In this episode, Ben Parker breaks down why the 2026 law school admissions cycle is shaping up to be one of the most chaotic ever. Applications are way up, LSAT scores are rising across the board, and competition for top schools is reaching unprecedented levels. Students will need higher scores and stronger resumes than ever before to stand out.

A major factor is the recent elimination of GradPLUS loans, which previously allowed students to borrow unlimited amounts for law school. Ben explains how this change disrupts the entire system: lower-tier schools lose their financial lifeline, mid-tier schools face shrinking enrollments, and even elite schools must rethink scholarship strategies. While wealthy institutions with billion-dollar endowments may weather the storm, many smaller schools simply won’t survive.

Ben doesn’t hold back in calling out schools like California Western, digging into their financials to show how quickly they could collapse without endless federal loan dollars. He predicts that 20–30 law schools could close in the near future, with even more disappearing over the next decade. In his view, this contraction may actually be good for students, since fewer people will end up saddled with crushing debt for degrees that don’t pay off.

Alongside these big-picture predictions, the episode also features practical LSAT advice. Ben shares why running out of time is normal for test-takers in the 150s, why you shouldn’t stress about finishing every question, and why starting LSAT prep early is the smartest move you can make. He also reads listener emails, including one student who jumped from a 153 to a 166 in just four months, proving that disciplined prep can transform outcomes even in this brutal cycle.

To wrap things up, Ben critiques a listener’s personal statement. He praises the strong start, offers targeted edits to cut fluff and highlight achievements, and explains how to avoid drawing attention to weaknesses like resume gaps. His blunt but constructive feedback makes the essay far stronger and offers lessons for anyone writing their own law school personal statement.

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