The PowerScore LSAT PodCast

The 2025 US News law school rankings have been released, setting the “official” standard by which schools will be compared to one another for the upcoming admissions cycle. In Episode 168, Dave and Jon offer their take on this year's rankings, including the controversial metrics and weighting involved, the most prominent winners and losers as schools rise and fall, and—above all—exactly what these rankings mean to you as an applicant!

After three long, confusion-filled days, the April 2025 LSAT has mercifully ended, and as always Jon and Dave are on the scene to help explain one of the strangest tests in recent memory. Tune in to Episode 167 for a section-by-section analysis of what was scored and what was experimental, scale predictions for every test form combination and what they mean for your results, and, as always, the accuracy and applicability of their latest Crystal Ball predictions! 

In Episode 166, Dave and Jon go head-to-head on five of the most contentious issues that often divide LSAT students and prep providers, serving up their unique—and at times opposing—perspectives on these hot-button topics. Tune in to hear them debate everything from whether to read the stimulus or question stem first, when and why you should cancel your score, the value of diagramming, their ideal pre-test routine, and even the utility of the LSAT itself!

After two intense days, the February 2025 LSAT has wrapped and Jon and Dave are here in Episode 165 with all the details! As usual, it contained some oddities—no experimental Reading Comp?—but as they explain their Crystal Ball predictions came true once again, and their breakdown of the content and scoring scales cover every section tested.

2024 was a year of unprecedented LSAT changes, from the removal of Logic Games to the reconfiguring of all available practice tests to the introduction of a host of new PowerScore courses (among quite a lot else), and as always Dave and Jon are here with a comprehensive retrospective to help you make sense of it all. Join them in Episode 164 as they recap the past year, and provide some sneak peaks at what 2025 has in store!

The January 2025 LSAT was record-breaking, with over 25,000 people testing over four packed days, but Jon and Dave weathered the storm and are here with all the details! In Episode 163, they cover it all: from domestic tests to internationals, join them as they outline what was real and what was experimental, the sources of reused content (and the astounding accuracy of their Crystal Ball predictions), and the curves for every section combination to give you an idea of exactly how you scored.

In Episode 162, Dave and Jon tackle one of the trickiest concepts on the LSAT: Principle Questions. Tune in to hear them break down this common and confusing question type, as they explore specific examples and apply solution strategies that will help you conquer every form of this notoriously tough idea.

The last and largest LSAT of 2024 is  finally over, meaning Jon and Dave are free and clear to tell you all about it! In Episode 161 they cover the November test start to finish, discussing the record number of scored and experimental sections used, the relative difficulty of everything given, their expectations for the numerous scoring scales, and—to top it all off—the accuracy of the predictions from their latest Crystal Ball/Miniball webinars (hint: they got this one exactly right).

For over four years, Dave and Jon have undertaken a truly daring feat: before every LSAT they have attempted to predict the precise content—from source test reuse to specific passage topics—that would appear on the upcoming exam. And for 29 of the last 31 tests they've gotten it right. These notorious “Crystal Ball” webinars are immensely popular, but often misunderstood, so in Episode 160 they offer a peak behind the curtain, explaining what they're doing, how they do it, and most importantly the value students can derive from these one-of-a-kind sessions.

2024's second-to-last LSAT has finally ended, which means Jon and Dave are free to tell you all about it! Tune in to hear their overview of student feedback and general difficulty, a section-by-section analysis of what was scored and what was experimental (Including Crystal Ball predictions), and, as always, curve estimates for every test form—international and domestic—and what they mean for your results.

As the September 2024 LSAT finally wraps up, Dave and Jon are on the scene with a full breakdown. Tune in to hear a section-by-section analysis of what was scored and what was experimental, scale predictions for every test form combination and what they mean for your results, and, as always, the accuracy and applicability of their latest Crystal Ball predictions!  

Jon and Dave are back with another of their popular Student Mailbag discussions! In Episode 157, they tackle questions related to a common admissions concern: how to best handle abnormal gaps or low points in your academic (and in one instance, personal) record. So if you've ever had an extended break from school, or a rough patch grade-wise, or even a challenging personal issue that law schools may see, you'll find the guidance you need right here.

In Episode 156, Dave and Jon take on one of their toughest tasks in years: deconstructing the first modern LSAT without Logic Games. With August 2024 they determined multiple scored Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning sections, and they're here to explain every piece of it, from what was real and what was experimental, to their impressions of difficulty, to the scaling they anticipate applies to every section combination!

To account for the August LSAT's massive format overhaul and the removal of Logic Games, Dave and Jon have made notable adjustments to their Crystal Ball webinar presentation for the August and September exams. In Episode 155, they explain precisely how the upcoming Crystal Ball will work, including who will have access, the content they intend to cover, and what the future holds for Crystal Ball sessions after the September test.

It's an emotional day in LSAT land, as the last-ever test with Logic Games has officially concluded. In Episode 154, Jon and Dave bid games farewell while also breaking down all of the content that was tested—both international and domestic—outlining the scored sections, their difficulty, the accuracy of the latest Crystal Ball predictions, and as always their anticipated scaling curves for every section combination.

Episode 153 sees Dave and Jon dive into another mailbag of student questions, focusing in particular on the upcoming June LSAT and the final administration of Logic Games. Give them a listen as they address what to do in the final days leading up to this monumental exam—from how to approach the home stretch to deciding whether it's the right test for you—and then preview August and beyond!

There's an old law school adage, “Letters of Recommendation won't get you in...but they can certainly keep you out.” In Episode 152, Jon and Dave explore this crucial admissions component, explaining how Letters of Rec work, who should write yours, how to ensure you get the best possible recommendations, and the pitfalls to avoid as you finalize your application.

It's that time of year again: after an error-plagued preview in early April, with 80 (!) schools ranked incorrectly, US News has finally re-released their “correct” 2024-2025 law school rankings. In Episode 151, Dave and Jon break down the algorithm behind the rankings, sift through the biggest winners and losers as schools moved up and down the list, and offer insights into just how much weight you should give these standings as you decide where to attend!

With the April 2024 LSATs finally behind us, Jon and Dave are here with a full breakdown! In this episode they analyze all of the April test forms—domestic and international—revealing source tests and how well they match the Crystal Ball predictions (spoiler: nailed it), highlight the most notable content that featured each day, and finally provide a section-by-section scale matrix to help you determine the exact curve for your particular exam.

On July 31, LSAC will introduce a brand new LSAT Writing assessment, moving from the traditional “decision prompt” construction, to a far-more involved—and 15-minute longer—design that includes a real-world issue accompanied by multiple, outside perspectives on it, all up for debate. Candidates will then craft an essay that not only tackles the issue at hand, but also assesses at least one of the accompanying viewpoints. In Episode 149, Dave and Jon break down every detail!

In anticipation of the removal of Logic Games beginning with the August 2024 LSAT, the test makers have released 58 reconfigured practice tests on their LawHub prep platform that conform to the upcoming exam structure. In episode 148, Jon and Dave highlight the key updates, including how the new tests were built, what they contain, and the scoring scale adjustments that accompany them. Anyone prepping for August and beyond should give this a listen!

The February 2024 LSAT is officially over, giving Dave and Jon license to reveal everything you need to know about it. Tune in as they outline the scored and experimental sections used, general impressions of difficulty, and, as always, their scoring scale predictions for every section combination!

The January 2024 LSAT proved a colossal kickoff to the year, with roughly 20,000 people testing over four full days! And as always, Jon and Dave tracked every minute of it and have the full recap: from the domestic tests to the internationals, they cover every section breaking down what was scored and what was experimental, the origins of each reuse (including the accuracy of their latest Crystal Ball), and the expected curves based on the difficulty of each test combination.

2023 provided a host of LSAT milestones, from LSAC's rocky new partnership with testing provider Prometric to the announcement that Logic Games were soon to be removed, and as tradition demands Dave and Jon are on scene to sum it all up. Kick off 2024 with them as they look back on the events of the past year, and offer insights into what the next 12 months have in store.

In Episode 144, Jon and Dave dig into our student mailbag once again, this time tackling questions focused on law school admissions. Tune in to hear them address graduate school credentials, how and when to write addenda, common character and fitness concerns, and a number of LSAT-related questions from the weight given to the test to how schools view multiple attempts to Score Preview and cancellations!

The last LSAT of 2023 has wrapped, and Dave and Jon have all the details! Tune in as they cover the November test week from start to finish, discussing the many scored and experimental sections, the relative difficulty of everything presented, their expectations for the various scoring scales, and—to top it all off—the accuracy of their predictions from their latest Crystal Ball webinar (spoiler: nailed it again).

Beginning with the August 2024 administration, the LSAT will no longer include an Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) section, marking the most significant change to the test's format in years. In Episode 142, Jon and Dave discuss this monumental transformation, explaining exactly what's happening, how it will affect students and their prep, and what PowerScore has planned to help test takers capitalize on this seismic shift.

With the conclusion of the year's second-to-last LSAT (and the first four-day administration ever), Dave and Jon are finally in the clear to discuss all the details. Tune in as they deconstruct a record-breaking number of scored sections—including both domestic and international exams—and provide scaling predictions for all 62 possible combinations, as well as updates to their latest Crystal Ball forecasts for November!

LSAC's troubled proctoring partnership with ProMetric is once again under scrutiny, as October scheduling—where registrants select their test day and time—has been plagued by numerous issues for both in-person and remote LSATs. In Episode 140, Jon and Dave outline the causes behind the limited test center availability, inaccessible time slots, and hours-long registration queues, and offer guidance for future test takers desperate for a smoother experience.

With emotions running high after a disaster-plagued August administration, test takers were understandably anxious about how the September LSAT would go. Well we're happy to report that not only was September a far smoother experience, but Dave and Jon were on the scene as always and have all the details you need: the content that was scored and unscored, the tests selected for reuse, and finally the anticipated scoring scales for each test combination!

Testing for the chaotic August LSAT has finally come to an end—after two long weeks and multiple days of make up exams—which means Jon and Dave are here at last to cover all the content! Tune in to hear them break down each of the 13 scored sections used, including what was real and what was experimental, where the sections originally appeared (and how well their Crystal Ball predictions fared), and as always scale predictions for every possible test combination.

The August LSAT has seen an unprecedented number of registrants unable to test as planned, as ProMetric (LSAC's new test-delivery partner) repeatedly failed to provide the necessary proctoring support. In this episode, Dave and Jon give an overview of the countless problems, examine LSAC's response thus far, and provide advice for making the most of what's an objectively unfortunate situation. Anyone testing this year who could potentially face something similar should give this a listen!

In this special admissions episode, Jon and Dave focus on nontraditional applicants: essentially anyone whose resume doesn't fit the “normal” model of law school in their early-20s, straight out of college. So whether you're applying several years post-grad, or with a family in tow, or with motivations for pursuing a degree beyond the typical career in Biglaw, this episode will instruct you on exactly how to present your nontrad credentials in the most favorable, odds-improving way!

In Episode 135, Dave and Jon explore the often-overlooked international and make up LSATs given throughout the year, explaining who is eligible for each and exactly how those tests stack up against the more prominent domestic LSATs offered in the US and Canada. If you're testing overseas, or curious about exam do-overs, give this episode a listen!

As the June 2023 LSAT comes to an end, Jon and Dave are here with the full breakdown! Tune in to hear their overview of student feedback and general difficulty, a section-by-section analysis of what was scored and what was experimental, and, as always, scale predictions for every test form—domestic and international—and what they mean for your results.

One of the most unexpected and misunderstood aspects of the LSAT is the test makers' frequent reuse of previously-administered, nondisclosed exams. In Episode 133, Dave and Jon take a closer look at this practice by focusing on the repeated appearance of a particular RC passage from early 2009 all the way to its eventual public release in late 2022, examining both how the reuse process works, and the many benefits that come from understanding it.

After weeks of mixed messaging and false starts, US News has finally released its controversial 2024 law school rankings. In their latest episode, Jon and Dave break down this year's revamped ranking metrics explaining what caused such volatility from top to bottom, and then run through the big winners and losers as schools moved up and down the list!

With the application cycle in full swing and admissions decisions finally finding their way to eager applicants, one topic on everyone's mind is financial aid. In Episode 131, Dave and Jon cover the delicate process of scholarship reconsideration requests, highlighting the do's and don'ts that can make all the difference when it comes to what you're offered!

With the April 2023 LSAT finally behind us, Jon and Dave are checking in with all the details! In this episode they break down the April LSAT, reviewing its source tests and how well they match the Crystal Ball predictions, highlighting the most notable elements that featured each day, and finally offering a section-by-section scale matrix to help you determine the exact curve for your particular exam.

Episode 129 sees Dave and Jon fully explore LSAC's recent announcement that an in-person testing option would once again be offered for the LSAT starting in August 2023! They break down exactly how this alternative testing format will work, the pros and cons of in-person vs at-home testing to help you decide which to choose, and even reveal which option they'd each pick if they were to take an upcoming exam. If you're testing in August or later you won't want to miss this!

In this special edition of their popular Student Mailbag series, Jon and Dave revisited their recent Crystal Ball webinar predicting the April and June LSATs to find student questions that they felt deserved some extra attention, and devoted Episode 128 to exploring those questions in full detail! Tune in as they address LSAT changes and section strategy, test retakes and international exams, and admissions concerns including security deposits and median scores.

As the February 2023 LSAT comes to an end, Dave and Jon are here with the full breakdown! In this episode they provide a detailed overview of student feedback and general difficulty, a section-by-section analysis of what was scored and what was experimental, and, as always, scale predictions for every test combination to help you better estimate your results.

With the first LSAT of 2023 officially over, Jon and Dave are blazing into the new year with a full test recap! Tune in to hear them deconstruct the January LSAT, explaining what was scored and what was experimental, the relative difficulty of each scored section, and their 155-170 curve predictions for every content combination. They also discuss their latest Crystal Ball forecasts, examining just how accurate they were for January, and what this all means for the upcoming February exam.

The past 12 months saw a series of surprising LSAT developments unfold—from LSAC testing new LG formats to debate over law schools going test-optional—and many students were left struggling to make sense of it all. Fortunately, Dave and Jon are here to offer clarity, as they not only recap the key moments of 2022, but also preview the year ahead, from expected test changes and cycle adjustments to a number of PowerScore projects releasing soon!

Jon and Dave have once again reached into their sack of student questions, focusing their 10th mailbag episode exclusively on the topic of Reading Comprehension. Tune in to hear them answer 12 of the most common Reading Comp questions, including how to apply LR skills to RC, how to stay focused during the passage, how to best use CTRL-F, how to attack Comparative Reading, how to maximize points as time is running out, and many more!

A pair of landmark announcements rocked the legal world this past week, as several top-ranked schools declared that they would no longer participate in US News' annual law school rankings, and the ABA passed a motion recommending that the LSAT no longer be required for law school admissions. In Episode 123, Dave and Jon explain precisely what each of these shocking revelations entails, and how they're likely to affect you and your plans going forward!

The November LSAT—and with it the 2022 testing year—has officially wrapped! And that means Jon and Dave are on the scene with everything you need to know, highlighting the exam's scored vs experimental content, explaining difficulty section by section, and finally examining every possible combination to predict a scoring scale for each test taker. If you tested in November you won't want to miss this!

Inspired by the ancient Greek notion of “Pyrrhic victories”—where the cost of success outweighs the benefits—Dave and Jon have compiled a detailed list the LSAT's most Pyrrhic scenarios and advice on how to avoid them. From miscalibrated timing to overly-rigid schedules to poorly-prioritized goal setting, this episode will help ensure that your LSAT milestones are exclusively triumphant!

The October LSAT was not only the biggest test of 2022 enrollment-wise, it also included the most scored section combinations, and some of the toughest LG and RC content, that we've seen all year! But as always, Jon and Dave are here to cut through the confusion, clarifying what was real, the standout moments of difficulty, and, above all, how it all fit together to produce a surprisingly-wide range of scoring scales.

Numerical Distributions are one of the most common, and most powerful, features in LSAT Logic Games, so it is imperative that you master them before test day. In Episode 119, Dave and Jon fully deconstruct Numerical Distributions, explaining how to identify them, revealing the common scenarios they produce, and highlighting several recent games where Distributions are the key to success!

Inspired by the countless great questions in their latest Crystal Ball webinar, Jon and Dave have opened up the student mailbag once again! In Episode 118 you'll hear them weigh in on everything from when the LSAT will go back to in-person testing, how paper accommodations work, LSAT Writing do's and don'ts, test fatigue and improving endurance, applying prior to taking the LSAT, the value of joining a pre-law group (and how PowerScore partners with them), and more.