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.

The most successful LSAT students are the ones who love the test—but finding that love can be challenging. This week, Ben and Erik discuss why positive self-talk is vital to your relationship with the LSAT. Later, the guys criticize law schools’ moratorium on AI use for applications. They explore possible causes of score variance. And they help a listener navigate family pressure to apply before they’re ready.

Study with our Free Plan

Download our iOS app

Watch Episode 475 on YouTube

5:35 - Learn to Love the LSAT - Listener Lani wants to love the LSAT, but she’s frustrated by her slow progress. Erik and Ben encourage Lani to adjust her mindset. They recommend a scaled-back study schedule that focuses on drilling instead of timed practice.

15:48 - AI and Applications - Law schools have taken different stances on whether applicants can use AI while preparing their applications.

25:06 - Losing Momentum - An anonymous listener worries that they’re losing momentum after a hot start to their LSAT journey. Ben and Erik assure Anon that progress is rarely linear.

31:15 - Score Variance - Erik and Ben explain what causes score variance and why it’s perfectly normal to score in a broad range.

36:36 - 20-Point Underperformance

An anonymous listener underperformed their practice tests by 20 points on the September LSAT. Ben and Erik try to figure out what went wrong.

41:00 - Family Pressure to Apply - An anonymous listener faces parental pressure to apply to law school this year, but they’d rather retake and apply next cycle. Erik and Ben invite Anonymous’s parents to visit lsat.link/parents to learn how they can support their child’s LSAT journey.

48:53 - URM Bump - It’s too early to know whether minority applicants will continue to receive a “URM bump” in law school admissions.

55:11 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon Josh says: “When reading the passage, I often look away from the text and think about what I just read.”

58:50 - Word of the Week - Thinking LSAT listeners are adroit at the LSAT.