Should I Start Studying? - Listener Rebecca asks for help plotting out her LSAT study timeline. Ben and Erik advise Rebecca not to plan backward from a particular test date or admissions cycle. Instead, she should start studying without a timeline and to take a gap year if needed. 51:11 - GPA Addendum - Erik and Ben review listener Spencer's GPA addendum and offer some general rules for how to approach your GPA addendum—or whether to write one at all. 1:01:43 - Work-Study vs. Law School - Listener Breanna asks for the guys’ opinion on a program that would allow her to take the bar exam after a four-year work-study program with a judge or attorney in lieu of attending law school. Ben and Erik are optimistic but encourage Breanna to do her due diligence on the program’s job outcomes.
May 15, 2023 · 1 hr 29 min
Why Are the Guys So Rude? (And Other FAQs) (Ep. 402)
“Why are the LSAT Demon guys so rude?” LSAT Demon’s social media lead, Ashley joins Nathan and Ben to share this and other frequently asked questions from internet strangers on our social media. Later, the guys face a major setback in their dream of creating their own law school, they break down a tricky “determined” question in Logic Games, and they encourage a student to stop worrying about “plateaus.” LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 402 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:00 - FAQs from Social Media - Social media guru Ashley Beaver joins Ben and Nathan to answer some FAQs: Which LSAT Demon plan should I start with? Are Nathan and Ben friends in real life? What LSAT score is good enough for me? Why are the LSAT Demon guys so rude? You can find Thinking LSAT and LSAT Demon on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn. 49:32 - ABA Accreditation - Listeners Bonnie and Jonathan share insights into the requirements for becoming an ABA-accredited law school. The guys rail against the absurdity of these regulations, which serve to entrench the power of existing law schools. 1:03:28 - Fatigue - Listener Patrick asks how to overcome mental fatigue at the end of practice tests. The guys assure Patrick that his LSAT endurance will improve naturally with time and practice. 1:05:53 - “Determined” Questions in LG - Nathan and Ben read an example of a “determined” question from PrepTest 65. They break down what this LG question type is asking and how to approach it. 1:08:32 - Focus on Your Mistakes - After years of study and four official test attempts, listener Sophie feels that she’s stuck in a plateau. How can she break free of her scoring slump on her fifth and final attempt? Ben and Nathan encourage Sophie not to obsess over practice test scores and to focus on her mistakes one question at a time. 1:14:24 - Diversity Statement - Listener Algernon considers writing a diversity statement about attending one of the few all-male colleges in the United States. Ben and Nathan doubt that such a statement would benefit Algernon, and they fear that it might highlight his naivety. 1:19:01 - Don’t Rush into Law School - Listener Marie asks for advice in creating an LSAT study schedule, but the guys question her motivations for pursuing a legal career. Career uncertainty isn’t a good reason to rush into law school.
May 8, 2023 · 1 hr 27 min
How to Understand Abstract Answers (Ep. 401)
Sometimes the writing on the LSAT feels deliberately opaque—especially when it uses abstract language. On this week’s episode, Ben and Nathan break down a challenging Reasoning question from PrepTest 65 by linking abstract terms in the answer choices to specifics from the passage. Later, the guys explain why they no longer teach “assumption negation” on Necessary Assumption questions. They steer a student away from worrying about contrapositives. And they fantasize about building a better law school online. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 401 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:41 - The LSAT Is Fun - The better you are at the LSAT, the more enjoyable it is. Ben and Nathan discuss why Logical Reasoning and Logic Games are their favorite sections of the test. 7:00 - Understanding Abstract Language - LSAT Demon student Eric asks how to approach questions that use awkward or vague language, like Logical Reasoning question 16 from PrepTest 65. Nathan and Ben parse each answer choice by tying abstract terms to concrete details in the passage. The guys instruct students not to settle for narrowing answer choices down to two or more contenders. 26:47 - Assumption Negation - Nathan and Ben explain why they no longer teach “assumption negation” on Necessary Assumption questions. They recommend a more intuitive approach: pick the answer choice that the author has to agree with. 32:03 - Forget Contrapositives - The guys tackle Logical Reasoning question 17 from PrepTest J. They champion a commonsense approach to the LSAT that doesn’t rely on contrapositives or indicator words. Students hinder their intuitive understanding of the test when they cling to overly technical “strategies” and dogma. 49:55 - Don’t Aim to Finish Sections - Ben and Nathan discuss the benefits of slowing down and attempting fewer questions rather than rushing to finish timed sections. Higher accuracy allows you to work less for more pay. 56:58 - Tuition Waivers and Online JDs - Listener L asks the guys to weigh in on a tuition waiver program that requires recipients to submit an IRS exemption form. Nathan and Ben fantasize about how an excellent online law school could disrupt the industry. 1:09:21 - Removing Failing Grades - An anonymous listener laments the fact that LSAC’s GPA calculation will include F’s that appear on their transcript even though their university has discounted those same grades. Ben and Nathan encourage Anonymous to continue petitioning to have failing grades entirely removed from their transcript. 1:15:43 - Prolonging Undergrad - Nathan and Ben weigh the value of prolonging an undergraduate degree in order to improve your GPA. 1:22:35 - Forty-Point Improvement? - Listener Jackson has already improved their score by twenty points but would need another twenty to reach their goal of 175. Ben and Nathan have never seen a forty-point improvement, but that doesn’t make it impossible.
May 1, 2023 · 1 hr 32 min
Our Favorite Episodes (Ep. 400)
From the “holy grail” of Logical Reasoning to roasting their own personal statements, Ben and Nathan celebrate 400 episodes by revisiting some of the podcast’s greatest hits. Later, the guys unpack the meaning of the word unless, address a discrepancy between drilling accuracy and timed-section scores, and advise a listener on whether to write a GPA addendum. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 400 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:00 - The Best of Thinking LSAT - Ben and Nathan revisit a few of Thinking LSAT’s best moments, handpicked by LSAT Demon team members: LSAT Elevator Pitches (Ep. 322) Slow Down to Speed Up (Ep. 299) The Man with the Kind Eyes (Ep. 156) The Guys Roast Their Own Personal Statements (Ep. 190) 15:08 - LSAT Price Increase - In August 2023, the LSAT test fee will increase to $222, and the CAS subscription fee will increase to $200. 16:35 - Unless - Listener Karl finds himself correcting people’s language more often as he studies for the LSAT. His wife isn’t amused. Nathan and Ben adjudicate a verbal dispute and explain that the word “unless” works like an escape hatch. 25:23 - Accuracy vs. Speed - The guys theorize why an anonymous listener performs worse on timed sections than in untimed drilling. They encourage Anonymous to find some swagger and to commit to leaving timed sections unfinished. Ben also shares some details about overcoming his struggles with reading. 39:13 - Application Deadlines - Listener K shares a chart comparing law school rankings and application deadlines. Ben and Nathan discuss some takeaways from the data. 46:22 - T14 with a Low GPA - Listener Jack worries that his low GPA will keep him out of the T14. Nathan and Ben think that Jack’s Reddit-fueled fears are overblown. They recommend that he apply broadly and make efforts to express his genuine interest in the schools he applies to. 57:25 - Lawyer Parents - An anonymous listener worries that law schools might discriminate against them for being the child of a lawyer. Ben and Nathan assure Anonymous that no such stigma exists in law school admissions. 1:04:00 - Own Your GPA - Listener Dan has a near-spotless undergraduate transcript. Should he write a GPA addendum to explain two outlier grades? Nathan and Ben suspect that addendums may exist so that law schools can gather unflattering info about their applicants. Dan would be better served by focusing on the positive parts of his application and not making excuses for low grades. 1:15:32 - High School Activities - An anonymous listener asks if it’s okay for a 19-year-old applicant to reference high school activities in their applications. Ben and Nathan encourage Anonymous not to rush and to get some work experience before going to law school. 1:19:27 - Marijuana Law - An anonymous listener worries that working for an attorney who practices marijuana law might be a red flag to some law schools. Nathan and Ben think that any school that discriminates on that basis probably isn’t a school that Anonymous would want to attend. 1:26:07 - Nothing’s Off the Table - The guys assure listener Jayson that no school is off the table as long as he applies broadly with his best LSAT score.
Apr 24, 2023 · 1 hr 34 min
Mindfulness: Your LSAT Superpower (Ep. 399)
Your mind is awesome. Harness its power by training yourself to focus on what you choose. Today, Ben and Nathan extol the benefits of meditation as a way to reclaim control over your attention. Also on the pod, the guys emphasize the importance of understanding the passages in Reading Comprehension rather than simply trying to memorize facts. They explain why you should always plan to retake the LSAT. And they implore listeners not to let sunk costs guide their decision-making. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 399 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:00 - LSAT Swagger - Confidence is key on the LSAT. Register for Nathan’s upcoming free class to learn how to approach the test with swagger. 4:10 - Remembering vs. Understanding - Listener Caleb shares how a mid-test epiphany unlocked his confidence in Reading Comprehension. Ben and Nathan encourage listeners to focus on understanding rather than memorizing RC passages. 15:23 - Always Retake - LSAT Demon student Conner lost focus during the April LSAT when he encountered an issue with his remote proctor. Nathan and Ben encourage Conner to retake the test. Just as lawyers exhaust all possible arguments to defend their clients, test takers should exhaust all possible attempts to achieve their best scores. 28:10 - Online vs. In Person - Several listeners share their opinions on the in-person test option for the 2023–2024 cycle. Ben and Nathan think that your test environment shouldn’t matter if you’ve mastered the LSAT. They recommend meditation and mindfulness practice as a powerful way to sharpen your focus. 42:56 - Academic Credibility - The guys assure listener E that an applicant’s GPA matters far more than the “academic credibility” of their degree. They advise E to remain brief and factual in any academic addendum. 50:26 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener Greg’s previous Pearls vs. Turds submission was judged a turd. Now he’s back with another potential pearl from his work as a police officer. Will Nathan and Ben ride along this time? 55:34 - Diagnostic Test - An anonymous listener asks whether they should begin with a cold diagnostic test or just start drilling. Ben and Nathan don’t think it matters as long as Anonymous starts practicing real LSAT questions and thoroughly reviewing their mistakes. Don’t get trapped by analysis paralysis when planning your LSAT prep. 1:12:56 - Forget Sunk Costs - After two years of studying, listener E is nowhere near their target score. E wants to throw in the towel and take the June test. Nathan and Ben implore E not to let a sunk cost cloud their judgment. 1:22:31 - GPA Appeal - Listener S shares how persistence paid off in appealing their GPA with their undergraduate institution. 1:28:40 - One Question at a Time - Listener Nick has his sights set on the T14 and big law, but he’s unsure how to boost his LSAT score into the 170s. Ben and Nathan point Nick back to the Demon way: focus on one question at a time.
Apr 17, 2023 · 1 hr 13 min
Big Law Expectations (Ep. 398)
You are online 24-7. The client is always right. “I don’t know” is never an acceptable answer. These are a few of the “non-negotiable expectations” of an attorney working in big law. Nathan and Ben react to a leaked training slide that recently went viral for showing how big-law associates are expected to devote their lives to their jobs. Later, the guys consider reasons for liking a particular law school when all law schools are basically the same. They distinguish between effective and ineffective approaches to reviewing Reading Comprehension. And they explain what they mean when they say, “Don’t pay for law school.” LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 398 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 4:22 - Big Law Expectations - Listener Michael shares a leaked list of “non-negotiable expectations” for associates at a big law firm. Ben and Nathan recommend that anyone with big-law aspirations take note of this glimpse into their future. 22:31 - Conditional Scholarships - Nathan and Ben suggest resources for investigating different schools’ conditional scholarships. You can avoid inferior scholarship offers altogether by applying early and broadly with your best LSAT score. 27:57 - Why Like a Law School? - Ben and Nathan think law schools are all pretty much the same. So what are some reasons for liking a particular law school? The guys discuss three factors: cost, location, and big-law placement. 35:52 - Reviewing RC - An anonymous LSAT Demon student feels that their improvement in Reading Comprehension has stalled. Nathan and Ben urge Anonymous to actively review their mistakes rather than passively watch video explanations. 48:47 - Reapplying - An anonymous listener asks whether they should revise their personal statement when reapplying. Ben and Nathan redirect Anonymous to focus on what really matters: their LSAT. 54:02 - Pay for Law School? - Listener Justin contemplates a conditional full ride to Hofstra versus an unconditional 95% scholarship to Albany. Nathan and Ben doubt that a conditional scholarship is worth the risk. The guys explain the nuance in their mantra “don’t pay for law school.” 58:41 - Online J.D. Programs - Listener Noora is exploring fully online J.D. programs like the one offered by St. Mary’s Law. Ben and Nathan see great benefits to such programs as long as the price is right. 1:06:57 - Should I Take the September LSAT? - The guys encourage an anonymous listener to take the LSAT multiple times and not to latch onto a particular application cycle. 1:10:16 - Application Deadlines - Listener Michael shares an email from UF Levin with a funny typo.
Apr 10, 2023 · 1 hr 11 min
New Test Center Option (Ep. 397)
In-person testing is back. Beginning with the August 2023 LSAT, test takers will be able to choose between taking the LSAT at home or in person at a test center. Nathan and Ben weigh in on the announcement. Later, the guys extol the virtues of “inbox zero,” give advice on how to approach a delicate LOR request, and diagnose the likely cause of a listener’s disappointing application cycle. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 397 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:09 - In-Person Testing - The guys react to the announcement that LSAC will resume administering the LSAT at in-person test centers for the 2023–2024 testing cycle. Beginning in August, test takers will have the choice of whether to take the test at home or in person. 12:09 - Inbox Zero - Ben and Nathan explain the purpose behind LSAT Demon’s Review Inbox feature and advise students on how to approach their review. The guys also praise the “inbox zero” approach to email management. 21:57 - Make the LSAT Fun - Demon student Bella has learned to love the LSAT after previously struggling with other prep companies. The guys view Bella’s progress as the natural outcome of the Demon’s commonsense approach. 26:35 - Should I Keep Going? - Listener Aly has mastered Logic Games but feels stuck in the other sections of the test. Should she keep studying or accept that she’s reached her limit? Nathan and Ben suggest ways to continue improving in Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. 31:55 - Applying for Accommodations - Listener Isidora can’t apply for accommodations until she registers for an actual LSAT, but she doesn’t feel ready to take the official test. Ben and Nathan advise Bella to register and change her test date later if she needs to. 36:08 - A Risky LOR Request - Listener B worries that asking their current boss for a letter of recommendation might threaten their job security. Should B hide their law school plans from their employer? Nathan and Ben suspect that B is overthinking things. 44:38 - Comparing Scholarship Offers - Ben and Nathan compare listener Niki’s scholarship offers from a handful of schools in California. The guys encourage Niki to consider applying more broadly. 1:00:36 - Bluebooking with GhatGPT - An anonymous listener shares their negative experience using ChatGPT for citing legal sources. Nathan and Ben hold that, despite the chatbot’s current imperfections, AI is sure to have a profound impact on many lawyers’ jobs soon. 1:05:57 - What Did I Do Wrong? - Demon student G is confused by the results of their application cycle: a bunch of rejections and waitlists at schools where G expected scholarship offers. Ben and Nathan share their suspicions on where G went wrong.
Apr 3, 2023 · 1 hr 9 min
Too Many Notes and Other Sins (Ep. 396)
Too much note-taking stymies understanding. Today on the show, Ben and Nathan discuss how to study effectively for a skills-based test like the LSAT. Hint: spend less time taking notes and more time engaging with the material. They also answer listeners’ questions about undergraduate versus graduate GPAs, LSAC fee waivers, and more. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 396 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube⁠ ⁠LSAT Demon YouTube 4.14.2023 — April LSAT begins 4.25.2023 — June LSAT registration deadline 5.3.2023 — April LSAT scores released 6.9.2023 — June LSAT begins 6.28.2023 — June LSAT scores released 0:00 - Upcoming Free Class Register for Ben’s free Reading Comprehension class on April 17. 1:48 - We’re Hiring LSAT Demon is looking for former students who scored above 170 and are interested in teaching. Email help@lsatdemon.com with a screenshot of your official LSAT score and a video of you teaching a question or logic game. 2:59 - Don’t Pay for Law School - Listener Anthony writes in with good news: he took Ben and Nathan’s advice and will be going to law school for free. Congrats, Anthony! 12:19 - Fee Waivers and Graduate GPAs - An anonymous listener shares information about LSAC’s fee waiver timeline. The fee waiver kicks in when you get approved, not when you sign up for a test. Anonymous also asks about their graduate GPA and whether it will make their UGPA look better. It’s a soft factor, but it might be a point in your favor. 19:06 - Take Practice Tests in the Demon - A student emailed the Demon help team to ask why Law Hub and LSAT Demon calculated different scores for the same practice test. Law Hub uses an outdated scoring scale from when the test had four scored sections. Ben and Nathan advise Demon students to take their practice tests in the Demon. 24:29 - Is Note-Taking Effective? - Listener Jeff asks if he should start taking notes while he’s drilling. The guys assure him that taking notes isn’t necessary. Don’t fall into the trap of using note-taking as a crutch. Focus on real understanding. They clarify that it might be helpful to some students and offer advice on how to take notes effectively. 34:35 - There Are No Second-Best Answers - Jeff also asks about his self-diagnosed habit of picking commonly chosen wrong answers on Logical Reasoning questions. Ben and Nathan point out possible selection bias that occurs when students focus only on what they get wrong. They emphasize the power of prediction to solve the problem. 37:08 - Lawyers Ask for Special Treatment - Listener Will asks if he should contact his undergrad institution to request that they change some of his grades. The guys assure him that it’s worth a shot if he can make a convincing case for himself—the worst they can say is no. 41:50 - Listener Book Recommendation - Listener Molly writes in with a book recommendation endorsed by Ben and Nathan: Way Worse Than Being A Dentist: The Lawyer's Quest for Meaning, by Will Meyerhofer. 48:56 - Valuable Work Experience - Listener Sarah has 11 years of work experience as a paralegal. Still, she has concerns about her UGPA. Ben and Nathan recommend that she focus on her strengths, not her weaknesses. 55:10 - The LNAT Versus the LSAT? - Listener Peyton asks about law schools outside the United States and the Law National Aptitude Test. The guys think the LNAT sounds highly comparable to the LSAT. 58:12 - Personal Statement Feedback - Listener Sam wants to know if the guys plan to critique more applicants’ personal statements on the podcast before the next application cycle. Ben and Nathan encourage students looking for support on their personal statements to work with Leslie at LSAT Demon. 1:02:26 - ChatGPT’s Effect on Lawyers - Listener Ashwin asks for Ben’s and Nathan’s thoughts on how ChatGPT and other AI will affect the legal profession. The guys think AI will have a significant impact on many professions.
Mar 27, 2023 · 1 hr 26 min
When Should I Take the LSAT? (Ep. 395)
Novice LSAT students often sign up for test dates before they’ve even started studying. Today on the show, Ben and Nathan explain why it’s a mistake to register for the LSAT prematurely. They share the correct order of operations for deciding when to take the LSAT and apply to law school: (1) study for the LSAT, (2) sign up when you’re happy with your practice score range, and (3) apply with your best LSAT score on record, at the beginning of the cycle. Plus, the guys answer listener questions about LSAT Writing, GPA addenda, scholarship negotiations, and more. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 395 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube⁠ ⁠LSAT Demon YouTube 0:00 - Don’t Register Until You’re Ready - The June LSAT registration deadline is coming up. But the test isn’t going anywhere. Ben and Nathan encourage listeners to register for an official LSAT only when your practice scores indicate that you’re ready to take the test. 1:38 - Don’t Rush Into Law School - An anonymous listener asks if applying to attend law school after undergrad will put them at a disadvantage compared to applicants who gain work experience before applying. Ben and Nathan maintain that everyone should take the time they need to get their highest LSAT score. 19:53 - Your Negotiation Power - An anonymous applicant asks for scholarship negotiation advice. Ben and Nathan share the most important factor in negotiation: your willingness to say no. As long as you’re willing to walk away, there’s always room to negotiate. 26:52 - UGPA Application Addendum - An anonymous listener asks for advice on how to write an addendum. Ben and Nathan caution applicants against making excuses. Put your best foot forward on your law school applications by highlighting your strengths, not your weaknesses. 36:20 - LSAT Writing Is Unscored - Listener Todd wonders what he should do to prepare for the writing portion of the LSAT. You can watch a Demon lesson and complete the LSAT writing portion online as soon as it’s available. 42:11 - LSAT Order of Operations - Listener Michael signed up for the LSAT before he started studying. The guys discuss why Michael, like many novice students, went about his LSAT journey in the wrong order. Students should begin studying for the LSAT first. Then, when you’re happy with your practice score range, sign up for the next official test date. 51:50 - Take the LSAT as Soon as You’re Ready - Student Aiden has been using the Demon for only two weeks and is currently scoring in the upper 150s. Nathan and Ben are confident Aiden can reach the 170s. They encourage him to take the test when he’s ready—which might be sooner than he planned. 56:58 - Don’t Lie on Your Resume - An anonymous listener is considering fudging dates of employment on their resume. Is lying worth the risk? The guys first note that March is way too late to apply to law school. Anonymous shouldn’t be applying now, and they shouldn’t lie on their resume when they apply in the future. 1:03:43 - Law School Employment Outcomes - Listener Pranav asks if he should avoid law schools with low employment outcomes. Employment outcomes are largely a function of the students’ merits, not necessarily the schools themselves. Going to a lower-ranked school and kicking ass will make you more likely to succeed than the average student. 1:12:56 - Get a Job - Anonymous is choosing between studying for the LSAT and a master’s program. Nathan and Ben suggest a third option: do neither. Get a job, and start earning money. You should take time to figure out what you want to do. Law school will always be there if you want to revisit it later. 1:18:53 - Don’t Apply Before You’re Ready - Listener Jackson graduates next year and wants to apply to law schools this fall. He already took the LSAT before he was ready. Ben and Nathan advise him to push his application cycle.
Mar 20, 2023 · 1 hr 9 min
Set Smaller Goals (Ep. 394)
Fixating on a goal score can be counterproductive. The only way to improve on the LSAT is to focus on understanding one question at a time. Today, Ben and Nathan offer listeners advice on topics ranging from finding study motivation to overcoming a low UGPA using the LSAT as your not-so-secret weapon. Plus, a couple of pre-law lovebirds wrote into the show this week, and the guys try their hand at relationship advice. They’d rather you go for the happy relationship than end up star-crossed attorneys in debt. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily ⁠Watch Episode 394 on YouTube⁠ Thinking LSAT YouTube⁠ ⁠LSAT Demon YouTube 0:00 - When Should You Quit? - An anonymous student is looking for guidance after they believe some barriers kept them from achieving a higher LSAT score. The guys weigh in with their thoughts on whether this student should work to raise their LSAT score or cut their losses and choose a different career path. Bottom line: Don’t take the official test again until you’re ready. 6:52 - Set Smaller Goals - Listener Christopher tells Ben and Nathan that he signs up for official LSAT test dates to stay motivated. The guys offer advice on how to study effectively and how to know when you’re ready to sign up for the official test. Don’t squander your limited attempts at the official LSAT—take it only when you’re happy with your practice test score range. 19:43 - Focus on Your Successes, Not Your Failures - Listener Jason asks Ben and Nathan how to explain that his grades dropped during the year that Covid forced classes online. The guys’ advice: Focus on positive facts about your stats—get the highest LSAT score you can, and don’t blame your undergrad institution for your lower grades. 28:37 - LSAT Scores Stay on Record for Five Years - Listener William is committed to going to law school only if it’s free. But he won’t be applying for four more years. Is it too early to start prepping for the LSAT? Ben and Nathan let William know that he’s doing everything the right way, but he should read the fine print on LSAC’s website or talk directly to a representative at LSAC to get the answer to this question. 32:02 - Lovebirds in Law School - An anonymous couple applying to law school together ask Ben and Nathan if they should take full-ride offers at a lower-ranked school or pay for the prestige that comes with attending a higher-ranked school. They share their dreams of being a law-school power couple, and the guys caution them about the road they’re about to embark on. 43:01 - Law School or Love? - An anonymous listener shares a Reddit post asking whether to write an addendum for low stats on law school applications. Anonymous says he’s limited to school in Los Angeles because he wants to be with the woman of his dreams. He’s worried that a subpar LSAT and UGPA will keep him from his betrothed. Ben and Nathan suggest that the woman of your dreams is more important than going to a bad law school with low stats. They advise Anonymous to give up the law dream for now and go get the girl. 50:47 - Speed Reading Isn’t Reading - Demon teacher Kevin shares a motivational quote that he found relevant to studying for the LSAT. Ben and Nathan agree. You can’t “speed read” and actually comprehend everything you’re reading. 52:26 - Do Soft Factors Help? - Listener John writes in to ask if his “soft” factors will help him overcome a low UGPA on his law school applications. The guys tell John that the best way to overcome a low UGPA is to get the highest LSAT score you can get. A T-14 school might not be attainable with his UGPA, but a high LSAT will give him the best shot. 59:13 - Demon Student Admissions Update - An anonymous former Demon student shares their stats and their current law school admissions results —including scholarship offers that came in even higher than expected. Ben and Nathan congratulate Anonymous and remind listeners that hard work pays off.
Mar 13, 2023 · 1 hr 25 min
Law School Pricing Is Unfair (Ep. 393)
The law school tuition system is broken and unlikely to change. Ben and Nathan discuss the why and the who behind the inequitable pricing and double down on their advice to listeners: Don’t pay for law school. Also on the pod, the guys assess LSAT Demon’s compatibility with specific testing accommodations, evaluate the likelihood of a 30-point score increase, weigh in on the idea of postponing graduation to boost your UGPA, and encourage listeners to look to the future rather than focusing on past failures. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 393 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube⁠ ⁠LSAT Demon YouTube 4.14.2023 — April LSAT begins 4.25.2023 — June LSAT registration deadline 5.3.2023 — April LSAT scores released 6.9.2023 — June LSAT begins 6.28.2023 — June LSAT scores released 1:04 - Focus on What You Can Change 5:51 - Mistakes as Motivation 10:43 - One Step at a Time 17:06 - Accommodations and the Demon 22:03 - Read Every Answer Choice 28:42 - Play How You Practice 34:38 - The System Is Broken 1:02:51 - Will the Ranking Shakeup Affect LSAT Weight? 1:15:13 - Is Increasing From the 140s to 170s Possible? 1:22:13 - ChatGPT’s LSAT Score Read more on our website!
Mar 6, 2023 · 1 hr 7 min
Slowing Down Is Not Enough (Ep. 392)
LSAT Demon acolytes know that we slow down to speed up on the LSAT. But this mantra is not an invitation to focus on speed. Slowing down is not an end in itself, nor is it sufficient for LSAT mastery. On this week’s episode, Ben and Nathan remind listeners why we slow down: to better engage with the passage so we can make predictions and dismiss wrong answers quickly. Later, the guys tell a listener to stop planning applications while still in school. They shoot down a strategy to combat LR “brain fog.” And they assess claims of a prestigious university’s discrimination against applicants with mental health issues. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 392 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 0:00 - Upcoming events - Nathan and Ben promote two upcoming events: their free class for parents of LSAT students and an LSAT Demon meetup at the New York LSAC Law School Forum. 6:06 - Slowing Down - Since he began slowing down on his practice tests, listener David has increased his accuracy—but not his scores. Ben and Nathan assure David that speed will come naturally as he learns to make good predictions and dismiss wrong answers quickly. 14:47 - Stop Making Plans - Nathan and Ben advise an anonymous undergraduate student not to let thoughts of law school be a distraction. Anonymous should focus on their grades and plan their applications later. 27:41 - Practice-Test Anxiety - Madison scores lower on full practice tests than on individual timed sections. Is test anxiety to blame? The guys suspect that Madison might be falling into a common trap: worrying about the whole test when she should be focusing on one question at a time. 33:46 - Pearls vs. Turds - An anonymous student proposes a dubious strategy for dealing with “brain fog” at the end of Logical Reasoning sections: do the first half of the section, then jump to the end and work backwards. 41:14 - Mental Health Discrimination - Nathan and Ben review an essay by a former Cornell faculty member who claims that the school discriminates against applicants with mental health issues. The guys suspect that some law school admissions officers may be similarly biased. 50:07 - Withdrawing Applications - The guys advise listener Brayden on how to withdraw applications. 53:10 - Should I Take the April LSAT? - Perry isn’t sure that he’ll be fully prepared for the April test. Should he still take it to max out his attempts before the fall? Ben and Nathan see both sides of the argument, but they think that Perry might want to keep a final attempt available for next year. 56:58 - Scores Decreasing - Nathan and Ben assure an anonymous student that score fluctuations are just part of the process. Anonymous should stop worrying about their scores and focus on understanding the questions they get wrong. The guys also tell Anonymous that reading more slowly in RC isn’t enough: they’ve got to find a way to care about the passage.