LSAT PrepTests 69, 70, and 71 (June, October, December 2013 LSATs) Price Increase

If you're preparing for the LSAT on a budget, take note:

LSAC is charging $10 for LSAT PrepTests 69 (June 2013 LSAT), 70 (October 2013 LSAT), and 71 (December 2013 LSAT) when purchasing through its website.

I'll offer these LSAT PrepTest PDFs for less here on LSAT Blog as soon as possible. That should be approximately 3 weeks after the test date (when test-takers receive their scores for those exams).

In other news, the price of registering for the LSAT has increased to $165 for the June 2013 LSAT - February 2014 LSAT testing year. Last testing year, it was $160. The year before that, $139.

Photo by aresauburnphotos

LSAT Reasoning in the Real World | Examples

I recently posted some real-world examples of potential LSAT-style correlation/causation confusion.

However, I saw a few articles this week in the NYTimes where correlational relationships were questioned:

1. Scientists questioned a correlational relationship they saw between dog ownership and reduced heart disease risk:

But most of the evidence is observational, which makes it impossible to rule out the prospect that people who are healthier and more active in the first place are simply more likely to bring a dog or cat into their home.

So, this potential alternate explanation suggests that dog ownership may not cause people to be healthier, but that being healthy may may you more likely to get a dog. In other words, the proposed causal relationship may actually be the reverse, at least to some extent.

However, other information in the article does suggest that pet ownership can reduce cortisol levels and lead pet owners to be healthier.


2. Another article presented various potential explanations for a decrease in driving among young people.

Here's one of the potential explanations:

Online life might have something to do with the change, he [Sivak] suggested. “A higher proportion of Internet users was associated with a lower licensure rate,” he wrote in a recent study. “This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that access to virtual contact reduces the need for actual contact among young people.”

Here's another:

Young people have been slow to buy cars, he [Poole] said, in part because of “the very large degree of youth unemployment and underemployment,” a situation that might change with an improving economy. 

***

Try to be like the skeptics in these articles. When you're reading anything, always question the causal claims that you see.

Please leave your thoughts on the articles in the comments!


Photo by gareth1953

LSAT PrepTest 67 Explanations Available for Instant PDF Download

Complete explanations for all 4 sections of LSAT PrepTest 67 (October 2012 LSAT) are now available for instant PDF download. Both Logical Reasoning sections, the Logic Games section, and the Reading Comprehension section have been fully explained.

One of the most common requests I get from my students and blog readers is for explanations of particular LSAT questions.

Although I'll explain any question in my LSAT tutoring, there's a limit to the amount I have time to write down.

Fortunately, I just learned that fellow LSAT tutor Graeme has written complete explanations for every question in all sections of LSAT PrepTest 67 (October 2012 LSAT). Not only do these explain why the right answer is right, but they also discuss why each wrong answer is wrong.


Get explanations for all 4 sections, or just get explanations for specific sections by clicking the relevant links below:

- Complete Logic Games Explanations for LSAT PrepTest 67 (only $3.97)

- Complete Logical Reasoning Explanations for LSAT PrepTest 67 (only $4.97)
(explains both Logical Reasoning sections)

- Complete Reading Comprehension Explanations for LSAT PrepTest 67 (only $3.97)

Want to know more? Get further details on these Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension explanations.

***

PrepTest 67 is one of the most recently released LSATs, so it's one of the best reflections of the LSAT's current state. It's especially crucial for anyone preparing for the June 2013 LSAT and beyond to thoroughly study this exam. The LSAT evolves over time.

***

Please note:

-In order to benefit from these, you must separately get the questions contained within LSAT PrepTest 67 - the October 2012 LSAT. This download does not include the actual LSAT questions from this exam.

-The explanations assume that you already have some familiarity with the basics of the various question-types on the LSAT. They assume you're not starting from scratch with your LSAT prep.

-This is a PDF available for instant download after submitting payment via PayPal. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader at http://get.adobe.com/reader/ and ensure that your copy of this software is up to date.

-If you're already registered with PayPal, the instant download link will be sent to your PayPal email address. Otherwise, it'll be sent to whichever email address you submit.

-Due to the nature of digital downloads, LSAT Blog cannot offer any refunds. All sales are final.

Sample Thank You/Cover Letter for Law School Recommenders

The below sample thank you / cover letter for law school recommenders is from A Guide to Law School Recommendations.

Read more »

LSAT PrepTest 68 Explanations Available for Instant PDF Download

Complete explanations for all 4 sections of LSAT PrepTest 68 (December 2012 LSAT) are now available for instant PDF download. Both Logical Reasoning sections, the Logic Games section, and the Reading Comprehension section have been fully explained.

One of the most common requests I get from my students and blog readers is for explanations of particular LSAT questions.

Although I'll explain any question in my LSAT tutoring, there's a limit to the amount I have time to write down.

Fortunately, I just learned that fellow LSAT tutor Graeme has written complete explanations for every question in all sections of LSAT PrepTest 68 (December 2012 LSAT). Not only do these explain why the right answer is right, but they also discuss why each wrong answer is wrong.


Get explanations for all 4 sections, or just get explanations for specific sections by clicking the relevant links below:

- Complete Logic Games Explanations for LSAT PrepTest 68 (only $3.97)

- Complete Logical Reasoning Explanations for LSAT PrepTest 68 (only $4.97)
(explains both Logical Reasoning sections)

- Complete Reading Comprehension Explanations for LSAT PrepTest 68 (only $3.97)

Want to know more? Get further details on these Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension explanations.

***

PrepTest 68 is the most recently released LSAT, so it is the best indication of the LSAT's current state. It's especially crucial for anyone preparing for the June 2013 LSAT and beyond to thoroughly study this exam. The LSAT evolves over time.

***

Please note:

-In order to benefit from these, you must separately get the questions contained within LSAT PrepTest 68 - the December 2012 LSAT. This download does not include the actual LSAT questions from this exam.

-The explanations assume that you already have some familiarity with the basics of the various sections of the LSAT and different question-types already. They assume you're not starting from scratch with your LSAT prep.

-This is a PDF available for instant download after submitting payment via PayPal. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader at http://get.adobe.com/reader/ and ensure that your copy of this software is up to date.

-If you're already registered with PayPal, the instant download link will be sent to your PayPal email address. Otherwise, it'll be sent to whichever email address you submit.

-Due to the nature of digital downloads, LSAT Blog cannot offer any refunds. All sales are final.

LSAT Prep: Correlation vs. Causation

The world is full of people taking correlational relationships to be causal ones.

Here are two examples I've come across recently for you to dissect:

Read more »

How to Avoid a Disappointing LSAT Score

There are valuable lessons to learn from those who achieved top LSAT scores and significant score increases.

However, too often, we ignore the lessons we can learn from those who did not achieve top LSAT scores and/or failed to improve significantly.

By studying their experiences, future test-takers can learn what NOT to do.

So, I have the following questions for anyone who studied for the LSAT and got a score they consider disappointing, a minimal score increase, or no score increase at all.


1. What was your diagnostic (starting) score, if any?

2. What did you score on Test Day?

3. Which books did you use?

4. Did you take a prep course? If so, which?

5. For how many months did you study, and for how many hours/week? Were you also working or in college, etc.?

6. How many PrepTests did you complete?

7. What do you believe is the reason for your score?

8. What would you change if you were to retake?

9. Any other comments or suggestions?


***

Keep in mind the following quote from Thomas Edison:

“I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work."

Please leave your answers in the comments below! Your responses will help future test-takers a great deal.

Photo by silusgrok

Online LSAT Logic Games Video Course

I haven't told you guys until now, but I've been hard at work over the past several months, putting together the curriculum for a new LSAT course.

I've just released the first installment - a comprehensive online LSAT Logic Games video course.

Why? Because the LSAT courses currently available cost far too much money, and they waste your time with overcomplicated methods and categorization systems.

Instead of teaching this as a traditional classroom course, I've decided to put it online for 3 major reasons:

1. You'll be able to study at your own pace with an online course. Freed from having to go to LSAT class when you're tired after work or school, you'll be able to watch (and re-watch) all the course videos  at any hour, day or night.

2. You'll save a ton of money. By putting the course online, I can eliminate overhead expenses like rent. To keep costs low, I'm not wasting any money on advertising, and I've recorded all the videos myself, without hiring graphic designers to create special effects. I'm passing the savings on to you.

3. You'll get a full year of unlimited access to my online course. Many big prep companies make you pay extra to retake their courses for the next test administration, or you lose access to everything you've already paid for. But why should you pay again for what you've already bought? What if you need to postpone your test or need to retake? With my course, you won't have to worry about any of this. And you'll receive automatic access to all course updates.


I'm not sure whether online video learning is for me.

Watch some of my nearly 180 free LSAT Logic Games explanation videos to get a sense of my teaching style. Just keep in mind that the course videos are even more detailed.


I like the free videos you've put online already, but what does the course include?

I'm glad you asked. Here's a comprehensive syllabus listing every lesson in the course. Through dozens of high-definition videos, I provide you with the fundamentals you need in order to effectively attack the Logic Games section. I also give you a detailed overview of each Logic Game type, as well as thorough walkthroughs of games within each type.

Upon completing this course, you will be ready to take on the LSAT Logic Games section.


Sounds great! I want to sign up. How much does it cost?

I promised it was more affordable than any other course available, right? I meant it.

At the moment, my online LSAT Logic Games course is only $99.


***

Questions? Shoot me an email at lsatunplugged@gmail.com


***

Update: 

I just got the following email from someone who signed up for the course:


"I did end up just going ahead and buying your online Logic Games course. I figured that it would be good value and clear instruction - everything I've seen on your blog has been. I went through the first 12 videos last night and it is very good. In the end it came down to yours and [another course], and your explanations just make more sense to me. Thanks!" - Joanne M.

LSAT Diary: Sticking With LSAT Prep

This LSAT Diary is from Sid, who's taking the June 2013 LSAT. He writes in with his plans to stick with LSAT prep.

If you want to be in LSAT Diaries, please fill out this survey. (You can be in LSAT Diaries whether you've taken the exam already or not.)

Leave Sid some encouragement below in the comments!

Read more »

U.S. News Law School Rankings 2014

The 2014 U.S. News law school rankings were just released this week.

Here are the 2014 U.S. News Rankings for the top 14 law schools (some are tied):

Read more »

Online LSAT Logic Games Video Course Syllabus

Because I want you to see exactly what you'll be getting in my online LSAT Logic Games video course, I'm including the entire syllabus below. 

These are the contents of the course.

General Thoughts on Logic Games

Introduction to Logic Games

Overview: Types of Logic Games

Habits of Top Scorers

Logic Games Approach

Importance of Making Inferences


Specific Question Types

Orientation Questions

General Must, Could, and Except Questions

"If" / Specific Questions


Relative and Strict Sequencing Logic Games

Introduction to Sequencing Logic Games

Diagramming Relative Sequencing Rules

Relative Sequencing Game – Setup

Relative Sequencing Game – Questions

Creating Limited Possibilities in Strict Sequencing Games

Strict Sequencing Game 1 – Setup

Strict Sequencing Game 1 – Questions

Strict Sequencing Game 2 – Setup

Strict Sequencing Game 2 – Questions

Strict Sequencing Game 3 – Setup

Strict Sequencing Game 3 – Questions


Multi-Level Sequencing Logic Games

Introduction to Multi-Level Sequencing Logic Games

Diagramming 3 Limited Possibilities

Multi-Level Sequencing Game 1 – Setup

Multi-Level Sequencing Game 1 – Questions

Multi-Level Sequencing Game 2 – Setup

Multi-Level Sequencing Game 2 – Questions


Grouping: In-Out / Selection Logic Games

Introduction to Grouping: In-Out / Selection Logic Games

Introduction to Conditional Statements

Conditional Rules: The Contrapositive (Simple)

Conditional Rules: Failed Contrapositive Attempts: Inverse and Converse

Conditional Rules: The Contrapositive (Complex)

Conditional Rules: Connecting Conditional Statements

Conditional Rules: Reading Conditional Chains

Conditional Rules: At Least 1 Out

Conditional Rules: At Least 1 In

Conditional Rules: At Least 1 Out vs. At Least 1 In

Grouping: In-Out / Selection Game 1 – Setup

Grouping: In-Out / Selection Game 1 – Questions

Grouping: In-Out / Selection Game 2 – Setup

Grouping: In-Out / Selection Game 2 – Questions


Grouping: Splitting Logic Games

Introduction to Grouping: Splitting Logic Games

Grouping: Splitting Game – Setup

Grouping: Splitting Game – Questions


Grouping: Matching Logic Games

Introduction to Grouping: Matching Logic Games

Grouping: Matching Game 1 – Setup

Grouping: Matching Game 1 – Questions

Grouping: Matching Game 2 – Setup

Grouping: Matching Game 2 – Questions

Grouping: Matching Game 3 – Setup

Grouping: Matching Game 3 – Questions


Combination Logic Games

Introduction to Combination Logic Games

Combination Game – Setup

Combination Game – Questions


***

Questions? Shoot me an email at lsatunplugged@gmail.com

February 2013 LSAT Score Release Dates

Good luck to everyone taking the February 2013 LSAT!

The February 2013 LSAT scores / results are scheduled to be released via email by Wednesday, March 6, 2013, so you'll have to wait for your LSAT score.

However, the scores usually come out a bit earlier than scheduled.

Let's look at the trend over the past several years (click to enlarge):

Read more »