Thinking LSAT

Ben and Nate break down the measurable cost of applying late in the law school admissions cycle. Your LSAT score has the most value on the day that applications open. By rushing your LSAT or applying late in the cycle, you sacrifice points and leave money on the table. With AI poised to disrupt the legal market, it’s more important than ever to go to law school for free. ⁠Study with our Free plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 521 on YouTube⁠0:32 – AI Making Law School Obsolete?Ben and Nate discuss an article from a former Google exec claiming AI will make law and medical degrees obsolete. The guys acknowledge that AI is improving, but it still makes mistakes. While they agree that a law degree isn’t a guaranteed gravy train, they also note that the law itself is a barrier to modernization, which will slow AI’s impact on legal education. The schools most at risk are bottom feeders churning out lawyers for grunt work. Their advice: don’t pay tuition at weak schools.14:50 – LSAT Suspended in Mainland ChinaLSAC halts testing in China after evidence of cheating. A Reddit post earlier this year even advertised cheating services. While tough for honest test takers in China, applicants should appreciate LSAC’s effort to safeguard exam security.24:03 – Cost of Delaying AppsHow late is too late? While early applications are stronger, it’s never worth rushing the LSAT. The best strategy is to get your best LSAT and then apply at the start of the next cycle. A University of Chicago Journal of Law and Economics article finds that delays weaken applications. Waiting 100 days is equivalent to dropping 2.1 LSAT points or 0.26 GPA points. Schools review applications in waves, and the earliest applicants are often the strongest. Missing the first wave, even by a day, can carry measurable costs.Dynamic Decision-Making under Rolling Admissions: Evidence from US Law School Applications47:43 – Main Point vs. SummaryA summary lists information, but a main point answers “why.” It’s what the author is trying to convince you of, not just what they said.52:31 – Doing LR BackwardsListener Blair wants to work backward in Logical Reasoning to combat fatigue. Ben and Nathan’s answer: If you’re scoring under 175, you shouldn’t be finishing sections anyway, so working backward means skipping easier questions to do harder ones. If you’re at 175 or above, then fatigue isn’t an issue.59:28 – Score PlateausListeners Trevor and Ireland feel stuck. The guys caution against chasing a single breakthrough. Progress comes from carefully reviewing and learning from every mistake, one question at a time.1:04:42 – Personal Statement Gong ShowListener Elena is the next Gong Show contestant. Ben and Nathan read her personal statement until they reach an unforgivable mistake—they then ring the gong. The record is 34 lines, set by listener Sophia.Want in? Send in your statement by September 1, 2025, to be considered for the Gong Super Show. 1:07:20 - Word of the Week - TruismThe standard advice about writing is mostly truisms, like “Make a plan,” “Don’t use the passive,” or “Think of your audience.” Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 

Ben and Nathan share strategies for using visualization to stay engaged in Reading Comprehension. They also explain that getting a full-ride to law school takes more than just a high LSAT score—your application timing, school choices, and willingness to walk away from weak offers all matter.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 520 on YouTube⁠0:28 – How Law Schools Guide Career DecisionsA Harvard alumnus describes losing his job in big law after publishing an op-ed criticizing the Trump administration. Nathan and Ben discuss how law schools recruit students under the banner of justice, but then steer them toward corporate law firms. The guys remind listeners: you can’t do public-interest work and make big-law money at the same time. Sending their students to big law is a choice that schools have a vested interest in. 9:27 – UC Law SF Sweatshirt DriveNathan shares an email from UC Law San Francisco (formerly Hastings) asking alums to buy sweatshirts for incoming 1Ls. He and Ben laugh at the school’s request for $40 sweatshirts while simultaneously charging students more than $50,000 in tuition per year. 21:16 – Visualizing PassagesConnor asks for advice on improving visualization skills in RC. Strong reading comprehension depends on pausing to visualize the text—especially when it’s abstract. Creating a mind map lets you evaluate each sentence and anticipate what’s coming next. If you’re not actively questioning and connecting ideas, you’re missing the forest for the trees. 34:01 – Proctor TroublesMichael ran into issues with a proctor during his test and wonders if he should cancel his score. Ben and Nathan say there’s no advantage to canceling. The real question is whether his practice test results showed he was ready. Prepared students need not worry about minor test-day issues.37:51 – Don’t Settle for Sub-ParMike has a 3.98 GPA and practice LSAT scores in the 170s. He’s considering applying in-state with a 166 but also wonders about his T-14 prospects. The guys advise Mike to take an additional gap year, score 170+, apply early, and secure scholarships at top schools, especially given his career aspirations. 44:17 – Conditional Full RideTheo adopted the motto of going to law school for free. After a gap year, he improved his LSAT, applied broadly, and accepted a full-ride scholarship to his top choice law school. The downside is that it’s a conditional scholarship. Nate encourages Theo to stick to his commitment not to pay for law school.52:37 – Personal Statement Gong ShowNatalie is the next Gong Show contestant. In this segment, Ben and Nathan read your personal statement until they reach an unforgivable mistake—they then ring the gong. The record to beat is 34 lines, set by listener Sophia.1:08:34 - Word of the Week - WaylayI don’t want to waylay our meeting with this topic.Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 

Ben and Nathan field a handful of questions with a common theme: they come from students who are moving too fast on the LSAT, attempting too many questions, and failing to understand what they’re reading. In other words, they’re rushing to failure. The solution is simple: Attempt one question at a time. If you miss it, review until you understand why. Then, move on to the next one. Slow down, skip all the gimmicks, and the LSAT becomes easy. ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 519 on YouTube⁠0:33 – Reading All Answer ChoicesSydney asks if she can skip answer choices once she finds her prediction. Skimming bad answer choices is fine, but you still need to glance at all of them. You also don’t have to read every word. As soon as an answer starts moving in the wrong direction, eliminate it confidently and move on.8:35 – Master’s Degree to Make Up for a Low GPA?Joe recognizes that his undergraduate GPA will hurt his admissions chances and is considering a master’s degree to improve his odds. Ben and Nathan note that his 4.0 GPA in his senior year already shows he can succeed in law school. Graduate grades won’t factor into his LSAC GPA. Joe should focus instead on removing bad grades from his transcript and getting the best LSAT possible.13:37 – Mean LSAT TweetsAfter a 144 diagnostic, Chris sends Nate an angry email. Ben and Nathan outline the Demon’s resources for improvement—if Chris wants to use them. They also note that academically strong students often approach the LSAT like school: skimming, rushing, and relying on outside knowledge—habits that hurt scores.19:12 – Worst GPA You’ve Ever SeenRachel has a 1.73 GPA and just wants to get into law school. The guys commend her paralegal experience but explain that her only shot is with a strong LSAT. Given her situation, she should consider part-time or state-accredited programs to reduce cost and risk.26:41 – Two-Word Accommodation RequestA Reddit student gets 50% extra time for “severe anxiety” with a simple two-word doctor’s note. Ben and Nathan highlight the ease of securing accommodations but remind listeners that they aren’t necessary to succeed.34:30 – When to Take a BreakBlake feels burnt out after hours of daily studying with little progress. The guys point out that he’s prioritizing quantity over quality. They advise him to skip September, focus on learning, and wait to take the official test when he’s ready.43:17 – ABA JournalBen and Nathan scoff at the latest ABA Journal, which addresses loneliness, gambling addiction, and the California bar exam mishap just on the cover. Inside? A first-page ad asking lawyers to donate more money to the ABA with a testimonial from a dental hygienist. 50:10 – What’s the Deal with Purdue Global Law School?Peter wants to know if Purdue Global Law School, a California-accredited law school, is worth applying to. 1:09:40 - Personal Statement Gong ShowSophia signs up as the next Gong Show contestant. In this segment, Ben and Nathan read your personal statement until they reach an unforgivable mistake, then they ring the gong. The number of lines to beat is 21—the record currently held by listener Danielle. 1:20:27 - Word of the Week - AmeliorateThe new tutoring program was designed to ameliorate students’ struggles with reading comprehension.Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 

Thinking LSAT Show NotesIn preparation for test week, Ben and Nathan remind students of a foundational piece of advice: treat the official test exactly like you would any other practice test. They apply that advice to everything from testing location decisions to your test week study plan. ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 518 on YouTube⁠0:25 – TicketmastersReddit is full of students panicking about unavailable test center seats due to a 50% increase in August registrations. Demon team members weigh in on the remote vs. in-person testing debate, with Ben and Nathan generally siding with online testing. While there can be proctor issues, they note that this isn’t a universal problem and argue that horror stories are often amplified on Reddit while the smooth administrations go unnoticed. 7:36 – Eliminating 4 out of 5 Demon student Tom highlights a valuable LSAT skill: confidently eliminating four answers even if you’re unsure why the fifth is right. Ben and Nathan explain the two paths to the correct answer—positive identification or conclusive elimination. When unsure of why a correct answer solves the problem, be sure to learn from that question in review, even if you get the question right.13:12 – The Week Before?Harry asks how to prepare in the final week before his test. The guys say to keep doing exactly what’s worked. They caution that even asking this question suggests Harry may be treating the official test differently from practice. Planning to use all five attempts reduces the pressure of any one test. 19:50 – LSAT Demon Dashboard RatingsA listener asks about the purpose behind the Demon’s dashboard ratings and how to utilize them effectively. Ben and Nathan explain that there were two primary goals: motivation and more immediate feedback. They emphasize that rating changes aren’t always linear, and minor drops shouldn’t be discouraging.24:40 – Video Explanations for RCConnor wonders if he should still review RC videos when he got everything right. Ben and Nathan say yes—especially if the passage felt confusing or required guesswork. Watching how teachers read can improve your process, not just your accuracy.28:32 – Transcript Petition SuccessMegan shares how she successfully petitioned to remove bad grades from her transcript. Ben and Nathan read the letter she used and suggested others in similar situations should try this approach. They note that smart, respectful advocacy can yield real results.40:28 – Applying BroadlyA student recounts accepting a partial scholarship and still facing six-figure debt. Ben and Nathan stress that 80% of law students receive scholarships and that partial offers can still lead to heavy debt burdens. Applicants should apply broadly and reject the idea that a “generous” offer is good enough if it means massive loans.Check out the LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator47:00 - Word of the Week - Askance“The judge also looked askance at Anthropic’s acknowledgement that it had turned to downloading pirated books in order to save time and money in building its AI models.”Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 

Ben and Nathan push back against hype-driven decisions, urging students to ignore rising August LSAT registrations and wait to test until their practice scores consistently reflect readiness. They caution against chasing perceived trends, whether that means rushing to take an “easier” test or relying on gimmicks like diagramming. Even if more conditional logic appears in Logical Reasoning, the path to success remains the same: focus on intuitive understanding and resist shortcuts that only complicate the test.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 517 on YouTube⁠0:30 – August 2025 RegistrationsDespite an increase in August test registrations, Ben and Nathan stress that this shouldn’t affect your personal test date. Wait to sign up until your practice test scores indicate that you’re ready. They remind listeners that perceptions of an “easier” test are misleading. 14:26 – Still No Need To Diagram Henry asks if LR sections now contain more conditional logic. Ben defends the intuitive approach even on the most conditional-heavy questions, while Nathan notes that LR will never match the complexity of logic games. Diagramming, among other gimmicks, are magic beans sold to students. These strategies only complicate the test and inhibit meaningful understanding. 22:17 – Michigan AI EssayJordan sends in a Michigan Law prompt inviting applicants to use generative AI. The guys are critical of the prompt but applaud the school for acknowledging AI’s role. They discuss how this reflects evolving attitudes toward AI in legal education.30:06 – Why Don’t You Want Me to Go This Fall?Lizzy expresses pressure to apply quickly despite not feeling ready. Ben and Nathan explain why waiting until you have your best score matters most. They warn against a “one-and-done” mindset and emphasize that rushing leads to lower scores, worse offers, and possible regret.40:20 – Listing AwardsA listener asks whether they should list awards they haven’t officially received yet. The advice: yes, include them—just mark them as “expected.”42:08 – Online JD ProgramsAre online JDs respected? Do they get scholarships? The guys argue there’s little meaningful distinction between online and in-person programs. Applicants should still apply early and broadly to maximize scholarship offers.51:22 - Word of the Week - UnlessInnovation cannot thrive unless organizations embrace risk-taking.Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 

This week, Josh and Nate tackle the misconception that the Demon isn’t built for beginners—a belief that emerges from the absence of an introduction to LSAT “theory”. They explain that a bloated curriculum, disconnected from questions, often confuses students and can even reduce scores. The Demon advocates jumping right into questions and letting the test, paired with our explanations, be your teacher. ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 513 on YouTube⁠0:33 – AnnouncementsRegistration deadlines are coming up. You know you’re ready to sign up when your practice tests match your goal score. Registration DeadlinesRegister for Ben’s Free Class6:07 – Logical Reasoning MindsetNate and Josh explore the mindset required for success in Logical Reasoning, emphasizing that each question has one objectively correct answer. Rather than starting with abstract theory, they advocate an intuitive, hands-on approach: dive into real questions, make mistakes, and learn from them. The Demon is built for beginners. By focusing on solving problems and reviewing mistakes, students can build a strong foundation for sustained success. 18:50 – Candidate Referral ServiceJosh and Nate revisit the candidate referral service and consider whether it’s worth signing up. Several Demon team members share how they used the service and received CAS fee waivers to apply early and widely. Still, be cautious—don’t let school marketing sway you. Stay skeptical of marketing gimmicks from these schools and be a savvy applicant. LSAT Demon Scholarship Converter26:54 – Tale of Two CareersJacob is thinking about a pivot to law from a very successful accounting career. Josh and Nate recognize there is a meaningful career opportunity, but caution him not to go to law school just because he has great reasoning skills. Instead, meet tax attorneys and decide if that is a job that you want. 36:41 – Studying with a BuddyDemon Student Alex asks how to study with a buddy. Josh and Nate encourage him to practice teaching questions to each other. Josh encourages Alex to utilize the LSAT Demon Discord to find a study buddy. LSAT Demon Discord44:46 – Studying for One Hour Alexis doesn’t feel like she is making progress with only one hour per day during her lunch break. The guys encourage her to continue her slow and steady approach to studying, but encourage her to improve the quality of her hour. Your LSAT hour needs to be your best hour of the day: interruption-free, focused, and energized.57:23 – Full Practice Test FailsPaige’s scores plummet when she takes full practice tests instead of timed sections. Josh suggests that the score is distracting her from giving the test 100% of her mental effort. The guys then suggest that Paige must not be applying her normal process to practice tests. Nate concludes: You should have a growth mindset when it comes to practice tests. Ask yourself how you can learn from this test, not what score you will get. 1:04:43 – Comparative RCGavin struggles with comparative passages. Josh and Nate encourage him to start explicitly focusing on comparing and contrasting as he’s reading. 1:12:11 - Word of the Week - SpeciousThe difference between “literary” and “genre” fiction is a specious distinction. Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library.

After an influx of GPA addenda questions, Nathan and Josh address several examples in a rapid-fire segment. Their main point: you probably shouldn’t write one at all. Addenda highlight weaknesses and provide information that admissions committees may hold against you. Skip the sob stories and focus on showing why you’ll succeed in law school.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 5150:42 – Big Beautiful BillNathan and Josh discuss provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill that cap law school loans at $50,000 per year. They argue it’s not the crisis some students fear, noting that borrowing six figures for law school is unwise and the cap protects less informed applicants. They see the bill as targeting predatory schools, not students. Check out our Scholarship Estimator.2025 AccessLex Data Report23:52 – Rapid Fire AddendaThe guys advise students to avoid addenda. Addenda draw attention to the weakest parts of your application and must be concise and strategic if used. An effective addendum highlights positive traits and avoids overexplaining. The goal is to shift focus away from negatives and give admissions officers something strong to latch onto.38:46 – Role QuestionsNathan and Josh explain how to approach role questions, which ask about the function of specific sentences in an argument. They remind listeners that sentences are usually in one of two key categories: premises and conclusions. While answers are phrased abstractly, you succeed by reading answer choices with the same care and engagement used on the passage itself. 50:18 – Accuracy Up but Speed StalledNathan urges students not to chase speed at the expense of comprehension. Every missed question indicates another question you got correct, but didn’t understand. Rereading whole passages is a red flag for poor initial reading. Meaningful engagement with the passage allows students to trust their comprehension in the face of flawed arguments.1:04:05 – Broken QuestionsJosh and Nathan refute the idea of “broken” LSAT questions. While some answer choices may be stronger than others, all correct answers are defensible. Blaming the test forfeits a chance to improve. When struggling, walk away and revisit the question with fresh eyes—some days you’ll simply perform better than others.1:11:14 – Personal Statement Gong ShowHannah sends in her submission for the Personal Statement Gong Show. Josh and Nathan read the personal statements and hit the gong when something goes wrong. The standing record to beat is 21 lines, held by Danielle.1:27:07 - Word of the Week - Effect Pollination of fruit tree flowers, a necessary step in fruit production, is effected only by certain insects. Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 

Ben and Nathan tackle Parallel Reasoning questions, a question type that some students prefer to skip. They assure listeners that these questions work just like any other LSAT question. Gimmicks—like reading the question first or diagramming—don’t help and only distract from the core task. Focus instead on reading for comprehension and understanding the argument. The key is to identify the reasoning and treat everything else as secondary.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 514 on YouTube⁠0:30 – How Cheating Spreads in Law SchoolBen and Nathan discuss a Wall Street Journal article on extended-time accommodations at Pepperdine Law, where 30% of students reportedly receive them. They argue that accommodations should level the playing field, not give an advantage. They question the value of timed essay exams and compare law school to gaining entry into an ABA-approved guild, suggesting that gaming the system might seem rational, ethics aside.LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator27:25 – WashU Law Pre-Application TrapA listener is contacted for an interview by WashU Law before even applying. Ben and Nathan caution that this is a sales tactic: the school is trying to extract information and create perceived interest to reduce scholarship offers. They revisit their advice about the Candidate Referral Service, suggesting it might be time to reconsider what students share with schools early in the process.36:12 – Parallel Reasoning ClarityThe guys break down Parallel Reasoning questions on the LSAT. They emphasize that matching language or subject matter is secondary—what matters is aligning the logical structure of arguments. To succeed, students must first understand the core argument before worrying about technical parallels. A big-picture approach is key.53:20 – Tips from a Departing DemonA departing Demon, Vox, shares his advice for other students: keep your study streak alive. Even a single question can turn into an hour of productive study. Consistency compounds.54:56 – Zyns on the LSATRedditors wonder if nicotine pouches like Zyn are allowed during the LSAT. Ben and Nathan suggest that they aren’t explicitly banned, but advise playing it safe and contacting LSAC directly. Better to assume they’re off-limits.1:03:22 – Why Are Others Wrong?Listener Andrew is thinking about writing an LSAT addendum. Ben and Nathan advise him to focus on improving his score with his two remaining attempts. They argue that law school deans who encourage addenda are trying to get applicants to expose weaknesses. Schools are more interested in reporting the highest LSAT scores, driving denial numbers up, and collecting full tuition. Admissions advice is often self-serving.1:18:21 – Personal Statement Gong ShowDanielle 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.1:32:38 - What’s the Deal With… Jacksonville University? Ben and Nate take a look at Jacksonville University, the newest school to receive ABA accreditation. While there are reasons why this may be a good fit, you shouldn’t pay to be the school’s guinea pigs. Catch up on all of our What’s the Deal With… segments!1:42:50 - Word of the Week - Legerdemain “Commenting on the county counsel exception, the court termed it a 'legerdemain giving birth to a solution of dubious validity.'”Howitt v. Superior Court, 5 Cal. Rptr. 2d 196, 202 (App. 1992).Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 

On this week’s Thinking LSAT, Josh joins Ben to answer questions from students who feel stuck. They explain that plateaus often come from ignoring the core skill tested by the LSAT: “Did you understand what you read?” “Strategies” like skimming passages or completing 10 questions in 10 minutes distract from comprehension. Instead, you unlock the LSAT when you read each sentence carefully and make sure you understand every word.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 513 on YouTube⁠1:01 – Be Careful What You ShareJosh and Ben unpack a NYT report on a white nationalist who won an award for a paper on originalism. They focus on a student quoted in the article who lost a job offer after telling a future employer about the interview. Their point: it’s not about politics—employers want to avoid liability and bad press. The same logic applies to law school admissions, where offices will use any self-disclosed information to their advantage.7:15 – Save My RCEllie writes in hoping to “save” her reading comprehension. They urge her to slow down, spend more time digesting each passage, and treat every question as Must Be True—provable solely by the text.14:50 – Professors’ Letter of RecommendationWhen Joshua’s professors ask what to include in letters of recommendation, highlight experiences that prove future lawyer competence—research, writing, leadership, and advocacy. Ensure recommenders understand LSAC’s credential assembly service upload process so letters arrive on time.19:12 – Retaking ClassesEmma wants to know if she should retake classes to boost her GPA. If your school removes old grades from your transcript, retaking a course can improve your GPA. If not, stack easy A’s instead. Delay graduation if needed to add GPA-boosting coursework, and consider a gap year to raise numbers further—every decimal point can translate into larger scholarships.LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator24:44 – Plateauing in ScoresThe guys diagnose Sydney’s stall, where she was missing seven questions per section. She’s fixated on speed. Strategies like “10 questions in 10 minutes” detract from accuracy and understanding. Instead, Josh and Ben prescribe concentrating on accuracy, ditching box-checking wrong-answer journals, and digging into the logic of each missed question instead of types. 37:56 – Applying Early DecisionApplying early decision is a scholarship-killer. You surrender negotiation leverage and forfeit the chance to apply broadly and early elsewhere. Keep your options—and bargaining power—open.42:46 - Word of the Week - Nimrod“In Wisconsin, as I was driving through, a hunter shot his own guide between the shoulder blades. The coroner questioning this nimrod asked, ‘Did you think he was a deer?’”Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 

Law School Lemons & LSAT CeilingsBen and Nathan discuss how law school admissions resemble a “market for lemons,” where students face steep information asymmetries. They highlight tools like the Scholarship Estimator and 509 reports that help applicants manage expectations and avoid overpaying. While there are several ways to strengthen an application, none are as effective as a strong LSAT and GPA.⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠⁠Watch Episode 512 on YouTube⁠0:26 – Law School Lemon LawDemon student Luca applies the “market for lemons” concept to law school admissions, emphasizing the information gap between applicants and schools. Ben and Nate note that schools often string applicants along without providing transparent pricing. Tools like 509 reports and the Scholarship Estimator help narrow this gap by showing what students might actually pay. Despite the added time and cost, applying broadly remains key to determining your market value.⁠The Disparity Index⁠LSAT Demon Scholarship EstimatorThe Market For Lemons17:36 – Getting In Isn’t the GoalBen and Nathan discuss a Reddit post that shared an email in which the University of Oklahoma’s law school advised an applicant to raise their LSAT score. Some were outraged, but the data supports it—Oklahoma’s median LSAT is 160. They caution against accepting offers where you just meet the medians. Barely squeaking in often means overpaying.23:31 – AnnouncementsAugust LSAT Registration closes June 26th. See all registration details at lsat.link/dates. 25:22 – Holistic ApplicationsExtracurriculars and soft factors help, but only after your LSAT and GPA are competitive. Athletics, internships, and work experience can strengthen your application, but they won’t offset weak numbers.29:48 – Tips from Departing DemonsRecent Demon students share what worked for them. Asma recommends “having a conversation with the test” to stay mentally engaged rather than going on autopilot. Another student, LT, shares that they ultimately decided not to pursue a JD, showing that sometimes the best move is to walk away.34:23 – What’s My Ceiling?Seth asks if massive LSAT gains—30 or even 40 points—are possible. The guys say yes, but they stress not to rush toward specific schools or deadlines. Instead, slow down, focus on one question at a time, and aim for a minimum of 160. Below that, law school might not be the right investment.39:21 – Personal Statement Gong ShowAmy feels that the Personal Statement Gong Show has given her a great idea of what not to do. Now, she wants to know what makes an elite personal statement. Ben and Nathan highlight some essential lessons using a personal statement from the Gong Show’s first celebrity contestant, Demon team member Stefan.1:04:32 - Word of the Week - Aegis[The memoirs] written by royalists, who opposed the Revolution, were published under the monarchy’s aegis. Get caught up with our⁠ ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library. 

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. 

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 – GrammarlyBen 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. 

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

Ben and Nathan investigate income-debt ratios for average law students. Their findings paint a sobering picture for the average law school graduate. In many cases, students are paying champagne prices for beer salaries. Paying full price at even top schools can disrupt personal financial stability for a decade or longer. Then, they review the newly released 2025/2026 LSAT schedule, flag another price increase, and take on two flawed pieces of LSAT advice in a double round of Pearls vs. Turds. The guys help one listener struggling with timed sections and a reapplicant focusing on the wrong priorities in their résumé. JoJo the PoPo takes their shot at the Personal Statement Gong Show, and “normative” is the word of the week.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 508 on YouTube0:30 – Champagne Prices. Beer Salaries.Ben and Nathan highlight how poorly students understand the long-term impact of taking on massive student loans. The federal government considers the average law grad to be in financial hardship, and income-to-debt ratios back that up. Graduates from top schools like Yale typically spend about 10% of their gross monthly income on loan payments, while some graduates spend over 50%. To make matters worse, top students who secure scholarships and consequently have little to no debt often land the best jobs, while those borrowing median debt levels earn significantly less. Scoring high on the LSAT and attending law school for free remains the safest path.Check your school's median debt and income levels at Lawhub.com27:10 – 2025/2026 LSAT Schedule ReleasedThe LSAT schedule for 2025/2026 shows no significant changes, but the official test cost increased again. Ben and Nathan encourage students not to waste money and wait until their practice test scores show they’re ready before signing up.28:55 – Pearls vs. Turds Double HeaderThis episode’s Pearls vs. Turds features two submissions. First: “Avoid the obvious answer.” Verdict: turd. If the answer does what the question is asking, it’s correct. If it feels easy, it’s because the LSAT is genuinely easy. Second: “If the passage doesn’t include the word ‘should,’ avoid answer choices that do.” Verdict: also a turd. While it hints at something valid—normative conclusions need support—rigid rules like this replace real understanding with memorization and lead to errors.37:20 – Not Improving on Timed SectionsDexter reports that although his untimed drilling has improved, his timed section scores remain flat. Ben and Nathan recommend treating timed sections the same way as drilling. Rather than rushing to finish, focus on solving each problem completely and accurately.42:15 – Law School RésuméAP is applying again after improving their LSAT score and wants feedback on résumé content. Ben and Nathan advise that résumés and soft skills are secondary when the LSAT score isn’t competitive. Application materials like the résumé can stay largely the same, but they must be polished and error-free.48:29 – Personal Statement Gong ShowJoJo the PoPo enters the ring as the latest Personal Statement Gong Show contestant. Ben and Nathan read their personal statement and hit the gong when something goes wrong. The standing record to beat is ten lines, held by Greta.1:03:53 - Word of the Week - Normative“Sciences, however, are by definition non-normative: they describe but they do not prescribe.”

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

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

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

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

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

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