Podcasts about lsat

A listener asks if being eligible for the GI Bill might reduce his merit aid. Ben and Nathan say it's possible schools assume GI benefits mean guaranteed payment, but it shouldn't stop him from getting great offers if he applies broadly with a strong LSAT. Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

Darren started with a 152 and ended with a 174 after a year of steady, focused LSAT prep. When he prioritized honest review in lieu of gimmicks or shortcuts, he found his confidence skyrocket. Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

Ben and Nathan explore how AI is acing law school exams and what that says about legal education. They unpack Donald Rumsfeld's “unknown unknowns” and how the LSAT helps uncover them. The guys break down what the LSAT curve really means (or doesn't), then offer advice on predatory pre-law jobs. Then they revisit the difference between sufficient and necessary assumptions. Temple University is featured in this week's What's the Deal With… Finally, another contestant in the Personal Statement Gong Show and amanuensis is the word of the week. Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 511 on YouTubeRegister for RC Prediction Fundamentals0:34 – AI is an A+ Law StudentBen and Nathan aren't shocked to hear that AI is pulling A's and B+'s on law school exams at the University of Maryland. The LSAT-style “racehorse” exams are all about spotting issues, which is something AI excels at. It's a reminder that the profession is changing, and lawyers who ignore these tools risk falling behind.Artificial Intelligence is now an A+ law student, study finds9:33 – Unknown UnknownsThe LSAT is the best teacher, and when paired with the explanations that come with every question, you can solve your “unknown unknowns.” When you miss a question, you've both picked the wrong answer and failed to pick the right one. You must understand both mistakes before moving on. The guys note that gimmicky strategies often muddy common-sense logic, turning solvable problems (unknown knowns) into confusing ones.17:46 – LSAT CurveDanielle's question about the LSAT curve leads to a breakdown: it's not a traditional curve, but a scale based on experimental data. LSAC aims for consistent difficulty across tests, and it's not worth stressing over. 26:37 – Predatory Pre-Law JobsA listener's $50k pre-law job in San Francisco turns out to be little more than coffee runs. Nathan warns against sticking with these roles unless there's upside—legal exposure, networking, or skill-building. While there's some value in doing grunt work well, make sure it's leading somewhere.33:10 – Sufficient vs. Necessary AssumptionBen and Nathan clarify the frequent confusion between sufficient and necessary assumptions. Sufficient assumptions prove the conclusion (open question), while necessary assumptions must be true (closed question). Although they can sometimes overlap, applying the same analysis across the two question types will trip students up on harder questions. 49:13 – What's the Deal with Temple Law?Ben and Nate take a look at what ChatGPT provided for this week's What's the Deal with… Pulling data mainly from Temple's website, the information was generally accurate. Temple offers regional value, if you can attend at the right price, as more than 75% of the class pays less than half of the sticker price. LSAT Demon Scholarship EstimatorThe Disparity IndexTemple Law Employment OutcomesChatGPT prompt: What are the five best and worst things about [insert law school]? Be brutally frank, please. Consider not only the quality of the school, but job outcomes and cost. Is it worth the money? Is it fair that some students get scholarships and others don't? 1:21:30 – Personal Statement Gong ShowB sends in their submission for the Personal Statement Gong Show, the show where Ben and Nathan read personal statements and hit the gong when something goes wrong. The standing record to beat is ten lines, held by Greta.1:26:40 - Word of the Week - AmanuensisReaders of African American autobiography have too readily accepted the presumption of these editors that experiential facts recounted orally could be recorded and sorted by an amanuensis‑editor. Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠ library. 

It's the beginning of a new law school admissions (and podcast!) season and we know what that means for many prospective applicants - working hard to prep for the LSAT while also having your personal statement, resume, and other application documents in the back of your mind. We speak with Nicole Agranonik - 7Sage LSAT class leader and a real life law school applicant - about how to balance those competing tasks, both from a professional standpoint and from her personal experience.And remember that for help with all things related to LSAT prep and law school admissions, you can check us out at 7Sage.com.

This episode is your ultimate guide to dominating law school, from pre-1L prep to acing orientation and beyond. Whether you're gearing up for the LSAT or stepping into law school for the first time, these strategies from Shana Ginsburg (Founder, Ginsburg Advanced) and Trudel Pare (Yale Law '25) will set you apart and ensure you enter with confidence.Law school is a marathon, and staying physically active helps maintain energy and focus through long study sessions. Prioritizing rest is just as crucial—avoid burnout by balancing your workload smartly. Case briefing mastery is a must, and getting ahead on reading techniques with 1-1 JD skill development resources like the Pre-1L Boss makes a difference.Accommodations matter—if you need LSAT or law school adjustments, advocate for them early to optimize your learning environment. And when orientation arrives, tune in, take notes, and pay attention—insider tips can shape your bar prep, internships, and legal career path.Created by Shana Ginsburg, founder and CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring, this episode is packed with empowering insights to shape your law school journey. What will they say about you after law school? Let this episode help you craft your story and make your mark.

Ben and Nathan advise against using gimmicks to gain an edge on the LSAT. The test consistently measures careful reading and argument understanding, so your preparation should focus on those skills.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

In this insightful discussion, Shelley Howard interviews Sean Ivester, founder of Pivot Tutors, about the evolving landscape of college entrance testing and effective test preparation strategies. Sean explains that test prep timing depends largely on the student's academic standing and course progression. He advises parents to avoid overlapping SAT/ACT prep with heavy academic periods like finals or AP exams to protect students' GPA, which remains crucial. The conversation highlights that successful test prep is not about cramming but a focused, diagnostic approach to target and strengthen weaknesses. Sean emphasizes the importance of a diagnostic test as the first step for understanding a student's readiness. He distinguishes the SAT and ACT, outlining their structure, differences, and upcoming changes—for example, the ACT's shortening and optional science section—helping families choose the right test. Sean also addresses the common challenge faced by high-performing students who still struggle initially on standardized tests, clarifying that knowing the material is different from “beating the test,” which requires specific strategies and fresh familiarity with foundational concepts. The conversation covers the pros and cons of various prep methods like apps, AI tools, and tutors, underscoring the critical role of accountability, motivation, and personalized instruction. Sean describes Pivot Tutors' unique approach of pairing students with specialized math and English tutors who are vetted, trained, and seasoned professionals, ensuring high-quality instruction catering to students' needs. The dialogue concludes with practical advice for parents: start early, use diagnostic testing to guide prep plans, and understand that sustained, focused prep yields the best outcomes. Sean stresses that test prep skills are transferable and beneficial well beyond college admission, supporting future academic and professional testing challenges.Highlights• Timing for test prep depends on student's course level and academic load—avoid overlap with finals/AP exams• Diagnostic tests are essential first steps to identify strengths, weaknesses, and guide prep focus• Effective prep targets weak areas instead of broadly reviewing all content to maximize score improvements• SAT is shorter and more complex reasoning-based; ACT is longer with broader math content and a fast pace, soon to be shorter and less time-pressured• High-achieving students often initially underperform on tests due to different test-taking skills needed• Personalized tutoring with specialized math and English tutors enhances accountability, motivation, and progress• Starting test prep early (end of sophomore year or early junior year) allows more flexibility and reduces panicKey Insights• Diagnostic Testing as a Starting Point: Sean underscores that a comprehensive diagnostic test reveals a student's starting point, exposing specific skill gaps and careless errors. This transforms test prep from a guessing game to a data-driven, strategic process, helping families decide when to start prep and which areas demand focus. Without this analysis, students risk inefficient study habits, wasting time and effort on content they already know or missing critical weak spots.• Timing and Academic Intensity Matter: Junior year is typically the most demanding academically, so scheduling test prep during summer or early fall yields better focus and outcomes. Families should avoid final seasons or AP exam periods for test prep to prevent academic overload, preserving GPA and mitigating burnout. This tailored timing recognizes student stress patterns and optimizes study efficiency.• Focused Practice Over Broad Content Review: The most effective way to improve standardized test scores is targeted practice on weak areas identified by diagnostic testing. Merely continuing to practice whole tests leads to plateauing scores. Instead, the cycle of focused drills, review, and retesting enables students to solidify understanding and see measurable gains. This approach shifts prep from volume-based to precision-based, enhancing motivation and confidence.• Choosing Between SAT and ACT Requires Individual Evaluation: No test suits everyone; SAT and ACT differ in length, pacing, question style, and focus areas. For example, the SAT involves complex reasoning and is slightly shorter, while the ACT covers broader math content with faster pacing. Upcoming changes, like the ACT's optional science section and shorter length, further complicate the choice. Therefore, Sean advises students to take practice tests for both and compare scores—avoiding decisions based on hearsay or anecdotal evidence.• Test Scores Reflect Test-Taking Skills, Not Just Intelligence: Top academic performers can score below expectations initially because standardized tests require specialized strategies distinct from classroom learning. Some fundamental concepts tested might have been learned long ago and need refreshing. Effective test prep rebuilds these foundations and teaches "how to beat the test," focusing on timing, question interpretation, and pacing rather than pure intellect.• Accountability and Personalized Instruction are Game-Changers: The challenges of self-motivation and competing academic priorities mean many students struggle to commit regular prep time independently. Professional tutors provide structure, coaching, and encouragement. Pivot Tutors' model of assigning two specialized tutors—one for math, one for English—ensures that students get subject-specific expertise and tailored lesson plans. Rigorous vetting and continuous training of tutors guarantee high teaching quality and effective communication.• Early Planning Eases Stress and Opens Doors: Starting the test prep planning at the end of sophomore year provides ample time for assessment, practice, and adjustment. It avoids the “frantic” last-minute rush many rising seniors experience. Early prep offers the flexibility to try multiple test dates and strategies, increasing chances of reaching target scores and keeping options open for college admissions and scholarships.• Test Prep Skills Provide Long-Term Benefits: Beyond college admissions, mastering standardized testing techniques develops critical thinking, problem solving, and test endurance skills essential for future academic tests like the LSAT, MCAT, or MBA entrance exams. Early investment in effective test prep equips students with lifelong skills to navigate competitive exams and professional challenges.• Navigating Prep Tools: Apps and AI vs. Human Tutors: While online tools and AI like ChatGPT offer convenience, Sean highlights their limitations due to lack of accountability, motivation, and nuanced, personalized feedback. Human tutors facilitate adaptive learning, real-time interaction, and emotional support, which are often crucial to overcome motivational roadblocks and plateaus. Families must weigh student personality and discipline when choosing prep methods.• Tutor Selection and Training Reflect Company Quality: Pivot Tutors' rigorous hiring includes academic degree requirements, high proficiency test scores, and in-person mock tutoring evaluations. This multi-tiered vetting ensures tutors are not only knowledgeable but excellent communicators who can simplify complex concepts. Shadowing experienced tutors and ongoing training help maintain consistent, student-centered pedagogy that respects students' time and academic pressure.• Iterative Process of Testing and Retesting: Sean emphasizes that improvement comes from cycles of testing, reflection, and focused practice—not one-off studying. Continuous assessment allows students and tutors to track progress, refine strategies, and build confidence. This iterative process contrasts sharply with less effective “all content at once” study methods.• Parental Support is Crucial but Must Balance Pressure: Parents play a vital role in encouraging the right preparation habits while avoiding overwhelming their teens. Educating parents about strategic prep planning, early diagnostic testing, and the reality of test demands empowers them to guide their children calmly and effectively, minimizing stress.This interview offers a comprehensive roadmap for families navigating the changing test prep landscape, emphasizing strategic timing, targeted study, professional guidance, and early planning for long-term benefits. and effective communication.Early Planning Eases Stress and Opens Doors: Starting the test prep planning at the end of sophomore year provides ample time for assessment, practice, and adjustment. It avoids the “frantic” last-minute rush many rising seniors experience. Early prep offers the flexibility to try multiple test dates and strategies, increasing chances of reaching target scores and keeping options open for college admissions and scholarships.Test Prep Skills Provide Long-Term Benefits: Beyond college admissions, mastering standardized testing techniques develops critical thinking, problem solving, and test endurance skills essential for future academic tests like the LSAT, MCAT, or MBA entrance exams. Early investment in effective test prep equips students with lifelong skills to navigate competitive exams and professional challenges.Navigating Prep Tools: Apps and AI vs. Human Tutors: While online tools and AI like ChatGPT offer convenience, Sean highlights their limitations due to lack of accountability, motivation, and nuanced, personalized feedback. Human tutors facilitate adaptive learning, real-time interaction, and emotional support, which are often crucial to overcome motivational roadblocks and plateaus. Families must weigh student personality and discipline when choosing prep methods.Tutor Selection and Training Reflect Company Quality: Pivot Tutors' rigorous hiring includes academic degree requirements, high proficiency test scores, and in-person mock tutoring evaluations. This multi-tiered vetting ensures tutors are not only knowledgeable but excellent communicators who can simplify complex concepts. Shadowing experienced tutors and ongoing training help maintain consistent, student-centered pedagogy that respects students' time and academic pressure.Iterative Process of Testing and Retesting: Sean emphasizes that improvement comes from cycles of testing, reflection, and focused practice—not one-off studying. Continuous assessment allows students and tutors to track progress, refine strategies, and build confidence. This iterative process contrasts sharply with less effective “all content at once” study methods.Parental Support is Crucial but Must Balance Pressure: Parents play a vital role in encouraging the right preparation habits while avoiding overwhelming their teens. Educating parents about strategic prep planning, early diagnostic testing, and the reality of test demands empowers them to guide their children calmly and effectively, minimizing stress.This interview offers a comprehensive roadmap for families navigating the changing test prep landscape, emphasizing strategic timing, targeted study, professional guidance, and early planning for long-term benefits.Connect with Shellee Howard:Website: www.collegereadyplan.com/YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.comConnect with Sean IvesterWebsite: https://www.pivottutors.comInstagram: @pivottutorsTikTok: @testpreptipsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanivester/Email: sean@pivottutors.com

In this insightful and comprehensive discussion, Shelley Howard hosts Jackie Pollina, founder of J&J Test Prep and No BS SAT Prep, to explore the critical role of test preparation in high school and college admissions. Jackie shares her entrepreneurial journey from a stressed high school test-taker to a passionate business owner who creates modern, digestible test prep approaches. They emphasize the ongoing importance of standardized testing, even in a test-optional world, highlighting how strong scores enhance admission chances and secure substantial scholarships. The conversation debunks common myths around the SAT and ACT, recommending personalized diagnostic testing to determine the best fit for each student. They also provide detailed guidance on the various test prep formats—private tutoring, intensive classes, and crash courses—tailored to different goals and preparation timelines, underscoring the need for strategic, multi-test preparation over time. Additionally, the dialogue touches on AP exam support, summer prep advantages, and the importance of proactive parental involvement. Real-life experiences reinforce the long-term impact of solid test strategies, demonstrating how early preparation benefits students well beyond admission, even into professional exams like the MCAT. Finally, they encourage parents to engage actively with test prep resources to maximize scholarship opportunities and optimize college readiness.HighlightsJackie Pollina founded J&J Test Prep with a mission to make test preparation modern, relatable, and manageable.Test-optional admissions still favor students with strong standardized test scores for admission chances and merit scholarships.Diagnostic testing is essential to decide whether a student should take the SAT or ACT based on individual strengths and timing.Effective test prep requires at least eight weeks and ideally multiple test attempts for significant score improvement.Strategic test prep can dramatically increase scores, influencing college admission and scholarship opportunities.Summer is the optimal season for test prep due to fewer academic distractions and more available study time.Test preparation is a skill that supports future professional exams, making early preparation an investment beyond college admissions.Key InsightsTest Prep as a Long-Term Skill: Jackie and Shelley stress that testing is not a one-time hurdle but a lifelong skill essential for careers requiring professional exams like the LSAT, MCAT, or boards. This reframing helps parents and students view test prep as a beneficial investment rather than a temporary chore. Developing strategies early fosters confidence and competence for decades ahead, reinforcing the importance of embracing test prep rather than avoiding it.The Nuances of Test-Optional Policies: While many students celebrate test-optional admissions by skipping tests, data shows that students with strong scores tend to be admitted more often and awarded more merit-based aid. Colleges remain flexible but often encourage submissions. This “test-optional” not “test-irrelevant” distinction is vital for families to understand—relying solely on test-optional policies can be risky if future admissions cycles change policies unexpectedly.Customized Test Selection via Diagnostics: Deciding between the SAT and ACT cannot be done on surface-level preferences or perceived subject strengths. Diagnostic exams provide a data-driven approach to uncover a student's natural aptitude, timing skills, and question-type preferences. This personalized method ensures students invest effort in the test most aligned with their abilities, optimizing their potential outcomes and reducing unnecessary frustration.Time Investment is Key for Meaningful Score Gains: Test prep is not a quick fix. Significant improvements (e.g., 200+ points on the SAT) require sustained, individualized preparation often through private tutoring. More moderate improvements can be obtained in structured classes. Crash courses serve as last-minute boosters but cannot replace comprehensive prep. This underscores the importance of planning ahead, managing expectations, and resisting the “one-and-done” test mindset.Scholarships Depend Heavily on Scores: Test scores play a critical role beyond admission—they are often a primary factor in awarding merit scholarships, which can substantially reduce the financial burden of college. Shelley's real-world story of her son's 300-point SAT improvement illustrates how strategic prep can be a financial game-changer, converting a generic state school opportunity into elite college admission, with profound long-term benefits.Summer Offers a Strategic Advantage: Utilizing summer breaks for test prep takes advantage of reduced academic stress and increased availability to focus on study. This timing allows students to absorb material effectively, avoid burnout during the school year, and be prepared for fall test dates. Summer prep is a smart, balanced approach rather than forcing test prep during already demanding school months.Parental Support and Realistic Expectations Are Vital: Students often dread test prep; motivation can be low. Hence, parental involvement is crucial to facilitate scheduling, advocate for professional help such as test strategists, and nurture a growth-oriented mindset around testing. Being a proactive, informed parent translates into better prep options, well-timed testing, and ultimately superior outcomes for the student.ConclusionThe conversation between Shelley Howard and Jackie Pollina serves as a valuable resource for families navigating the complexities of college test preparation. It offers evidence-based guidance on choosing tests, appropriate timing, and tailored prep formats, while also underscoring the financial and long-term personal benefits of mastering test-taking skills. Parents are empowered to approach test prep proactively and strategically, ensuring their teens maximize college admission and scholarship opportunities, and set the stage for future academic resilience.Connect with Shellee Howard:Website: www.collegereadyplan.com/YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.comConnect with Jacqueline PollinaWebsite: www.jjtestprep.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.pollina.sat.prep/                   www.facebook.com/jjtestprepInstagram: @jjtestprepTikTok: @testpreptipsEmail: contact@jjtestprep.com

Annika asks how to best use the LSAT's ten-minute break. Josh and Nathan encourage her not to overthink it—eating, stretching, or meditating are all good options. Just be sure to follow the rules.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

Episode 170 contains the full June 2025 LSAT breakdown, both international and domestic, where Dave and Jon outline every scored and experimental section in use all week, an analysis of how their latest Crystal Ball predictions turned out, and the scoring scales for each test format seen. Don't miss this comprehensive review of one of the biggest tests of the year!

As the owner of a copywriting business, you have a lot to think about—your products, your clients, your research process, writing great copy, finding new clients and more. So it's no wonder we tend to push legal questions to the bottom of the to-do list until there's a problem. Don't do that. Andrea Sager is my guest for this episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. And she's got a lot of great legal advice on using A.I., contracts, business entities, and protecting your business and assets. Click the play button below, or scroll down for a full transcript.   Stuff to check out: AndreaSager.com Legalprenuer.com The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground Research Mastery Course Full Transcript: Rob Marsh: Do you have questions about contracts, trademarks, business entities, and your legal risk and liabilities? Today, I have answers. This is The Copywriter Club Podcast. About a year before I took on my first freelance writing project—I'm going back a long time here—I took the LSAT, that's the test for admittance into law school. I had thought I would become a lawyer from about the time I was in eighth grade. And I did well enough on the test to get into most of the schools I was planning on applying to.  My plan at the time was to practice law in the non-profit sector. And to help with that goal, I decided to enroll into a Masters program in public administration. But once I started that program, I was so bored by the curriculum, I couldn't envision myself finishing.  At the same time I met someone who asked me to write an article promoting a product for a company she was working for. When I realized I could make money as a writer, I turned my back on my dream of being an attorney and started writing copy. So when it comes to legal advice, I can't really help, but my friend Andrea Sager can. Andrea has helped hundreds of small businesses with legal advice and services. I tried to ask her all of the legal questions copywriters tend to have about things like using A.I., contracts and agreements, trademarks, and how we limit our exposure to legal liability that could cost you your business, your home and more. This stuff matters. And I hope you enjoy this interview. Before we get to the interview, the last couple of weeks I've mentioned that I put everything I know about conducting research and using A.I. as part of my research process into a short course called Research Mastery. It includes a lot, but it's not an overly long, impossible to watch course. Instead it's the kind of course you can watch in an afternoon or weekend and walk away with a research process that helps you uncover the insights you need to write great sales copy. ..more than twenty different techniques for capturing ideas, … all of the questions I use to get find big ideas about my client, their product, their customers and their competitors as well as the documents you need to capture your research and several tutorials on how to use A.I. to speed up your processes and even help with your research itself. But unlike other research courses that take hours to watch and implement, this one will teach you everything you need to know in a single afternoon. You can learn more about this unique resource at thecopywriterclub.com/researchmastery… research mastery is all one word. I'll link to that in the show notes so you can easily find the link if you can't type the URL into your browser right now… thecopywriterclub.com/researchmastery And now, my interview with Andrea Sager. Hey, Andrea, welcome to The Copywriter Club Podcast. I am thrilled to have you here. It's been quite a while since we talked to an attorney about all of the stuff that we need to be thinking about in our businesses. So I'm excited to have you here, but before we get started, maybe you could tell us your story. Just how did you become an attorney, an author, founder of the legal preneur.com and if I'm reading your website correctly,

Jack, a former professional rugby player, shares how he went from a 141 to a 172 on the LSAT by embracing understanding over speed, committing to consistent study, and overcoming the mental hurdles of failure and self-doubt.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube

Law schools manipulate scholarships to obscure what they're actually willing to pay for LSAT scores. Ben and Nathan reveal how some schools offer up to $40,000 per LSAT point. They introduce the “Disparity Index” to show how wildly different financial outcomes can be for students at the same school. Don't settle for mediocre scores—top LSAT performance unlocks the best deals.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 510 on YouTube0:30 – LSAT Buyer's ClubBen and Nathan dig into how much law schools pay for LSAT scores. They introduce the Disparity Index—calculated by subtracting a school's 75th percentile grant from full price—as a measure of that school's willingness to buy scores. Some schools pay $10,000 per point while others offer up to $40,000. At full price, you might be paying 20 times more than a classmate. The key takeaway: the 75th percentile grant should be your floor, not your ceiling.LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator31:09 – Scholarship ReconsiderationsThe guys explain why you shouldn't expect schools to negotiate openly. Many schools pretend to have fixed offers or use pre-law advisors to dissuade students from pushing back. Protect your leverage—don't visit schools, don't volunteer information. “Exclusive” opportunities are often just marketing ploys to increase tuition revenue.50:43 – Last Call for Uncle Sam's WalletRecently proposed policy changes threaten to disrupt the current tuition landscape of law schools. Limitations on student visas, loan amounts, and repayment options all have the capacity to change the way law schools play the scholarship game. 1:07:05 – RC ComprehensionRicky scores nearly perfectly on Logical Reasoning, but underperforms at Reading Comprehension. Ben and Nathan suggest that Ricky aim for two perfect passages and guess on the rest. With time and practice, two will lead to three, but perfection on two gives a strong base and builds confidence.1:10:07 – GrammerlyBen and Nathan discuss the value of Grammarly. They suggest a smart workflow: use tools like Grammarly to generate suggestions, then double-check those suggestions with Google or other AIs. Cross-referencing recommendations can teach you good writing while improving your output.1:13:00 – Personal Statement Gong ShowIan sends in his submission for the Personal Statement Gong Show, the show where Ben and Nathan read personal statements and hit the gong when something goes wrong. The standing record to beat is ten lines, held by Greta.1:18:31 - Word of the Week - CompatibleWhich one of the following statements about cells is most compatible with the views of late nineteenth-century biochemists as those views are described in the passage?Get caught up with our Word of the Week library. 

If your LSAT score is stuck, you're likely doing too much too fast. Slow down, focus on accuracy, and review every mistake carefully.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

Preet asks about appealing for a sixth LSAT attempt. Nathan and Josh offer Preet some advice, but suggest that the main takeaway is to wait until your scores indicate you're ready before signing up. Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

In this episode of Cafecito con Estrellita, Estrella Serrato interviews Camila Milanes, a first-generation Latina law student who shares her inspiring journey from struggling in high school to thriving in higher education. Camila discusses the challenges she faced as a Latina in law school and her unique approach to studying for the LSAT. She also shares valuable tips on thrifting for professional attire and her future goals in social media and education advocacy.TakeawaysCamila's journey highlights the experiences and challenges she faced at home + in school, as a first-generation student Higher education is crucial for personal, professional and community empowermentHighlights a few law school funding routesThe LSAT requires strategic preparation and patienceThrifting can be a sustainable way to build a professional wardrobeAuthenticity in social media can inspire others in traditional fieldsBelieving in oneself is key to overcoming challengesCreating opportunities for others is a powerful motivatorDisclaimer: We are not financial advisors, this episode does not contain financial advice. We are just sharing our experiences.We also want to highlight that we believe a higher education and the experiences as well as opportunities it provides, should be FREE. But until that happens, we will continue to be open and transparent about The Student Loan Segments we will continue to include throughout this season. We can't wait for you to tune in! Abrazos, Estrellita Follow Camila on: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@camilamilanesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/camisgaze/?igsh=MWw0cnNndHE5bzBkaw%3D%3DBusiness Website Latina Exec: https://www.lawtinas-exec.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@camilamilanes-Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Cafecito con Estrellita Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for your Scholarship freebie!-Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cafecitoconestrellita⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Tik Tok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cafecitoconestrellita⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cafeconestrella⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Estrella Serrato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Looking for community, accountability, and 1-1 support?: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with me⁠⁠⁠⁠-Looking for Personal Branding Support to build your media empire?: ⁠⁠Work with me⁠

This week, in Episode 249, we bring you a conversation recorded at our recent 21 Hats Live event in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of one of America's most influential small businesses. Starting 43 years ago with a highly successful college town delicatessen that they could have replicated all over the country (including for Disney), Ari and co-founder Paul Saginaw have instead built Zingerman's Community of Businesses, a collection of 12 Ann Arbor-based, collaboratively run businesses each with its own leadership and ownership structure. Together, these businesses produce $80 million a year in revenue. They include a bakery; a coffee company; two event spaces; a roadhouse; a Korean restaurant; a mail-order operation; an international food-tour business; a publishing house that publishes, among others, Ari Weinzweig; and a training center—ZingTrain—that has shared the Zingerman's approach to business building with more than 10,000 businesses.In 2003, Bo Burlingham pronounced Zingerman's “The Coolest Small Company in America.” Bo's article became the foundation of Small Giants, his book about companies that are more intent on being great than being big. The last thing we did at 21 Hats Live was to sit down with Ari to talk about that philosophy. In his passionate responses to our many questions—responses, I should note, that include a few F-bombs—Ari explains how the Zingerman's team decides whether to start a new business, how he and Paul made (and re-made) an especially difficult decision about expanding, how he and Paul have managed to sustain their partnership for more than four decades, how they chose a succession plan, how they know if they're charging enough, why for many years Ari's mother continued to believe he was a failure, and a whole lot more.

The LSAT includes one unscored experimental section that tests future questions—but you can't identify it, so don't try. Just do your best on all sections. Trying to game the test by guessing the unscored section can backfire. Focus on accuracy, not speculation.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

With the 2024-2025 admissions cycle coming to an end, we take a few moments to recap the year. There were the highs (LSAT test taking numbers, applications submitted), the lows (delayed response times from admissions offices), and all the friends we made along the way. We also look ahead to the coming cycle and some of the broader national trends that may affect future law applicants.And remember that for help with all things related to LSAT prep and law school admissions, you can check us out at 7Sage.com.

Applying early means applying in September with your best LSAT score already on record—rushing the process risks worse scores, weaker offers, and unnecessary debt.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray. CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

Nathan and Josh tell Carrie not to worry about score variance, since law schools only look at her highest LSAT score. They suggest she focus on accuracy, learn from every mistake, and trust the process of solving one question at a time. Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!

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.”