Thinking LSAT

A viewer asks whether to register for the LSAT while their scores are still improving. Ben and Nathan advise the student to sign up if they are happy with their scores but continue to study as they still have room to improve. Also in this episode - How to handle studying on “difficult” days - Whether to accept a conditional scholarship or keep studying for a higher score - Another contestant on th...

A student writes in asking whether they should focus on studying for the LSAT while having a low GPA. Ben and Nathan advise them to prioritize focusing on earning the best possible grades before beginning LSAT prep. Also in this episode: - A question about choosing between law schools with a $15,000 difference - Advice a student received from another prep company - When to send a letter of continu...

The ABA has released new 509 data revealing how LSAT and GPA medians have shifted over the past year, along with updated data into how schools are distributing scholarships. Ben and Nathan break down the numbers and react to several schools that have made significant changes. Also in this episode: - How to handle LSAT questions you’ve seen before - The Arkansas Supreme Court allows lawyers to use...

The internet is full of opinions, and not all of them are kind. This week, Ben and Nathan dig into a reddit thread, reacting to some of the tougher criticisms aimed at the Demon and our co-hosts. Also in this episode: - Ben and Nathan react to Washington’s decision to retroactively lower its bar passage score - A listener asks whether applying Early Decision makes sense for top law schools - Wheth...

The FTC submitted a letter to the Texas Supreme Court supporting its decision to drop the ABA as the state’s official accreditor. Ben and Nathan agree that the ABA has been slow to modernize and often lags behind student needs, but they don’t fully align with the FTC’s reasoning.  Also in this episode: - A listener asks whether to choose a part-time or full-time law program. - Whether to cancel an...

Ben and Nathan dig into a striking chart showing dozens of schools clustering their LSAT medians at 150 and 160, while almost nobody reports 149 or 159. They break down why schools chase these round-number medians, how it leads to irrational admissions behavior, and what it means for applicants trying to play the rankings game. Also in this episode: - How applying without a GPA can affect your adm...

A listener writes in asking how to handle the pressure of their final official LSAT attempt. Ben and Nathan remind them that their highest score on record, a 165, is already strong enough for full scholarships at many law schools. They encourage the listener to let go of perfectionism, be comfortable with not finishing a section, and approach test day expecting  incremental improvement. Also in th...

A listener writes in after a disappointing first round of scholarship offers. Ben and Nathan explain that initial offers are rarely a school’s best, they’re just the starting point. They reassure the listener that more and better offers are still on the way. Also in this episode: - Whether taking the January LSAT is too late to apply this cycle - Questions about Harvard’s Junior Deferral Program -...

A listener writes in asking whether they should retake a 173, worried that a future attempt could be lower. Ben and Nathan explain why they should be willing to use all four remaining attempts: law schools only care about your highest score, and every point, especially for higher scores, can turn into thousands of dollars.  Also in this episode: - When applicants can expect scholarship responses f...

When LSAC accused a student of cheating, claiming his score jump had “Powerball odds,” Ben and Nathan dig into the details. They break down LSAC’s vague statistical claims and explain why big score increases are both possible and common for serious students. They also urge the student to document their prep to show clear evidence of progress. Also in this episode: Early 1L and 2L law firm hiring t...

Since the October score release, there's been some online chatter claiming the October LSAT was unusually difficult. Nathan and Ben respond to one student's concerns by pointing to numerous Demon students who crushed the LSAT this month. They remind listeners that every test administration sparks the same rumors, but the LSAT remains consistent from one test to the next. That consistency s...

Nathan and Ben highlight a notable increase in law school applications per the latest LSAC reports. These numbers have nervous students rushing to apply this cycle, even though they don't have a strong LSAT score. Nathan and Ben explain that November is already late. Instead, they encourage applicants to wait and apply next year to take advantage of the best scholarship opportunities.  Also in...

Ben and Nathan explain why applying broadly maximizes admissions and scholarship opportunities. They advise students to consider waiting another cycle to submit the strongest application possible. Also in this episode: An Ask-button question about reading each passage thoroughly Ben and Nathan’s take on law school applications that ask where else you’ve applied Advice on whether to waive your righ...

Ben and Nathan weigh in on New England Law’s conditional, full-tuition scholarships. They criticize conditional scholarships that can leave a majority of students paying full price. At most law schools, only top students (typically those already with scholarships) will secure six-figure jobs. The majority of the class foot the bill, taking out exorbitant loans while earning significantly less afte...

Ben and Nathan dig into the ABA’s decision to put Cooley Law School on probation and the broader issue of weak oversight in legal education. They also cover addenda for multiple LSAT scores, early acceptances, and retaking for better scholarships. ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠ ⁠Download our iOS app⁠ Watch Episode 527 on YouTube 0:28 - Cooley Law on Probation by the ABA Ben and Nathan react to the new...

Santa Clara Law is offering every admitted student a $16,000 scholarship to align tuition with the new federal loan cap for law school borrowers. Ben and Nathan discuss whether loan caps can rein in skyrocketing tuition, share wisdom from a departing Demon user, unpack the University of Miami’s AI essay prompt, and offer reassurance to students stressed by LSAT scheduling woes. ⁠Study with our Fre...

Ben and Nathan dig into a law professor’s claim that law school tuition is collapsing and explain what that really means for future students. More than 80% of students receive institutional scholarships. A strong LSAT score and GPA set you up to take advantage of the broken system rather than fall victim to it.  ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠ ⁠Download our iOS app⁠ Watch Episode 525 on YouTube 0:31 -...

Ben and Nate review a letter from the ABA council chair outlining the standards behind ongoing accreditation revisions. Line by line, the guys conclude the same thing: the ABA underperforms in its efforts to protect law students, from the lack of transparency surrounding the actual price of law school to the ever-increasing cost of a legal degree. Protect yourself by crushing the LSAT, applying ea...

Ben and Nathan host a special marathon edition of the Personal Statement Gong Show. They kick things off by laying out the fundamentals of personal statements—what they are, what to write about, and when to start. Then, nine students face the gong, each vying to set a record and earn their place in Thinking LSAT Gong Show history.  ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠ ⁠Download our iOS app⁠ ⁠Watch Episode 5...

When you substitute understanding with gimmicks, you hamper your score now and in the long term. Tips like “10 questions in 10 minutes” or “If you don’t understand an answer, it’s probably correct” excuse poor reading and rushed test-taking. When you accept that the LSAT is easy and every question is solvable, you’re more likely to commit to a problem until you solve it. No shortcuts needed.  ⁠Stu...

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 plan...

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 Plan⁠ ⁠Download our iOS app⁠ ⁠Watch Episode 520 on YouTube⁠ 0:28 – How Law Schools Gui...

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, ski...

Thinking LSAT Show Notes In 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 Plan⁠ ⁠Download our iOS app⁠ ⁠Watch Episode 518 on YouTube⁠ 0:25 – Ticketmasters Reddi...

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 pat...