Thinking Lsat

A viewer asks whether to register for the LSAT while their scores are still improving. Ben and Nathan advise the student to sign up if they are happy with their scores but continue to study as they still have room to improve.Also in this episode- How to handle studying on “difficult” days- Whether to accept a conditional scholarship or keep studying for a higher score- Another contestant on the Personal Statement Gong ShowStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 541 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Studying on “Difficult Days” 5:17 Test D Question — “Mount Stupid”24:04 Things We Actually Enjoy28:03 Attending with a Conditional Scholarship43:36 Maximizing Your LSAT Score48:20 Wrong Answer Journal51:17 Trust the Process58:08 Personal Statement Gong Show1:05:19 Word of the week — heterodox

A student writes in asking whether they should focus on studying for the LSAT while having a low GPA. Ben and Nathan advise them to prioritize focusing on earning the best possible grades before beginning LSAT prep.Also in this episode:- A question about choosing between law schools with a $15,000 difference- Advice a student received from another prep company- When to send a letter of continued interestStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 540 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Test D Question “Animal Owners”  19:13 Things We Enjoy23:03 The $15,000 Difference33:43 Pearls v. Turds39:57 Leaving the Demon42:55 Focusing on Your GPA53:22 Retaking a 1751:05:18 When to Send a LOCI1:10:20 Word of the Week — flummoxed

The ABA has released new 509 data revealing how LSAT and GPA medians have shifted over the past year, along with updated data into how schools are distributing scholarships. Ben and Nathan break down the numbers and react to several schools that have made significant changes.Also in this episode:- How to handle LSAT questions you’ve seen before- The Arkansas Supreme Court allows lawyers to use AI in their work- Should a listener prioritize location or ranking for law school?https://lsat.link/509Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 539 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 LSAT Question on Pinched Nerves19:46 New 509 Reports40:10 Repeat Questions50:47 Fourth RC Passage Strategy55:30 Arkansas Supreme Court Updates Rules on AI1:01:28 Accusation of Cheating1:18:00 Regional vs. T20 Law School1:27:55 Word of the Week — admonition1:34:22 Things We Like

The internet is full of opinions, and not all of them are kind. This week, Ben and Nathan dig into a reddit thread, reacting to some of the tougher criticisms aimed at the Demon and our co-hosts.Also in this episode:- Ben and Nathan react to Washington’s decision to retroactively lower its bar passage score- A listener asks whether applying Early Decision makes sense for top law schools- Whether a law school increasing its class size improves your odds of admissionStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 538 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Making a Last Push on Next LSAT7:18 Should I Take the LSAT Again?23:48 Washington Lowering Bar Passage Requirements42:03 We Read Our Mean Comments1:03:10 Law Schools Increasing Class Sizes1:11:22 Can Early Decision Be Beneficial?1:22:55 Personal Statement Gong Show1:39:40 Word of the Week — penumbra

The FTC submitted a letter to the Texas Supreme Court supporting its decision to drop the ABA as the state’s official accreditor. Ben and Nathan agree that the ABA has been slow to modernize and often lags behind student needs, but they don’t fully align with the FTC’s reasoning. Also in this episode:- A listener asks whether to choose a part-time or full-time law program.- Whether to cancel an official score that comes in lower than a prior LSAT.- A personal statement  with an unusually bold opening.Links Mentioned:FTC Letter to Texas Supreme CourtStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 537 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ libraryQuestions? help@thinkinglsat.com0:00 When to Take Practice Tests6:11 FTC Claims the ABA is a Monopoly21:43 Full-Time vs. Part-Time Law Programs29:47 Tips from Departing Demons35:02 Performing Worse on the First Section43:19 Cancelling a Lower Score46:45 Personal Statement Gong Show

Ben and Nathan dig into a striking chart showing dozens of schools clustering their LSAT medians at 150 and 160, while almost nobody reports 149 or 159. They break down why schools chase these round-number medians, how it leads to irrational admissions behavior, and what it means for applicants trying to play the rankings game.Also in this episode:- How applying without a GPA can affect your admissions chances- Success stories from Demon students who crushed the November LSAT- Why the University of North Carolina has climbed so quickly in the rankingsLinks Mentioned:Derek T. Muller ArticleStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 536 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Retaking to Beat New Medians5:37 Applying with No GPA14:05 November LSAT Success20:05 The Irrational Pursuit of Round LSAT Medians27:20 Lower Scores When Timed34:50 Meeting with an Admissions Counselor39:35 What’s the Deal with University of Nort

A listener writes in asking how to handle the pressure of their final official LSAT attempt. Ben and Nathan remind them that their highest score on record, a 165, is already strong enough for full scholarships at many law schools. They encourage the listener to let go of perfectionism, be comfortable with not finishing a section, and approach test day expecting  incremental improvement.Also in this episode:- An update on an LSAC cheating allegation- Ben and Nathan react to the ABA lifting its probation of Cooley Law- Advice from Demon students who recently crushed the LSATStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 535 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Update on Cheating Allegations5:24 ABA Lifts Probation for Cooley10:50 How to Approach Your Last Official Attempt21:44 Tips from Departing Demons34:25 Chances at a T14 as a Super kJD41:10 Pearls vs. Turds43:27 Personal Statement Gong Show57:12 Word of the Week —

A listener writes in after a disappointing first round of scholarship offers. Ben and Nathan explain that initial offers are rarely a school’s best, they’re just the starting point. They reassure the listener that more and better offers are still on the way.Also in this episode:- Whether taking the January LSAT is too late to apply this cycle- Questions about Harvard’s Junior Deferral Program- A deeper look at one of the newest members of the T14: WashULinks Mentioned:Derek T. Muller ArticleStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 534 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 - Is the January LSAT Too Late?23:45 - Receiving Bad Scholarships 35:24 - When Do I Know When I’m Ready?43:05 - Follow–Up on Cheating45:18 - Harvard’s Junior Deferral Program1:07:45 - Demon Team Tracker1:09:19 - What’s the Deal with… WashU1:36:54 - Word of the Week — Propinquity

A listener writes in asking whether they should retake a 173, worried that a future attempt could be lower. Ben and Nathan explain why they should be willing to use all four remaining attempts: law schools only care about your highest score, and every point, especially for higher scores, can turn into thousands of dollars. Also in this episode:- When applicants can expect scholarship responses from law schools- Advice from Demon students who crushed the LSAT- Another brave contestant steps up for the Personal Statement Gong ShowLinks Mentioned:https://lsat.link/gradesStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 533 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 - Following the Demon Way3:30 - When Will I Hear Back on Scholarships?9:31 - Medians Above 4.0024:25 - Tips from Deparing Demons31:40 - Should I Retake a 173?36:35 - Light at the End of the Tunnel50:56 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:05:23 - Word of the Week — Anachro

When LSAC accused a student of cheating, claiming his score jump had “Powerball odds,” Ben and Nathan dig into the details. They break down LSAC’s vague statistical claims and explain why big score increases are both possible and common for serious students. They also urge the student to document their prep to show clear evidence of progress.Also in this episode:Early 1L and 2L law firm hiring trendsA student asks whether to keep taking undergrad classes to boost their GPAShould you ask law schools for an application fee waiver?Links Mentioned:https://lsat.link/grades ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 532 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 - Is It Ever Worth Paying for Law School? 23:40 - LSAC Accuses a Student of Cheating 49:20 - 1L and 2L Law Firm Hiring Trends 56:37 - Should I Keep Taking Classes? 1:03:37 - Community Colleges Offering A+ Grades 1:09:59 - Pearls vs. Turds 1:15:06 - Should You Ask fo

Since the October score release, there's been some online chatter claiming the October LSAT was unusually difficult. Nathan and Ben respond to one student's concerns by pointing to numerous Demon students who crushed the LSAT this month. They remind listeners that every test administration sparks the same rumors, but the LSAT remains consistent from one test to the next. That consistency should inspire confidence. If your practice test scores match your goal score, you’re ready for the real deal. Also in this episode:- Ben and Nathan explore community colleges awarding A-pluses- Demon students share their parting advice for LSAT success- They critique a prep company that promotes a “blind review” scoreLinks Mentioned:lsat.link/gradesNortheast Community College Course Search: https://reg-prod.ec.northeast.edu/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/term/termSelection?mode=searchFoothill College Course Search: https://foothill.edu/schedule/Arizona State University Universal Learner Courses: https://courses.ulc.asu.e

Nathan and Ben highlight a notable increase in law school applications per the latest LSAC reports. These numbers have nervous students rushing to apply this cycle, even though they don't have a strong LSAT score. Nathan and Ben explain that November is already late. Instead, they encourage applicants to wait and apply next year to take advantage of the best scholarship opportunities. Also in this episode:Gratitude from a listener who embraced the Demon mindsetA message from Nebraska Law about student loansA Demon student questions whether to keep going after low scoresLinks Mentioned:LSAC Volume Summary Report⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 530 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” Segments.Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 0:30 - LSAC Volume Summary Report10:10 - Following the Demon Philosophy17:13 - When to Submit Applications29:56 - Email from a Law School on Loan Limits44:46 - Low LSAT Scores51:27 - What’s the Deal with the University of

Ben and Nathan explain why applying broadly maximizes admissions and scholarship opportunities. They advise students to consider waiting another cycle to submit the strongest application possible.Also in this episode:An Ask-button question about reading each passage thoroughlyBen and Nathan’s take on law school applications that ask where else you’ve appliedAdvice on whether to waive your right to view letters of recommendationLinks Mentioned:Register for the Los Angeles LSAC Forum: http://lsac.org/lawschoolforums⁠Study with our Free plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 529 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segments.Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 0:30 - Reading Every Passage Thoroughly7:26 - “Where Have You Applied?” on Law School Apps10:18 - Is It Still Worth Applying?23:16 - Tips from Departing Demons24:53 - To Waive, or Not to Waive30:00 - What’s the Deal with Santa Clara Law?51:02 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:14:38 - Word of the Week - Guffaw

Ben and Nathan weigh in on New England Law’s conditional, full-tuition scholarships. They criticize conditional scholarships that can leave a majority of students paying full price. At most law schools, only top students (typically those already with scholarships) will secure six-figure jobs. The majority of the class foot the bill, taking out exorbitant loans while earning significantly less after graduation. Ben and Nathan encourage applicants to apply broadly and attend the right school at the right price. Later in the show, they:Break down UC Law San Francisco’s new $100 million campaignReassure a student who fears they’re progressing too slowlyReact to WashU personally contacting applicants’ recommendersLinks Mentioned:Register for the DC Law Fair Register for the New York LSAC Forum⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 528 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” Segments.Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 0:32 - UC Law San Francisco $100 Million “In

Ben and Nathan dig into the ABA’s decision to put Cooley Law School on probation and the broader issue of weak oversight in legal education. They also cover addenda for multiple LSAT scores, early acceptances, and retaking for better scholarships.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 527 on YouTube0:28 - Cooley Law on Probation by the ABABen and Nathan react to the news that Cooley Law has been placed on probation by the American Bar Association for failing to meet bar passage standards. They question why the ABA continues to allow such programs to operate and highlight the risks for students who enroll in them. 24:45 - Addenda for LSAT retakesDemon student Sam asks about Michigan Law’s recommendation that applicants submit an addendum if they’ve taken the LSAT three or more times. Nathan advises against volunteering information that could hurt an application and emphasizes that only your highest score matters.37:43 - Early Application Is KeyA Redditor reports being admitted to the Uni

Santa Clara Law is offering every admitted student a $16,000 scholarship to align tuition with the new federal loan cap for law school borrowers. Ben and Nathan discuss whether loan caps can rein in skyrocketing tuition, share wisdom from a departing Demon user, unpack the University of Miami’s AI essay prompt, and offer reassurance to students stressed by LSAT scheduling woes.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 526 on YouTube0:26 - Santa Clara ScholarshipsNathan and Ben react to Santa Clara Law’s new PLEDGE scholarship, which effectively lowers tuition to just under the $50,000 federal loan cap. Borrowing limits are a step in the right direction for controlling law school costs.24:04 - Tips from a Departing DemonDemon student Abigail, who improved her LSAT from 159 to 176, offers a parting piece of advice: take breaks. She encourages students to let the material settle and give themselves time to recharge. Nathan and Ben highlight her success as proof that steady, balanced preparati

Ben and Nathan dig into a law professor’s claim that law school tuition is collapsing and explain what that really means for future students. More than 80% of students receive institutional scholarships. A strong LSAT score and GPA set you up to take advantage of the broken system rather than fall victim to it. ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 525 on YouTube0:31 - The Law School Tuition “Collapse”Ben and Nathan discuss a blog post by Professor Paul Campos on declining law school tuition. From 2010 to 2023, average tuition dropped by $9,000 (adjusted for inflation). The guys remind listeners that only one in five students actually pays full price, and those who do are often the least financially equipped. Improving your LSAT score and GPA is the surest way to secure a scholarship and avoid paying for law school.19:27 - Tips from Departing DemonsBen and Nathan share advice from departing Demon students who crushed the August LSAT.Olivia: Never give up.Keisha: Treat your official tes

Ben and Nate review a letter from the ABA council chair outlining the standards behind ongoing accreditation revisions. Line by line, the guys conclude the same thing: the ABA underperforms in its efforts to protect law students, from the lack of transparency surrounding the actual price of law school to the ever-increasing cost of a legal degree. Protect yourself by crushing the LSAT, applying early and broadly, and attending the right school at the right price. ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 524 on YouTube⁠0:31 – Tips from Departing DemonsBen and Nate share the top tips from departing Demon students who crushed the August exam. Andrew: Just read the damn words.Mario: Don’t take an official test until your scores show you’re ready. Stevan: Get greedy. Megan: The advice to “slow down” applies to you. Sam: It takes hard work. 7:59 – ABA Standards and ValuesThe ABA council chair’s recent letter highlights their guiding standards for revised accreditation. They claim to act in the

Ben and Nathan host a special marathon edition of the Personal Statement Gong Show. They kick things off by laying out the fundamentals of personal statements—what they are, what to write about, and when to start. Then, nine students face the gong, each vying to set a record and earn their place in Thinking LSAT Gong Show history. ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 523 on YouTube⁠3:33 – Personal Statement, Not Resume RecapBen and Nathan introduce the starting point for a personal statement: bringing one bullet point on your resume to life. Your personal statement should show, not tell, how a particular experience from your resume is going to make you a successful law student and lawyer. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to cover too many positions or experiences. The personal statement is a chance to illustrate your character, not an unnecessary resume recap. 9:41 – When to Start WritingIsaac finds himself with several hours of free time every day, even after his L

When you substitute understanding with gimmicks, you hamper your score now and in the long term. Tips like “10 questions in 10 minutes” or “If you don’t understand an answer, it’s probably correct” excuse poor reading and rushed test-taking. When you accept that the LSAT is easy and every question is solvable, you’re more likely to commit to a problem until you solve it. No shortcuts needed. ⁠Study with our Free plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 522 on YouTube⁠0:40 – Structuring StudyMila started with a 150 and plans to study two to three hours a day while in school. Ben and Nathan suggest limiting LSAT time to one focused hour and prioritizing perfect grades. After she’s secured perfect grades for the semester, she can switch to LSAT prep. Mila and other candidates looking to boost their GPA could also consider enrolling in a few community college courses that offer A+ grades. 5:21 – Undergrad Involvement in Pre-Law ClubsKyle wonders whether joining pre-law clubs is necessary. The guys explain that c