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Former law school admission dean on LSAT / law school admissions
LSAT Loophole Ellen Cassidy Video Discussion
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Missed my Live LSAT Master Class?
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3 biggest LSAT mistakes (and LSAT study plans)
I made a lot of dumb mistakes back when I was studying...and it took a while before I was willing to admit this....but
it actually took me a FULL YEAR to master the LSAT!!!
I probably could've been done with it in less than half that time if I'd gone about things the right way from the beginning.
After I learned the RIGHT way to do things, I made a list of all my mistakes (at least, the ones I could think of).
I'm not going to share the whole thing because it's too embarrassing (and long)...
but today I AM going to share with you the three BIGGEST mistakes I can think of:
#3) didn't use right books / PrepTests
Spent too much time on older exams, not enough on newer ones.
I actually considered not getting the newest exams at all just because they were 8 bucks each (LSAC hadn't put them in books of 10 yet.)
In hindsight, this was pretty stupid because the most recent exams are the most relevant!
Doesn't make sense to try to save $40 on 5 individual exams if it means getting a lower score (costing thousands in lost scholarship $$$, future income, etc.)
So...get the newest LSAT exams.
#2) didn't review
Instead, I just took test after test, hoping my score would magically improve ---they didn't.
I already talked about this a few weeks ago in my email about how to review, but the bottom line is:
Don't JUST analyze the stimulus or passage (for LR/RC)...make sure you ALSO analyze answer choices.
* What was it in the incorrect answer choice you chose that tempted you? Then identify what made it wrong in the end.
Orrrrr...
* 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.
#1) didn't have a study plan
I put this one first because I'd say not having a study plan was probably -- no, definitely -- my biggest mistake.
I talked about this a bit above, but, basically, I jumped right into taking practice tests without learning the fundamentals first.
And my scores didn't go up because I wasn't actually learning strategies to attack the questions BEFORE trying to attack them!
Sounds obvious in hindsight....
but with all these books of old tests out there (and thrill of POSSIBLY getting a higher score next time), I kind of got addicted to taking PrepTests, measuring my scores, and looking for trends. I had lists, spreadsheets, graphs, etc...it was all kinda nuts.
Anyway, what I needed was someone to sit me down, kick my ass when I needed it, and show me exactly what I should be doing every. single. day.
I didn't have that, so it took me WAYYYY too long to crack the LSAT "code."
So I made day-by-day LSAT study plans for you all because I wished I had a real plan of attack when I was studying. It would've been a LOT easier if I knew exactly how to use all the practice tests and other books.
Whether you've got a plan yet or not, I know many of you still have questions about the nitty-gritty logistics of studying, how to use study plans, etc.
So, on that page, I've answered some of the most common questions students ask me about LSAT study plans, and I share my best day-by-day LSAT study plans.
Or just feel free to reach out directly via email: LSATUnplugged@gmail.com
it actually took me a FULL YEAR to master the LSAT!!!
I probably could've been done with it in less than half that time if I'd gone about things the right way from the beginning.
After I learned the RIGHT way to do things, I made a list of all my mistakes (at least, the ones I could think of).
I'm not going to share the whole thing because it's too embarrassing (and long)...
but today I AM going to share with you the three BIGGEST mistakes I can think of:
#3) didn't use right books / PrepTests
Spent too much time on older exams, not enough on newer ones.
I actually considered not getting the newest exams at all just because they were 8 bucks each (LSAC hadn't put them in books of 10 yet.)
In hindsight, this was pretty stupid because the most recent exams are the most relevant!
Doesn't make sense to try to save $40 on 5 individual exams if it means getting a lower score (costing thousands in lost scholarship $$$, future income, etc.)
So...get the newest LSAT exams.
#2) didn't review
Instead, I just took test after test, hoping my score would magically improve ---they didn't.
I already talked about this a few weeks ago in my email about how to review, but the bottom line is:
Don't JUST analyze the stimulus or passage (for LR/RC)...make sure you ALSO analyze answer choices.
* What was it in the incorrect answer choice you chose that tempted you? Then identify what made it wrong in the end.
Orrrrr...
* 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.
#1) didn't have a study plan
I put this one first because I'd say not having a study plan was probably -- no, definitely -- my biggest mistake.
I talked about this a bit above, but, basically, I jumped right into taking practice tests without learning the fundamentals first.
And my scores didn't go up because I wasn't actually learning strategies to attack the questions BEFORE trying to attack them!
Sounds obvious in hindsight....
but with all these books of old tests out there (and thrill of POSSIBLY getting a higher score next time), I kind of got addicted to taking PrepTests, measuring my scores, and looking for trends. I had lists, spreadsheets, graphs, etc...it was all kinda nuts.
Anyway, what I needed was someone to sit me down, kick my ass when I needed it, and show me exactly what I should be doing every. single. day.
I didn't have that, so it took me WAYYYY too long to crack the LSAT "code."
So I made day-by-day LSAT study plans for you all because I wished I had a real plan of attack when I was studying. It would've been a LOT easier if I knew exactly how to use all the practice tests and other books.
Whether you've got a plan yet or not, I know many of you still have questions about the nitty-gritty logistics of studying, how to use study plans, etc.
So, on that page, I've answered some of the most common questions students ask me about LSAT study plans, and I share my best day-by-day LSAT study plans.
Or just feel free to reach out directly via email: LSATUnplugged@gmail.com
Weird Curveball LSAT Logic Games
Here's a big list of Weird Curveball LSAT Logic Games.
Don't be surprised if you have more trouble than average with these. But they're great practice for curveball games on LSAT Test Day.
PT1, G1
PT2, G3
PT4, G4
PT6, G3
PT6, G4
PT8, G2
PT9, G4
PT10, G3
PT11, G4
PT12, G4
PT13, G4
PT15. G2
PT16. G4
PT18. G3
PT18, G4
PT20, G3
PT21, G2
PT27, G2
PT29, G2
PT30, G1
PT31, G4
PT34, G2
PT38, G4
PT40, G3
PT41, G4
PT44, G4
PT50, G3
PT57, G3
PT60, G3
PT64, G2
PT65, G4
PT67, G4
PT70, G2
PT72, G4
PT77, G3
PT79, G4
PT80, G4
Don't be surprised if you have more trouble than average with these. But they're great practice for curveball games on LSAT Test Day.
PT1, G1
PT2, G3
PT4, G4
PT6, G3
PT6, G4
PT8, G2
PT9, G4
PT10, G3
PT11, G4
PT12, G4
PT13, G4
PT15. G2
PT16. G4
PT18. G3
PT18, G4
PT20, G3
PT21, G2
PT27, G2
PT29, G2
PT30, G1
PT31, G4
PT34, G2
PT38, G4
PT40, G3
PT41, G4
PT44, G4
PT50, G3
PT57, G3
PT60, G3
PT64, G2
PT65, G4
PT67, G4
PT70, G2
PT72, G4
PT77, G3
PT79, G4
PT80, G4
September 2018 LSAT Live Discussion | YouTube | Steve Schwartz
Hi there,
I'm trying something different for the September 2018 LSAT, and you’re invited.
I’m hosting a live Q&A for those who took the September LSAT -- a follow-up discussion and game day analysis -- on Saturday, 9/8, at 4PM Eastern.
It'll cover what to do AFTER the test, how to decide whether to cancel your score or keep it, whether to retake, etc.
Even if you didn't take the exam, be sure to join anyway. This session will give you plenty of ideas and strategies about what to do after you take your test. And you'll get a sense of what you can expect after you take the LSAT.
To join:
* Go to https://youtu.be/yRSe1MLW8B8
* If you haven’t already, click “Subscribe”
* At 4PM Eastern, I’ll be live on video at that link.
I’ll answer as many of your questions as I can before I've got to go walk the dog.
- Steve
I'm trying something different for the September 2018 LSAT, and you’re invited.
I’m hosting a live Q&A for those who took the September LSAT -- a follow-up discussion and game day analysis -- on Saturday, 9/8, at 4PM Eastern.
It'll cover what to do AFTER the test, how to decide whether to cancel your score or keep it, whether to retake, etc.
Even if you didn't take the exam, be sure to join anyway. This session will give you plenty of ideas and strategies about what to do after you take your test. And you'll get a sense of what you can expect after you take the LSAT.
To join:
* Go to https://youtu.be/yRSe1MLW8B8
* If you haven’t already, click “Subscribe”
* At 4PM Eastern, I’ll be live on video at that link.
I’ll answer as many of your questions as I can before I've got to go walk the dog.
- Steve
LSAT Course Packages
For those of you who took the July LSAT - congrats!!! I hope it turns out great for you when scores come out.
(See this article if you're unsure about whether you might need to retake, and reach out if you have any questions.)
Whether you took the LSAT in July or not, I want you to let you know that you can now join my LSAT courses with a 100% money-back guarantee.
***
As many of you already know, I launched LSAT course packages a few years ago as part of my mission to make quality LSAT prep more affordable.
Although I released the first versions of my courses over 5 years ago, the packages are something new I've tested over the past few years - I wanted to know whether it would help you to get the best resources I've created in convenient bundles.
Since then, I've heard from many of you who took the LSAT after using my course materials, and your answer has been an emphatic "yes."
You told me that, without a doubt, the packages helped you improve your LSAT scores.
So I now offer all the course packages with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Try the LSAT course package of your choice without risking a thing. Show me you did all the work. If you don't love it, email me within 30 days, and I'll give you a full and complete refund of your course enrollment. I'll even eat the credit-card fees.
I've made these literally risk-free to try.
Why would I offer a guarantee when I don't have to? I can offer this because I've rigorously tested my materials with thousands of students. I know they work, and I want this to be a no-brainer for you.
Join now to get access to LSAT course package of your choice and start improving your LSAT score today.
-Steve
P.S. The LSAT course packages are 100% risk-free. That means you can try one, then decide if it's right for you. If you don't love it, just show me you did the work, and I'll refund 100% of your money. But I'm confident these will help you improve your LSAT score.
Get started now.
(See this article if you're unsure about whether you might need to retake, and reach out if you have any questions.)
Whether you took the LSAT in July or not, I want you to let you know that you can now join my LSAT courses with a 100% money-back guarantee.
***
As many of you already know, I launched LSAT course packages a few years ago as part of my mission to make quality LSAT prep more affordable.
Although I released the first versions of my courses over 5 years ago, the packages are something new I've tested over the past few years - I wanted to know whether it would help you to get the best resources I've created in convenient bundles.
Since then, I've heard from many of you who took the LSAT after using my course materials, and your answer has been an emphatic "yes."
You told me that, without a doubt, the packages helped you improve your LSAT scores.
So I now offer all the course packages with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Try the LSAT course package of your choice without risking a thing. Show me you did all the work. If you don't love it, email me within 30 days, and I'll give you a full and complete refund of your course enrollment. I'll even eat the credit-card fees.
I've made these literally risk-free to try.
Why would I offer a guarantee when I don't have to? I can offer this because I've rigorously tested my materials with thousands of students. I know they work, and I want this to be a no-brainer for you.
Join now to get access to LSAT course package of your choice and start improving your LSAT score today.
-Steve
P.S. The LSAT course packages are 100% risk-free. That means you can try one, then decide if it's right for you. If you don't love it, just show me you did the work, and I'll refund 100% of your money. But I'm confident these will help you improve your LSAT score.
Get started now.
LSAT Diary: Studying as a Non-Native English Speaker from China
September 2018’s test date is little bit more than a month away. Hopefully, every test taker is preparing the best for this time. I am one of you guys, who don’t stress less nor expect more.
Like many others, I have the dream of becoming lawyer ever since middle school in China. Mandarin is my first language for the past 17 years. However, I have to prioritize English in this 6 years after moving to US. Both high school and college were finished expectedly. Since I am very interested in law, I considered CRJ as the only option.
Then, LSAT became the biggest obstacle. I attempted the test on Sep. 2017, scored 138. Only I and my boyfriend knew how much it affected me afterwards. In case if you ever heard about, it is true that Asian people cannot accept B (at least for me), not even speaking of failing. The result ruined my confidence, and almost, my daily life.
However, I am lucky to have my boyfriend who thinks more logically than me. He kept on telling me that I didn’t practice enough. In fact, way too underprepared. I agreed with him. At the same time, I couldn’t give up this dream so easily. The next step, I requested to become a part time banker. My manager is very understanding and he even allowed me to study during slow time. Things should get better right? NO! For the previous few months, I only saw a slight improvement with at least 4 hours of study daily. The book I used was lsattrainer. It was helpful at first; nevertheless, I was more confused with tricky questions in later practice. A lot of questions that I did on LR section were all guessed with no understanding how I got them right. I personally believe that there shouldn’t be a standard approach for every single question.
This is the time when I found lsatblog roughly a month ago. I envy those of you who found this blog during early preparation, because this is a treasure. I threw my old strategies away, studied as I never knew what is Lsat. Steve’s ideas not only help me seeing the pattern of correct answers with types of questions, but also help me seeing the pattern of wrong answers. As I doing the review after each LR section, I am able to see why I always get this question wrong. To me, seeing why wrong questions are wrong is as important as right questions. Especially for Lsat because no one thinks the same when it comes to understanding. My problem that I need to work on more is overthinking. I got majority of first ten questions wrong very often. For you who have the same problem, drop some thoughts such as, “it can’t be this easy,” or “maybe this is not enough.” Being more confident is necessary. After a lot of practice, it is easier to not doubt myself.
I don’t have a significant problem with LG. Surprisingly, I always love this section more than the other two. After learning the effective diagram with Steve, I found myself getting excited to challenge those games. However, I need to be more patient in this section and not thoroughly rely on the initial diagram. Create specific one if needed. I realized that when I slow down more, the game tends to be clearer, which also help me to answer the next questions.
As a non-native speaker, RC is the nightmare. Honestly, I am still struggling with this section. Not enough vocab and wrong feeling of author’s tone makes RC a lot harder for me. Since I spent too much time on practicing LG, I couldn’t follow exactly on Steve’s 2 month plan. This is where I found his RC preptest explanations helpful. My worry for RC was not able to understand the content due to language barrier. Steve helps me knowing that understanding structure can be approached without understanding the details. As long as I know where the information are in the passage, I just need to go back when I answer detailed questions. Individual passage needs a thorough explanation for students like me.The more I force myself to read, the more comfortable I feel. Just like LR, there is no shortcut. It is also important to adjust reading habits to find the most comfortable way to finish passages.
A month study with Steve’s online course, I increased from 138 to mid 150s. Even though this is nowhere near top score, I rebuild my confidence on Lsat. I am no longer scared to open the 10 officials. I can still remember that horrible feeling in chest area just to open lsat book and review wrong questions before April. But now, I can accept and embrace my weakness.
My tips to keep myself going besides communicating with family and meditation is telling myself:
Among all the test takers, there are people who failed, failed and tried again, tried again and succeeded, tried again but gave up, thought about lsat but never pursed, cannot take the lsat because of life events, etc. Where am I among all the others? If I am lucky enough to take this special journey in life, why shouldn’t I put in more effort? Why shouldn’t I overcome all the learning difficulties? As I was reading other lsat diaries, I was inspired by all of them. Many of them went through worse situations, such as full time job, family needs, and military. I simply don’t want to regret again.
Lastly, I wish all of September test takers deserve the score you want. One month can make a life change. I am telling myself every day, practice as much as you can for truly saying, I did the best I can!
LSAC Expands LSAT Schedule: Adds November + March LSATs
On June 1, 2017, LSAC announced that from June 2018 - June 2019, it will administer the LSAT six times!
They've evened-out the schedule so there's an LSAT test date approximately every 2-3 months.
(LSAC has not yet revealed which tests will be disclosed.)
Previously, students only had four opportunities to take the LSAT - early February, early-mid June, late September/early October, and early December.
This left students sometimes waiting more than 4 months for an opportunity to take the LSAT. Compare this with the GRE, where students can take it on virtually any weekday, year-round.
For the 2018-2019 testing cycle, students have six opportunities to take the LSAT, and never have to wait even three months to take it. Good news if things don't go well on Test Day and you have to retake.
And, this comes right after LSAC removed any limit on how many times students can take the LSAT in a 2-year period (used to be a maximum of 3 times).
This is great news for students, and it'll allow the LSAT to better compete with the potential spread of the GRE to law schools besides Harvard.
Kudos to LSAC for making this change.
Now, some people were confused (me too, at first!)
Those paying close attention might notice it seems like it's not really an increase from 4 administrations per year to 6 per year.
Why?
Because June was listed twice for 2018-2019!
* June
* September
* November
* January
* March
* June
However, LSAC has confirmed that it just looks weird because 2018 - 2019 is a "transitional year."
The "2019-2020 Testing Year" will start in July with the July 2019 LSAT.
Presumably, it will contain these test administrations:
* July
* September
* November
* January
* March
* June
Here's the full press release straight from LSAC:
And here's the full LSAT schedule they just published (PDF):
(2018 - 2019 contains the important changes.)
They've evened-out the schedule so there's an LSAT test date approximately every 2-3 months.
2018–2019 LSAT DATES
Monday, June 11, 2018 12:30 PM
Saturday, September 8, 2018 8:30 AM
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Saturday, November 17, 2018 8:30 AM
Monday, November 19, 2018 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Saturday, January 26, 2019 8:30 AM
Monday, January 28, 2019 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Saturday, March 30, 2019 8:30 AM
Monday, April 1, 2019 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Monday, June 3, 2019 12:30 PM
(LSAC has not yet revealed which tests will be disclosed.)
Previously, students only had four opportunities to take the LSAT - early February, early-mid June, late September/early October, and early December.
This left students sometimes waiting more than 4 months for an opportunity to take the LSAT. Compare this with the GRE, where students can take it on virtually any weekday, year-round.
For the 2018-2019 testing cycle, students have six opportunities to take the LSAT, and never have to wait even three months to take it. Good news if things don't go well on Test Day and you have to retake.
And, this comes right after LSAC removed any limit on how many times students can take the LSAT in a 2-year period (used to be a maximum of 3 times).
This is great news for students, and it'll allow the LSAT to better compete with the potential spread of the GRE to law schools besides Harvard.
Kudos to LSAC for making this change.
Now, some people were confused (me too, at first!)
Those paying close attention might notice it seems like it's not really an increase from 4 administrations per year to 6 per year.
Why?
Because June was listed twice for 2018-2019!
* June
* September
* November
* January
* March
* June
However, LSAC has confirmed that it just looks weird because 2018 - 2019 is a "transitional year."
The "2019-2020 Testing Year" will start in July with the July 2019 LSAT.
Presumably, it will contain these test administrations:
* July
* September
* November
* January
* March
* June
Here's the full press release straight from LSAC:
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, June 1—Prospective law students will have more opportunities to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) starting in mid-2018. The Law School Admission Council announced today an expanded testing schedule that will increase testing dates from four to six annually.
The additional LSAT dates were announced at LSAC’s Annual Meeting and Educational Conference, which is taking place this week in Palm Desert, California. Attendees include representatives from LSAC’s member law schools, who participate in professional development, networking, and opportunities to discuss and provide feedback on LSAC’s legal education services, including the LSAT.
“The additional test dates are an important part of LSAC’s continuing efforts to reduce barriers to entry into legal education,” Dean Susan L. Krinsky, chair of LSAC’s Board of Trustees said. “The LSAT has always been the most valid, reliable, and widely used test in law school admissions. It is the best test for predicting success in law school, and therefore LSAC constantly explores ways to improve its delivery. We will continue to look for innovative ways to enhance access and diversity in legal education, while ensuring the quality of both the LSAT and all the services we offer.”
The more flexible testing schedule will benefit both prospective law students, who will have more options if they have a conflict with a particular test date, and law schools, whose application cycles have shifted in recent years.
The expansion of LSAT test dates is the latest of several test-related initiatives LSAC has announced over the last several months. Earlier in May, it announced that there will no longer be limitations on the number of times a test taker can sit for the LSAT in a two-year period. LSAC also conducted a successful pilot of a Digital LSAT in May as part of its research into student-friendly alternative testing models. And in February, LSAC entered into an innovative partnership with Khan Academy to develop interactive online materials for the LSAT, and make personalized practice free for all.
LSAC also recently made a significant investment in the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO), to assist in that organization’s efforts to advance the diversity of the legal profession.
And here's the full LSAT schedule they just published (PDF):
(2018 - 2019 contains the important changes.)
2017–2018 LSAT DATES
Monday, June 12, 2017 12:30 PM
Saturday, September 16, 2017 8:30 AM
Monday, September 18, 2017 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Saturday, December 2, 2017 8:30 AM
Monday, December 4, 2017 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Saturday, February 10, 2018 8:30 AM
Monday, February 12, 2018 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
2018–2019 LSAT DATES
Monday, June 11, 2018 12:30 PM
Saturday, September 8, 2018 8:30 AM
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Saturday, November 17, 2018 8:30 AM
Monday, November 19, 2018 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Saturday, January 26, 2019 8:30 AM
Monday, January 28, 2019 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Saturday, March 30, 2019 8:30 AM
Monday, April 1, 2019 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM
Monday, June 3, 2019 12:30 PM
How to get into law school by acing the GRE and avoiding the LSAT
Except not really...
I’ve been teaching the LSAT for over 10 years now. This exam's how I make my living, but I'm also completely obsessed with it. I have a (dare-I-say) IRRATIONAL love for this test.
The GRE’s a much easier exam, and it’s much easier to get a higher-percentile score on it than on the LSAT.
So, why would I recommend taking the GRE when it’s in my best interest for more people to take the LSAT?
Because, if you’re reading this, there’s a decent chance you just googled something about getting into law school by taking the GRE.
You’re *PROBABLY* not one of my long-time students.
Maybe you’re a wannabe lawyer considering law school and think you can avoid the LSAT beast by doing GRE vocabulary flash cards and brushing up on middle-school math.
If that’s you…
Please stop reading my site right now.
Obviously, Harvard requires a super-high GPA and top score on whichever test scores you submit, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, PCAT and all the other XXATs out there.
And law schools KNOW it's easier to get a high-percentile score on the GRE because the competition isn't as tough.
(That's a kind-of nice way of saying the people who typically take the GRE aren't as good at standardized tests.)
***A senior LSAC employee actually refused to take the GRE because "it didn't measure anything important."***
!!!
If you’ve got a decent chance of getting into a top law school, you probably COULD ace the LSAT if you put in the work. This requires…*learning the LSAT the hard way* (shudders)
But don’t worry - it’s actually the EZ way in the long run.
That’s what I focus on in my courses - helping you get the LSAT mindset by showing you how the test-makers think.
You won’t find the typical “cheap trix” that only get you high 150s / low 160s.
A lot of the lower-tier law schools that’ll eventually take the GRE as an alternative don’t actually plan to accept “LSAT-avoiders.” They actually just want to accept applications from GRE-takers so they can deny you and boost get a boost in the US News rankings by increasing their selectivity.
So, if you want to avoid the LSAT “monster” (yeah, that’s how I used to see it, too), because you’re lazy and don’t want to put in the work, please go ahead and click the X in your browser and stop reading. Get a bunch of flash cards and find a high school kid to tutor you in algebra.
Call me old-fashioned, but I’ve always believed you get out what you put in…and taking “shortcuts” won’t get you where you want to go. My site's the oldest (and still continuously running) LSAT Blog because I show you how to DEFEAT the LSAT monster by actually looking at the LSAT from the test-makers perspective,
Cheap trix, are just that - “cheap” and “trix.” I’ve always believed you get what you pay for, you get out what you put in. If you’re not willing to invest in yourself, law schools aren’t going to, either.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards tackling the LSAT, and you’re ambitious enough to take on this challenge, you should join my private community of LSAT students. It’s a free email course where you'll hear from me every now and then with my best LSAT advice - the stuff too classy to share with all the curiosity-seekers driving by through Google searches.
So, if you haven’t already, take action and click here to join thousands of other students fighting to conquer the LSAT. I’ll never spam you, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Very truly yours,
Steve Schwartz
P.S. Seriously, you should join. You’ll get all the stuff I’m not willing to share with the randos who find me from Google and message boards.
I’ve been teaching the LSAT for over 10 years now. This exam's how I make my living, but I'm also completely obsessed with it. I have a (dare-I-say) IRRATIONAL love for this test.
The GRE’s a much easier exam, and it’s much easier to get a higher-percentile score on it than on the LSAT.
So, why would I recommend taking the GRE when it’s in my best interest for more people to take the LSAT?
Because, if you’re reading this, there’s a decent chance you just googled something about getting into law school by taking the GRE.
You’re *PROBABLY* not one of my long-time students.
Maybe you’re a wannabe lawyer considering law school and think you can avoid the LSAT beast by doing GRE vocabulary flash cards and brushing up on middle-school math.
If that’s you…
Please stop reading my site right now.
Obviously, Harvard requires a super-high GPA and top score on whichever test scores you submit, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, PCAT and all the other XXATs out there.
And law schools KNOW it's easier to get a high-percentile score on the GRE because the competition isn't as tough.
(That's a kind-of nice way of saying the people who typically take the GRE aren't as good at standardized tests.)
***A senior LSAC employee actually refused to take the GRE because "it didn't measure anything important."***
!!!
If you’ve got a decent chance of getting into a top law school, you probably COULD ace the LSAT if you put in the work. This requires…*learning the LSAT the hard way* (shudders)
But don’t worry - it’s actually the EZ way in the long run.
That’s what I focus on in my courses - helping you get the LSAT mindset by showing you how the test-makers think.
You won’t find the typical “cheap trix” that only get you high 150s / low 160s.
A lot of the lower-tier law schools that’ll eventually take the GRE as an alternative don’t actually plan to accept “LSAT-avoiders.” They actually just want to accept applications from GRE-takers so they can deny you and boost get a boost in the US News rankings by increasing their selectivity.
So, if you want to avoid the LSAT “monster” (yeah, that’s how I used to see it, too), because you’re lazy and don’t want to put in the work, please go ahead and click the X in your browser and stop reading. Get a bunch of flash cards and find a high school kid to tutor you in algebra.
Call me old-fashioned, but I’ve always believed you get out what you put in…and taking “shortcuts” won’t get you where you want to go. My site's the oldest (and still continuously running) LSAT Blog because I show you how to DEFEAT the LSAT monster by actually looking at the LSAT from the test-makers perspective,
Cheap trix, are just that - “cheap” and “trix.” I’ve always believed you get what you pay for, you get out what you put in. If you’re not willing to invest in yourself, law schools aren’t going to, either.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards tackling the LSAT, and you’re ambitious enough to take on this challenge, you should join my private community of LSAT students. It’s a free email course where you'll hear from me every now and then with my best LSAT advice - the stuff too classy to share with all the curiosity-seekers driving by through Google searches.
So, if you haven’t already, take action and click here to join thousands of other students fighting to conquer the LSAT. I’ll never spam you, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Very truly yours,
Steve Schwartz
P.S. Seriously, you should join. You’ll get all the stuff I’m not willing to share with the randos who find me from Google and message boards.
