LSAT Blog: LSAT Unplugged YouTube / Podcast

Cracking the LSAT Worksheet – “Answers”

If you didn’t have a chance to try that LSAT mindset worksheet I shared the other day, give it another shot!

Then, check your answers here -------->

Some of those are pretty tough, huh? Did you have trouble with any in particular? Reach out and let me know. Maybe I’ll make another worksheet like that sometime.

Anyway, I got some questions about getting ready for Test Day, so next time, I’ll share some advice from my former student Caroline. (She ended up scoring perfect on Logic Games!)

Talk soon,
Steve

Recommended Resources:

1. LSAT Explanations
The explanations that should have come with the LSAT. These don't just fall back on "out of scope," but actually tell you why the wrong answers are wrong, why the right answers are right, and the easiest way to get the correct answer.

2. Mastering LSAT Logic Games
This guide to Logic Games is by a former writer of actual LSAT questions! Enough said.

3. Law School Personal Statement Guide
Personal statements can be hard because you have so much freedom. You can basically say anything you want, and that lack of guidance can cause a serious case of writer’s block. In situations like this, a little bit of direction can go a long way. This guide provides tips on conceptualizing, planning, writing, and editing the law school personal statement.

How Allison improved her LSAT score from the 150s to 170

Check out this email I got from my student Allison:

"I got a 170!!! I'm very happy and relieved. Again, thank you for all of your help - It was a huge gift to have your support and guidance while studying for the LSAT!” – Allison P., mid-150s to 170

She improved from the 150s to 170. That's a 15+ point jump!

In a moment, I'm going to offer you a free LSAT coaching session with me, but first, I'll share more from Allison.

Her story is remarkable - she achieved her HUGE score increase despite being plagued with stress and anxiety. She writes:

I had every workbook, every practice test, every possible resource, and yet I felt really stuck a few months into studying for the LSAT. I was nowhere near my goal in terms of scoring, and I felt like I was doing everything I could do without making any progress. I was studying hours every day over the summer, working on logic puzzles and logical reasoning questions until my frustration and exhaustion would become too much. It was a terrible routine, and I was feeling more and more defeated every time I studied.

Finally, after a few months of studying and not a lot of improvement, I found Steve's blog and began reading, and ultimately I realized that Steve's strategies and ways of talking about the LSAT on his blog resonated with me and helped things click into place, and I hadn't even accessed any of his study materials yet. I decided to buy some tutoring sessions, and to take his online video courses.

Within a few days of watching Steve's videos, I was getting better and faster at the LSAT. My thought process became more efficient and organized, and I no longer agonized over different answer choices. Then, in my tutoring sessions with Steve, I was able to discuss in detail with him questions that stumped me, and I began to identify patterns of mistakes I was making that I could now rectify with his help. With more confidence than I had felt in months, I threw myself back into studying for the test, and I was overjoyed to see my score slowly but surely climbing towards my goal.

I hope Allison's story motivated you and helped you realize you don't have to go it alone.

I'm here for you, and I'm excited to have you in the course!

I'd like to get a better idea of what led you to join, what you're hoping to get out of it, and give you some guidance all at the same time.
Would you like a short free 1-1 LSAT coaching call that will be featured on the LSAT Unplugged YouTube Channel and Podcast? If so, reach out and let me know. Examples here.

And, at least 24 hours prior, please send over 3-5 questions related to LSAT prep.

Here are examples of what I'm looking for (but what's important are the questions that you have for me):

1. How do you determine when to split a logic game game into two options?
2. How do you know when to stop trying to make deductions on logic games?
3. How do I pick up speed working through logic game questions and making deductions there?
4. How do you determine when a logical reasoning answer choice is outside the scope?
5. How do I improve at making predictions/ensure I cover all of the bases in logical reasoning?

Please let me know if you have any questions, and I hope to meet with you soon!

Steve

P.S. LSAT Coaching is for you:

* if you want me to give you guidance on your study schedule.

* if you want me to analyze what you're doing wrong in problem areas (and give you ways to correct those problems).

* if you feel like you need some one-on-one help

If you're struggling with any areas in particular, or suffering from test anxiety like Allison, it can sometimes be easier to work with someone personally.

I'm looking to work with a few highly-motivated students looking to achieve a massive mindset transformation. So if you'd like help identifying and improving on your weak areas, or figuring out the roadblocks that are holding you back from reaching your potential, just reach out and let me know.

Steve

P.P.S. I recently shared a few bonus books with you with LSAT advice. Now, here’s ANOTHER free bonus – it’s a “Cracking the LSAT” worksheet with 21 flawed arguments to help you get into the LSAT mindset. Give it a shot! They're not so different from the ones you'll see on the LSAT.

P.P.P.S. Next time, I’ll share the worksheet's “answers.”

Some bonus LSAT materials for you

Just wanted to share with you a few free LSAT prep bonuses for continuing to read my articles.

The 1st book is full of excellent advice from my former students who got major score increases. I’ll share more about HOW they did it in the future, but just wanted to give you something quick in the meantime.

* 101 Tips from Top LSAT Scorers

And, the 2nd book, well, that’s something else.

It’s full of interviews with my buddy (and former LSAT question-writer!) Dr. Stephen Harris. We chatted a lot about how to see things from the test-makers' perspective, which requires a little something I call the LSAT Mindset. (More on that another time.)

* Behind the Scenes with a Former LSAT Question-Writer

And here’s a photo of Dr. Harris in the flesh!

How to get your copy of each book:

Step 1. Click those links.

Step 2. Click File --> Download As PDF

Take a look at those and read them as a break from other studying. They’re pretty good “light” LSAT reading.

I hope they help you!

Steve

P.S. Seriously - check these out, or at least download them while you have this open. Next time, I’ll share a free worksheet to help you get more into the LSAT mindset.

Recommended Resources:
1. LSAT Explanations
The explanations that should have come with the LSAT. These don't just fall back on "out of scope," but actually tell you why the wrong answers are wrong, why the right answers are right, and the easiest way to get the correct answer.

2. Mastering LSAT Logic Games
This guide to Logic Games is by former LSAT question-writer Dr. Harris himself! Enough said.

3. Law School Personal Statement Guide
Personal statements can be hard because you have so much freedom. You can basically say anything you want, and that lack of guidance can cause a serious case of writer’s block. In situations like this, a little bit of direction can go a long way. This guide provides tips on conceptualizing, planning, writing, and editing the law school personal statement.

quick LSAT check-in

If you’re feeling stuck with your LSAT prep – just reach out and let me know, and I’ll do what I can to help.

You're clearly committed to succeeding on the LSAT - you demonstrated that by choosing to invest in yourself by continuing to read my articles.

However, I know the going can get tough at times, so if you just need some extra motivation, here's another of my favorite videos (football-focused, but the message is applicable to LSAT).

One quick tip: watching inspirational videos, listening to inspirational music, etc., really does make a difference in shifting you into a success-oriented mindset as you get into "LSAT prep" mode.

Anyway, please let me know if you need anything!

-Steve

Here’s that advice I promised on reviewing:
* Analyze exactly where your error or misunderstanding stemmed from. Was it something in the passage or the answer choices?

* If it was in the passage, was it your approach to reading the passage that was ineffective or incorrect, or was it something in the passage text itself that you misunderstood?

* If it was in the answer choices, what was it in the incorrect answer choice you chose, identify what it was about the wrong answer choice that tempted you. Then identify what made it wrong in the
end.

* If there was something in the correct answer that made it seem unappealing, identify what it was.

* And identify what made it correct in the end.

Through repeating this process several times, you'll start to identify patterns in how LSAC constructs tempting incorrect answer choices.

You'll see different types of techniques LSAC uses to make incorrect answer choices tempting.

By the way, if you need some extra help, keep in mind that I often work with students privately 1-on-1. Reach out if you're interested in finding out more.

P.S. Did you join the LSAT Unplugged Facebook Group yet?

You can join here ----->
In this group, you can find study partners and connect with like-minded students. I'll also be popping in to do the occasional Facebook Live video and share additional resources. Hope to see you there!

P.P.S. Next time, I’ll share with you a few free bonuses for being part of the LSAT courses.

LSAT Coaching Call Opportunity

I'd like to get a better idea of what led you to read my articles, what you're hoping to get out of them, and give you some guidance all at the same time.

Would you like a short free 1-1 LSAT coaching call that will be featured on the LSAT Unplugged YouTube Channel and Podcast? If so, reach out and we can talk more about it.

(Example calls here.)

And, at least 24 hours prior, please send over 3-5 questions related to LSAT prep.

Here are examples of what I'm looking for (but what's important are the questions that you have for me):

How do you determine when to split a logic game game into two options?
How do you know when to stop trying to make deductions on logic games?
How do I pick up speed working through logic game questions and making deductions there?
How do you determine when a logical reasoning answer choice is outside the scope?
How do I improve at making predictions/ensure I cover all of the bases in logical reasoning?

Please let me know if you have any questions, and I hope to meet with you soon!

Steve
ᐧ

When are you taking the LSAT? (+ inspiration)

I know studying can be stressful, so I just wanted to give you a little bit of motivation to keep forging ahead.

Watching motivational videos might sound silly, but finding a source of inspiration, WHATEVER it is, can actually be the key to destroying the LSAT.

It can move you from THINKING about studying to DOING it:

So here's a video to get you moving and here's an entire playlist - if Elle Woods can score 179, so can you! :)

Whenever I'm too stressed or overwhelmed with everything I have to do, I watch those.

Another way to reduce the stress and get motivated is to connect with like-minded students - that's why I've created a Facebook group JUST for LSAT Unplugged students:

Join the group here ----->

In this group, you can find study partners and connect with other like-minded students. I'll also be popping in to do the occasional Facebook Live video and share additional resources. Hope to see you there!

Keep in touch - let me know if you need anything at all,
Steve

btw….. for some extra motivation and advice, you might also like to read the stories of Max (increased his score from 155 to 176!!!), and Jared (from low 140s to 164!!!)

And Jared was a retaker who started with a random prep book!

Here’s some key advice he had to share:

---------------------JARED/-----------------------------
"You get out of the LSAT what you put into it. Diligence and a high level of commitment are the keys to success on the LSAT. Steve advised me to look at ALL of the logical reasoning questions I’d gotten wrong and to analyze the ‘why’ behind each wrong/right answer choice. I did this for every wrong answer I’d gotten in the logical reasoning section, looking for patterns, and identifying areas of weakness...My scores skyrocketed up to the high 160s and into the hallowed realm of the coveted 170+ after this conversation."
---------------------/JARED-----------------------------

Next time, I’ll give you some advice I frequently share with my students on reviewing.

Talk soon,

Steve

P.S. I know sometimes it's easier to work with someone personally as you're studying for the LSAT. Find out more about how I work with students one-on-one.

What’s your biggest LSAT struggle?

There you are, studying up for your LSAT retake, doing your LSAT practice tests and cruising right along. Everything is going great, your confidence is high and then BAM! Logic Games comes out of nowhere and derails the whole thing.

Or maybe it’s not a specific section, maybe you’re just having trouble staying motivated. I totally get it, LSAT prep is a marathon, not a sprint.

Whatever it is, I have one BIG question and I want to hear from YOU:

What's your biggest LSAT struggle?

Once I’ve heard back from you, I’m going to compile a list of the most common answers and dive in.

Getting these questions from you is incredibly important, because it helps me help you. And that’s why we’re all here, isn’t it?

Believe me, I live for this stuff. That’s why I created a series of popular LSAT courses, published best-selling LSAT guides, and written explanations for well over 1,000 LSAT questions. A thousand!

Can’t wait to hear from you,
Steve, the LSAT Maestro

P.S. Srsly, do me a favor - reach out and tell me your story. It only takes a minute. Even though I can’t reply to every message, I do read every single one myself.

LSAT test day: how to avoid cracking under pressure

Wanted to share some advice today about retaking the LSAT and checking your emotions.

Jared, a retaker who started with a random prep book, quickly got overwhelmed by Logic Games.

Allison, a retaker who studied while writing her senior thesis, felt the pressure was like a ton of bricks weighing her down.

Retaking is common. It sucks to have to retake, but whether that's you or not, there’s still hope!

One of the biggest reasons people have to retake is because they crack under the pressure on Test Day.
Here’s some advice on that from Allison:

The biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone prepping for the LSAT is to check your emotions. I placed a ton of pressure on myself early on, and felt extremely defeated early on in my study process, which only made things worse. Studying for the LSAT can be discouraging and anxiety-producing, but you have to keep some perspective, and trust that your work will begin to pay off.

I love seeing students increase their scores using my books and courses, but my favorite experience of all?

---- Getting to work with students directly ----
In the early years, most of my students were in-person, but I now actually work with 99% of students online and on the phone.

Some were skeptical of meeting this way at first, but I actually don't see any difference.

And I actually think it can be BETTER than in-person because this way my students always have their books with them! :)

So if you don't live in NYC, don't let that stop you from reaching out and asking for help. We can still work together.

When I meet with students online, I use an online whiteboard so we can diagram Logic Games together, live. And we typically meet via video chat (but if you prefer audio or phone so you can stay in your PJs, that's fine, too).

I'll soon have a few openings in my schedule for highly-motivated and high-performing students who are willing to invest significant time and energy in their LSAT prep.

Because even with all the courses, books, and free resources, the fastest way to get the score you need is by working directly with somebody one-on-one who's already been through the process.

So, if you'd like help identifying and improving on your weak areas, or just feel stressed about everything in general, reach out and let me know.

LSAT coaching is for you if you're frustrated, feel like you're limited in how much you can teach yourself, and realize you're in need of additional help.

So, if you feel like it might help with your situation, just reach out and let me know, and we can talk more about it.

Steve

P.S. If you’re interested in working with me one-on-one, you can find out more here ---> If not, that's totally fine, too :)

I'll just keep wish you all the best and keep sharing free LSAT advice, but feel free to reach out if you need anything at all!

My 3 biggest LSAT strategies for retakers

If you’re studying for an LSAT retake, you might run into a problem. If you’ve used a lot of your initial prep material, what do you use when trying to improve your score?

You’re certainly not the first person to encounter this problem, so here are a few tips:

1. Redo practice tests.

Even if you've done every LSAT PrepTest (you probably haven't), you won't remember every question. The purpose of doing practice tests is to analyze the logic of each argument or game, so make sure you actually think through each question, even if you know you've done it before. Soon enough, the right answers to each question will seem obvious even if you've never seen the question before.

2. Avoid fake practice tests like the plague.

They're full of errors and not similar enough to real PrepTests. You're better off redoing old PrepTests than spending time with bad materials. (Check out my LSAT study schedules for guidance on how to structure your time as you prepare for your retake.)

3. Analyze your current performance on practice tests.

Save every PrepTest answer sheet from the first time. After a few months, retake these PrepTests and compare your performance between the 1st and 2nd times. If you answered the same question incorrectly both times, spend several minutes figuring out the reason.

Keep track of all your mistakes by making a big list with the PrepTest #, Section #, and Question #. Make two columns: one for every serious mistake and one for every stupid mistake. Don't ignore stupid mistakes - they cost as many points as serious ones, and you can decrease the number of stupid mistakes you make.

Want more tips? I’ve got a bunch here -~~~~~~----->

Retaking the LSAT can be even more stressful than taking it the first time, but I’m here with you every step of the way!

Sincerely,

LSAT Steve

P.S. If you have any questions, I’ve covered just about every LSAT-related subject under the sun on my website. However, if you’ve got any specific questions, I'd love to hear from you! Just reach out.

Recommended Resources:

1. LSAT Courses
The best of my LSAT material with exclusive access to attend my Live Online LSAT Master Classes + Q&As, and on-demand video lessons you can watch anytime. Plus, LSAT study plans to keep you on track. Save hundreds of dollars with an LSAT course package.

2. LSAT Explanations
The explanations that should have come with the LSAT. These don't just fall back on "out of scope," but actually tell you why the wrong answers are wrong, why the right answers are right, and the easiest way to get the correct answer.

3. LSAT Cheat Sheets
Based on what I'd typically do in college: read what the professor emphasized and condense it all onto a single piece of paper. It gave me a quick reference, making things a lot less threatening and a lot more manageable.

You have 3 LSAT study hours each day - really

I’ve gotten the same question a lot over the years: How much should I study for the LSAT? The right answer to that is always as much as you can.

Think about it this way. What would you say to someone who wanted to know how much to practice to make it to the NBA? Or how many auditions they should do to be the next Leonardo DiCaprio?

Sure, it isn’t going to be quite that hard to get the score you want on the LSAT, but the principle’s the same. Study as much as you can (without burning out).

Personally, I like to recommend three focused hours a day. That might seem impossible, but consider breaking it up and doing it like this:

1 hour before work/school
1 hour during lunch OR at your office desk during "downtime"
1 hour after work/school

That is totally doable. Also, you need to re-prioritize your schedule. Don’t organize your study time around other obligations or distractions. Instead, organize those obligations and distractions around your study time.

If you need help figuring out how to better plan your studying, I’ve got a whole page of articles on that exact topic. Check out these LSAT study plans ------>

Remember, you own your schedule. Your schedule doesn’t own you!

Sincerely,
LSAT Steve