Understanding LSAT necessary vs sufficient conditions

And…we’re back! So, if my last two articles were a little too “back-to-basics” for you, you’re going to love this one. We already talked about common LR topics and vocabulary, so now we’re getting into the nitty-gritty. This time we’re digging into sufficient conditions, necessary conditions, and time. Specifically, we’re talking about conditional statements here, or if/then as they’re sometimes called. For example, if I eat Taco Bell for dinner, then I’ll be getting up all night to run to the bathroom. So, in this case, the sufficient condition is considered the “if” and the necessary condition is considered the “then”. If it makes it easier, think it terms of X and Y:

If x, then y. If sufficient condition, then necessary condition. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were just that simple? But, of course it never is. There are actually a lot of words that can be used in the X and Y slots. Sufficient (X) Words include: All, any, every, if, in order to, the only, to be, when, whenever Necessary (Y) Words include: depends upon, must, only, only if, only when, requires, then Keeping up? Good. Now here’s the confusing thing: these can be worded different ways to throw you off. LSAT test makers can be real jerks sometimes! We already covered the, If X, then Y phrasing but there’s much more sneaky way of wording this as well. This is called the contrapositive and looks like this using the aforementioned Taco Bell. Example: If I’m not getting up all night to run to the bathroom, then I must not have had Taco Bell. Need more examples? Fortunately for you I’ve got a bunch! You can find some of those here ---->  Also, I’m proud to say I have a very active and intelligent group of people who read my articles, and they’re sometimes kind enough to contribute in LSAT Diaries or other ways. For example, Vicky gave her 2 cents on Necessary vs Sufficient Conditions, and I think you’ll find it quite helpful! That about covers it for today. Be on the lookout for my next article, where I’ll share some tips on formal vs. informal logic. You got this! Steve “The LSAT Spirit Guide” Schwartz P.S. Here's that logical fallacies worksheet I promised (File --> Download As PDF). In my next article, I'll share the "answers." P.P.S. If you’ve been studying for a bit and have some helpful strategies to share, you could be the next Vicky! Seriously, I’m always looking to improve the resources available to everyone, so feel free to reach out with any insights. If there’s a place for them, I'll be sure to add them. 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. Logical Reasoning 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. Logical Reasoning Cheat Sheet 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.

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Law School Tuition During COVID-19

Law schools aren't going to discount your tuition just because classes are online.

Sure, they extended deadlines to help fill seats, and they learned to conduct recruiting events online out of necessity.

They need to maintain their enrollment.

But even if you've been hit by the pandemic, they've been hit, too. Although you're struggling, they're struggling, too.

They'll only "discount" your tuition if you have something to offer them -- like a boost in the rankings due to your high GPA/LSAT.

Don't wait for them to get so "desperate" that they'll lower their standards. It's not going to happen.

Look at the students who got into their dream schools. Look at those who got significant LSAT score increases. Then make active decisions for your future.

How to deal with tough LSAT words

Hello again. Today we’ll continue building on our Logical Reasoning foundation with some key LR vocab. Yay! …Ok, I understand vocabulary isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but nothing’s worse than getting tripped up by a word you don’t know, or more likely, one that’s used in a sense you aren’t immediately familiar with. That’s really where the LSAT gets tricky. The test writers like to use the less common definitions of words to make sure you’re paying attention. For example, on the LSAT, “phenomenon” usually means “event” instead of “something unusual”. Another one I see a lot is using the word “advance” to mean “promote an argument” instead of “literally moving something forward

In my Logical Reasoning Vocab Words article, I’ve broken these words broken down into categories: words directly related to arguments, verbs, adverbs, adjectives and nouns. You probably know most of these words. However, it pays to be thorough so give the list a look over and look up any you aren’t unsure about. Murphy’s Law means if you don’t know one, that’s bound to be the one that shows up on the test. There are also some words you definitely know the meanings of, but can cause you way more trouble than any of the four-syllable monstrosities in that list. These sneaky words include: except, unless, until, and without. Depending on how they’re used, they can drastically alter the meaning of a sentence. This is getting a little long, so I won’t go into here but if you’re interested in finding out more I get into it in this article. That’ll do it for now! Good studying, Steve “The LSAT Decoder” Schwartz P.S. If you missed my last article on LSAT Logical Reasoning topics or just want to go over it again, here’s the most important link on this. P.P.S. I've written a killer logical fallacies worksheet that I'll share with you soon. Keep an eye out for it in my next article. 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. Logical Reasoning 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. Logical Reasoning Cheat Sheet 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.

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The 15 most common LSAT Logical Reasoning topics

Hello! First of all, whether you’re just starting out with your LSAT Logical Reasoning prep or you’ve spent over 100 hours on this, congratulations on putting in the work to master the LSAT. This test is tough, but reading this article means you’re taking it seriously and that’s a great sign for future success. Bottom line: I believe in you! Now, on to the good stuff: I’ve found the best way to tackle the LSAT is by laser-focusing on one aspect of it until you get it absolutely nailed down. Trying to do too much at once will leave you confused, and worse, frustrated. So strap in, we’re about to do a big ol’ deep dive on Logical Reasoning. Some of this might seem overly specific, but remember that the LSAT is designed to intimidate you. The best way to combat the intentionally confusing ways the questions are worded is to know what to expect. Today let’s talk about common Logical Reasoning topics. There are certain ones that pop up over and over again. Familiarizing yourself with them will help you get over the initial “what are they talking about” moment so you can actually get to solving them quickly! Don’t forget, this is a timed test, after all. If you’re interested, I speak a little more about getting faster here ---> if you’re interested. But, I digress. Here are the 15 most common Logical Reasoning topics you’re likely to encounter: 1. TV shows and violence in children 2. Climate change, fossil fuel use, and crops 3. Dinosaur extinction, ice ages, volcanoes, and asteroids 4. Cigarette advertising, nicotine levels, and smoking rates 5. Government bureaucracies, political parties, politicians, and campaigns 6. Cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity 7. Employees and management in mid-sized businesses 8. Highway speed limits, car accidents, traffic, and car insurance 9. Economic recessions and consumer spending in imaginary countries 10. Pharmaceutical companies and government spending on medical research 11. Industry's pollution of the environment and its responsibility to clean up 12. Vaccines, bacteria, and viruses 13. Government support of academia, artists and aesthetics 14. Planets, moons, and brown dwarf stars 15. Morality, criminals, law enforcement, and law-abiding citizens Having a basic understanding of the debates that come up on these topics will keep you from getting tripped up on the wording and let you focus on identifying and answering the actual question. Sometimes that’s half the battle! If you’re like me and bored to death with these topics, I proposed my OWN list of Logical Reasoning topics just for fun. If you need a study break, go check them out, I think you’ll agree they’re a little more interesting then hearing about dinosaur extinction. Again. Keep an eye out for my next article, where we’ll keep building this thing from the ground up. These are the kind of foundational topics that make for a good refresher if you’ve been studying for a while and are absolutely essential if you’re just starting out. ’Til next time, Steve “The LSAT Sherpa” Schwartz P.S. If you’re just starting out, check out my LSAT study schedules if you haven’t already. A wise man (or woman) once said, “If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.” Having a day-by-day study guide is a great tool to keep you on track.

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LSAT Logic Games patterns you can use

So, last time I gave you a bunch of strategies to help you up your LSAT game. How have they been working out for you? Really, let me know; I’m always thrilled to hear your feedback – just reach out. Today, let’s all laugh at the logic games the LSAT throws at us! Seriously, once you learn just how predictable these games are, you’ll be bulldozing through them. I like to look at the LSAT as if it’s my annoying little brother. It will try to annoy the hell out of you, and will often be illogical in its attempts to do so. Kinda crazy for a test of logic, right? But, just like an annoying little brother, you can learn to identify and manipulate these childish habits to your own advantage. You can categorize most logic games into two main categories, grouping and linear. They can occasionally be combined, or split into sub categories, but the same features and patterns return time and time again. Take a look at how these same logic games have reappeared in LSAT tests over the years, like a zombie returning time after time. LSAT Logic Games that just wouldn’t die… Like a zombie, once you know your enemy and its weaknesses, it’s not overly difficult to recognize and defeat it. If you need more help recognizing and solving particular logic games, take a look over my blog. For example, I’ve diagrammed a very typical logic game right here. The best advice for logic games has got to be know your enemy! Once you know the games inside out, you’ll be able to easily recognize the patterns they’re using. Next time, we’ll look at some tricky wording that can come up in both Logic Games and Logical Reasoning. And, as you know, on the LSAT, wording makes all the difference. Talk soon, LSAT Steve P.S if you’re still struggling with logic games, get in touch and let me know what’s giving you the most trouble. I read each message myself and will do whatever I can to help. 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. 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. Free Stuff | YouTube | Podcast | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Books | Courses

How to ACE LSAT Logic Games

Let me start this with a question. Do you love LSAT logic games?

When you do, you’ll be far more likely to ace the test with a perfect score. I know it sounds insane, but if you do enough logic games, you will start enjoying them.   BUT, you’ve got to approach them in the right way. If you just go through dozens of games with the same old techniques, you may not improve, and it’ll drive you crazy. Fortunately, I’ve already been to the edge of madness so you don’t have to. It was there that I cracked the LSAT code.  When my sanity returned, I was armed with tons of invaluable techniques that you can use to achieve out perfect scores on logic games time after time. (In fact, I wrote some of the more essential elements down; check out these 5 ways to solve logic games in under 7 minutes.) Remember last time we talked about diagrams? The link above will help you use the best diagrams for each game type, in a limited space. But I’m not done sharing advice with you for today - so have a look at these 7 techniques that will set you apart from the pack. 1. See letters as variables. Forget names or people and avoid thinking of the game's "topic". Instead, look for the relationships between letters. 2. Easily categorize. The same logic games are often repeated, they’re just wrapped up in disguise. Try to identify what type of game you’re looking at and tackle it appropriately.  3. Focus on key words in set-up and rules. Learn obsessive attention to detail. 4. Diagram efficiently. Remember you don’t have much space for diagrams, so use minimal writing and symbolize the rules of the game. 5. Create minimum # of diagrams. You can always reuse previous diagrams, saving valuable time – try it! 6. Budget time well. Determine whether it's worth spending more time on main diagram or on questions. 7. Learn to stop worrying and love the LSAT Logic Games! And thi is just the tip of the iceberg. We can delve deeper into logic games to gain a full understanding of just how to pull them apart and laugh at their predictability. Next time :) Forever yours, LSAT Steve 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. 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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Digital LSAT scratch paper (and cheat sheet!)

Okay guys, let’s take things back a step or two today. Previously, I talked about the importance of building the foundation first, before we even consider tackling realistic timing. I hope you’re taking your time to really get to grips with these games. (If you do need a little help getting your teeth into some of the logic games, I’ve recorded nearly 200 free LG video explanations. )

Anyway, like I said before – get the basics down, then start timing yourself. When you’re ready to finally ready to kick things up a notch, replicating exam conditions and timing is incredibly useful, but remember… BUILD THE FOUNDATION FIRST!! Then look at how you can replicate the exam conditions, but it isn’t all about timing. The vast majority of students make the same fatal mistake during their studies and when it comes to test day, they’re suddenly hit with a situation they’re not prepared for. Any guesses? I’ll give you a clue; it’s so simple, yet so overlooked… Anyone? … …Scratch paper! That’s right. Many students write in their books drawing out tiny little logic game diagrams, using the limited space provided. But guys…on the Digital LSAT YOU'LL GET SCRATCH PAPER ON THE TEST! So what do you do on test day when you’re used to creating tiny diagrams in your books, but you suddenly discover (to your pleasant surprise) that you've got a full booklet of scratch paper to work with? Of course, better to have more space than you need than less, but always best to practice like it's game day. It’s essential to get used to using the amount of space provided during your studies. In this way, when test day comes along you know exactly how to work with the space provided by the test. And, with some sensible practices you can preserve all of your prep books – bonus!   So, get used to your scratch paper. Okay guys, that’s all today, nice and easy, but incredibly important for reducing stress on test day and working effectively with what the LSAT throws at you. So for the Digital LSAT, no more need to squeeze all your info into tight spaces + shrinking the size of your handwriting - you’ll be fine! Next time, we’ll get back to tackling logic games. I’ve got some great tips and tricks lined up that will have you blasting through logic games in less than seven minutes!  Yours, LSAT Steve (diagram master!) P.S. I haven’t forgotten the diagramming cheat sheet. You can get it here! It shows you how to diagram the most common LG rules. P.P.S. For something much more advanced and comprehensive, check out my premium Logic Games cheat sheet. P.P.P.S. My LSAT courses offer even more advice and guidance when it comes to logic games. Just take a look at the foundational LG syllabus to see what’s included: 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 Creating Limited Possibilities in Strict Sequencing Games Strict Sequencing Games Multi-Level Sequencing Logic Games Introduction to Multi-Level Sequencing Logic Games Diagramming 3 Limited Possibilities Multi-Level Sequencing Games 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 Games 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 Games Combination Logic Games Introduction to Combination Logic Games Combination Game

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LSAT Unplugged Community Forum

I've never seen anyone else post a photo like this online.

To be honest, I'm only comfortable posting it now because I'm long past that point. I never would've posted it if I were still living under the weight of *not knowing* whether I'd ever reach my LSAT goals.

Facebook, Instagram, and most LSAT forums are FULL of selection bias. People share their best moments and fail to mention NetFlix, pints of ice cream, and discouraging LSAT scores.

It's only natural that people want to present their best selves. I typically try to do the same. The problem is when you're seeing everyone else's best and comparing it against your worst and average moments.

We don't talk about those moments enough.

Over the past few weeks, I've held a series of Forums for students in my course where we get real about the biggest things holding us back. We share stories about the obstacles we face and our efforts to overcome them.

Personally, I'm been working to open up and share some deeply personal stories from my background - the things I wouldn't want anyone else to know about me. And I invite you to do the same.

I held one LSAT Unplugged Community Forum last week, and I'll be holding another tonight at 8PM Eastern. Join here.