Thinking LSAT

Michael Freedman joins Nathan on Thinking LSAT to share his story as a trial lawyer in some of the nation's most high-profile criminal cases. Along the way, he shares candid advice for law students about finding their path, building experience, and starting a firm. Michael emphasizes the importance of treating law school like a job, embracing trial work, and nurturing every professional relationship.4:00 – UC HastingsMichael recalls feeling bored during his 1L year but loving 2L because he finally began interacting with real lawyers. Nathan encourages students to approach law school the way Michael did. Michael offers two practical tips for success: treat law school like a 9-to-5 job and intentionally build life balance outside of school.27:10 – Federal Clerkship and Government PositionDespite participating in OCI, Michael didn't land a Big Law job. Instead, he worked during law school for a trial lawyer focused on white-collar defense, which helped him confirm his passion for criminal trial work. The client relationship aspect deeply appealed to him, influencing his decision to clerk after graduation. He landed a prestigious clerkship on the Ninth Circuit. While many of his peers moved into Big Law after clerking, Michael opted for a government role to gain more courtroom experience. When he eventually reached the typical endpoint for federal positions, he chose to start his firm rather than join another existing one.27:23 – Starting the Freedman FirmTo build his practice, Michael accepted every case, no matter the size, emphasizing that no case was too small in those early days. He believes that founding a firm requires an entrepreneurial mindset—one must enjoy thinking about how to acquire clients, how to handle hiring, and how to manage payroll. He later brought on another partner to help handle larger, more demanding cases.33:41 – Big Profile CasesMichael's work eventually led to invitations to co-counsel on major white-collar criminal cases, including representing Bill Cosby, working on R. Kelly's trial, and participating in Harvey Weinstein's appeal. Much of this work was in collaboration with Jennifer Bonjean, a highly respected trial attorney based in Chicago. These opportunities didn't happen by accident. They stemmed from years of deliberate effort in building strong professional relationships. Michael treats his referral sources like clients themselves, ensuring they're proud to be associated with his work and satisfied with the results he delivers.40:41 – Should Our Students Do What You Do?Michael poses a fundamental question to students: Do you know what kind of lawyer you want to be? He encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Law firms require a diverse range of personalities and backgrounds to serve their clients effectively. He urges students to attend court and introduce themselves to lawyers, not just to network, but to genuinely learn. A sincere interest in the work can lead to meaningful opportunities.

Ben and Nathan investigate income-debt ratios for average law students. Their findings paint a sobering picture for the average law school graduate. In many cases, students are paying champagne prices for beer salaries. Paying full price at even top schools can disrupt personal financial stability for a decade or longer. Then, they review the newly released 2025/2026 LSAT schedule, flag another price increase, and take on two flawed pieces of LSAT advice in a double round of Pearls vs. Turds. The guys help one listener struggling with timed sections and a reapplicant focusing on the wrong priorities in their résumé. JoJo the PoPo takes their shot at the Personal Statement Gong Show, and “normative” is the word of the week.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 508 on YouTube0:30 – Champagne Prices. Beer Salaries.Ben and Nathan highlight how poorly students understand the long-term impact of taking on massive student loans. The federal government considers the average law grad to be in financial hardship, and income-to-debt ratios back that up. Graduates from top schools like Yale typically spend about 10% of their gross monthly income on loan payments, while some graduates spend over 50%. To make matters worse, top students who secure scholarships and consequently have little to no debt often land the best jobs, while those borrowing median debt levels earn significantly less. Scoring high on the LSAT and attending law school for free remains the safest path.Check your school's median debt and income levels at Lawhub.com27:10 – 2025/2026 LSAT Schedule ReleasedThe LSAT schedule for 2025/2026 shows no significant changes, but the official test cost increased again. Ben and Nathan encourage students not to waste money and wait until their practice test scores show they're ready before signing up.28:55 – Pearls vs. Turds Double HeaderThis episode's Pearls vs. Turds features two submissions. First: “Avoid the obvious answer.” Verdict: turd. If the answer does what the question is asking, it's correct. If it feels easy, it's because the LSAT is genuinely easy. Second: “If the passage doesn't include the word ‘should,' avoid answer choices that do.” Verdict: also a turd. While it hints at something valid—normative conclusions need support—rigid rules like this replace real understanding with memorization and lead to errors.37:20 – Not Improving on Timed SectionsDexter reports that although his untimed drilling has improved, his timed section scores remain flat. Ben and Nathan recommend treating timed sections the same way as drilling. Rather than rushing to finish, focus on solving each problem completely and accurately.42:15 – Law School RésuméAP is applying again after improving their LSAT score and wants feedback on résumé content. Ben and Nathan advise that résumés and soft skills are secondary when the LSAT score isn't competitive. Application materials like the résumé can stay largely the same, but they must be polished and error-free.48:29 – Personal Statement Gong ShowJoJo the PoPo enters the ring as the latest Personal Statement Gong Show contestant. Ben and Nathan read their personal statement and hit the gong when something goes wrong. The standing record to beat is ten lines, held by Greta.1:18:54 - Word of the Week - Normative“Sciences, however, are by definition non-normative: they describe but they do not prescribe.”

Applying this late in the cycle shows desperation. And schools love to charge full price for desperation. There are two rules every applicant should follow. Apply early. Apply broadly. Neither of those things can happen at this point in the cycle. Instead, students should focus on getting the best LSAT score possible and apply at the beginning of the next cycle. Ben and Nate discuss an article revealing how top universities fund tax-free faculty perks. They then move to law school strategy, urging applicants to prioritize career outcomes and apply broadly. They recommend retaking the LSAT to take advantage of score variance and stress the importance of mastering each argument. Finally, they caution against misleading AI advice, encourage persistence during tough study periods, and advise applying only when your LSAT score makes you competitive.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 507 on YouTube0:30 – Tax Breaks for Professors - A Wall Street Journal op-ed by a UC Berkeley law professor highlights generous, tax-free perks that top universities offer faculty—housing, private K–12 tuition, and college tuition at other schools. These benefits boost professor compensation while keeping base salaries modest. Schools use tuition and student loan funds to cover these perks. The takeaway: your tuition may fund more than just education. The proposed solution is to end these tax exemptions.22:30 – Should I Walk Away from a Full Ride? - Benjamin wants to know if it's worth taking a full ride at a low-ranked school. Ben and Nathan ask, can a JD from that school get you the job in the practice area you want, in the location you want it, at the firm you want? Talk to alumni and firms to see if they are hiring from this school. Check ABA reports to learn about employment outcomes. Apply broadly, and if your scholarship is conditional, be ready to walk if it's lost.33:54 – Get to 175Faith misses one or two questions per section, scoring near 175 in practice. Nate and Ben recommend using all her attempts to benefit from test-day variance. To achieve an official 175, Ben and Nate encourage Faith to stop trying to finish the section, slow down, and focus on understanding more of what they're reading. 39:07 – Bad AI Advice - Beware of AI-generated content with false or misleading law school advice. One article even published verifiably false information about Stanford. Always verify what you read.46:27 – Overcoming Roadblocks - Rachel spent 10 minutes stuck on a question. Nate and Ben see this as a positive—persistence shows strong reasoning ability. Reflect on what you learned from the process.51:00 – Apply Now or Wait? - Nick is shooting to start law school in Fall 2025. Ben and Nate warn that is a recipe for failure. Applying next cycle is possible if your LSAT is high enough to get the offers you want.1:01:43 – What to Do When You Don't Know a Word - If you don't know a word, try solving the question without looking it up. Ben suggests coming up with two meanings and using context to decide. Nathan suggests substituting “something” to test the sentence's meaning.1:18:54 - Word of the Week - Escrow - “We're updating our terminology to make things clearer, based upon valuable feedback from customers like you. In the coming days, we will be updating the term from “escrow” to “project funds” across the Upwork platform, while maintaining the same trusted functionality.”

Colleges use advanced data tracking to fine-tune scholarship offers based on what they think you'll pay and to make you feel good about your price. Ben and Nathan explain how firms analyze digital behavior, like email click speed, to calculate offers. Wealthy students get merit aid, lower-income students get need-based aid, but both often pay the same price. The result is personalized pricing that favors schools. Later, they cover Yale Law Dean Heather Gerken's push to ditch rankings and focus on need-based aid. Ben suggests two fixes for law schools: eliminate student loans and scrap ABA requirements. The episode also covers the Perkins Coie ruling, another round of the Personal Statement Gong Show, and Tips from a Departing Demon. Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 506 on YouTubeRegister for Parents' Night Vol. 30:30 – Law Schools Know What You'll PayBen and Nathan cover a NYTimes article that reveals how schools set tuition prices and financial aid. Law schools work with data firms that track every digital move, including email clicks, to determine how much you're willing to pay. They then personalize your financial aid offer accordingly. Out-of-state students are targeted with high sticker prices and bigger discounts, which still net higher profits for schools. Merit aid and need-based aid are distributed strategically so that students from different income levels often pay the same amount. This model lets law schools charge each student a different price, while making them all feel like they got a deal. Applying early signals price sensitivity and can help you get a better offer.EAB Sales Presentation32:07 – Abandon RankingsHeather Gerken, the Dean of Yale Law School, calls for moving away from law school rankings. Despite talk of supporting need-based aid, schools still spend ten times more on merit-based scholarships. The Trump administration's past proposal to cut loans for schools with high default rates could help stop these  “scammerships.” Ben argues that two reforms are key: end federal student loans and overhaul ABA accreditation requirements. But without new incentives, the tragedy of the commons suggests schools will keep playing the rankings game.57:28 – Big Law vs. Trump: Perkins DecisionIn a follow-up to the discussion on Episode 505, Ben and Nathan break down a new court ruling that found Trump's executive order, which attempted to penalize Perkins Coie, is unconstitutional. 59:43 – Personal Statement Gong ShowGabriella steps into the spotlight as the latest contestant in the Personal Statement Gong Show. Ben and Nathan read her personal statement and hit the gong the moment something goes wrong. The standing record to beat is ten lines, held by Greta.1:12:10 – Tips from a Departing DemonSam encourages students to follow the Demon's core advice: slow down, understand what you are reading, and solve each question. 1:16:15 – Index CalculationsThe Demon Scholarship Calculator is an estimate built on data from previous years. The proven way to go to law school for free is to improve your LSAT and keep your GPA high.1:18:54 - Word of the Week - Blithely“The government blithely describes the statements set out in Section 1 of EO 14230 as 'not seriously contested' and 'matters of public record.' This description is inaccurate.”

Rachel Cohen, a former Skadden associate, joins Ben and Nate to discuss how Big Law is responding to recent executive orders aimed at major firms. They examine how the orders challenge the legal system, why firms are staying quiet, and the resistance staged by associates across the industry. Later, Ben and Nate highlight Crushing 1L, the Demon's new program for first-year law students. They also host another round of the Personal Statement Gong Show. And What's the Deal With St. Thomas University? 0:29 – Big Law Showdown with Rachel Cohen - Rachel Cohen, a Harvard Law graduate and former Skadden associate, made headlines after resigning to protest Big Law's weak response to Trump-era executive orders. She criticized top firms for caving to political pressure in an open letter and interview. Above the Law's “Big Law Spine Index” shows that of the top fifty firms, the largest firms, only five have taken a stand to resist the executive orders from the Trump administration. One reason, she noted, is that many firms keep minimal cash reserves, leaving them financially exposed to government backlash.39:53 – Crushing 1L: Get Ahead Before Day One - LSAT Demon's Crushing 1L program is now available to all paying subscribers. It introduces essential first-year concepts and vocabulary to prepare students to hit the ground running. Given the potential impact that first-semester grades have on career outcomes, it is more important than ever for students to start law school on the right foot. 47:43 – Tips from a Departing Demon: Don't Go - Scoring high on the LSAT doesn't mean law school is the right path. A departing student explains why law school wasn't the right choice for her. The Demon team isn't here to sell you on law school. They want you to succeed, whether that's in law or elsewhere. 52:36 – Personal Statement Gong Show - Greta is the next contestant in the Personal Statement Gong Show. This is the segment where Ben and Nate will read your personal statement, but as soon as they spot a problem, they hit the gong and stop reading. The current record is five lines, held by Jeremiah. 1:14:52 – What's the Deal With… St. Thomas University? - This unranked law school offers a “summer conditional program” that promises admission if you finish in the top 15%, but you'll be paying full price for that gamble. Employment outcomes are dismal—around 30% of graduates are underemployed—and most scholarships are conditional and frequently reduced. With a median salary of $50,000 and potential debt over $300,000, the hosts' verdict is clear: don't go to St. Thomas University's law school.1:18:54 - Word of the Week - Rigmarole - “Kashmir: From Legal Rigmarole to a Solution.”

Logical Reasoning predictions rely on the basics: accept the premises, assume the conclusion is false, and don't read the question first. Ben and Nathan explain how these steps make the section easier and why reading the question first often hurts performance.They also discuss how law schools use seat deposit deadlines to encourage students to accept weaker scholarship offers. The guys warn about the return of student loan collections and emphasize avoiding debt without a solid repayment plan. They introduce “Crushing 1L,” a new tool to help students start law school strong. Then another episode of Personal Statement Gong Show. Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 504 on YouTube0:28 – Deposit Deadline Drama - Law schools' admissions offices are sales departments. Changing offers right before deposit deadlines puts pressure on applicants to accept worse deals. It's all part of the game schools play to leverage scholarship offers to manipulate their GPA and LSAT medians.10:35 – Student Loans in Collections - Collections are now in effect for defaulted student loans, including wage garnishments. With less than 40% of borrowers current on their payments, it's a stark reminder not to take on massive debt for law school unless you have a solid plan to pay it off. Always check employment outcomes. Most importantly, get an LSAT score that lets you go to law school for free. 23:34 – Prepping for 1L Success - The Demon has a new feature, “Crushing 1L,” to help you get a grasp of the language and the big picture of law school before you even start. Hadari's story—getting into Stanford Law without debt after 2.5 years of prep—shows it's worth taking your time to do law school the right way. Even if you finish law school at the bottom of your class, graduating debt-free puts you on firm financial footing.37:19 – Making Better Predictions - Never read the question first. You get better at making predictions in Logical Reasoning by practicing the right way. Accept the premises, expect the conclusion not to be properly proven, and be skeptical of every argument. 52:16 – Remaining Time in Reading Comprehension - If you're low on time in Reading Comprehension in a practice section, go ahead and start the next passage. Then finish the passage and the questions after time runs out. The goal of practice is long-term reading improvement, not squeezing out a few extra points. On test day, though, you might try reading a bit and grabbing a main point question, or simply use the remaining time to rest and reset.56:17 – Personal Statement Gong Show - Bryan is the next contestant in the Personal Statement Gong Show. This is the segment where Ben and Nate will read your personal statement, but as soon as they spot a problem, they ring the gong and stop reading. The current record is five lines, held by Jeremiah. 1:12:18 – Don't Want to Be an Attorney - A demon student aspires to become a clinical ethicist after a decade of nursing experience. Ben and Nate caution that if a JD is necessary, fine, but do not pay for law school. A nursing license already carries a ton of career value, so make sure you know exactly what you're getting into before you commit to more school and debt.1:18:54 - Word of the Week - Verisimilitude - “After reading this chain, I recognized that this conversation possessed a high degree of verisimilitude. The texts, in their word choice and arguments, sounded as if they were written by the people who purportedly sent them, or by a particularly adept AI text generator.”

The secret to scoring a 170 on the LSAT? Don't finish the section—just slow down and focus on accuracy. Ben and Nathan share an excerpt from their new book, The LSAT Is Easy, that breaks down what it takes to reach score milestones. They also unpack common admissions gimmicks, share tips from a departing demon, and host another round of the Personal Statement Gong Show.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 503 on YouTube0:37 - The LSAT Is EasyBen and Nathan explain why the LSAT isn't as difficult as it seems. Rushing through questions leads to repeated mistakes, not progress. They encourage slowing down, focusing on accuracy, and carefully solving each question. The episode also introduces their new, budget-friendly book. Improving your score starts with doing questions right, not doing more of them.19:33 – Marketing gimmicks Law schools use tactics like seat deposit deadlines and “priority waitlists” to pressure applicants into accepting full-price offers. Ben and Nathan explain how these strategies work, why they don't reflect actual capacity, and how they help schools find eager, full-paying students.  Their advice?  Ignore the pressure. Focus on scholarships and long-term results.40:50 – Why didn't Ben enjoy his job in the justice department? Ben recalls his time at the DOJ, where much of his work involved revising boilerplate from other lawyers. They also discuss clerkships—what they entail, how they differ, and why federal ones are more significant. For more on clerkships, check out Thinking LSAT Episode 418, Demystifying Federal Clerkships.43:53 – You Don't Need to Explain Every Wrong Answer. Some students waste time trying to explain every wrong answer. Ben and Nathan suggest it's more useful to understand the logic behind the correct ones and focus your review on the questions you missed. The point isn't to memorize everything—it's to build real understanding.48:23 – Personal Statement Gong ShowAngel shares a personal statement for critique. Ben and Nathan emphasize that it needs to focus squarely on the applicant. Highlighting anything other than your skills wastes space that should be used to show why you will succeed in law school and the legal profession. 1:09:16 - Tips from a Departing DemonBlake shares two pieces of advice: every word on the LSAT counts, and practice doesn't make perfect—just better. Ben and Nathan agree with another student who reminds listeners not to take the test until they're truly ready.1:14:16 - Word of the Week - Concomitant"Neurosurgery seemed to present the most challenging and direct confrontation with meaning, identity, and death. Concomitant with the enormous responsibilities they shouldered, neurosurgeons were also masters of many fields: Neurosurgery, ICU Medicine, neurology, radiology."

Ben and Nathan break down the newly released U.S. News law school rankings, including an initial error that caused some confusion. They explain why slight shifts in rankings—like Cornell dropping out of the Top 14 or the new Top 17—shouldn't heavily influence your law school choice. Instead, they stress applying broadly and focusing on schools with the best scholarship offers and employment outcomes.A listener asks if retaking the LSAT is worth it after being rejected or waitlisted by all her top schools. In Pearls vs. Turds, they assess a tip about highlighting adverbs in reading comprehension, noting that understanding their role matters more than marking them up. Then, they offer guidance on handling unanswered questions after timed sections. And what's the deal with Pace Law School? Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 502 on Youtube0:30 – The New U.S. News Rankings (and a Bit of Confusion)Ben and Nathan unpack the latest U.S. News Law School Rankings, which briefly included an incorrect list due to an initial error. A four-way tie at 14th place has turned the usual Top 14 into a Top 17. Their main point: minor ranking shifts shouldn't drive your decision. Focus instead on applying broadly and choosing the school that offers the best mix of scholarship money and job prospects.15:29 – Is It Time to Retake the LSAT?A listener waitlisted or rejected by all her top-choice schools asks for advice. Ben and Nathan agree she should retake the LSAT and reapply. They warn against accepting the steep “waitlist prices” schools often offer. Their advice: apply to at least 10 schools to maximize offers, but don't count long-shot “reach” schools in that total.26:36 – Pearls vs. Turds: Should You Highlight Adverbs?This week's tip suggests highlighting all adverbs in reading comprehension. While adverbs can shape a passage's meaning, the Demon still advises against highlighting. It can become a crutch that replaces real understanding. What matters is grasping their impact, not marking them. Verdict: a pearl—with some polishing.32:30 – What To Do With Unanswered QuestionsA student using the Demon method—focusing on one question at a time and ignoring the clock—asks what to do with leftover questions once time runs out. Ben and Nathan suggest reviewing the questions he attempted and missed first, then finishing the remaining ones untimed, treating them like regular drilling.35:34 – What's the Deal with Pace Law SchoolThis week's What's the Deal With is prompted by former FBI Director Kush Patel leaving Pace Law School off his official bio. Ben and Nathan highlight common concerns with schools like Pace, including conditional scholarships and limited employment outcomes. They also caution against being swayed by marketing claims like “number one ranked environmental law program” and encourage students to focus on scholarship offers and job prospects.1:02:51 - Word of the Week - StruthiousIf the reckless disregard standard... served merely as a substitute for willful misconduct—to prevent the defendant from "deliberately blinding himself to the consequences of his tortuous action"—section (b)(3) would be redundant since section (b)(2) already covers such struthious conduct.

Ben and Nathan focus on shifting the power dynamic in law school admissions. From controlling scholarship negotiations to spotting misleading admissions practices, they offer practical advice for staying in control and making informed decisions. Sometimes, that means rejecting law schools that aren't making the cut when it comes to scholarship offers. Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 501 on Youtube0:35 – How Often Do Students Reject Schools - If you're not turning down offers, you didn't apply to enough schools. Applying broadly puts applicants in the driver's seat and creates leverage for better offers. Nathan and Ben explain how schools are under pressure to fill their class and how savvy students can use that to negotiate their scholarship offers. They also caution against binding early decision programs, 3+3 tracks, and anything else that limits a student's ability to apply broadly.14:23 – Is the Scholarship Estimator Broken - Two students express concern over their scholarship prospects. The updated 2024 ABA reports in the estimator appear less optimistic than earlier estimates. Nathan and Ben explain how changes to reporting standards might allow law schools to deflate reported scholarship numbers and obscure actual financial outcomes. They emphasize the importance of focusing on getting the best score possible on the LSAT, applying broadly, and not panicking.33:22 – Eliminating Wrong Answers as a Strategy - There are two ways to get a question right: identifying the correct answer or eliminating the wrong ones. While the latter can work, it's not the most efficient method. Ben and Nathan caution students against eliminating an answer choice because they don't understand it. The preferred strategy is understanding why the right answer is correct, which often saves time and improves accuracy.36:53 – Personal Statement Gong Show - Nathan and Ben continue their “gong show” series, reading listener-submitted personal statements. The guys read until they find something that derails the statement and then immediately stop. The current record stands at five lines. This week, James submits his essay in an attempt to beat the record.44:27 – What's the Deal with Southwestern Law School - Southwestern still uses conditional scholarships that Nathan and Ben classify as “scammerships.” Nearly 50% of students had their scholarships eliminated while in school. While the top students may thrive, the majority face poor employment outcomes and low bar passage rates. They advise listeners not to attend Southwestern at full or even half price. Anyone facing a scholarship cut should be prepared to drop out. They also discuss Southwestern's part-time, online, and accelerated JD programs. These options might be more convenient, but they usually cost just as much as the regular three-year JD.1:03:09 – Word of the Week - Many economists argue that tariffs create market distortions that can harm domestic consumers over time. 

On Episode 500 of Thinking LSAT, Ben and Nathan tackle the most pervasive myths surrounding the LSAT, law school, and the legal profession. The core of the Demon philosophy shows up again and again in their myth-busting: read for comprehension, solve each problem, and don't pay for law school. Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 500 on Youtube3:46 - Myth 1: Most Students Pay Full Price to Attend Law School Only about 1 in 5 actually pay full price. Law schools use clever marketing tactics to make full-price tuition seem more common than it is. Ben and Nathan emphasize that this is the number one myth that the Demon dispels.12:31 - Myth 2: You Should Only Take the LSAT Once The advice not to retake the LSAT is outdated. U.S. News no longer factors in multiple LSAT scores, and law schools only care about the highest score. You should plan on using all five of your attempts. 26:09 - Myth 3: Learn the Basics Before Attempting Questions The Demon doesn't force theory first because it's dull and counterproductive. By diving into questions first, you build the skills that actually matter—understanding and solving. With the Demon, you get written explanations for every question, thousands of video explanations, and a vast lesson library.35:23 - Myth 4: You Need a Strategy to Manage Timing Many LSAT companies' advice focuses on unnecessary timing strategies. The guys remind listeners to ignore the clock and instead take one question at a time and solve it. Trying to “manage time” while understanding the test is a losing game. The LSAT rewards careful, critical thinking, not gimmicks. 50:27 - Myth 5: Read the Question Before the Passage Ben and Nate explain that the fundamental skill on the LSAT is understanding what you're reading. Any distraction from that only makes things more complicated. By focusing on comprehension first, tough questions become more straightforward. The goal is to turn level fives into level ones by fully understanding the passage before worrying about the question.57:58 - Myth 6: You Need to Learn Formal Logic You don't need to learn formal logic to succeed on the LSAT. Everyday language and basic common sense are enough. The LSAT tests argument understanding, not rule memorization. 1:00:34 - Myth 7: Law is a Lucrative Career Many students assume that a career in law guarantees big paychecks, but the reality is more complicated. Ben and Nathan share an ABA report highlighting an average salary of approximately $170,000, but many lawyers make closer to $70,000. The salary distribution is bimodal, meaning a few big salaries drag up the average. In fact, lawyers report some of the lowest satisfaction levels with the value of their graduate degrees.1:12:06 - Myth 8: You Should Highlight Reading Comprehension and Diagram Logical Reasoning Highlighting and diagramming might seem helpful, but they often become a substitute for actual understanding. Worse, errors in diagramming can throw off comprehension entirely. Focus on understanding the passage, not marking it up.1:15:30 - Myth 9: You Should “Blind Review” After a Practice Test Blind reviewing every question isn't the most effective method. Instead, identify the ones you missed and retry those. But just because you got it right the second time doesn't mean you're done—dig deeper to understand why you missed it in the first place1:18:11 - Myth 10: Drill a Specific Question Type Recognizing question types is a crucial skill on the LSAT, one that is hindered by focusing on only one question type. Instead, rely on the Demon's choice when drilling. Demon's choice emphasizes the best approach: reading carefully, thinking critically, and solving the problem at hand. 1:21:44 - Myth 11: You Should Study as Many Hours as You Have Available More hours don't mean better results. Studying 8 hours a day isn't the answer—high-quality studying is. One focused hour can be far more effective than grinding away all day with diminishing returns.

 Ben and Nathan kick off the return of Thinking LSAT's personal statement review segment with a listener's personal statement that had potential. But the statement quickly strays into the weeds, and Ben and Nathan “ring the gong.” Then Ben and Nathan emphasize the importance of securing a full scholarship to minimize risk during a potential economic recession. They also reassure a listener that reapplying with a higher LSAT score won't hurt her chances. Later, they offer advice on effective LSAT review strategies and discuss the value of LSAT skills beyond the test. Ben and Nathan caution against Seton Hall's 3+3 program, and others like it. Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 499 on Youtube0:27 - The Risk of Law School Debt - Bobby shares a blog post highlighting the risks of taking on law school debt. Ben and Nathan discuss how law schools have evolved from para-professional training programs into elite “finishing schools” detached from the realities of legal practice. This shift has contributed to skyrocketing student debt. As economists warn of a potential recession, history suggests that the legal job market may suffer just as it did during the 2008 financial crisis. The guys reference a piece by Karen Sloan that paints a grim picture of recent law school graduate employment, potentially signaling tougher times ahead. Their advice? Avoid the risk—attend law school only if you secure a full-tuition scholarship.28:52 - Reapplying Next Cycle - Alice originally applied to law schools with an LSAT score below the medians of her top choices. Following Demon's advice, she retook the LSAT to improve her score before reapplying. Now, she worries that reapplying to schools that previously accepted her might hurt her chances of securing a scholarship. Nathan and Ben reassure her that law schools will treat her new application independently and that reapplying won't be held against her. They commend her decision to wait a year to maximize her scholarship opportunities.33:31 - How Do I Review? - Alanna feels like she's spinning her wheels and isn't sure how to review effectively. The guys remind her that most mistakes stem from simple misreading. True learning happens when concepts “click” because you've uncovered the logic you previously overlooked. They encourage her to focus on understanding the reasoning behind the correct answers rather than just memorizing explanations.45:31 - Use Scholarships to Motivate Your Study - A student making solid progress on the LSAT expresses a loss in motivation. Ben and Nathan remind her that LSAT prep builds essential skills for a legal career—if she isn't enjoying the process, she should seriously consider whether law is the right path. They also warn that while a 155 might be enough for admission, it's unlikely to secure a scholarship. They suggest using the goal of a full-ride scholarship as motivation to keep improving her score.51:04 - LSAT Skills Are Transferable - Departing Demon, James reflects on the invaluable skills he gained from studying for the LSAT. 52:43 - Personal Statement Segment - Ben and Nathan review Jeremiah's personal statement. While his topic is compelling, they note that the statement quickly shifts away from the “personal” aspect, getting lost in the story's context.1:04:43 - What's the Deal With Seton Hall? - A student asks about Seton Hall's 3+3 program, but Ben and Nathan caution against it, arguing that such programs lock students into paying full tuition before they can explore other law school options. They also criticize Seton Hall's continued use of predatory conditional scholarships. However, they acknowledge that Seton Hall's part-time program is a smart choice for students who want to work while attending law school.1:52:34 - Word of the Week - “In that construct, the strong performance of the few can obfuscate the mediocrity of the many.”

Law school tuition is designed to exploit the students willing to pay full price, even though very few actually do. This week, Ben and Nathan explain why the more you pay for law school, the more you subsidize your classmates' scholarships.Later on, Ben and Nathan warn students not to confuse understanding with memorization. They caution listeners against taking on significant debt with the hope of loan forgiveness later. And they help a student pick a topic for his personal statement. Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 498 on Youtube0:30 - Stuck on Questions - Devin struggles with complex questions no matter how long he spends on the passages. Ben and Nathan hypothesize that Devin may be falling into the trap of memorizing, but not understanding, the passage. 10:24 - Last Few Points - How do you go from a 170 to a 175? One student describes the daunting feeling accompanying the jump in those last few points. The guys advise him to slow down and attempt fewer questions in exchange for better accuracy. The only road to a 175+ is understanding every question you attempt. 15:25 - Do STEM Majors Get a Break?  - One student is feeling pressure from her challenging science courses, which negatively affects her GPA. Nathan and Ben confirm that STEM majors receive some grace because of their difficult courseload, but that grace only comes with a high LSAT score. The first question a STEM major has to answer, though, is why she wants to be a lawyer. 28:13 - Don't Depend on Student Loan Forgiveness - Nathan and Ben discuss recent changes to the public loan forgiveness program and income-driven repayment plans. They remind students that taking on significant debt with the expectation of future forgiveness is a gamble that can lead to disaster. Instead, they advise getting a score on the LSAT that will allow students to go to law school for free. 50:32 - Personal Statement Subject - Thinking LSAT is reviving its personal statement review segment. Nathan and Ben guide Demon  student Tim through selecting a compelling topic. They advise him to use his statement to demonstrate his genuine interest in law by highlighting his experience working in the legal field. They emphasize the importance of showcasing exposure to law rather than relying on sensationalized or overly personal narratives.57:55 - What's the Deal With Arizona State University?  -Brianna asks about Arizona State University's new online program, and Ben and Nathan share their generally positive take on online law programs. But if you are considering attending ASU while paying full price, whether you're studying online or not, you're subsidizing your classmates' legal education. The guys also advise students to stay as far away as possible from ASU's achievement program (and almost every early binding decision program). 1:32:39 - Word of the Week - Which one of the following statements is consistent with the biologist's claim but not with the politician's claim?

The clock shouldn't affect you on the LSAT—but you still need to practice ignoring it. This week, Ben and Nathan advise a student to use timed sections to learn how to take the test like the clock doesn't exist. Then, the guys explain how to approach the LSAT in an intuitive way. Later, Ben and Nathan encourage a student to try to get high school dual enrollment courses removed from their transcript, and they investigate Baylor University School of Law. Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 497 on Youtube 0:30 - It Sure Feels Like Timing Is the Issue  - A student scored a 170 on an untimed diagnostic test. The guys encourage him to complete timed sections in practice to learn to ignore the clock while keeping the accuracy high.  11:30 - You Play Like You Practice - Ben and Nathan encourage students to play like you practice. Read for understanding and learn to do the LSAT intuitively. Diagramming is only going to get in your way. 20:25 - Feeling vs. Performance - One listener expresses disappointment in her February score after feeling confident at the end of the test. Nathan and Ben suggest that a score in her practice test range shouldn't be surprising. 30:40 - Dealing with High School Dual Enrollment Courses - Gabe has a few grades from high school dual enrollment courses dragging down his GPA. The guys encourage him to make his best effort to get those credits removed from his transcript. If he's unsuccessful, a one-sentence addendum highlighting his college grades could be beneficial. 40:10 - The Cost of the LSAT and Law School Applications -Nathan and Ben shed light on the cost of the LSAT and law school applications. 57:55 - What's the Deal with Baylor University School of Law? - Benjamin wants to know if Baylor University School of Law is worth the cost. 1:32:39 - Word of the Week - Were it possible to identify and zap all of that fraud in real time—an extremely tall order—it would still not get Mr. Musk close to his ultra-abstemious targets.

If you don't have a burning passion to do the work of a lawyer, don't go to law school. This week, Ben and Nathan caution a listener who is considering giving up a successful career to attend law school. Later, the guys emphasize the importance of accuracy when studying for the LSAT. And they encourage students not to write an addendum about an LSAT score increase.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 496 on Youtube 0:48 - Will My GPA Overshadow My Career Accomplishments? - A non-traditional student considering a career change is concerned that his GPA will hold him back. Ben and Nathan caution him to carefully consider whether law school is the right move. 7:00 - Practice Test Scores Drop - Ben and Nathan assure a listener that their “drop” in practice test scores isn't a concern as long as their accuracy continues to climb. 9:14 - Letters of Recommendation - A student was asked by their professor to compose a few paragraphs to serve as the basis for a letter of recommendation. The guys encourage them to use Chat GPT to generate ideas. 13:51 - Score Increase Addendum - A dean at the University of Michigan law school encouraged (21:42) students to write addendums to explain LSAT score increases.  Ben and Nathan discuss the harm that can come with writing unnecessary addendums, and what you should write if you must. 20:54 - What's the Deal with William and Mary Law School?  - William and Mary made news issuing erroneous acceptance letters, including to some students who had previously been denied admission. The guys then take a deep dive into the school's real cost, fees, and outcomes. 46:42 - Word of the Week - While some species of apes have learned elements of human communication, philosophical thought is unique to humans. 

Don't Throw Away Your (Five) Shots (Ep. 494)You have five attempts at the official test. Should you use all of them? This week, Ben and Nathan encourage students to plan on taking the test five times, but not to waste their official attempts by signing up before they're ready. Later, they discuss a student's question about requesting a sixth LSAT attempt, and they caution applicants not to make excuses when writing appeals. The guys also advise a listener about character and fitness requirements. And they review how students should and should not use AI on their law school applications. Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 495 on Youtube0:35 - April LSAT Sign Ups - Registrations for the April LSAT close on February 27. 3:50 - Am I Ready for April?  - Ben and Nathan advise a listener to prioritize accuracy when evaluating readiness for the April exam. But they also encourage students to take the pressure off any one test by planning to use all of their five official attempts. 16:29 - Reading like Ben and Nathan - A departing Demon says that they felt as if Ben and Nathan were in their head, helping them spot bad arguments when taking the official LSAT. The guys explain why attacking each argument leads to success on the LSAT and beyond. 19:45 - Sixth Attempt Appeal - Ben and Nathan encourage a listener to shoot for a sixth attempt, but discourage them from making excuses for poor performance. And they expand that advice to all application materials. 28:47 - Character and Fitness - Ben and Nathan provide direction for character and fitness questions. They advise a student to reach out to law schools they're considering and the state bar to determine if they would be permitted to practice law before going any further in their application process. 37:17 - AI and Law School Applications - The guys circle back to a discussion from Thinking LSAT Episode 452 about the use of AI and law school applications. They read and evaluate several AI policies from law schools. 51:50 - Word of the Week - I am crestfallen that this incident undermined the degree of professionalism we seek to uphold.

Nathan and Ben weigh in on the reports from some test-takers that the February LSAT featured more LG-style questions in Logical Reasoning. The guys also advise listeners on how to bounce back from a disappointing LSAT score. They caution applicants not to overshare in their law school applications. And they consider the importance of the LSAT Writing sample.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 494 on YouTube0:52 - New LSAT Dates - LSAC just announced test dates for the 2025–2026 LSAT cycle.2:37 - January LSAT Scores - As January test-takers navigate the highs and lows of score release, Ben and Nathan encourage anyone who was disappointed with their score to keep studying and to treat their next official test like any other practice test.13:33 - Is LR the New LG? - Some February test-takers have reported an increase in Logical Reasoning questions that “require” diagramming. Nathan and Ben suspect that these claims are more fiction than fact. You don't need to diagram in LR.28:30 - Oversharing on Applications - The guys share some common red flags in law school applications that people unwittingly raise by oversharing.39:25 - Process of Elimination - Ben and Nathan explain when it's okay to pick an answer via process of elimination.42:55 - LSAT Writing - How important is LSAT Writing? Nathan and Ben discuss how law schools might consider—or ignore—these writing samples.46:59 - Word of the Week - Bad LSAT prep stultifies students' progress.

You don't conquer the LSAT with fifty-fifty guesses. You do it by carefully solving each question. This week, Nathan and Ben outline their plan of attack in Logical Reasoning, counsel a student who's feeling unmotivated to study, and identify a common cause of score plateaus.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 493 on YouTube1:33 - Staying Motivated -An anonymous listener struggles to stay motivated for LSAT study. Nathan and Ben recommend prioritizing quality over quantity and pursuing activities outside of LSAT prep.7:45 - Don't Apply Late -Law schools' application deadlines shouldn't be on your radar. To maximize your chances, apply early and broadly.16:45 - Attack Each Argument -The vast majority of arguments in Logical Reasoning are bad. Excellence in LR comes from attacking each argument and finding flaws.32:31 - Gap-Year Employment -Any work experience can be good work experience. Law schools won't look down on you for putting a retail job on your résumé.36:10 - Timed Sections vs. Practice Tests -Do your scores from individual timed sections accurately reflect how you'd perform on the official test?38:49 - Score Plateau -The guys diagnose the cause of listener Daniel's score plateau: poor accuracy. They instruct Daniel to slow down and practice getting questions right.44:16 - Thirsty Law Schools -The University of Tulsa College of Law is offering unsolicited full-ride scholarships to students with LSAT scores at or above 160.53:55 - Word of the Week -Law students must master thepunctilio of legal writing.

The best LSAT students frequently predict the correct answer. But what do you do if your prediction isn't there? This week, Nathan and Ben revisit their adaptable approach to prediction. The guys also share test-week advice for a February LSAT taker. They weigh in on binding early deferral programs. And they examine a law school in turmoil. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 492 on YouTube 1:30 - February LSAT Advice - Listener Max looks for test-week advice to help him crush the February LSAT—but Ben and Nathan don't believe in last-minute tips and tricks. They urge Max not to take the LSAT until he's happy with his practice test scores. 7:09 - Predictions and Question Types - Nathan and Ben discuss how to predict answers and what to do when your prediction doesn't appear in the answer choices. Their approach is similar across question types. 24:39 - Learn from Your Mistakes - You don't need to look for big lessons in every mistake.Your review should always address these two questions: (1) Why is the right answer right? (2) Why is the wrong answer wrong? 31:50 - Columbia LEAD Program - Ben and Nathan strongly discourage students from applying to binding early deferral programs like Columbia Law's LEAD Fellowship. 38:22 - What's the Deal with…? - Of all law schools in 2024, Penn State Law in University Park suffered the sharpest decline in their students' LSAT scores. The guys investigate. 1:12:29 - Word of the Week - Other LSAT prep companies offer agglomerations of terrible tips and tricks.

Always read the fine print on your scholarship offers. This week, Nathan and Ben examine a low-ranked law school that reduces roughly two-thirds of its conditional scholarships every year. The guys also discuss the competitiveness of this year's application cycle. They dismiss the idea that the LSAT is harder than it used to be. And they weigh the importance of law school rankings in deciding which school to attend. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 491 on YouTube 0:35 - A Competitive Cycle - Nathan and Ben check the numbers for this highly competitive application cycle. They speculate about what might be causing the upward trend in applicants and LSAT scores. 19:05 - Is the LSAT Getting Harder? - After every LSAT, some test-takers complain that their official LSAT was more difficult than their practice tests. They're imagining it. The LSAT is as difficult as it's ever been: not very. 24:28 - Ask of the Week - The guys highlight Elizabeth's insightful Ask Button explanation about unrepresentative samples. 42:38 - Law School Rankings - How much should you care about law school rankings? It depends. Ben and Nathan urge listener Kenley to factor the cost of attendance into their decision. 51:20 - What's the Deal with…? - Nathan and Ben look into California Western School of Law, a low-ranked school that doles out dubious scholarships or, as the guys call them, “scammerships.” 1:42:59 - Word of the Week - Students dread the panopticon of remote LSAT proctoring.

The law school application cycle is far from over, but some disappointed applicants are starting to wonder: “What did I do wrong?” This week, Nathan and Ben point out some potential red flags that may have hurt one listener's applications. The guys also explain how to develop speed on the LSAT, caution applicants against oversharing in optional essays, and bemoan the confusing state of ABA 509 reports. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 490 on YouTube 1:22 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student James writes: “Don't give up! Fight like you're the third monkey on the ramp to the Ark and it's starting to rain!” 3:16 - Disappointing Cycle - An anonymous listener wasn't offered the scholarships they expected. Ben and Nathan try to figure out what went wrong. 20:44 - Slow Down to Speed Up - The guys assure listener Adriana that speed will come naturally if she sticks with her accuracy-first approach. 25:56 - Optional Essay - An anonymous listener considers emailing law schools a diversity statement to belatedly add to their applications. Ben and Nathan oppose this plan. 30:02 - What's the Deal with…? - The guys investigate another law school that's been climbing the rankings in recent years: the University of Georgia School of Law. 1:00:36 - ABA 509 Scholarship Confusion - Nathan and Ben criticize the obfuscation of scholarship data in ABA 509 reports. 1:09:14 - Word of the Week - Straightforward 509 reports are the desideratum.

Drilling is great, but you need to do timed sections too. This week, Ben and Nathan highlight the importance of timed practice and explain how to manage negative emotions from practice test scores. The guys also discuss letters of recommendation, reading speed in RC, and online law schools. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 489 on YouTube 1:05 - 175 or Bust? - Listener Andria is committed to pursuing a 99th percentile LSAT score. Nathan and Ben applaud Andria's zeal but question her insistence on attending a top-ranked law school. 10:57 - Letters of Recommendation - Older applicants may struggle to obtain academic letters of recommendation. Can they get by with letters from professional acquaintances? 19:58 - RC Pacing and Stress - Listener Maya is stressed about spending too much time on the first passage in RC. Ben and Nathan implore Maya to ignore the clock and to stop trying to finish sections. 31:40 - Timed Section Fear - Many LSAT students avoid taking timed sections. Nathan and Ben discuss why you should treat timed sections as opportunities for growth—and not as IQ tests. 45:07 - Note-Taking in Review - Ben and Nathan discourage note-taking when reviewing mistakes. 51:11 - Desperate Law Schools - The guys read some holiday-themed messages sent by law schools that are desperate for applications and seat deposits. 1:17:06 - Online and Hybrid Law Schools - Nathan and Ben support Abbie's interest in online and hybrid law school—as long as the price is right. 1:22:39 - Word of the Week - Lawyers are often accused of solipsism.

Can you trust your pre-law advisor? Not if you're an undergraduate student at the University of Kansas. This week Ben and Nathan criticize a school that's notorious for misleading pre-law students about their law-school prospects. The guys also share simple tactics for ignoring the clock on the LSAT, and they calm a listener who's frustrated by their progress in Reading Comprehension. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 488 on YouTube 1:28 - Fighting Bad Habits - Ben and Nathan share some tips for regaining your composure when you catch yourself rushing on timed practice. Here's a simple one: breathe. 7:37 - RC Blues - Listener De'Andre wants to improve faster in Reading Comprehension. Nathan and Ben instruct De'Andre to stop looking for shortcuts and to work on understanding one sentence at a time. 17:24 - What's the Deal with…? - The guys pass judgment on the University of Kansas School of Law, which uses predatory admissions practices against its own undergraduate students. 1:06:09 - 3+3 Program - An anonymous listener declines some unhelpful guidance from their prelaw advisor. 1:12:22 - Word of the Week - We accept as an axiom that the LSAT makes perfect sense.

Do law schools look unfavorably at applicants who retake the LSAT? This week, Ben and Nathan insist that any downsides to retaking the LSAT are negligible, while the upsides can be life-changing. The guys also dispel the myth of “overthinking,” rail against obscurantist 509 reports, and probe Ben's alma mater: George Washington Law. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 487 on YouTube 3:49 - Law School Exams - A long-time listener describes how studying LSAT Logic Games helped prepare them for law school exams. 13:30 - T14 Scholarships - The guys discuss a T14 law school's deceptive messaging about scholarships. 21:59 - Overthinking - LSAT students often blame their mistakes on “overthinking.” But you're far more likely to miss a question because you didn't think about it enough. 32:21 - Ask Button - Nathan and Ben celebrate the LSAT Demon Ask Button team. 34:47 - Retaking with a High Score - Ben and Nathan revisit a recent discussion about the potential downsides of retaking the LSAT when you already have a high score. The guys maintain that there's only upside to retaking. 56:03 - What's the Deal with…? - Nathan and Ben look into George Washington University School of Law, a regional law school in Washington, D.C. 1:29:52 - Word of the Week - We offer this podcast for your delectation.

Nathan and Ben dig into newly released admissions data and discuss the impact of the Supreme Court's affirmative action ban. Later, the guys advocate greater transparency in law school pricing, assess JD-Next as an alternative to the LSAT, and investigate the ascendent Texas A&M School of Law. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 486 on YouTube 4:25 - New Law School Enrollment Data - The ABA just released law schools' Standard 509 disclosures for 2024. Ben and Nathan discuss what the numbers mean for URM admissions following the Supreme Court's affirmative action ban. 14:55 - Scholarships - ABA 509 reports now define full-tuition scholarships as “scholarships that cover tuition and mandatory fees.” Listener Emma wonders if this definition allows law schools to obscure their scholarship numbers. Nathan and Ben consider solutions to law schools' discriminatory pricing model. 31:20 - JD-Next - Some law schools now report the number of enrolled students who took JD-Next, an alternative law school admissions test. So far, those numbers are low. 34:30 - What's the Deal with…? - Ben and Nathan look into Texas A&M University School of Law, which has rocketed up the US News rankings in recent years. 1:16:56 - Read Every Answer - The guys explain why you should read every answer on every LSAT question. 1:21:57 -  Word of the Week - Thinking LSAT listeners should avail themselves of LSAT Demon's free classes at lsatdemon.com/free.

Good lawyers aren't afraid to pause when they don't understand something. They read and reread until they figure it out. This week, Ben and Nathan discuss why this lawyerly trait is crucial to mastering the LSAT. Later, the guys reject a purported downside to retaking the LSAT. They speculate about AI's impact on the legal profession. And they consider the value of paying for the prestige of a top law school.  Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 485 on YouTube 1:46 - Every Word Matters - LSAT beginners and veterans alike make most of their mistakes because of sloppy reading. Ben and Nathan urge listeners to read like lawyers: every word matters. 23:32 - Pearls vs. Turds - Will law school admissions officers brand you as a “perfectionist” if you retake the LSAT? Would that label hurt your admissions chances? 34:41 - AI and Law - Listener Charlie worries about AI's impact on the legal profession. Nathan and Ben argue that AI will empower attorneys, not replace them. 44:47 - Pay for Prestige? - Listener Trip wants to practice family law in a small city. The guys advise Trip to attend a regional law school on a full-ride scholarship rather than pay for the prestige of a higher-ranked school. 50:55 - LSAT and ADHD - Listener Victoria feels overwhelmed by the length of the passages in Reading Comprehension. Ben and Nathan encourage Victoria to focus on one sentence at a time. 57:26 - Tutoring - The guys discuss when students should pursue one-on-one LSAT tutoring and how to make the most of it. 1:03:21 - Low GPA - Soft factors don't make up for—or excuse—a low GPA. Nathan and Ben urge listener Elis to prioritize grades over extracurriculars. 1:07:67 - Word of the Week - The University of Texas at Austin School of Law prefers “Texas Law” to the more pithy sobriquet “UT.”

The American Bar Association will soon allow law schools to admit more students without standardized test scores. Is that good for applicants? This week, Nathan and Ben discuss why test-optional admissions might not benefit students (and why you should probably still take the LSAT). The guys also outline the qualities of a successful law student, share tips on how to get faster, and investigate a well-regarded law school in New York City. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 484 on YouTube 9:21 - Law School Is for Nerds - Listener Steve struggles to shake off his underperformance on the November LSAT. Ben and Nathan question whether Steve is cut out for law school. 20:58 - When Should I Take the LSAT? - The guys double down on their advice not to register for the LSAT until you're happy with your practice test scores. 31:29 - Test-Optional Admissions - Some law schools might soon bypass the ABA's admission test requirement, allowing them to admit more students without LSAT scores. Nathan and Ben have doubts about whether this is good for law school applicants. 40:30 - Getting Faster - An anonymous LSAT Demon student asks how to get faster while maintaining high accuracy. Ben and Nathan advise Anonymous to pursue even greater accuracy and to dismiss wrong answers more confidently. 51:01 - There Can Be Only One - Fifty-fifty guesses aren't good enough. The guys explain why the best LSAT students eliminate all five answers more often than they debate multiple answers. 56:40 - What's the Deal With…? - Nathan and Ben examine the admissions numbers and employment outcomes at Fordham Law School, which has a reputation as a non-T14 pathway to NYC big law. 1:13:58 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Caleb writes: “To anyone that is beginning their LSAT journey or their time with the Demon, learn to love it. Make it a game.” 1:16:58 - Word of the Week - Not all law schools are located in cities with salubrious climates.

Some have called Cooley Law School the “worst law school in America.” Is it? Nathan and Ben investigate. The guys also demonstrate their approach to Strengthen questions, advocate a spoiler-free method of review, and compare the importance of GPA and undergraduate institution prestige. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 483 on YouTube 2:41 - Logical Reasoning: Strengthen - Ben and Nathan explain why correct answers on Strengthen questions don't simply repeat the premises. Then the guys tackle a Strengthen question from PrepTest 123. Try the question for yourself, then listen to their explanation. 37:26 - No Spoilers - Nathan and Ben encourage LSAT Demon student Vivian to reattempt the questions that she misses before reviewing the Demon's explanations. 47:01 - Military Personal Statement - The guys advise listener Matt on how to write a personal statement that highlights his military experience without overselling it. 52:12 - Undergraduate Prestige - Your GPA matters more than the reputation of your undergraduate institution. 1:00:42 - What's the Deal With…? - Ben and Nathan examine the admissions statistics and bar passage rate at Cooley Law School. 1:23:12 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Isabella writes: “The Demon really works, and it is actually easy! I thought that was a lie, but by the end of prep, I could make predictions on every question (usually multiple predictions). Doing a real focused hour every day gave me a 24-point improvement.” 1:24:45 - Word of the Week - Law schools goose their rankings by giving tuition discounts to high-scoring applicants.

Planning to study isn't studying. This week, Nathan and Ben urge listeners to stop overthinking their study schedules and to start doing LSAT questions—one day, one hour, one question at a time. The guys also discuss conditional scholarships, optional questions on law school applications, and Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 482 on YouTube 0:36 - Parental Pressure - An anonymous listener rages at their dad's intrusion into their LSAT study. The guys encourage Anonymous to have a little sympathy. 9:06 - Study Schedule - You can make great progress with one focused hour of study per day. Ben and Nathan outline the best ways to use that hour: mix timed and untimed practice, promptly review mistakes, focus on understanding, and don't overthink your study schedule. 39:41 - Conditional Scholarships - An anonymous listener received a scholarship offer that would require them to remain in “good academic standing.” Nathan and Ben assure Anonymous that this is normal. 50:10 - Alumni Connections - Some law school applications invite you to share any personal connections to alumni. Ben and Nathan discuss how applicants might use these connections without losing focus on what's most important. 56:28 - Disclosing Your School List - Law schools might ask you which schools you're applying to. Nathan and Ben explain why some law schools ask this question and how you should respond. 1:00:52 - What's the Deal With…? - The guys pull back the curtain on Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, a conservative-leaning private school in Malibu, California. 1:26:26 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Samuel writes: “There are no gimmicks that can possibly match the value of skill.” 1:28:35 - Word of the Week - There are too many extant law schools.

Confusing correlation for causation is one of the most common flaws that you'll encounter on the LSAT. Until you learn to spot it, you're leaving points on the table. This week, Nathan and Ben demonstrate a three-step process for objecting to an argument that confuses correlation for causation. Later, the guys analyze a listener's underperformance on her official tests. They weigh in on practice test frequency. And they investigate a low-ranked law school that offers a laughable perk to early decision applicants. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 481 on YouTube 1:44 - Logical Reasoning: Weaken - The guys tackle a Weaken question from PrepTest 141. Try the question for yourself, then listen to Nathan and Ben's explanation. 18:19 - Test Violation - Remote LSAT test takers are prohibited from using mobile hotspots. An anonymous listener didn't know this and their test was canceled as a result. The guys advise Anonymous on how to proceed. 23:26 - Don't Rush Your Applications - Listener Melany isn't ready to apply to law school, but she risks getting kicked out of her prelaw assistance program if she doesn't apply this cycle. Ben and Nathan discuss Melany's options and urge her not to settle for a low LSAT score. 33:52 - Replicating Practice Test Success - Listener Victoria has underperformed on two official test attempts. Nathan and Ben share tips on how to replicate her practice test scores when she takes the official test. 45:45 - Practice Test Schedule - LSAT Demon student Jess asks if she should avoid taking full practice tests until she's improved her timed section scores. Ben and Nathan encourage Jess not to overhype her practice tests. 50:39 - What's the Deal with…? - Nathan and Ben investigate the admissions stats and job outcomes at Liberty University School of Law. 1:11:55 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Reese writes: “Feign interest and read carefully. There is no need to highlight. Just ensure you're understanding what you're reading, and you'll be fine.” 1:16:15 - Word of the Week - Ben and Nathan show predatory law schools their due obloquy.

The only reliable way to get faster on the LSAT is by slowing down and solving one question at a time. This week, Nathan and Ben remind students of their simple mantra for going faster on the LSAT: Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Later, the guys discuss why applicants taking the January LSAT should wait until next cycle to apply. They share some high-level tips for Reading Comprehension. And they outline the process for submitting letters of recommendation. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 480 on YouTube 1:13 - Eliminating All Five Answers - If you follow Ben and Nathan's advice, you will occasionally eliminate all five answer choices. This is not a mistake. It's a symptom of a healthy approach to the LSAT. 12:24 - Stop Chasing Speed - LSAT Demon student Nathan is frustrated that he isn't reaching the final passage in RC. Nathan and Ben double down on their advice to ignore the clock and focus on accuracy. 21:11 - Is January Too Late to Apply? - Listener AB plans to take the January LSAT. Can they still apply this cycle? Ben and Nathan urge AB to focus on the LSAT before committing to an application timeline. 26:22 - Retaking Classes - An anonymous listener considers retaking two classes in order to improve their GPA. The guys explain why this might not have the impact that Anonymous expects. 30:13 - RC Tips for a High Scorer - Nathan and Ben share some RC tips for a high-level student: Make predictions, treat Inference questions like they're Must Be True questions, and build confidence with thorough review. 40:00 - Will I See My LORs? - Ben and Nathan outline the process for submitting letters of recommendation. 43:03 - Scoring 170 - Nathan and Ben warn listener Manan not to chase a set number of questions per section. The guys insist that goals like these are always counterproductive. 48:33 - Logical Reasoning: Supported - The guys tackle a Supported question from PrepTest 141. Try the question for yourself. Then listen to Ben and Nathan's explanation. 1:00:40 - Word of the Week - Scofflaws are unlikely to thrive as lawyers.

Price is the most important factor in many students' law school decisions. So why is law school pricing so shady? This week, Nathan and Ben imagine a kinder world where everyone pays the same price for law school. The guys also hear from a successful student who stopped taking notes in Reading Comprehension. They discuss their approach to Parallel Reasoning questions. And they share tips for dealing with anxiety in timed sections. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 479 on YouTube 1:07 - No Notes on Reading Comprehension - Listener Caroline followed Ben and Nathan's advice to stop taking notes in RC. Caroline calls it the “best decision ever.” Now she's not just transcribing passages—she's engaging with them on a deeper level. 6:30 - Don't Go with Your Gut - Listener Alyssa believes that she needs to go with her gut when picking between two answer choices. Nathan and Ben disagree. They insist that fifty-fifty guesses aren't good enough and instruct Alyssa to read the passage more carefully. 16:05 - Reviewing Correct Answers - The guys explain why it can still be useful to review questions you answered correctly. 20:25 - Parallel Reasoning - Arguments in Parallel Reasoning questions can be flawed even if the question doesn't explicitly mention flawed reasoning. 31:48 - LSAT Cancellation Addendum - An anonymous listener canceled an LSAT score for a test they took while sick with COVID. Ben and Nathan advise against writing an addendum to explain the cancellation. 39:16 - Timed Section Anxiety - Listener Ethan gets easily flustered by the five minute warning at the end of timed sections. Nathan and Ben share some tips on how to forget the clock. 47:52 - What's the Deal with…? - Listener Bryan intends to practice law in Texas. Should Bryan apply to any out-of-state law schools? Ben and Nathan consider Bryan's options and ask “What's the deal with Tulane University School of Law?” 1:07:26 - GPA Addendum - The guys draft a short addendum for a listener whose university doesn't award A+'s. 1:10:06 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Russell writes: “Trust the process. Slow down, read what it is saying, and find the answer that answers the question.” 1:11:56 - Word of the Week - Your old LSAT prep books might be offal.

Ben and Nathan aren't impressed when you narrow an LSAT question down to two answer choices. This week, the guys discuss why those who conquer the LSAT don't settle for fifty-fifty guesses. They also share common mistakes made by LSAT beginners, examine a troubling admissions practice, and weigh in on “Why X?” statements in law school applications. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 478 on YouTube 1:43 - Beginner LSAT Mistakes to Avoid - Nathan and Ben list some common mistakes made by beginner LSAT students. They encourage newcomers to focus on quality over quantity and to thoroughly review their mistakes. 9:53 - Confusing Answer Choices - The LSAT sometimes uses confusing language in the answer choices. Ben and Nathan suggest a backdoor approach to picking the correct answer: Refuse to pick a wrong one. 13:51 - Logical Reasoning: Flaw - The guys tackle a Flaw question from PrepTest 123. Try the question for yourself. Then listen to Ben and Nathan's explanation. 35:06 - Getting Unstuck - An anonymous listener asks how to move forward when they're stuck debating multiple answer choices. Nathan and Ben instruct Anonymous to reread the passage to discover the source of their misunderstanding. 45:06 - What's the Deal with…? - The guys debut a new recurring segment by asking: “What's the deal with the University of Washington Law School?” Listener Hannah unearths an admissions practice that some might call predatory. 1:03:01 - Canadian Law Schools - Listener Josh questions the importance of a high LSAT score for applicants to Canadian law schools. 1:06:09 - Target Schools - Ben and Nathan urge listener N not to limit their focus to a small list of regional target schools. 1:10:52 - Application Essays - Listener Josh relays some dubious advice regarding law school application essays. 1:16:19 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Leah says: “Keep drilling LR every spare minute. I drilled LR while walking the dog, on my lunch break, in line at Starbucks. If you have five minutes, try and do 2 LR questions.” 1:18:14 - Word of the Week - Extirpate gimmicks from your approach to the LSAT.

The best LSAT students make strong predictions before reading the answer choices, but they remain open to correct answers that don't match their predictions. This week, Ben and Nathan outline their flexible approach to prediction. Later, the guys advise students to set aside plenty of time for reviewing mistakes. They also discuss the possibility of a more competitive law school application cycle. And they explain why it shouldn't matter whether you take the LSAT at home or at a testing center. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 477 on YouTube 0:52 - A More Competitive Cycle? LSAT registrations are up 18% compared to last year. Does that signal a more competitive admissions cycle? 5:37 - Make a Prediction Nathan and Ben describe the process of predicting answers on the LSAT. Predict an answer, revise your prediction to fit the question, and remain open to other options when you read the answer choices. 15:35 - Study Schedule Listener Cali worries that she spends too much time reviewing mistakes and not enough time drilling new questions. Ben and Nathan assure Cali that review is the most important part of LSAT prep. 27:48 - Remote vs. Testing Center Should you take the LSAT at home or at a testing center? Nathan and Ben insist that the best LSAT students shouldn't care where they take the test. 32:26 - Bar Passage Rates Top law schools tend to have high bar passage rates. But as LSAT students know, correlation does not equal causation. 36:05 - LSAT Timeline Ben and Nathan urge listener Connor to put off LSAT prep and focus on his undergraduate grades. 43:22 - FAFO Don't FAFO in your law school applications.The guys implore listener Brad to apply only with his best LSAT score.  52:08 - Tips from a Departing Demon LSAT Demon student Camille says: “Please keep your faith in the process, and most importantly, yourself. Work hard, work smart, and keep pushing. You CAN do this.”

The LSAT tests three main things: reading comprehension, critical thinking, and work ethic. All of those are also crucial to success in law school. This week, Nathan and Ben discuss how LSAT prep goes hand-in-hand with law school prep. The guys also react to new restrictions on legacy admissions. They compare scholarship outcomes for full-time and part-time students. And they write the only LSAT addendum you'll ever need. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 476 on YouTube 4:08 - Career Change - Ben and Nathan advise listener Shirley to do some research before she commits to a career change. The guys also recommend a consistent LSAT study schedule, and they press Shirley to aim for a score in the 160s or higher. 14:00 - Legacy Admissions - California recently became the fifth state to ban legacy and donor preferences in college admissions. Nathan and Ben are skeptical that the new law will have much of an effect. 20:55 - Score Variance - The guys assure listener Daniel that it's perfectly normal to score in a ten-point range on practice tests. 23:44 - LSAT Addendum - Some law schools invite applicants to submit an addendum explaining any significant LSAT score increase. Ben and Nathan question schools' motivation for soliciting this addendum. 33:56 - Law School Prep - Listener Jack is worried that a great LSAT score might oversell his ability to compete at a top law school. Nathan and Ben ease Jack's concerns: LSAT prep is good law school prep. 43:02 - Apply in February? - Listener Jackson asks if applying as late as February would diminish his admissions chances. Ben and Nathan urge Jackson to apply next cycle. 47:52 - Scholarships for Part-Time Students - Law schools differ in how they award scholarships to part-time students. Applicants to part-time programs should check law schools' ABA 509 reports before applying. 53:11 - Logical Reasoning: Conclusion - The guys tackle a Conclusion question from PrepTest 123. Try the question for yourself. Then, listen to Ben and Nathan's explanation. 1:04:55 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Jimmy says: “You are going to hate the idea of slowing down to speed up. You are going to hate not finishing sections at times. However, it is Ben and Nathan's most important advice.” 1:09:59 - Word of the Week - Applying late in the cycle can be tantamount to applying with a lower LSAT score.

Don't pay for law school.

Many LSAT students believe that taking notes is critical to active reading. Nathan and Ben disagree. This week, the guys encourage listeners to drop their note-taking crutches and to engage with the LSAT on a more immediate level. Later, they discuss one-on-one LSAT tutoring, score cancellation, and falling URM enrollment at Harvard Law School. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 474 on YouTube 1:31 - Downward Trend - Ben and Nathan provide a simple fix for falling scores: do fewer questions. The guys also instruct listener Nicole to avoid overanalyzing her performance on specific question types. 10:36 - Taking Notes - Nathan and Ben explain why note-taking can be counterproductive on the LSAT. 16:43 - Pearls vs. Turds - When taking practice tests, is it OK to flag questions to review later? 25:53 - One-on-One Tutoring - Ben and Nathan discuss what a focused and productive LSAT tutoring session looks like. 33:47 - Scheduling Your Attempts - When you're happy with your practice test scores, take each successive LSAT until you're happy with your official score. There's no need to space out your official attempts. 46:16 - Undergraduate Transcripts - Listener Alex considers excluding a community college transcript from their law school applications. Nathan and Ben urge Alex to disclose all information required by the Credential Assembly Service. 52:07 - Score Cancellation - In almost all cases, Ben and Nathan advise students not to cancel an official LSAT score. But listener Emma might be the exception to the rule. 55:37 - URM Enrollment - The Harvard Crimson reports that enrollment of students of color has dropped eight percent at Harvard Law School. 1:00:13 - Word of the Week - Law schools often arrogate prestige.

Since the LSAT dropped Logic Games, anxious test takers have feared the rise of more “formal logic” questions in Logical Reasoning. So far, no significant changes to LR have been disclosed. No matter what happens, every LR question is perfectly solvable with some careful reading and common sense—no diagramming required. Need proof? This week, Ben and Nathan make quick work of a Must Be True question that's chock full of conditional logic. But first, they help a burnt-out student build a sustainable study plan. They compare the benefits of national and regional law schools. And they offer words of hope to low-GPA splitters. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 473 on YouTube 5:04 - Application Fee Waivers - Law schools often waive their application fees. Just ask them. 8:52 - Scoring 160 - Nathan and Ben prove that it's possible to score 160 while only attempting 18 questions per section. It pays to slow down and focus on accuracy. 16:18 - Burnout - Listener Will considers taking a few months off to recover from LSAT burnout. Ben and Nathan advise Will to instead dial back his study to one or two quality hours per day. 23:50 - Confusing Language - Nathan and Ben share some tips for navigating confusing language on the LSAT. 32:20 - Small Town, Big School? - LSAT Demon student Will plans to set up shop as a probate lawyer in a small town. Should Will pursue law schools in the T14? Or is he better off attending a regional school? 41:15 - Academic Renewal - Ben and Nathan encourage an anonymous listener to persist in their efforts to scrub an F from their undergraduate transcript. 46:56 - Hope for Splitters - Listener Grace went to law school for free despite her low GPA. 50:13 - Don't Diagram - Reports of more “formal logic” questions on recent LSATs are likely exaggerated. Regardless, you can solve any Logical Reasoning question without diagramming by reading carefully and engaging your common sense. Nathan and Ben demonstrate on a Must Be True question from PrepTest 123. 1:10:41 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Braden says: “Take the time to really understand each question, and you will get faster. Don't try to go faster without understanding. That's why I improved when I started digging into the RC passage.” 1:11:27 - Word of the Week - Treat your official LSAT with the same insouciance that you would a practice test.

If you've hit a score plateau, you might feel like you're spinning your wheels—stuck in place despite your best attempts to make forward progress. How do you regain traction? This week, Nathan and Ben advise a discouraged student to ease up on the gas pedal and take it one question at a time. Later, the guys address the problem of tuition inflation in higher education. They frame law school as a trade school. And they tackle a Necessary Assumption question from PrepTest 135. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 472 on YouTube 2:39 - Stuck in a Plateau - Ben and Nathan guide listener Michael away from untimed practice tests and suggest a better way to review his mistakes. 14:48 - $81,000 Tuition - The guys shake their heads at Cornell Law School's astronomical tuition. 24:03 - Student Loan Forgiveness - According to a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, “the CBO estimates that a quarter of new student debt issued next year—$22.1 billion—will get written off.” Nathan and Ben consider the failures of the student loan system and suggest ways to reign in the cost of higher education. 39:59 - Law Is a Trade - Listener Ben seeks a steady job in the law. The guys advise Ben to rethink his motivation for pursuing a legal career. 45:49 - Logical Reasoning: Necessary Assumption - The guys attempt a Necessary Assumption question from PrepTest 135. Try the question yourself. Then, listen to Ben and Nathan's explanation. 54:31 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Senyo affirms the Demon way: “Read carefully, evaluate the argument (or think about the set of facts) before looking at the actual question, try to predict the answer, take as much time as you need to answer the question, review anything that gives you trouble, and do not move on until you fully understand it.” 56:46 - Word of the Week - The LSAT student was miraculously unfazed by their skirling neighbor.

Ben and Nathan share what they've learned from LSAC about whether the exclusion of Logic Games had any impact on test scores this August. The guys also celebrate listeners' successes on the August LSAT. They react to news of declining URM enrollment at top colleges. And they discuss why LSAT students should consider cutting back on social media. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 471 on YouTube 0:36 - August LSAT Shoutouts - The guys celebrate listeners' successes on the August LSAT. 7:45 - Underperforming on Test Day - LSAT Demon student Molly has twice underperformed her practice test scores on the official LSAT. Nathan and Ben instruct Molly to treat future tests like any practice test. 22:17 - August LSAT Scores - LSAC reports that scores for the August 2024 LSAT are in line with scores from previous years. 32:14 - Score Audit - Ben and Nathan advise listener David not to waste money on an LSAT score audit. 39:33 - College Demographics - The guys discuss new demographic data on the first undergraduate class since the Supreme Court banned affirmative action in college admissions. 47:29 - Pearls vs. Turds - Is social media hurting your LSAT study? 55:44 - Word of the Week - The library is a common haunt for law students.

LSAT growth comes from thoroughly reviewing your mistakes. But what does a thorough review look like? Ben and Nathan describe their approach and explain why they don't recommend keeping a wrong answer journal. The guys also compare law school to wizard school. They reject an impatient admissions strategy. And they consider potential risks associated with the military's Funded Legal Education Program. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 470 on YouTube 1:31 - Confusing Writing - In a new study, cognitive scientists at MIT explain why legalese is so difficult to understand. 9:13 - Improving in RC - An anonymous listener has been told that they won't improve much in Reading Comprehension. Ben and Nathan tell Anonymous to ignore the haters. 14:18 - Review - Nathan and Ben advocate a deep review of every mistake. But keeping a wrong answer journal is likely a waste of time. 26:42 - Apply Now or Later? - Is it better to apply early with a subpar LSAT or to apply late with a great LSAT? Ben and Nathan ask: Why pick the lesser of two evils when you can avoid the evil entirely? 34:49 - Comparative RC Passages - The guys outline their approach to comparative passages in Reading Comprehension. 37:28 - JAG and FLEP - An LSAT Demon student warns listeners about potential risks associated with the military's Funded Legal Education Program.   48:28 - Word of the Week - You can mollify your test anxiety by improving at the test.

Ben and Nathan warn listeners about tactics that some law schools use to make mediocre scholarships appear better than they really are. The guys also discuss a new ABA regulation meant to standardize 1L learning outcomes. They double down on their advice to apply broadly. And they model their approach to Logical Reasoning on a Weaken question from PrepTest 123. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 469 on YouTube 2:27 - Fee Waiver Changes - LSAC now requires students with fee waivers to test twice in LawHub before registering for an official LSAT. Fee waiver recipients must also take the interactive course “How Do I Apply to Law School?” 7:44 - New Rules for Law Schools - A new ABA regulation aims to make law school courses more uniform and give law students more feedback about their academic progress. Nathan and Ben doubt that the new rules will have their intended effects. 15:51 - Better School or Better Price? - Is it better to attend a great law school for an OK price or an OK law school for a great price? Ben and Nathan urge listener Daniel to apply broadly and to focus on the LSAT before worrying about his law school decision. 23:36 - Scholarship Shenanigans - Nathan and Ben shine a light on a shady scholarship practice. 41:02 - Logical Reasoning: Weaken - The guys tackle a Weaken question from PrepTest 123. Try the question yourself. Then, listen to Ben and Nathan's explanation. 56:50 - Word of the Week - Adopt a parsimonious attitude regarding law school.

Nathan and Ben examine the root cause of underperformance on the LSAT: too much concern for the clock and not enough focus on understanding. The guys also poke fun at Nathan's alma mater, share tips for staying focused on timed sections, and praise a listener's decision to step away from a T20 law school. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 468 on YouTube 1:04 - Alumni Donations - The guys laugh at an “exciting opportunity” to donate money to UC Law San Francisco. 15:31 - Timed Sections - Listener Mike is avoiding timed sections until he improves at the test. Nathan and Ben explain why this approach is misguided—all LSAT students should make timed sections a cornerstone of their study. 18:43 - Staying Focused - An anonymous listener struggles to stay focused during timed sections. Ben and Nathan instruct Anonymous to zoom in on one question at a time. 27:44 - Score Drop - Listener Annabelle is flustered by a sudden score drop. Nathan and Ben blame Annabelle's preoccupation with speed over accuracy. 33:23 - Why Law School? - The guys counsel a high-earning listener to reconsider their reasons for pursuing law school. 44:55 - Become a Good Test Taker - Listener Angelina describes herself as “an awful test taker.” Ben and Nathan implore Angelina to improve her self-talk by deciding to become a good test taker. 49:42 - GPA Addendums - The guys recommend more effective alternatives to writing a GPA addendum. 59:12 - Dropping Out - Nathan and Ben applaud an anonymous listener's decision to drop out of law school. 1:06:19 - Words of the Week - A few students pay for law school. Few feel good about it.

Ben and Nathan discuss the new format for LSAT Writing and critique a practice essay submitted by an LSAT Demon student. Later, the guys delve into an LSAC report on test-taker statistics, and they question whether accommodations truly level the playing field. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 467 on YouTube 1:11 - New LSAT Writing - Nathan and Ben review listener Valerie's response to the new LSAT Argumentative Writing sample prompt, offering guidance on how to construct a compelling essay. 44:35 - Accommodations Concerns - Ben and Nathan address listeners' concerns about LSAT accommodations. They encourage test takers who qualify for accommodations to request the support they need. 54:09 - Accommodations Statistics - Nathan and Ben examine statistics from LSAC that call into question the fairness of the current system for LSAT accommodations. LSAT Accommodations Consent Decree Final Report of the Best Practices Panel Accommodations Trends from 2017 2024 LSAT Performance Report 1:19:14 - Words of the Week - Don't let student debt cause you penury and immiseration.

Recent law school graduates have benefited from a hot hiring market, but there are signs that the market might be cooling off. Nathan and Ben consider the implications for future law students. Later, the guys affirm the importance of applying early. They discuss prediction strategy for Must Be True questions. And they advise students not to flag questions on timed sections. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 466 on YouTube 1:02 - Legal Hiring Slows - Law firm recruiting just hit an 11-year low. But a slowdown in legal hiring shouldn't affect your decision to attend law school. 9:38 - Application Timing - How late is too late to apply? Ben and Nathan invite listener Sammy to ask a better question: When is the best time to apply? 18:24 - Creative Predictions - Must Be True questions are no place to flex your creativity. Nathan and Ben instruct listener Cleo to pick the boring, obvious answer on these and other closed question types. 28:59 - Don't Flag Questions - The guys explain why flagging questions to revisit later might sabotage your score on timed sections. 37:08 - Pearls vs. Turds - Is there any value in combining the hardest questions from multiple LR sections into extra-difficult “supersets”? 42:25 - GPA Boost - An anonymous listener considers a costly means of boosting their UGPA. 48:50 - Gaining Confidence - An anonymous listener struggles with low confidence on “actual test day.” Nathan and Ben encourage Anonymous to draw confidence from their practice tests, all of which were actual LSATs. 1:00:46 - Word of the Week - Let your LSAT be a bulwark against law school debt.

Score variance isn't a problem—it's an opportunity. Nathan and Ben encourage LSAT students to pursue the upside of their score range by taking the test multiple times. The guys also share a key to getting faster at Reading Comprehension. They assure a conflicted student that it's OK to pivot away from law school. And they lay out an approach to Logical Reasoning that balances caution and confidence. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 465 on YouTube 3:23 - Score Variance - Don't aim to eliminate score variance in your practice tests. Score variance is your friend if you commit to taking the LSAT multiple times. 10:04 - What's an Assumption? - Ben and Nathan explain the difference between necessary assumptions and sufficient assumptions. 20:17 - Rereading RC Passages - Skimming your reading assignments might have worked for you in college, but it won't cut it in LSAT Reading Comprehension. 28:31 - Improving RC Timing - Want to get faster at RC? Spend less time debating wrong answers. 34:05 - Passive Skill Acquisition - A new study suggests that passive exposure to a skill can help you improve more quickly. Nathan and Ben discuss the implications for LSAT study. 40:27 - Staying Motivated - Listener Olivia lacks the motivation to study consistently. Ben and Nathan question whether she really wants to go to law school. 52:31 - Check Every Answer - Even if you predict the correct answer, you still have to check the wrong ones. 1:03:38 - Word of the Week - Critics agree: This week's podcast was a success.

The LSAT is a rigorous test of reading comprehension and critical reasoning. Do you understand the information on the page? And do you know what must be true on the basis of that information? Also on the show, Nathan and Ben discuss GPA addendums, supplemental essays, and law school price discrimination. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 464 on YouTube 3:24 - When Am I Ready? - Don't register for the LSAT until you're happy with your practice test scores. 15:43 - Logical Opposites - Are success and failure logical opposites? Does “unlikely” simply mean “not likely”? It depends. 25:01 - Two Fundamental Skills - Ben and Nathan break down two critical skills that form the foundation of LSAT mastery. 40:26 - Master's Degree - Nathan and Ben question an anonymous listener's decision to pursue a master's degree. 44:41 - GPA Addendum - Nobody wants to hear excuses for your bad grades. 50:47 - Supplemental Essays - If a supplemental essay allows you to write something positive about yourself, write the essay. Otherwise, skip it. 53:19 - The LAST Is Easy - An anonymous listener embraces LSAT Demon's intuitive approach to the LSAT. 57:49 - Price Discrimination - Many businesses employ price discrimination. Law schools are no different. Ben and Nathan urge applicants to take advantage of an unfair system. 1:08:33 - Word of the Week - Student loan policies fail to consider that schools might behave like knaves.

Your LSAT and GPA are the most important parts of your law school application, but a strong personal statement can set you apart from other applicants with similar numbers. What makes for a well-crafted personal statement? This week, Nathan and Ben pull no punches as they critique a listener's essay through the eyes of harried admissions officers. The guys also delve into Logical Reasoning prediction methods, urge a listener to fire their awful tutor, and unpack a new report that casts doubt on the golden-ticket reputation of a law degree. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 463 on YouTube 2:15 - Prediction and Review - The guys instruct LSAT Demon student Brian on how to review his mistakes. They emphasize prediction as crucial to success in Logical Reasoning. 13:09 - Awful Tutor - Nathan and Ben counsel an anonymous listener to fire their terrible LSAT tutor and to cut back on their full-time study. One to three quality hours of study per day is plenty. 23:26 - Comparative Passages - Ben and Nathan summarize their approach to comparative passages in Reading Comprehension. 28:34 - Tuition vs. Cost of Living - Listener Alex compares the cost to attend two in-state law schools. Nathan and Ben weigh Alex's options and advise them to broaden their list of target schools. 35:26 - Earnings Outcomes - The guys discuss a Georgetown study on what lawyers are earning after four years of practice. Reuters' Karen Sloan reports that outcomes vary wildly depending on which law school graduates attended. 45:14 - Personal Statement Review - Ben and Nathan give listener K a brutally honest appraisal of their personal statement. 1:07:25 - Word of the Week - Deposition is more than just a torturous legal exercise.

Every LSAT score release day leaves some frustrated test takers wondering: “Why did I score so much lower than on my practice tests?” This week, Nathan and Ben discuss the number one reason why some people underperform on test day. The guys also celebrate listeners' success on the June LSAT. They question the viability of applying to law school with a GRE score but no LSAT. And they express a wish for American law schools to adopt the more equitable tuition practices of their Canadian counterparts. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 462 on YouTube 3:21 - Keep Studying? - Listener John fell short of his goal score on the June LSAT—his last shot at a test that included Logic Games, his best section. Should he keep studying for the August test, or is it time for John to declare victory over the LSAT? 8:29 - Reapply - Listener Carlos applied to law school earlier this cycle, but he improved his LSAT score substantially in June. Ben and Nathan encourage Carlos to withdraw his applications and reapply this fall. 12:10 - Test Day Struggles - Test takers who change their approach on test day are likely to underperform. Solution? Relax and treat the official test just like any practice test. 16:18 - LSAT Writing - LSAT Writing is changing soon. But if you've already completed LSAT Writing, there's no need to retake it. 17:29 - Canadian Law Schools - Nathan and Ben argue that Canadian law schools are more civilized in how they approach pricing and scholarships. Canadian applicants should still weigh the costs and benefits of paying for law school. 29:55 - Turn Off the Clock - How do you stop worrying about the clock in Reading Comprehension? Turn off the clock. Speed will come naturally when you focus on understanding one sentence at a time. 39:13 - GRE or LSAT? - An anonymous listener wonders whether their high GRE score could allow them to bypass the LSAT. However, law schools' ABA 509 reports suggest that very few students are admitted without LSAT scores. 45:31 - Letters of Recommendation - Some older applicants struggle to acquire academic letters of recommendation. Nathan and Ben suggest some alternatives. 49:42 - Tips from a Departing Demon - “I got so much from reviewing missed questions that I started reviewing correct ones also, which I believe enhanced my learning.” 52:24 - Words of the Week - The doddering professor developed a mercurial temper as he fell further out of touch with his young students.

There is no second best on the LSAT. On every question, one answer is definitely right, and four answers are definitely wrong. This week, Nathan and Ben discuss why a no-nonsense mindset is vital to LSAT success. Later, the guys compare lawyers to professional students. They question the value of law school consultants. And they explain why nothing on your law school application will make up for a low LSAT score. Study with our Free Plan Download our iOS app Watch Episode 461 on YouTube 5:17 - No BS - An anonymous listener jokes that the LSAT is a “BS test.” 17:00 - Chasing Perfection - The guys warn listener Jonah that his quest for a perfect score might be hurting his accuracy. They instruct Jonah to slow down and focus on one question at a time. 21:33 - Free Yourself - Ben and Nathan share their most powerful advice for overcoming LSAT anxiety: forget your timeline. 29:43 - Professional Students - Listener Daniel asks how to improve on science passages in Reading Comprehension. Nathan and Ben challenge Daniel to embrace the life of a professional student. 35:39 - Law School or New Job? - Ben and Nathan advise listener Katherine to stay flexible with her law school plans. 40:52 - Law School Consultants - Nathan and Ben weigh the costs and benefits of working with a law school consultant. They suggest LSAT Demon's upcoming admissions course as a cost-effective alternative. 44:47 - Character & Fitness - Ben and Nathan prepare an anonymous listener to start jumping through the hoops of character and fitness disclosures. 49:43 - Is the LSAT King? - Yes. 56:40 - Word of the Week - Avoid student debt and its concomitant headaches.

Jacqueline Schafer is the founder and CEO of Clearbrief, an AI-powered legal writing tool that helps lawyers search their discovery for relevant facts and cite them in legal documents. Jackie joins Ben for a conversation about what aspiring lawyers should know about the future of AI in legal tech. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 460 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:35 - Clearbrief - Jackie introduces Clearbrief and explains how it helps lawyers gather facts and create hyperlinked citations in their legal writing. 15:26 - AI in Legal Tech - Will AI replace lawyers? Jackie challenges this notion by asking: Did Excel replace accountants? She and Ben explore how AI is likely to augment, rather than replace, the roles of lawyers. 28:33 - From Big Law to Tech Entrepreneur - Jackie shares how her experience as a litigation associate in big law has remained invaluable throughout her career, from serving as an Assistant State Attorney General to starting a tech company. 38:49 - Advice for Future Lawyers - Jackie advises future lawyers to hone their writing and networking skills.

Some LSAT students think that more time studying equals faster improvement. But the equation isn't that simple. This week, Nathan and Ben advocate a less-is-more approach to LSAT study, centered on carefully reviewing one mistake at a time. The guys also discuss lawyers' work-life balance, highlighting in Reading Comprehension, and the importance of an applicant's undergraduate major in law school admissions. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 459 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:41 - Quality Over Quantity - Ben and Nathan encourage an anonymous listener not to give up on LSAT study. They emphasize the importance of thoroughly reviewing mistakes over drilling a high volume of questions. 9:44 - Work-Life Balance - The legal profession is notorious for its lopsided work-life balance. Are there any lawyer jobs that offer a more reasonable quality of life? 15:27 - Highlighting in RC - Listener Alex proposes a strategy for highlighting key words in Reading Comprehension. Nathan and Ben worry that highlighting might be a crutch for not reading carefully. 23:38 - RC Plateau - Ben and Nathan advise listener Nick to ditch his complicated strategies for Reading Comprehension and to practice breaking down complex sentences into digestible chunks. 34:10 - Undergrad Major - An applicant's undergraduate major generally has little impact on their law school admissions outcomes. 38:01 - Question Types - There's no such thing as mastering a question type. Nathan and Ben instruct listener Manan to focus on correcting individual mistakes rather than analyzing trends in practice test scores. 47:19 - Accommodations - Students with approved testing accommodations should practice with those same accommodations. 51:12 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Dylan believes that “improvement isn't made when doing questions, but rather carefully reviewing every single question you get wrong.” 53:10 - Word of the Week - Avoid paying for law school.