Thinking LSAT

Ben and Nathan react to Harvard considering A+ grades in response to grade inflation. They discuss how grading practices have changed and what could meaningfully change the system. Also in this episode- Demon students share their January LSAT results- How to choose between a regional school and a top-ranked school- A listener asks about attending a non-ABA accredited law schoolNew York Times Articles by Mark ArsenaultStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 545 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Harvard Adding A+ Grading11:07 January Score Release21:35 Attending a Regional School27:38 Improving Accuracy 42:44 Test D Question — Vor58:57 Pearls v. Turds1:05:35 140s Jail1:13:55 Non-ABA Law School1:23:20 Too Late to Apply?1:31:13 Thank You Email1:36:36 Word of the Week — chiaroscuro

A listener wonders if another LSAT retake will improve her chances at her dream law school. Ben and Nathan explain why retaking may not help when she’s already above the school’s 75th percentile, and why affordability should matter more than rank.Also in this episode- Ben and Nathan dunk on a law school offering a mystery "commemorative gift” in exchange for a binding commitment- A listener writes in about discouraging waitlists- A student who took the long road to law school shares their journeyClaude’s ConstitutionStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 544 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 How High is High Enough?18:10 Law School Offering a "Commemorative Gift”24:16 Good at Drilling but Bad at Timed Sections31:42 Test D Question — Sunlight Exposure43:40 Things We Actually Enjoy50:50 Discouraging Waitlists1:03:41 Long Road to Law School1:07:22 Personal Statement Gong Show1:23:12 Word of the Week — emolument

On the January LSAT, some test-takers noticed their RC section lacked a comparative reading passage. LSAC had quietly updated the test to allow zero to one comparative passages per RC section. Ben and Nathan explain why this change should have no impact on test-takers.Also in this episode- Florida ends the ABA’s status as the state’s sole law school accreditor- A viewer writes in to share their full-tuition scholarship success story- Should you write a GPA addendum for a semester that ended early?Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 543 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Florida Supreme Court News2:55 Law School Horror Stories10:47 ABA Legal Education Arm Seeks Independence14:50 LSAT Rule Change20:19 Not Paying for Law School21:52 Test D Question — Four Iron32:00 High Diagnostic Score38:44 Things We Actually Enjoy40:02 GPA Addendum45:07 Word of the week — euchre

After each test administration, a group of Demon users leave the platform and share their parting advice. Ben and Nathan dive into a selection of insights from these departing users.Also in this episode- A viewer asks whether to skip questions- A listener asks if it’s better to move on from time-consuming questions- How much students can expect from stipendsStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 542 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Applying with No GPA11:35 “Best” Trial Advocacy Programs16:23 Test D Question — “Plagiarism”42:18 Skipping Questions49:46 Tips from Departing Demons58:22 How Much Are Stipends?1:06:08 Variance in Practice Tests1:13:45 Word of the Week — Testatrix

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

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

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

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

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

Ben and Nathan dig into a striking chart showing dozens of schools clustering their LSAT medians at 150 and 160, while almost nobody reports 149 or 159. They break down why schools chase these round-number medians, how it leads to irrational admissions behavior, and what it means for applicants trying to play the rankings game.Also in this episode:- How applying without a GPA can affect your admissions chances- Success stories from Demon students who crushed the November LSAT- Why the University of North Carolina has climbed so quickly in the rankingsLinks Mentioned:Derek T. Muller ArticleStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 536 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Retaking to Beat New Medians5:37 Applying with No GPA14:05 November LSAT Success20:05 The Irrational Pursuit of Round LSAT Medians27:20 Lower Scores When Timed34:50 Meeting with an Admissions Counselor39:35 What’s the Deal with University of North Carolina55:56 Word of the Week — Prolixity

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

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

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

When LSAC accused a student of cheating, claiming his score jump had “Powerball odds,” Ben and Nathan dig into the details. They break down LSAC’s vague statistical claims and explain why big score increases are both possible and common for serious students. They also urge the student to document their prep to show clear evidence of progress.Also in this episode:Early 1L and 2L law firm hiring trendsA student asks whether to keep taking undergrad classes to boost their GPAShould you ask law schools for an application fee waiver?Links Mentioned:https://lsat.link/grades ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 532 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 - Is It Ever Worth Paying for Law School? 23:40 - LSAC Accuses a Student of Cheating 49:20 - 1L and 2L Law Firm Hiring Trends 56:37 - Should I Keep Taking Classes? 1:03:37 - Community Colleges Offering A+ Grades 1:09:59 - Pearls vs. Turds 1:15:06 - Should You Ask for a Fee Waiver? 1:19:44 - Word of the Week — Demarcating

Since the October score release, there's been some online chatter claiming the October LSAT was unusually difficult. Nathan and Ben respond to one student's concerns by pointing to numerous Demon students who crushed the LSAT this month. They remind listeners that every test administration sparks the same rumors, but the LSAT remains consistent from one test to the next. That consistency should inspire confidence. If your practice test scores match your goal score, you’re ready for the real deal. Also in this episode:- Ben and Nathan explore community colleges awarding A-pluses- Demon students share their parting advice for LSAT success- They critique a prep company that promotes a “blind review” scoreLinks Mentioned:lsat.link/gradesNortheast Community College Course Search: https://reg-prod.ec.northeast.edu/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/term/termSelection?mode=searchFoothill College Course Search: https://foothill.edu/schedule/Arizona State University Universal Learner Courses: https://courses.ulc.asu.edu/ ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 531 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segments.Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 0:30 - Was the October LSAT Harder?7:45 - Drill Rating System12:51 - Colleges with A-pluses25:32 - Tips From Departing Demons39:24 - Blind Review Score53:08 - Lived Experience Essay1:00:00 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:07:55 - Word of the Week — incommunicado

Nathan and Ben highlight a notable increase in law school applications per the latest LSAC reports. These numbers have nervous students rushing to apply this cycle, even though they don't have a strong LSAT score. Nathan and Ben explain that November is already late. Instead, they encourage applicants to wait and apply next year to take advantage of the best scholarship opportunities. Also in this episode:Gratitude from a listener who embraced the Demon mindsetA message from Nebraska Law about student loansA Demon student questions whether to keep going after low scoresLinks Mentioned:LSAC Volume Summary Report⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 530 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” Segments.Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 0:30 - LSAC Volume Summary Report10:10 - Following the Demon Philosophy17:13 - When to Submit Applications29:56 - Email from a Law School on Loan Limits44:46 - Low LSAT Scores51:27 - What’s the Deal with the University of Arizona1:05:00 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:12:28 - Word of the Week - impervious

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

Ben and Nathan weigh in on New England Law’s conditional, full-tuition scholarships. They criticize conditional scholarships that can leave a majority of students paying full price. At most law schools, only top students (typically those already with scholarships) will secure six-figure jobs. The majority of the class foot the bill, taking out exorbitant loans while earning significantly less after graduation. Ben and Nathan encourage applicants to apply broadly and attend the right school at the right price. Later in the show, they:Break down UC Law San Francisco’s new $100 million campaignReassure a student who fears they’re progressing too slowlyReact to WashU personally contacting applicants’ recommendersLinks Mentioned:Register for the DC Law Fair Register for the New York LSAC Forum⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 528 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” Segments.Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 0:32 - UC Law San Francisco $100 Million “Into the Future” Campaign6:00 - Trusting the Process13:48 - WashU Reaching out to Recommenders29:30 - Policies on AI39:15 - Caught Between Admissions Cycles45:20 - Pearls vs. Turds57:24 - What’s the Deal with New England Law?1:13:05 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:35:30 - Word of the Week

Ben and Nathan dig into the ABA’s decision to put Cooley Law School on probation and the broader issue of weak oversight in legal education. They also cover addenda for multiple LSAT scores, early acceptances, and retaking for better scholarships.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 527 on YouTube0:28 - Cooley Law on Probation by the ABABen and Nathan react to the news that Cooley Law has been placed on probation by the American Bar Association for failing to meet bar passage standards. They question why the ABA continues to allow such programs to operate and highlight the risks for students who enroll in them. 24:45 - Addenda for LSAT retakesDemon student Sam asks about Michigan Law’s recommendation that applicants submit an addendum if they’ve taken the LSAT three or more times. Nathan advises against volunteering information that could hurt an application and emphasizes that only your highest score matters.37:43 - Early Application Is KeyA Redditor reports being admitted to the University of Hawaii with a generous scholarship. Ben and Nathan use the example to remind applicants that applying early gives them the best shot at admissions and scholarships. 57:09 - Retaking a 173 for ScholarshipsDemon student Jack scored a 173 and wonders whether it’s worth retaking. Ben and Nathan say yes, especially if he’s targeting top schools. They advise him to wait another cycle and keep studying to become a stronger, more competitive applicant.1:06:20 - UGA Law Lets Undergrads Skip the LSATThe University of Georgia Law School now allows its undergraduates to apply using ACT or SAT scores instead of the LSAT. Nathan argues that this limits students to only UGA Law and weakens their scholarship leverage. Ben adds that the policy ultimately does a disservice to the students.1:12:41 - Georgetown Law Group InterviewDemon student Jeremiah describes a Georgetown group interview where participants analyzed a hypothetical applicant. Ben and Nathan break down how to handle this kind of exercise: play along with the scenario, and show reasonable judgment.1:20:11 - Personal Statement Gong ShowCasey takes the stage on the Personal Statement Gong Show, chasing Sophia’s record of 34 lines.1:38:17 - Word of the Week: Dispositive“The panel directed counsel to focus oral argument on the dispositive issues.”Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library.

Santa Clara Law is offering every admitted student a $16,000 scholarship to align tuition with the new federal loan cap for law school borrowers. Ben and Nathan discuss whether loan caps can rein in skyrocketing tuition, share wisdom from a departing Demon user, unpack the University of Miami’s AI essay prompt, and offer reassurance to students stressed by LSAT scheduling woes.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 526 on YouTube0:26 - Santa Clara ScholarshipsNathan and Ben react to Santa Clara Law’s new PLEDGE scholarship, which effectively lowers tuition to just under the $50,000 federal loan cap. Borrowing limits are a step in the right direction for controlling law school costs.24:04 - Tips from a Departing DemonDemon student Abigail, who improved her LSAT from 159 to 176, offers a parting piece of advice: take breaks. She encourages students to let the material settle and give themselves time to recharge. Nathan and Ben highlight her success as proof that steady, balanced preparation works.28:34 - University of Miami AI Essay PromptDemon teacher Beatriz highlights Miami Law’s unusual essay prompt that requires applicants to use generative AI. Nathan and Ben credit the school for recognizing AI’s growing role in lawyering and suggest other schools should follow suit.36:06 - Scheduling Woes Strike AgainA Reddit user vents about not finding a time slot for the October LSAT. Nathan reassures students that LSAC always opens more seats.38:21 - Letters of RecommendationTwo listeners ask for advice on letters of recommendation:Morgan debates which supervisor to ask for a letter of recommendation. Ben and Nathan recommend choosing the one who knows Morgan best.Abo wonders if decade-old letters of recommendation can still be used to apply to law schools. The guys advise Abo to get updated letters.47:51 - “Should I Stay or School I Go?”An engineer is considering law school. Ben and Nathan encourage him to research the opportunities that patent law offers, but suggest that staying in engineering might lead to better career outcomes. 57:21 - What’s the Deal with Detroit Mercy?Ben and Nathan investigate Detroit Mercy Law, which just got ABA approval for a fully online JD program. The guys explore what this approval could mean for legal education. They dig into the school’s stats and highlight its Canadian–U.S. dual degree.1:15:35 - Personal Statement Gong ShowCody takes the stage on the Personal Statement Gong Show, chasing Sophia’s record of 34 lines.1:33:39 - Word of the Week - Augur“The obligation to exercise reasonable professional skill and judgment—under either constitution—does not encompass an obligation to augur an about-face by the United States Supreme Court.”Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library.