Thinking LSAT

Love it or hate it, the r/LSAT subreddit is a popular forum for LSAT news and advice. Unfortunately, LSAT Demon students have been unable to engage fully with this community for almost a year. Their posts and comments about the Demon are secretly banned. Ben and Nathan recount the curious back story of LSAT Demon’s shadow ban on Reddit and ask for listeners’ advice. Later, the guys discuss upcoming changes to LSAT Writing. They share tips on becoming a gladiator of the English language. And they examine why some lawyers might be better off working in fast food. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 445 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:11 - Reddit Shadow Ban - The guys detail LSAT Demon’s shadow ban on the r/LSAT subreddit. Read more in their blog post and share your thoughts at help@thinkinglsat.com. 14:19 - Changes to LSAT Writing - Big changes are coming to LSAT Writing. Starting July 31, 2024, the section will feature a more open-ended essay prompt that asks writers to defend an original thesis. Ben and Nathan weigh in on the upcoming changes. 20:18 - Improving at English - Lawyers are gladiators of the English language. Nathan and Ben share a few tips on how to improve your reading and writing. 31:22 - Pearls vs. Turds - Despite what some LSAT “experts” say, there are no shortcuts to success in LSAT Reading Comprehension. If you want to improve in RC, you must improve your ability to read. 39:54 - Law vs. Fast Food - Not every lawyer makes big law money. But lawyers at least earn more than fast-food workers, right? Not necessarily. 46:49 - Informational Interviews - Ben and Nathan advise listener Michael on how to solicit and conduct informational interviews with practicing lawyers. 52:07 - Focus on Accuracy - Listener Grace faces challenges in transitioning to the LSAT Demon approach after switching from another prep company. Nathan and Ben encourage Grace to stick with it and to prioritize accuracy over section scores. 56:18 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Nick shares a pearl of wisdom: “Don’t tell everyone you know that you are taking the LSAT.” 1:01:14 - Word of the Week - If law schools would put the kibosh on their unfair pricing schemes, Ben and Nathan wouldn’t have to inveigh against them.

Ben and Nathan address a frequently asked question: “Why the name LSAT Demon?” The name’s origin aligns with their belief that every LSAT question can be solved with certainty. Later, the guys critique some shortsighted advice for Logical Reasoning. They also explore strategies for negotiating scholarships, and they discuss a rare exception to their advice not to pay for law school. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 441 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:35 - January LSAT Scores - Listener Josie asks how to bounce back from a disappointing score on the January LSAT. Ben and Nathan pinpoint a problem with Josie’s mindset: too much concern for the clock and the calendar. 16:06 - Laplace’s Demon - The guys reveal the origin of the name LSAT Demon and its relevance to their teaching philosophy. 22:27 - Pearls vs. Turds - How important are question types in Logical Reasoning? Should you skip Parallel Reasoning questions for the sake of time? Nathan and Ben offer their insights. 42:11 - Reviewing Logic Games - Ben and Nathan discuss how to review and learn from mistakes in Logic Games. Hear Demon teachers Matt and Erik share their perspectives in LSAT Demon Daily Ep. 614: How to Review Logic Games. 47:47 - Accepted to Yale - Don’t pay for law school. But does this principle hold true even for Yale? Nathan and Ben weigh the costs and benefits of attending the most prestigious law school in the country. 56:49 - Scholarship Negotiation - The first and most important step of scholarship negotiation is to ask for what you want. As Jonea Gordon explains in Ep. 437, nothing bad comes from doing so. 1:05:56 - Comparing Scholarship Offers - Ben and Nathan help listener Leon pick between competing offers from two Florida law schools. 1:16:54 - Words of the Week - It would be impolitic to delimit cost as an ostensibly extraneous factor in picking a law school. 1:25:08 - Book Recommendations - The guys chat about the books they’ve been reading. 1:34:27 - Tips from a Departing Demon - Demon student Erik encourages current students: “Don’t stop, give up, or leave any points on the table.”

Law school doesn’t have an age limit. But older applicants be warned: law isn’t a fallback career. This week, Nathan and Ben beseech listeners of all ages to examine their motivations for pursuing law school. Later, the guys consider some students’ contention that Logic Games on the January LSAT were unusually difficult. They share tips for LSAT study groups. And they clear up a misunderstanding regarding LSAC’s GPA calculations. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 439 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:18 - JD Advantage Jobs - In Episode 437, data privacy expert Jonea Gordon described how her legal background contributed to her success in jobs that don’t require a JD. Ben and Nathan nonetheless maintain that law school should be pursued by those who intend to practice law. 16:10 - Too Old for Law School? - Listener Melissa wants to make a career change, but she worries that she’s too old for law school. Nathan and Ben assure Melissa that her age isn’t an obstacle. They also counsel her not to treat law as a fallback career. 21:41 - January LSAT Logic Games - Some test takers thought that the January LSAT featured especially difficult Logic Games. Nathan and Ben aren’t surprised—they hear this complaint after almost every LSAT. 25:49 - Study Groups - Ben and Nathan advise LSAT Demon student Cameren on how to structure his study group sessions. 29:18 - Grade Change - The guys correct some misinformation regarding LSAC’s grading policy for Pass/Fail grades. In most cases, a “P” on an applicant’s transcript will not be included in LSAC’s GPA calculation. 37:49 - Tips from a Departing Demon - Departing LSAT Demon student Tara shares her advice for other LSAT students: study so much! 39:09 - Words of the Week - Ice on Mars sublimes to vapor. To this we ascribe the planet’s lack of liquid water.

Many applicants face a dilemma at this point in the admissions cycle: Do they settle for a mediocre LSAT score and uninspiring scholarship offers? Or do they retake the LSAT and reapply next year? To Ben and Nathan, the choice is clear. There’s too much upside and too little downside not to take the long-term approach. Later, the guys explain why common sense trumps formal logic on the LSAT. They speculate that the LSAT will soon increase in difficulty. And they discuss the proper use of law school rankings. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 436 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:45 - How to Start Studying - After a five-year break from the LSAT, listener Ellen asks how to restart her studies. Nathan and Ben answer simply: begin with one question. 5:26 - Retake and Reapply - Listener Dale believes that he can improve upon his official 166, but he fears that his parents won't support his decision to retake and reapply next cycle. Ben and Nathan recommend patience. The beginning of your legal career is too important to rush. 16:22 - Formal Logic - The guys assure listener Alexis that the LSAT requires no knowledge of formal logic. It just takes common sense. For more, watch LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 384: Formal Logic. 23:31 - No Gimmicks - An LSAT Demon student seeks time-saving strategies based on trends in correct-answer distribution for certain question types. The problem? Those trends don’t exist. 31:40 - Will the LSAT Get Harder? - Nathan and Ben suspect that the LSAT may soon become more difficult—but not because the Logic Games are going away. 38:05 - Law School Rankings - Ben and Nathan suggest that applicants use law school rankings to help build a list of target schools, not to decide which school to attend. 49:00 - Success Story - A proud dad thanks the LSAT Demon team for helping his family save $250,000. 53:23 - Don’t Go to Law School Unless… - The guys congratulate LSAT Demon student Alex for deciding not to go to law school. 58:44 - Words of the Week - Those who recoil from new words may find their antipathy to vocabulary inimical to the inauguration of a legal career.

Ben and Nathan address a listener’s concerns about his stagnant test scores, providing guidance for improvement. Also on the show, the guys share insights on how to inform impatient family members about the reality of law school admissions. They express support for online law school. And they discuss the decades-long trend of undergraduate GPA inflation. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 434 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:02 - Family Pressure - An anonymous listener is patiently pursuing a 170+ LSAT score, but their parents are hounding them to apply this cycle. Nathan and Ben suggest LSAT Demon Parent’s Night among other ways to educate family members about the law school admissions game. 6:04 - An Hour a Day - After improving his score by 20 points, listener Nate feels that he has reached a plateau. Ben and Nathan challenge Nate to remain consistent in his study schedule and to prioritize reviewing his mistakes. 18:55 - Online Law School - Nathan and Ben are proponents of online education—including online law school. They advise applicants to do their due diligence in selecting a school that’s right for their career goals. 25:13 - Sufficient Assumptions - The guys explain how to reliably predict answers to Sufficient Assumption questions in Logical Reasoning. 31:11 - RC Timing - Improving in Reading Comprehension isn’t a matter of timing, it’s a matter of understanding. Ben and Nathan urge a student to slow down and focus on accuracy. 34:40 - Grade Inflation - Law schools’ GPA medians ticked upward during the pandemic. Will they come back down? The guys review a recent New York Times article on undergraduate grade inflation and find no reason to expect that the trend will change. 42:41 - Applying Broadly - Nathan and Ben advise listener Brad on how to build a broad list of target schools with help from the LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator. 46:13 - Vocabulary Corner - Be rapacious for a better LSAT score.

Feared by some, loathed by others, “yield protection” remains a steadfast reality in law school admissions. This week, Nathan and Ben discuss why law schools justifiably use yield-protecting strategies in admissions. The guys also share the story of a listener who successfully petitioned their college to expunge a semester of failing grades. They compare law schools’ debt-to-income ratios for recent graduates. And they offer practical tips to a student seeking ways to avoid underperformance on test day. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 433 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:26 - Word of the Week - Avoid zoonotic diseases like the plague. 5:24 - Appeals - Persistence pays off. Ben and Nathan hear from a listener who convinced their community college to withdraw a semester of failing grades. They also discuss another listener’s successful appeal to LSAC for a fee waiver. The conversation then shifts to considering the chances of an international student procuring an extra test attempt. 18:48 - Debt-to-Income Ratio - In a recent blog post, a Notre Dame law professor compares the median debt-to-income ratios of recent graduates from different law schools. Nathan and Ben explain why the numbers are even more alarming than they first appear. 30:38 - Yield Protection - Ben and Nathan react to—and mostly agree with—Dean Z’s explanation of yield protection. Every facet of the admissions process is part of a negotiation over how much you’ll pay for law school. 56:26 - Scoring Below PTs - LSAT Demon student Katie scored significantly lower than her practice test average on her official test. The guys describe some common causes of underperformance on test day, and they instruct Katie to treat the official LSAT like any other practice test. This topic is featured in LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 690: Don’t Let Test Anxiety Become an Excuse. 1:02:21 - Senior Year Grades - Yes, K-JDs have to maintain good grades in their senior year of undergrad. 1:05:52 - LOR Timeline - Listener Pat plans to apply to law school in 2025. Nathan and Ben agree that getting a head start on requesting letters of recommendation is a wise move.

Law school isn’t a level playing field. First-generation college students face significant disadvantages in law school, as reported by the Law School Survey of Student Engagement. Nathan and Ben discuss the major challenges that await first-gen students—underscoring the importance of not paying for law school. Later, the guys explain their approach to questions that they can’t immediately solve. They urge a geographically limited applicant to expand their list of schools. And they deliberate on a listener’s choice between the LSAT and the GRE. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 427 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:28 - LR in the Real World - The guys use their Logical Reasoning expertise to criticize a sentimental bumper sticker. Ben reveals why he isn’t a big fan of poetry. 6:58 - First-Gen Students - The Law School Survey of Student Engagement sheds light on the challenges faced by first-generation college students attending law school. 19:46 - Timing - Nathan and Ben instruct an LSAT Demon student to ignore the clock and to answer questions at their own pace. The guys also advise against flagging questions to review later. And they explain when to move on from a question that you haven’t fully solved. 36:42 - Apply Broadly - Ben and Nathan encourage listener Nikki to apply broadly despite her limited geographical flexibility. Nikki can’t make a well-informed decision about law school without gauging her value in the marketplace. 42:26 - Applying with a Criminal Record - People with felony convictions aren’t immediately disqualified from practicing law in most states, but they face an uphill battle and increased scrutiny. The guys refer an anonymous listener to Yale’s page on applying with a criminal record. 47:27 - GRE vs. LSAT - Should listener Sarthak skip the LSAT and apply to law school with his strong GRE scores? Nathan and Ben give Sarthak their blessing—as long as he's ready to turn down bad offers. 57:04 - Gap Semester - The guys see no need for listener Minnie to explain why she took a gap semester in college. 58:23 - Touring Law Schools - Ben and Nathan consider a possible downside to campus visits. Law schools could charge higher prices to applicants who demonstrate a high level of interest in their schools.

Logic Games will soon be on their way out, and many LSAT students are now grappling with the decision of whether to study them. Should you invest time in mastering LG, or should you pivot toward preparing for a games-free LSAT? In this week’s discussion, Ben and Nathan advocate a balanced approach that prepares students for any version of the test. Later, the guys provide feedback on personal statement topics, share the key to unlocking perfect RC passages, and weigh the pros and cons of retaking the test. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 426 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:28 - Should I Keep Studying LG? With Logic Games leaving the LSAT in August 2024, listener Amanda is unsure whether to continue practicing LG or to shift her focus solely to Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Nathan and Ben propose a flexible study plan that allows Amanda to keep her options open. 10:59 - Personal Statement Topics Ben and Nathan provide insights on several listeners’ personal statement topics. One applicant intends to explain a career change. Another wants to address their ADHD diagnosis. A third considers highlighting their ethnicity and cultural heritage. 32:24 - Perfect Passages Listener Regan rarely scores perfectly on a logic game or RC passage. Nathan and Ben challenge Regan to pick an answer only when they’re certain it’s correct. 36:09 - Eliminating Wrong Answers If you’re critical of the answer choices, you can eliminate wrong answers without fully explaining why they’re wrong. 40:32 - Parallel Reasoning Some Parallel Reasoning questions present answer choices that rearrange the premises and the conclusion. Ben and Nathan demonstrate an intuitive approach to solving these questions. 46:34 - Drilling LR Question Types Students often struggle to distinguish Necessary Assumption questions from Sufficient Assumption questions. Nathan and Ben see value in designating time to drill these and other commonly confused question types. 49:30 - Downside to Retaking? Nolan worries that law schools might view him unfavorably if he retakes the LSAT and gets a lower score. Ben and Nathan assure Nolan that any potential downside of retaking is negligible, and the potential rewards could be game-changing.

Too much note-taking stymies understanding. Today on the show, Ben and Nathan discuss how to study effectively for a skills-based test like the LSAT. Hint: spend less time taking notes and more time engaging with the material. They also answer listeners’ questions about undergraduate versus graduate GPAs, LSAC fee waivers, and more. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 396 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube⁠ ⁠LSAT Demon YouTube 4.14.2023 — April LSAT begins 4.25.2023 — June LSAT registration deadline 5.3.2023 — April LSAT scores released 6.9.2023 — June LSAT begins 6.28.2023 — June LSAT scores released 0:00 - Upcoming Free Class Register for Ben’s free Reading Comprehension class on April 17. 1:48 - We’re Hiring LSAT Demon is looking for former students who scored above 170 and are interested in teaching. Email help@lsatdemon.com with a screenshot of your official LSAT score and a video of you teaching a question or logic game. 2:59 - Don’t Pay for Law School - Listener Anthony writes in with good news: he took Ben and Nathan’s advice and will be going to law school for free. Congrats, Anthony! 12:19 - Fee Waivers and Graduate GPAs - An anonymous listener shares information about LSAC’s fee waiver timeline. The fee waiver kicks in when you get approved, not when you sign up for a test. Anonymous also asks about their graduate GPA and whether it will make their UGPA look better. It’s a soft factor, but it might be a point in your favor. 19:06 - Take Practice Tests in the Demon - A student emailed the Demon help team to ask why Law Hub and LSAT Demon calculated different scores for the same practice test. Law Hub uses an outdated scoring scale from when the test had four scored sections. Ben and Nathan advise Demon students to take their practice tests in the Demon. 24:29 - Is Note-Taking Effective? - Listener Jeff asks if he should start taking notes while he’s drilling. The guys assure him that taking notes isn’t necessary. Don’t fall into the trap of using note-taking as a crutch. Focus on real understanding. They clarify that it might be helpful to some students and offer advice on how to take notes effectively. 34:35 - There Are No Second-Best Answers - Jeff also asks about his self-diagnosed habit of picking commonly chosen wrong answers on Logical Reasoning questions. Ben and Nathan point out possible selection bias that occurs when students focus only on what they get wrong. They emphasize the power of prediction to solve the problem. 37:08 - Lawyers Ask for Special Treatment - Listener Will asks if he should contact his undergrad institution to request that they change some of his grades. The guys assure him that it’s worth a shot if he can make a convincing case for himself—the worst they can say is no. 41:50 - Listener Book Recommendation - Listener Molly writes in with a book recommendation endorsed by Ben and Nathan: Way Worse Than Being A Dentist: The Lawyer's Quest for Meaning, by Will Meyerhofer. 48:56 - Valuable Work Experience - Listener Sarah has 11 years of work experience as a paralegal. Still, she has concerns about her UGPA. Ben and Nathan recommend that she focus on her strengths, not her weaknesses. 55:10 - The LNAT Versus the LSAT? - Listener Peyton asks about law schools outside the United States and the Law National Aptitude Test. The guys think the LNAT sounds highly comparable to the LSAT. 58:12 - Personal Statement Feedback - Listener Sam wants to know if the guys plan to critique more applicants’ personal statements on the podcast before the next application cycle. Ben and Nathan encourage students looking for support on their personal statements to work with Leslie at LSAT Demon. 1:02:26 - ChatGPT’s Effect on Lawyers - Listener Ashwin asks for Ben’s and Nathan’s thoughts on how ChatGPT and other AI will affect the legal profession. The guys think AI will have a significant impact on many professions.

Ben and Nathan assess whether attending a regional school may prevent you from finding work in a more competitive market. The guys double down on their advice to apply broadly even if you’re set on attending law school in a particular location. They also consider whether earlier PrepTests are easier than more recent ones, investigate an elite law school’s URM bump, and shake their heads at the ABA’s continued attempts to eliminate the standardized testing requirement. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 391 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:59 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener Owen shares some LSAT tips from lsat-center.com. Ben and Nathan detect some turds and implore listeners to reject LSAT gimmicks. 21:19 - Regional Law Schools - An anonymous listener was offered a full-tuition scholarship plus a stipend to attend the University of Iowa. But Anonymous worries that attending a regional school will prevent them from finding work in a competitive market, like Washington, D.C. Nathan and Ben recommend connecting with Iowa alumni who’ve followed similar paths. 28:34 - Apply Broadly - Listener Heidi wants to attend law school in a particular region. Should she still apply broadly, even to schools she wouldn’t attend? Ben and Nathan say yes. By applying broadly, Heidi can better judge her value to law schools and keep her options open. 31:25 - Are Early PrepTests Easier? - Listener Jack was shocked to score 177 on PrepTest A (an official LSAT from 1996) after weeks of scoring in the 160s. How much should Jack read into this score jump? Are earlier PrepTests easier? Nathan and Ben tell Jack not to overthink a single data point and to keep learning from his mistakes. 36:08 - URM Bump - The guys resolve a question about the URM bump in the LSAT Demon scholarship estimator. 42:07 - ABA Tries to Eliminate LSAT Rule - The ABA will try yet again to eliminate the standardized testing requirement for law school admissions. Ben and Nathan remind listeners that law schools will continue to use the LSAT even if they aren’t required to do so.

Ben and Nathan continue the series of reading bad personal statements and calling out violations. But first, they tackle a Flaw question from PrepTest 73 and read emails from Demon students finding LSAT success. If you are still wondering what NOT to do on your personal statement, this episode is for you. As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT, and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben. Read more on our website! Watch Episode 319 on YouTube

Tuitions are soaring at U.S. colleges and universities, and short-sighted student loan policies may be partly to blame. This week, Ben and Nathan discuss the latest round of student loan forgiveness, which treats the symptoms of high education costs but won’t fix the problem. The guys also correct a common misconception about “test-optional” admissions. They consider the scholarship chances of applicants with low GPAs. And they advise a listener to pick a new personal statement topic. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 450 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:48 - LSAT Optional - No, the LSAT is not “going away” in 2025. Law schools will continue to value the LSAT even if they aren’t required to use it. 15:32 - Low GPA - Applicants with low GPAs aren’t locked out of law school. Grade forgiveness may help some. But a high LSAT score is the real key to getting scholarships. 23:24 - GPA and Law School Rankings - An anonymous listener considers taking a course pass-fail to avoid hurting their GPA. Nathan and Ben approve. The guys explain why law schools are so invested in their GPA medians: it’s all in the rankings game. 31:40 - $100,000 a Year - Some colleges will soon charge $100,000 a year. Ben and Nathan bemoan the unhinged state of tuition hikes and student loans. 39:34 - Personal Statement - The guys advise an anonymous listener to avoid a vague personal statement. 43:00 - Graduate School - An anonymous listener wants to drop out of grad school but worries about what law schools will think. Nathan and Ben think the choice is clear. 46:38 - Extra Test Attempt - Leslie, LSAT Demon’s admissions guru, shares the story of a student who successfully appealed for an extra test attempt. 50:48 - Word of the Week - Listener Syd recommends Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day.

The April LSAT is almost here. How should test-takers approach the final days leading up to their official test? Nathan and Ben advise listeners to treat test week like any other week of unhurried LSAT prep. Later, the guys explain why you shouldn’t skip tough questions. They shake their heads at UC Law SF’s solicitations. And they offer words of encouragement to a student who is concerned about how the elimination of Logic Games might impact their score. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 449 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:03 - April LSAT - Treat test week like any other practice week. Treat the official test like any other practice test. 6:35 - LSAT Demon Is Hiring - Want to join the team? LSAT Demon is hiring teachers and writers. Visit lsat.link/apply to submit your application. 7:47 - Skipping Questions - Listener Harry disagrees with Nathan and Ben’s advice not to skip or flag difficult questions. The guys clarify their position and reaffirm their mantra: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” 14:52 - Should I Quit My Job? - Ben and Nathan counsel listener Emna not to let law school admissions dictate an important career decision. 22:36 - UC Law San Francisco - Nathan scorns his alma mater’s pleas for more money. 30:12 - Is Law School the Right Path? - The best law students are fierce academic competitors. Applicants with low undergraduate GPAs should think long and hard before entering the fray. 42:05 - LG Study Schedule - Nathan and Ben describe their own study habits for Logic Games. 46:10 - LG Anxiety - An anonymous listener dreads losing the Logic Games after the June LSAT. Ben and Nathan encourage Anonymous to stay optimistic. 53:39 - Word of the Week - The best logic games are Daedalian puzzles.

Micah McCreary is an LSAT coach and law school admissions consultant through his company JurisPrep. He’s also a former LSAT Demon student and current 2L at Harvard Law School. Micah joins Ben and Nathan to share insights about the current admissions cycle, emphasizing the importance of a well-crafted diversity statement. The guys also discuss Micah’s experience at Harvard, the challenges of working in big law, and their shared focus on an accuracy-first approach to the LSAT. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 448 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:51 - Harvard Law School - Micah attended Harvard Law School virtually for his 1L year. He now appreciates the networking opportunities that come from attending law school in person. 8:52 - Big Law - Micah plans to work in corporate law, but he’s wary of the grueling hours and unrewarding assignments often faced by junior associates at big law firms. 17:32 - Don’t Pay for Law School - Micah shares the history and mission of JurisPrep, his LSAT and law school admissions consulting business. The guys explain the nuance behind the tagline “don’t pay for law school.” 27:13 - Ignore the Clock - Micah agrees with Ben and Nathan on their accuracy-first approach to the LSAT. They brainstorm ways for students to practice ignoring the clock when taking timed sections. 40:13 - Admissions Cycle - In an unusually slow admissions cycle, Micah has noticed that applicants with strong diversity statements have fared better than those without. 56:17 - Working While in Law School - Micah recommends that law students avoid working other jobs until after their 1L years. 1:05:49 - Words of the Week - Ben and Nathan proscribe LSAT gimmicks. They prescribe a commonsense approach that focuses on careful reading. 1:11:39 - Application Timing - Micah advises law school applicants to apply as early in the cycle as possible.

Two weeks ago, Ben and Nathan revealed a shadow ban targeting LSAT Demon on Reddit. The sole moderator of the r/LSAT subreddit, Graeme Blake from LSAT Hacks, responded with personal attacks and false accusations of “sockpuppeting.” He then banned LSAT Demon entirely. This week, Nathan and Ben recap the strange saga and question Graeme’s motives for attempting to silence LSAT Demon and its supporters. Later, the guys offer advice to a student who’s missing too many easy questions in Logical Reasoning. They correct a faulty approach to Logic Games. And they examine a possible case of T14 yield protection. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 447 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:47 - Reddit Ban - The guys break down the events leading to LSAT Demon’s ban on Reddit. 11:59 - Difficult LR Questions - Good news! You don’t need to get all the hard questions right to score well in Logical Reasoning. 17:38 - Missing Easier Questions - Listener Lawrence misses too many easy questions. Nathan and Ben instruct Lawrence to slow down and avoid making sloppy mistakes. 23:30 - Mastering LG - Logic Games are an opportunity, not an obstacle. Ben and Nathan advise an anonymous listener on how to master LG in time for the June LSAT. 29:30 - Waitlists and LOCIs - Listener Lauren has a stellar GPA and LSAT score, yet she was waitlisted at every school in the T14. The guys blame a combination of yield protection and bad luck. They encourage Lauren to write letters of continued interest and to reapply next year. 39:46 - GPA Addendum - Nathan and Ben recommend that listener Morgan write a brief GPA addendum to address some old grades. 44:28 - Admissions Course - Ben and Nathan invite you to join the waitlist for their law school admissions course. 46:26 - Word of the Week - Listener Kris provides a book recommendation for anyone with inchoate negotiation skills.

Testing accommodations are meant to give students with documented disabilities a fair shot. But recent LSAT scoring data suggests that the current time-and-a-half minimum might not level the playing field—it might give an unfair advantage to people with accommodations. Ben and Nathan discuss the problematic state of LSAT accommodations and what it means for students. Later, the guys weigh the costs and benefits of taking the test five times. They draft a short character and fitness addendum. And they urge students to avoid the comparison trap. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 446 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:26 - Aiming for 175 - You don’t get points for answering questions quickly. You get points for answering questions correctly. Nathan and Ben instruct listener Manan to slow down and focus on accuracy. 12:43 - Accommodations - Ben and Nathan probe the history of LSAT accommodations and question the fairness of the current system. Accommodated Test-Taker Trends (2017) The Department of Fair Employment and Housing v. Law School Admission Council Inc. 34:43 - Downside to Retaking? - Listener Finn worries that law schools will judge him harshly for taking the LSAT five times. Nathan and Ben assure Finn that law schools only care about his highest score. 40:46 - Character and Fitness Addendum - The guys help an anonymous listener draft a short addendum to address a minor character and fitness issue. 43:43 - GPA Addendum - Ben and Nathan advise listener Emme not to write a GPA addendum that risks victim signaling. 50:27 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon alumna Sierra says: “Don’t get too caught up on the numbers and how everyone else is doing.” 51:47 - Words of the Week - Only when LSAT teachers cease their obscurantism may they find absolution.

When Ben and Nathan say “the LSAT is easy,” it’s not to suggest that LSAT improvement comes effortlessly. This week, the guys elaborate on their motto. The LSAT becomes easy when you do it the Demon way. Later, the guys discuss strategies for negotiating scholarships with schools that claim not to engage in such discussions. They offer advice to a listener battling fatigue at the end of Reading Comprehension sections. And they urge a well-qualified applicant not to settle for a disappointing outcome this admissions cycle. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 444 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:18 - The LSAT Is Easy - Departing Demon Tatiana sends a message of support to her peers: “Keep showing up and don’t give up. Ben and Nathan are right—the LSAT is easy if you let it be.” 22:07 - Scholarship Negotiation - Some law schools claim not to negotiate scholarships. But every offer of admission opens the door to negotiation. Asking for more financial support carries no downside. 29:53 - RC Timing - Listener Jess asks how to tackle the fourth passage in Reading Comprehension with limited time on the clock. Ben and Nathan advise her to ignore the clock and to treat the final passage the same as any other. 34:03 - RC Fatigue - LSAT Demon student Cassidy is surprised by her fatigue at the end of Reading Comprehension sections. Nathan and Ben suspect that she’s reading too quickly. They urge her to slow down and focus on understanding. 42:16 - Go Now or Reapply? - Lauren was offered a stipend to attend WashU, but she’s disappointed by her offers from other top law schools. Ben and Nathan encourage Lauren to reapply next year and not to settle for less than she’s worth. 53:54 - Howard Law - Listener Morgan offers an explanation for Howard Law’s big law placement numbers, as discussed in Ep. 442: Don’t Become a Lawyer for the Money. 55:05 - Word of the Week - Thinking LSAT listeners invite opprobrium when they apply to law school without their best LSAT score.

What does it take to score 170 on the LSAT? A mastery of the English language, sharply honed reasoning skills, and a strong work ethic. But with the increasing trend of scores surpassing 170 in recent years, maybe we should now ask: What does it take to score 175? This week, Nathan and Ben explore the habits and traits of those who excel at the highest levels on the LSAT. The guys also contemplate the future of Logical Reasoning, delve deeper into law schools’ unjust pricing, and consider an unconventional transfer plan. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 443 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 8:46 - April LSAT Registration - An anonymous listener seeks guidance on whether to register for the April LSAT. Nathan and Ben are concerned by Anonymous’s relatively small amount of progress over a year of LSAT study.  21:06 - The Future of LR - Some people have speculated that Logical Reasoning will feature more “formal logic” and formulaic Must Be True questions when the logic games go away. Ben and Nathan don’t envision a drastic change. They point out that most LSAT questions are already Must Be Trues. 33:23 - What It Takes to Score 175 - Top LSAT scorers exhibit diligence, patience, and humility. 49:02 - FAFSA Delay - The Department of Education recently announced a five-month delay in processing the FAFSA. Nathan and Ben lament how loans are labeled “aid,” and they examine more evidence of law schools’ unfair pricing. 1:14:09 - Scholarship Data - Listener Spencer shares data from lsd.law that indicates that some schools’ scholarship decisions are based solely on LSAT and GPA. What’s the takeaway? One LSAT point could save you tens of thousands of dollars. 1:17:43 - Transfer Down? - An anonymous listener considers transferring to a lower-ranked law school for a better scholarship and lower level of academic competition. Ben and Nathan propose an alternative: dropping out entirely. 1:29:00 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Rick suggests ditching your timelines and embracing a slow-and-steady approach to LSAT improvement. 1:29:57 - Word of the Week - Listener Kate is no milquetoast.

Many prospective lawyers dream of big law salaries. Far fewer achieve them. Ben and Nathan examine the disappointing reality of big law placement at non-elite law schools and insist that money is a terrible reason to pursue a legal career. The guys also warn listeners not to let application accoutrements distract from the LSAT. They reject a backward approach to Logical Reasoning. And they denounce law schools’ unfair pricing practices. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 442 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:16 - Focus on the LSAT - Listener Tony asks whether to highlight his masters thesis in his law school personal statement. Nathan and Ben tell Tony to bake his cake before he worries about frosting it. 13:51 - Grade Change - Persistence pays off for an anonymous listener in their campaign to change an A- to an A. 17:20 - Pearls vs. Turds - An LSAT Demon student finds a pearl of LSAT wisdom in an RC passage about the memory-altering effects of leading questions. 26:28 - Do LR Backward? - Ben and Nathan advise listener Madison to un-reverse her approach to Logical Reasoning. 31:47 - Big Law Placement - The guys question law schools’ self-reported data on big law placement. Outside of a few top schools, career outcomes for law school graduates are wildly uncertain. Your best bet is to attend a school where your scholarship sets you up to compete at the top of the class. 55:00 - Apply Broadly - An anonymous listener considers an accelerated JD-MBA program at their local university. Nathan and Ben unequivocally reject this option. They encourage Anonymous to apply broadly and to avoid law schools’ cash grabs. 1:10:14 - Don’t Do It for Money - Ben and Nathan urge listener Zeek not to let the prospect of a big paycheck lure him into big law. Chasing money is not a good reason to become a lawyer. 1:17:28 - Tip From a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Nathaniel shares his key to LSAT success: “Drill, drill, drill!” 1:18:37 - Word of the Week - Macropterous ostriches flocked to us.

Nathan is joined by Maya Russell, chair of the Pre-Law Advisor National Council, for an insightful discussion of the law school admissions process. Maya provides expert analysis of the rapidly changing admissions landscape, highlights common mistakes made by law school applicants, and outlines key questions to ask when deciding where to apply and attend. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 440 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:09 - Application Timing - In a recent study focusing on application timing, AccessLex found that historically underrepresented applicants who apply early tend to have better admissions chances than those who apply late. Nathan and Ben acknowledge the findings, but they’re unconvinced by AccessLex’s methodology and recommendations. The guys express their concerns about the study and about law school pipeline programs in general. 25:08 - Maya Russell, Pre-Law Advisor - Maya Russell is a pre-law advisor at Furman University and chair of the Pre-Law Advisor National Council (PLANC). Maya recounts her path to becoming a pre-law advisor and describes what the job entails. 45:06 - Law School Scholarships - Maya and Nathan agree that law school is overpriced and that applicants should seek the best merit scholarships available to them. They discuss how successful applicants prioritize GPA before LSAT, apply broadly, and evaluate the potential return on their investment before committing to a law school. 1:11:02 - Admissions Advice - Maya encourages patience during this unusually slow application cycle. She attributes the slowdown primarily to last year’s Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and suggests that law schools are testing new ways to attract and admit a diverse pool of applicants. Maya and Nathan consider the long-term impact of the SCOTUS decision. And they caution applicants not to be in such a rush to attend law school. 1:39:48 - LSAT Alternatives - Some law schools now accept LSAT alternatives, like the GRE or JD-Next. Maya believes that most applicants should stick with the LSAT. 1:46:43 - LSAT Writing - Maya explains why law schools may start paying closer attention to applicants’ LSAT Writing samples. She warns listeners to read applications carefully for restrictions on the use of AI. 1:50:56 - Medical Disclosures - Maya urges applicants to keep their medical histories out of their personal statements. 2:00:15 - Words of the Week - LSAT advice is often deranged. Ben and Nathan aim to elucidate the test.