The LSAT Simplified: A Hey Future Lawyer Podcast

In this episode, Ben dives into the upcoming Jumpstart Your January LSAT prep package, why it might be a smart move for students targeting the January LSAT, and how poor planning around prep timelines hurts applicants. He highlights the financial stakes tied to LSAT scores and reminds listeners that applying late in the cycle often costs both admissions chances and scholarship money.The conversation then shifts to the student loan changes shaking legal education. Ben lays out why many lower-ranked law schools may be on the brink of closure, arguing that private lenders won’t bankroll institutions with poor job placement and bar passage outcomes. He critiques Santa Clara’s recent “scholarship” strategy, showing how it ignores the reality of living expenses and reveals the deeper cracks in the system.Ben also shares insights from the Miami LSAC Forum, reflecting on the culture of bad admissions advice, the illusion of prestige, and the importance of focusing on substance over appearances. He warns students against banking on transfers and explains why investing in the LSAT is a far more reliable route.Finally, the episode touches on Texas’ push to move away from ABA accreditation, the record-breaking 47,000 registrations for the November LSAT, and listener Q&As about scoring plateaus and running out of practice tests. With his usual mix of blunt realism and humor, Ben breaks down the shifting landscape of law school admissions and LSAT prep.👉 https://linktr.ee/heyfuturelawyer

This episode opens with updates from Hey Future Lawyer, including a free upcoming LSAT session and the start of the October group. Then, Ben and Madeline dive into life as a 1L. Madeline shares that while law school has its challenges, it feels more like a marathon than a sprint, with manageable ups and downs. The conversation highlights the importance of stamina, time management, and avoiding excuses—parallels that carry over directly to LSAT prep.From there, the discussion moves into the realities of legal careers, illustrated with an anecdote about the demanding nature of big law. Ben emphasizes the trap of procrastination and wasted screen time, urging listeners to take responsibility for their LSAT prep rather than rationalizing avoidance. Both he and Madeline agree that consistent effort—even small increments of daily progress—pays off over time.The episode then shifts to admissions data, starting with Belmont Law’s 50% application increase and LSAT registration numbers that suggest another competitive cycle. They warn against overinterpreting single data points but agree that the general trend is toward rising difficulty in admissions. The pair stress that applying early and with strong numbers is crucial, cautioning against rushing an application when waiting a cycle could mean better schools and better scholarships.Finally, Ben and Madeline field listener emails, covering topics like how to explain gaps on a resume, whether score preview is worth buying, and the trade-offs between applying early versus waiting for a higher LSAT score. They critique the LSAC’s practices around score preview and release dates, and they warn against overreliance on Reddit or TikTok admissions advice. The message is clear: strong numbers and solid essays win, but self-awareness and patience are just as important for long-term legal career success.https://linktr.ee/heyfuturelawyer

In this episode, Ben Parker breaks down why the 2026 law school admissions cycle is shaping up to be one of the most chaotic ever. Applications are way up, LSAT scores are rising across the board, and competition for top schools is reaching unprecedented levels. Students will need higher scores and stronger resumes than ever before to stand out.A major factor is the recent elimination of GradPLUS loans, which previously allowed students to borrow unlimited amounts for law school. Ben explains how this change disrupts the entire system: lower-tier schools lose their financial lifeline, mid-tier schools face shrinking enrollments, and even elite schools must rethink scholarship strategies. While wealthy institutions with billion-dollar endowments may weather the storm, many smaller schools simply won’t survive.Ben doesn’t hold back in calling out schools like California Western, digging into their financials to show how quickly they could collapse without endless federal loan dollars. He predicts that 20–30 law schools could close in the near future, with even more disappearing over the next decade. In his view, this contraction may actually be good for students, since fewer people will end up saddled with crushing debt for degrees that don’t pay off.Alongside these big-picture predictions, the episode also features practical LSAT advice. Ben shares why running out of time is normal for test-takers in the 150s, why you shouldn’t stress about finishing every question, and why starting LSAT prep early is the smartest move you can make. He also reads listener emails, including one student who jumped from a 153 to a 166 in just four months, proving that disciplined prep can transform outcomes even in this brutal cycle.To wrap things up, Ben critiques a listener’s personal statement. He praises the strong start, offers targeted edits to cut fluff and highlight achievements, and explains how to avoid drawing attention to weaknesses like resume gaps. His blunt but constructive feedback makes the essay far stronger and offers lessons for anyone writing their own law school personal statement.https://linktr.ee/heyfuturelawyer

In this episode, Ben Parker and Madeline Jesson dive deep into the realities of law school, LSAT preparation, and how the two intersect. Madeline, now a 1L on a full scholarship, shares her first impressions of law school workload, time management, and how her LSAT skills have translated into her studies. Ben and Madeline explore whether certain reasoning abilities are truly teachable, or if some people simply “have it or don’t” when it comes to logic and comprehension.They also connect LSAT logic to legal doctrines, especially how conditions, intent, and legal elements appear in torts and criminal law. Madeline explains how law professors rarely frame concepts as “sufficient” or “necessary conditions,” but LSAT training helps her interpret the language more clearly. The two discuss the broader debate over LSAT question types, shortcuts, and heuristics, concluding that true success comes down to strong reading and reasoning rather than over-categorization.From there, the conversation shifts toward the financial side of law school. Ben and Madeline tackle the controversial new federal loan changes — what they mean for lower-tier law schools, student debt, and the predatory cycle of borrowing. They argue that studying for the LSAT is the highest ROI investment a student can make, often worth thousands of dollars per hour in scholarship value, compared to the crushing mathematics of student loans.Finally, they answer a listener’s question about retaking the LSAT after a disappointing test day performance, emphasizing strategy, timing, and the importance of applying early in the law school cycle. Madeline shares her own admissions experience, including acceptances to UVA and Georgetown, and reflects on how applying early helped her gain opportunities that might not have been possible later in the cycle. Together, they reinforce that a high LSAT score and early, strategic applications remain the most powerful tools for future law students.Explore all our LSAT resources here: linktr.ee/heyfuturelawyer

This episode kicks off with a reminder that law school applications open on Labor Day, making it the perfect time to cut through the noise surrounding admissions. Ben highlights how online forums—particularly Reddit’s r/lawschooladmissions—often spread misinformation. He critiques the echo chamber of anxious applicants who exaggerate the difficulty of getting into law school and perpetuate myths about what really matters in the admissions process.From there, the conversation turns to one of the biggest misconceptions: applying early doesn’t matter. Ben strongly disagrees, pointing out that both schools and consultants downplay the importance of timing for their own incentives. He explains why November is already late in the cycle and how LSAT variance means that relying on a single sitting can tank an otherwise strong application. Numbers—specifically LSAT and GPA—remain the driving force in admissions, no matter what law schools or consultants claim.The episode also challenges the narrative that soft factors like work experience, essays, or “employability” outweigh the numbers. While it’s true that being a weirdo can sink you, Ben makes clear that most applicants are not finished products—and law schools don’t expect them to be. Instead, what matters is showing potential backed by LSAT and GPA medians, which directly tie into rankings, bar passage, and employment outcomes.Finally, Ben critiques a real personal statement submitted by a listener. He stresses that law schools don’t care about your “why law” story or your childhood insecurities; they want to see evidence that you’ll kick ass in law school and beyond. Essays should frame applicants as strong, capable, and compelling—not as works in progress.https://linktr.ee/HeyFutureLawyer

In this episode, Ben dives deep into LSAT Reading Comprehension, breaking down why it isn’t about gimmicks or shortcuts—it’s about real understanding. He explains how dense, poorly written passages trip students up and why slowing down, reading actively, and focusing on comprehension will transform your score. Ben also gives actionable tips like using three guiding questions for active reading, identifying the main point as your “North Star,” and resisting the temptation to skim or over-highlight.Beyond RC strategy, Ben shares insights into mindset and preparation. He stresses that success on the LSAT isn’t about innate brilliance but about perspective, accountability, and consistent practice. Using analogies from sports and his own lacrosse days, he illustrates how you “win in practice, not on game day.” He also warns against lazy shortcuts like chasing thesis statements or reading between the lines—what matters is what the text actually says.The episode rounds out with a listener email about burnout, where Ben offers practical advice on balancing study time, prioritizing accuracy over speed, and avoiding exhaustion while juggling life commitments. He finishes with a candid critique of common mistakes in law school personal statements—like clichés, resume dumps, or passive trauma narratives—and emphasizes writing essays that show real action and growth.📌 Find more free LSAT help and resources here: linktr.ee/heyfuturelawyer

In this episode, Ben unpacks LSAC’s recent announcement suspending the online LSAT in mainland China due to rampant cheating scandals. He explains how organized companies were openly selling proxy test-taking services for thousands of dollars, why that creates long-term risks for students, and what it could mean for the future of online testing. Ben also speculates on whether this move could eventually push the LSAT back to being fully in-person.From there, the episode turns into a mailbag, answering pressing LSAT questions from students. Topics include whether a 20-point score jump in a month is realistic, whether October or November is the better retake date, and how to handle regrets about not applying for accommodations. He offers direct advice on score preview, rushing applications, and managing study anxiety.The episode closes with practical reminders, including a PSA to disable Grammarly before the LSAT writing section. It’s a mix of breaking LSAT news, strategy insights, and straightforward answers to common test prep dilemmas.🎧 Listen to this episode and more by visiting linktr.ee/HeyFutureLawyer.

In this August 2025 LSAT recap, Ben Parker breaks down the test in a way you won’t find anywhere else—focusing on actionable strategy, not internet clickbait. He tackles the curve myth, explains why “the test is getting harder” is an illusion, and exposes the truth about LSAC’s heavy reuse of old questions. You’ll learn why obsessing over predicted topics is a waste of time, why human psychology skews test-day perception, and how to avoid the post-LSAT freakout.Ben also explains why you should always register for consecutive LSATs, how to think about your score range realistically, and the massive difference law school rank makes in career outcomes. You’ll get his take on proctors (in-person vs. remote), the false security blanket of topic predictions, and why some study habits are pure “goofball” territory. Finally, he answers listener questions on score withdrawal strategy, mental fatigue during full PTs, and timing your law school applications for maximum results.If you’re serious about law school admissions, this is required listening. 🎯 Study with us & join a free class → https://linktr.ee/HeyFutureLawyer

In this episode, Ben returns to the mic after a short break to dive into the ramifications of the newly enacted "Big, Beautiful Bill," a sweeping legislative package signed into law during Trump’s second term. Rather than explore the bill's political implications, Ben focuses squarely on what the bill means for law school access, student loans, scholarships, and legal education's return on investment (ROI). His central thesis is blunt: most law schools were already a poor investment, and the changes this bill brings may finally end the harmful cycle of overborrowing for underwhelming outcomes.Ben explains that the bill eliminates Grad PLUS loans and imposes a federal borrowing cap of $50,000 per year (up to $200,000 total) for law and medical students. This effectively prevents students from using federal loans to finance overpriced, low-ROI law schools. He predicts that private lenders will step in only for students attending top-tier schools with proven career outcomes. This new reality could collapse the tuition-subsidized scholarship model, where weaker students paid full freight so stronger candidates could attend for free.Throughout the episode, Ben critiques the legal education system for enabling predatory pricing by bad law schools propped up by government-backed loans. He argues that while fewer students may now be able to attend law school, this is a feature, not a bug. He contends that the new system will filter out students who never should have gone in the first place — many of whom would graduate with insurmountable debt and limited job prospects.He also addresses the criticism that these changes reduce access for first-gen and low-income students. Ben counters that anyone with a high LSAT score can still attend law school debt-free, as long as they target schools that offer full-ride scholarships. In his view, the real injustice was the illusion that all law schools were created equal — a narrative that lured many students into financial traps. He closes by encouraging critical thinking over credentialism and opens the door for respectful, data-backed debate.https://linktr.ee/heyfuturelawyer

In this mailbag episode, Ben answers a wide range of questions from LSAT students, diving into common struggles like score stagnation, timing issues, and study habits. He emphasizes that untimed score improvements are normal, but consistent mistakes under time pressure often come from rushing or passivity during the test. Ben encourages students to focus on intentional problem-solving rather than guessing or relying on "comfortable" answers, which he argues leads to ineffective learning.He addresses issues like getting stuck between two answer choices, advocating for making decisions based on articulated reasoning rather than vibes. He points out that LSAT success hinges on clarity of thought and active engagement with the material—not just exposure to questions. Ben also reiterates the importance of treating the LSAT like a free-response test and warns against the trap of passive review, where students don’t fully absorb what they got wrong.Later, he tackles timing concerns, particularly for students with accommodations. His advice: timing problems are usually comprehension problems in disguise. The way to speed up is by deeply understanding the questions, not by rushing.Want help figuring out why your score is stuck? Join Ben’s live classes or start self-studying with the full curriculum at HeyFutureLawyer.com. You'll get on-demand help for every LSAT question and access to the same strategies discussed in this episode.

In this episode—recorded just days before heading off on a honeymoon—Ben dives deep into the economic and ethical realities of law school costs, especially for students offered conditional scholarships. He walks through the implications of taking partial versus full scholarships, with a heavy emphasis on understanding law school grading curves and the potential for losing aid due to GPA requirements. Using Chapman Law School as a case study, he breaks down employment stats, debt load projections, and the questionable return on investment many students face.Ben also takes a strong stand on accommodations for the LSAT, defending his controversial position with his usual mix of data, directness, and dark humor. He critiques the current accessibility landscape, arguing that standardization is, by design, meant to sort—not level—a playing field. Expect blunt takes on everything from ADHD accommodations to the American Disabilities Act.The episode closes with a candid, detailed listener email about law school admissions strategy. Ben provides practical feedback on GPA addenda, political involvement, branding for public interest careers, and how law schools really view applicants with activist resumes. As always, his focus is on outcomes and cutting through the noise that surrounds law school decision-making.Explore our full set of free resources, podcast episodes, live classes, and more at 👉 https://linktr.ee/HeyFutureLawyer

Ben Parker opens the episode with some big life news—he’s getting married this weekend! But before he signs the marriage license, he’s recording a series of podcast episodes to help guide future law students through the chaos of the LSAT and legal education. He starts with the first of four LSAT truths that Hey Future Lawyer is built around: the LSAT matters—a lot. From determining which law schools accept you, to how much you pay, to what jobs you can get post-grad, it’s a pivotal piece of your future.He explores how law school outcomes are closely tied to your LSAT score, dispels myths about lower-tier schools, and criticizes passive LSAT learning strategies like video watching and endless note-taking. Instead, Ben argues that real progress comes from active engagement with questions and honest self-assessment. His analogies to basketball, functional literacy, and even biting your coworkers (yes, really) keep things both hilarious and harshly real.Finally, Ben touches on the harsh reality of lawyer salaries, debunking the myth that all lawyers make six figures. He emphasizes that most new attorneys make modest incomes, and only those in big law break into the top compensation brackets. But those roles come with serious lifestyle trade-offs. The episode wraps with personal reflections, a shoutout to his uncle stuck abroad, and a reminder to play the game with your eyes wide open.👉 Visit linktr.ee/HeyFutureLawyer for our free LSAT course, essay help, and more!

In today’s episode, Ben kicks things off with what might be the most unforgettable personal statement of all time. From vulgar mantras like “shut the f*** up” to reflections on paralegal work and courtroom chaos, Ben gives a brutally honest breakdown of what works—and what absolutely doesn’t—when it comes to law school essays.Next, Ben dives into the recent changes to the Grad PLUS loan program, explaining why this might actually be good news for future law students. He breaks down how government lending has propped up overpriced, low-ROI law schools for far too long—and what the new caps could mean for tuition, accessibility, and the future of legal education.Finally, it’s a mailbag lightning round: LSAT retake strategy, proctoring complaints, reading comprehension struggles, character & fitness disclosures (including punching a cop?!), and more. As always, it’s unfiltered, practical advice for people serious about crushing the LSAT and law school admissions.👉 Visit our Linktree for live classes, full-length practice tests, and our full free LSAT course.

In this episode, Ben kicks things off with an in-depth discussion of what it actually means to "apply early" to law school and why September 1st is a critical date. He unpacks how rolling admissions work, the advantages of submitting your application at the start of the cycle, and why applying early gives you access to more scholarships and better offers—provided you're a competitive applicant by then. Ben also dives into why late applications—like those in November or January—aren't ideal if you're trying to maximize your outcome.He uses real data from the University of Colorado to show how law school choice impacts career outcomes and salary potential. Through detailed case studies, Ben contrasts applying with a 160 LSAT score versus waiting a year to apply with a 170, emphasizing the long-term financial and professional consequences. He encourages students to think less about starting law school quickly and more about setting themselves up for long-term success.Ben takes on questions about the usefulness of blind review, breaking down why he thinks it’s a misunderstanding of how to study effectively for the LSAT. He argues that students should focus on accuracy rather than rushing or trying to out-game timing mechanics. His core message is that mastery leads to speed—not the other way around. Ben also discusses accommodations on the LSAT and his critical perspective on their long-term usefulness, especially in legal practice.The episode closes with advice to struggling students, encouragement for high-scoring beginners, and a push to stop overcomplicating LSAT prep. His advice: do questions, get them wrong, learn from your mistakes, and repeat. It’s a candid, data-driven, and occasionally irreverent dive into the real mindset and strategy behind smart LSAT prep and law school admissions.Start prepping the right way with our free LSAT course and get all your law school questions answered. Visit linktr.ee/HeyFutureLawyer for free resources, classes, and more.

In this episode, we're reuploading a live law school admissions strategy session originally recorded on June 12, 2024. If you missed it the first time around, here’s your chance to catch up on everything we covered—no fluff, just direct advice.I walk through several sample personal statements and diversity statements, highlighting exactly what works and what doesn’t. You'll hear real-time edits, tips for standing out, and common mistakes that tank otherwise solid essays.Whether you’re just starting your admissions journey or deep in the writing process, this session will give you clarity on how to craft a compelling narrative for law schools. Tune in to get an insider's perspective on what makes an essay pop.🎯 Ready to get serious about your law school apps?Visit linktr.ee/HeyFutureLawyer for free resources, essay reviews, and upcoming strategy sessions.

In this solo mailbag episode, Ben dives deep into LSAT score variance and why so many test-takers misunderstand their performance. He makes the case for not canceling your June LSAT score, even if it felt rough, and explains why one or two points can make or break your admissions and scholarship chances.Ben also unpacks how law schools really view extracurriculars, volunteer hours, and softs—and why most applicants are nowhere near as “unimpressive” as they fear. He talks candidly about law school debt, which schools are actually worth six-figure loans, and why a school like Cal Western is financially dangerous.Later in the episode, Ben gives tailored advice to high-achieving applicants, including one with a 4.0 and 170+ LSAT, discussing whether to retake and how to optimize personal statements for big law goals. Finally, he reassures a student working hard toward a 175+ that long prep times aren’t a red flag—and may even predict success in the legal field.👉 Ready to get serious about the LSAT? Start now with our free course and resources: 📍 linktr.ee/HeyFutureLawyer

Check out everything HFL is up to!Troy's Email- troyandersonlsat@gmail.comTroy's InstagramIn this episode, Ben sits down with Troy, a recent Cornell Law grad who shares his journey from scoring a 151 on his first LSAT to achieving a 174. Troy explains how his background in logic and philosophy helped his early progress, but also how the jump from the 160s to the 170s took months of slow, deliberate work. He emphasizes that consistent study and a deep understanding of the test—not just brute force—are what helped him break through.Troy also shares his law school admissions journey, explaining why he ultimately chose Cornell over other elite schools. He breaks down the school's underrated placement power in big law, clerkships, and top public interest roles. He discusses the importance of outcomes-based rankings and warns against relying on reputation or USNWR rank alone, especially when scholarship money is on the table.Ben and Troy tackle deeper issues in the LSAT and pre-law space, including the impact of accommodations on score inflation, the removal of logic games, and the declining predictive power of the LSAT. They agree that the test needs to be harder and more writing-based to reflect actual law school skills. Troy also gives invaluable writing tips for future lawyers, like eliminating passive voice and making every sentence persuasive.The episode closes with a raw and honest conversation about the law school “grift”—the myth that any law school at any price is a good investment. Troy talks about his free mentorship program for underrepresented applicants and how he vets students to ensure long-term success, not just short-term admissions. Both he and Ben agree that transparency and strategic planning are essential in a landscape filled with misleading advice.

Check out everything HFL is up to!In this episode, Ben Parker delivers a no-nonsense deep dive into LSAT Logical Reasoning. He explains why Logical Reasoning is two-thirds of your score on the 2025 LSAT and argues that most students fail not because the logic is hard—but because they aren't reading carefully. Ben walks through a fake LSAT-style argument to demonstrate how simple the underlying logic really is, and how test-takers often confuse correlation and causation when they should be attacking assumptions.He discusses the psychology of LSAT struggle, calling out the passive study habits and feel-good but ineffective strategies pushed by much of the prep industry. Ben stresses that the LSAT is a reading test, first and foremost, and challenges listeners to take their prep seriously—treating every question like it’s a high-stakes decision.Later in the episode, Ben critiques a popular admissions consulting email line by line, fact-checking and calling out myths around early application timing, optional essays, personal statement themes, resume length, and whether you should disclose where else you’re applying. The section is brutally honest and packed with admissions insight few others are willing to say out loud.Finally, Ben hops onto Reddit to give raw, unfiltered advice to students navigating LSAT prep, career tradeoffs, and whether to quit a summer job to focus on studying. This is a must-listen for serious LSAT preppers and law school applicants ready to level up.

Get the Free HeyFutureLawyer LSAT CourseIn this candid mailbag-style episode, Ben answers a wave of Instagram DMs sparked by graduation season and summer LSAT prep. He starts by dispelling myths about GPA requirements for law school, emphasizing that while a high LSAT can compensate for a low GPA, it doesn’t erase concerns entirely. He explains how law schools report medians—not averages—making the extremes (both low and high scores) less impactful than applicants think. If you have a 2.5 GPA and a high LSAT, you still face an uphill battle, and law schools will expect a compelling reason for your academic underperformance.Ben also takes aim at Reddit, especially the /r/lawschooladmissions crowd, arguing that it fosters misinformation and anxiety. He cites examples of high-scoring applicants who bombed the cycle—not because their numbers were off, but because of awkward vibes, bad writing, or just poor strategy. Ben underscores that admissions are about more than stats; law schools also want people who can write, communicate well, and not be weird in an interview.Next, Ben offers brutally honest feedback to people who messaged him with questions ranging from whether they can take the LSAT as a Bangladeshi student to whether they should apply with a 2.6 GPA and a 162 LSAT. He argues that such profiles scream “not ready” and warns against rushing into law school without improving those numbers. For high schoolers deciding between top undergrads like Columbia and Brown, Ben explains that the decision should come down to happiness and GPA maximization, not marginal prestige differences.Finally, Ben covers rising LSAT registration fees and closes the episode with a promise to pivot back to practical LSAT skills, including Logical Reasoning walkthroughs—his way of re-centering on actionable value for his listeners.

Get the Free HeyFutureLawyer LSAT CourseIn this episode, Ben Parker dives into the importance of planning to take the LSAT more than once. He breaks down the concept of score variance, explaining how even high-scoring students can see a fluctuation of several points from test to test. Ben emphasizes that it's mathematically unrealistic to assume you'll hit your peak score on a single test day, and the smartest approach is to take the LSAT early enough to give yourself multiple attempts.Ben also responds to a critical email from a listener who accused him of having a transactional and reductive approach to legal education. He defends his stance on viewing education as an investment and discusses the often misunderstood reality of big law careers. Ben argues that while big law can be perceived negatively by some, it remains one of the most direct paths to financial security for those who prioritize high earnings.Later in the episode, Ben shares some practical LSAT advice on reviewing Reading Comprehension (RC) sections, explaining why doing fewer passages but at a higher accuracy rate is more beneficial than rushing through all four. He also addresses a student's concerns about struggling with Logical Reasoning (LR) and offers insights on how to assess progress accurately rather than focusing solely on occasional good performances.Ben wraps up by critiquing a problematic GPA addendum, highlighting the common mistake of over-explaining and providing excuses rather than demonstrating growth and accountability. He underscores the importance of presenting yourself professionally and realistically when applying to law schools.