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 deeper look at one of the newest members of the T14: WashULinks Mentioned:Derek T. Muller Article: https://excessofdemocracy.com/blog/2017/12/a-secret-small-world-of-other-law-school-admissionsStudy with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 534 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our Word of the Week library0:00 - Is the January LSAT Too Late?23:45 - Receiving Bad Scholarships 35:24 - When Do I Know When I’m Ready?43:05 - Follow–Up on Cheating45:18 - Harvard’s Junior Deferral Program1:07:45 - Demon Team Tracker1:09:19 - What’s the Deal with… WashU1:36:54 - Word of the Week — Propinquity
--------
1:45:58
--------
1:45:58
Retaking a 173 (Ep. 533)
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 from law schools- Advice from Demon students who crushed the LSAT- Another brave contestant steps up for the Personal Statement Gong ShowLinks Mentioned:https://lsat.link/gradesStudy with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 533 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our Word of the Week library0:00 - Following the Demon Way3:30 - When Will I Hear Back on Scholarships?9:31 - Medians Above 4.0024:25 - Tips from Deparing Demons31:40 - Should I Retake a 173?36:35 - Light at the End of the Tunnel50:56 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:05:23 - Word of the Week — Anachronism
--------
1:09:30
--------
1:09:30
Cheating or Genuine Score Jump? (Ep. 532)
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 trendsA student asks whether to keep taking undergrad classes to boost their GPAShould you ask law schools for an application fee waiver?Links Mentioned:https://lsat.link/grades Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 532 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our Word of the Week library0:00 - Is It Ever Worth Paying for Law School? 23:40 - LSAC Accuses a Student of Cheating 49:20 - 1L and 2L Law Firm Hiring Trends 56:37 - Should I Keep Taking Classes? 1:03:37 - Community Colleges Offering A+ Grades 1:09:59 - Pearls vs. Turds 1:15:06 - Should You Ask for a Fee Waiver? 1:19:44 - Word of the Week — Demarcating
--------
1:26:15
--------
1:26:15
Stop Blaming the Test (Ep. 531)
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 should inspire confidence. If your practice test scores match your goal score, you’re ready for the real deal. Also in this episode:- Ben and Nathan explore community colleges awarding A-pluses- Demon students share their parting advice for LSAT success- They critique a prep company that promotes a “blind review” scoreLinks Mentioned:lsat.link/gradesNortheast Community College Course Search: https://reg-prod.ec.northeast.edu/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/term/termSelection?mode=searchFoothill College Course Search: https://foothill.edu/schedule/Arizona State University Universal Learner Courses: https://courses.ulc.asu.edu/ Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 531 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segments.Get caught up with our Word of the Week library. 0:30 - Was the October LSAT Harder?7:45 - Drill Rating System12:51 - Colleges with A-pluses25:32 - Tips From Departing Demons39:24 - Blind Review Score53:08 - Lived Experience Essay1:00:00 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:07:55 - Word of the Week — incommunicado
--------
1:12:43
--------
1:12:43
The Early Application Advantage (Ep. 530)
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 this episode:Gratitude from a listener who embraced the Demon mindsetA message from Nebraska Law about student loansA Demon student questions whether to keep going after low scoresLinks Mentioned:LSAC Volume Summary ReportStudy with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 530 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” Segments.Get caught up with our Word of the Week library. 0:30 - LSAC Volume Summary Report10:10 - Following the Demon Philosophy17:13 - When to Submit Applications29:56 - Email from a Law School on Loan Limits44:46 - Low LSAT Scores51:27 - What’s the Deal with the University of Arizona1:05:00 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:12:28 - Word of the Week - impervious
Ben Olson and Nathan Fox started the Thinking LSAT Podcast to become better LSAT teachers and have some fun. Please 1) subscribe, 2) rate and review, and 3) send us questions: [email protected]. Don't pay for law school!
Learn more at lsatdemon.com
USA