LSAT Mindset During COVID-19

1 year from now, you'll be done with the LSAT - you'll have acceptances from your dream schools and significant scholarship money.

(Your biggest problem will be choosing between several great options.)

You may be getting ready for law school, or you may be finishing up 1L.

You'll still be part of this group, serving as a resource for others, but your own LSAT journey will become an increasingly distant memory.

You'll look back on this time and say, "It was challenging, but I made the most of the time I had and used it to dominate the LSAT."

What would need to happen for this to become your future?

How to deal with LSAT words that annoy you

Words, Words, Words... Sigh. One of the hardest things about the LSAT is that you can completely understand what you’re looking at and then get tripped up on wording. It doesn’t do either of us much good for me to sit here and list a bunch of vocab words for you, but what I can do is show you one of my favorite methods for dealing with the trickiest words you’ll encounter: “except”, “unless”, “until” and “without”.

So here we go. Take any of the annoying words ("except," "unless," "until," and "without") as introducing the necessary condition. In other words, whatever immediately follows one of these words is your necessary condition. Then, whatever other clause is present in the conditional statement will, when negated, become your sufficient condition. The phrase "Not B unless A" would first become "Not B then A." However, we're not done yet - we still have to negate "Not B" to become "B." So we have B ---> A. No need to take the contrapositive or rearrange anything. Examples with words replacing variables: "It's not delicious (B) unless it has salt or sugar (A),” would first become: "Not Delicious ---> there's salt or sugar..." BUT We still have to negate "Not Delicious" to become "Delicious." This gives us "Delicious ---> salt or sugar." (Meaning that we've directly turned "No X unless Y" into "X ---> Y”) I wrote a full article on this with another method (although I like it slightly less than this one), you can check it out HERE. Or, if you want to do a deeper dive into Logic Games vocab and recognizing different types of games, I have that too. Until next time! -Steve Recommended Resources: 1. LSAT CoursesThe 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. Logic Games Explanations The explanations that should have come with the LSAT. These tell you why the wrong answers are wrong, why the right answers are right, and the easiest way to get the correct answer. 3. Mastering LSAT Logic Games This guide to Logic Games is by a former writer of actual LSAT questions! Enough said.

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Is LSAT-Flex Fair?

One reason LSAC has given for making it 3 sections, not 5, is the need for bathroom breaks and related test security issues with folks leaving the room.

(Other reasons include increased proctoring time and the increased likelihood of Internet/tech issues the longer the exam goes.)

I understand the feelings of unfairness, especially for those who took the 5-section exam being compared to those taking the 3-section LSAT-Flex. 3 sections at home is probably a more pleasant test-taking experience, but there are downsides, too (like knowing every question counts and that each is worth more).

LSAC is only offering LSAT-Flex out of necessity (at least for now). It's clearly not an ideal solution, but it's the best they can do at the moment. And although their communication could be better, I've got to give them credit for rolling this out so quickly.

LSAT-Flex: Do I Like It?

LSAT-Flex: Do I Like It?

I like the idea of an online LSAT for so many reasons - primarily its convenience.

I don't see LSAC compromising the integrity of the exam or cheapening it in LSAT-Flex, at least with regard to test security.

From a content perspective, I do have to admit I'd prefer the exam contain 1/2 Logical Reasoning rather than 1/3 Logical Reasoning. And the exam's overall length is obviously a significant difference, but I'm not sure it's particularly impactful in terms of predictive ability.

One major unresolved question is how LSAC would field-test questions if they weren't widely administering experimental sections.

Regardless, LSAT-Flex is here (at least for the short-term), and everyone I've spoken with in admissions says they'll consider LSAT-Flex scores the same as regular LSAT scores.

(It's also worth noting that a 3-section online LSAT is still probably a much better predictor of 1L grades than the GRE or any other standardized test we have.)

LSAT-Flex + Talking to Yourself

Re: LSAT-Flex, I asked ProctorU if test-takers are permitted to quietly read aloud to themselves.

(Some people do this as they read - often called subvocalizing.)

Alternatively, it might be likely to lead to a flagged/canceled test as a perceived security violation.

ProctorU responded:

"This may create a flagged event. If the whispering is very consistent and you can understand what the test-taker is saying, there [is] unfortunately no way for our system or proctors to know whether the tester is just reading aloud to themselves or speaking to another person in the room or on a device, etc."

(For in-person LSAT administrations, proctors might be able to distinguish talking softly to oneself from a potential security issue, like whispering to another test-taker, and allow more leeway.)

Will LSAT-Flex tests be disclosed?

Neither the May nor June LSAT-Flex tests will be disclosed. LSAC considers these "special" administrations and remains hopeful about returning to in-person administrations (and, relatedly, releasing 4-section exams) in the near future.

I can't imagine them using the same test form across multiple days of LSAT-Flex, so there wouldn't just be one test form for any month's Flex administration anyway.

LSAT Study Schedule + Days Off

Question from an LSAT student who got one of my day-by-day LSAT study plans:

Day 1 went well! After skimming the entirety of the schedule, I noticed a few days that said to take a break. I am truly trying to utilize every day of prep that I can in order to perform my best on test day. Do you truly recommend a full day away from material or should I fill those days with maybe a timed section or some other stimulating subject? I would like to hear your suggestion.

My response:

Glad to hear day 1 went well! I recommend taking days off to make sure you don't burn out.

I find a lot of students do too much - I even got a question recently about whether you should study 8 hours / day for 60 days - my answer is "no" - it leads to burnout.

This is even more common during these times when many are under stay-at-home orders. For this reason, I put together a schedule to structure your day for those able to study full-time without other obligations.

That being said, every student is different - if you feel the need to do something every day, that's fine - just don't overdo it - you can use the days off to catch up here and there, or do a timed section, a few questions, etc.

Let me know if anything else!

Easy LSAT reading

Ever walk into a bookstore and see a shelf full of LSAT books?

Probably not what most people would pick to read through on their day off. Not only are these things dense and obtuse, they are sometimes flat-out WRONG! That’s right, some LSAT study books can do more harm than good when it comes to properly preparing you for The Big Day. Let’s start with an assumption I think a lot of us tend to make: length = value. Surely, if someone were to put this much time and effort into writing a 1,000-page prep book, it must be worth the huge price tag they put on it. For those of you who've seen my list of logical fallacies, you can see where this might not be quite true. Let me hit you with a quote from one of the all-time great American authors (not R.L. Stine, although I’m a big Goosebumps fan) "If I had more time, I would have made it shorter.” - Mark Twain

The honest truth is it just doesn’t take that long to explain something. You’re smart. I’m not trying to flatter you, but people who sign up for the LSAT are fairly intelligent human beings. You don’t need something explained to you in 100 pages when it can be done in 10. This over-explaining, meandering style is what frustrates a lot of readers. It’s hard to study for the LSAT when you’re just trying to make it through One. More. Paragraph. That’s why I wrote guides that are short enough not only to read in full, but also re-read as you get closer to the test. Can you imagine re-reading one of those LSAT prep books pictured above as a refresher? I’m pretty sure that’s against the Geneva Convention. I’ve got LSAT guides and cheat sheets for Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. Even made some for law school admissions. And they're all short, sweet, and to the point. So if you’re busy or feeling overwhelmed with all the study material you have… Go Pick Them Up Right Here If you’re not ready to spend the money - I do offer 100% money-back guarantees, but I get it, sometimes bills are a very real thing -  Remember I have tons of FREE material on my website. Go check it out, and you’ll see what kind of quality guidance you’ll be getting. That’s all for now, gotta get back to work -Steve, the LSAT Machine

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How beating stress and anxiety made the LSAT a breeze

There aren't many people who'd describe the LSAT as a breeze, but there’s this girl Allison who overcame stress and sailed through test day.  But things weren’t always so easy for her... Before she discovered my website, she was pulling her hair out! And why wouldn’t she? She'd read all the prep books, completed numerous practice tests and done everything she’d been told to do... ...but her scores weren’t budging! Sound familiar? Fortunately, she found her way to me. After reading through the free stuff, having a few private tutoring sessions with me and taking my LSAT courses, she managed to pull her score up from the mid-150s to 170 on test day! But it wasn’t just the valuable tricks and tips she got from me that helped her score so high on test day. One of the biggest keys to her success? She beat stress and anxiety by using a few crucial techniques. Here’s what she did: ● She recreated test day conditions for every practice test - including waking up early to sit the test in the morning. ● She looked after her own well-being - getting plenty of sleep before test day and relaxing rather than stressing out.l ● She didn’t lose focus every time something didn’t make sense - instead she recovered and got on with the next section. Anyway, check out her guest post to see how exactly she managed to climb from 150, to a whopping 170 on test day - it’s packed full of valuable tips! How Allison Overcame Stress and Anxiety to Score 170 on the LSAT All the best, Stoic Steve P.S. What’s stressing you out more than anything else on the LSAT? Send me a message and let me know, I read them all! P.P.S. In my next article, I'll share with you some guides that make for easy LSAT reading. 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 Day-By-Day Study Plans Preparing for the LSAT is confusing. There are dozens of prep books and practice tests out there, and 1,000+ articles on my website alone. When, and how, should you use them all? These super-specific study plans give you a clear plan of attack. 3. LSAT Checklists All the little items and details students don't usually think of. They hold you accountable and help you make sure you're not missing anything.

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LSAT-Flex Bathroom Breaks

I've confirmed with ProctorU that bathroom breaks will not be permitted for most test-takers.

During the in-person LSAT, you can leave to go to the bathroom while the clock is ticking (not that it's desirable, but it's an option).

ProctorU wrote:

the exam does not have breaks unless LSAC specifically approves it (for things like accommodations)

I haven't specifically confirmed with ProctorU whether they allow diapers, but I can't imagine them considering it a security risk (or having a way to determine whether you're wearing one).

Limiting coffee / tea or other diuretics (liquids in general, really) will help you get through the 2-hour exam without issue.

What your law school personal statement says about you

Today we discuss not how to conquer Logic Games or what prep books are best... (although I've talked a LOT about those and will keep doing so) No, today is all about that fickle, subjective beast: The Law School Personal Statement. While there's no formula for writing a great statement, there are some things to consider that could help you write the best one possible. So I've put together a bunch of questions I'd ask myself if I were a law school admission officer. If you put yourself in their shoes, you’ll be one step ahead of the game. 7 Questions For Your Law School Personal Statement After you get done with those, I have a lot more resources for writing a great Law School Personal Statement farther down the page. So don’t stop scrolling after you finish #7! Write On! LSAT Steve P.S. If there’s any questions I didn’t cover, but you think are relevant, let me know! I’m always willing to add a #8! Recommended Resources: 1. A Comprehensive Guide to the Law School Personal Statement This guide provides tips on conceptualizing, planning, writing, and editing the law school personal statement. 2. Law School Admissions Guide I've written a concise guide to the law school admission process with tips on completing every aspect of your applications from start to finish. It's a small price to pay for a whole lot of guidance, and it's short enough that you'll actually read the whole thing. 3. Law School Admissions Cheat Sheet Quick-reference guide for the law school personal statement, the "Why X?" essay, and the law school résumé. (You can also get it with the LSAT Cheat Sheets.)

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