THE LSAT BLOG [GER]

How to Succeed in Law School without really Trying

2012-02-27T23:08:00.002-08:00

I read this half amused and half petrified (see here). In short, a law student at Arizona University is having undergraduates do his work for him by masking the ordeal as an invaluable externship opportunity for the undergrads. WOW!

One the one hand, I think this student is a genius. A partner in the making.

On the other hand, I have my doubts about him because at the end of the day, only one person can walk into the classroom on test date (him).

Personally, I think he's the former. He's a smart kid. He's going to do well. His classmates can cry fowl. But unless the school stops him, I think he'll go on this path and succeed.

Once upon a time, "moral" students avoided hornbooks (i.e., cliff note versions of case books). Only the "lazy" and "failure bound" students used hornbooks. Fast forward to modern day, now, EVERYONE uses hornbooks. Am I suggesting that using undergrads as note-taking slaves will soon become the norm? No way. Of course not. But what I am implying is that we shouldn't be too quick about pointing fingers at him.

February 2012 LSAT Score Release

2012-02-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

Thumb twiddling. The waiting game is getting hard to bear. Soon (probably next week) your LSAT score will be released. The wait will soon be over.

Hang in there.

Cheating the LSAT | by Fox Test Prep

2012-02-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

I received this book (Cheating the LSAT by Nathan Fox) a while back. But I finally got to review it last night, for the first time. My verdict - EXCELLENT book!

It's the newest addition to my small list of must have LSAT study books.

Outline and summary of the book

The book is simple. The first half is an actual hard-copy of Prep Test 61 (just like the kind you can purchase from LSAC) and the second half is a question-by-question explanation of Prep Test 61.

But don't let the simplicity of the book lead you to think that it's "not worth the money." This book efficiently (in a no BS manner) delivers the sort of substance that Kaplan Test Prep books take 2000+ pages to execute. I'm so serious. Mr. Fox takes you on a step-by-step journey in outfoxing the LSAT.

Positive

What differentiates this book from all the other "how to LSAT" guides out there are 1) it's well written (reads smoothly and surprisingly quickly); 2) it's practical (cuts straight to the point and jumps right into actual LSAT questions); and 3) it doesn't glorify the LSAT. I especially like this third aspect of Mr. Fox's book.

I have been teaching the LSAT for years to thousands of students - and one of the most important debilitating factors that prevent a student from scoring high is his/her mind-set. If you build up the beast into something bigger and scarier than it actually is, then you've failed before you even started.

Negative

It's not comprehensive. So students wishing for a thorough, A-Z prep, would be wise to purchase other books along with this one OR enroll in with a test prep company.

Having said this, I believe Mr. Fox is going to publish more books along this book's format. He calls this book "Volume 1".

Before and After - LSAT score 143 to 171

2012-02-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

There are many LSAT prep options out there (see here and here). One of the most common advertising ploys/tactics that companies love to use is the "before and after" testimonials.

Below is a similar example from one of the test prep company out there:

"The T********** course does a marvelous job at rigorously exercising your brain and preparing you for the real thing."

Jin Choi

Before: 156

After: 168

But don't believe in everything you read or hear. You don't know if Jin Choi actually exists. Despite laws against false advertising - it's really difficult to check and monitor against companies that will make up fake testimonials and numbers.

Don't abandon common sense. If you think something is too good to be true, perhaps it is. If you have your doubts, you ought to do your due diligence and ask the right questions - find out whether the claims are actually true (or not). You're going to be LAWYERS - it behooves you to be an excellent critical thinker and investigator.

Elite + Boutique LSAT Tutors and Companies

2012-02-07T13:03:00.002-08:00

Below is a list of Boutique LSAT Tutors and Companies (listed in alphabetical order). These companies are owner run and operated by the LSAT gurus themselves. They bring to you the rare combination of high-quality and affordability. If you are fortunate enough to live in a city near any one of these experts, I highly encourage you to get in touch with them.

Fox Test Prep - (San Francisco, CA)

LSAT Sensei | Journey to Law School - (Chicago, IL)

ScoreItUp LSAT Prep - (Irvine, CA)

*If I'm missing any boutique tutor/company, please let me know - I'd be happy to interview and post about them.

LSAT Sensei | Journey to Law School

2012-02-01T00:03:00.001-08:00

1. What is your company's name and where is it located?
LSAT Sensei, Chicago, IL

2. What is your web address?

www.LSATsensei.com – company site

www.journeytolawschool.com - blog

3. What makes you such an awesome LSAT instructor?

Besides my stunning aura?

I love my job – absolutely love teaching and empowering. I have a firm conviction that my student(s)’ success equals my success. I take the time to figure out anything and everything, both LSAT and law school related, about each and every one of my students. This entails figuring out his/her study habits, strengths/weaknesses, and motivation(s). Once I have a good baseline idea of where the student is coming from (and where he/she wants to go), I know exactly how to help him/her.

High Energy. I make it a point to keep my classes upbeat. I’m an extreme extrovert, so I’m naturally very high energy in front of a crowd. The idea is to be contagious – and enable my students be equally enthusiastic about the LSAT. For example, the LSAT can be really FUN. Between all the flawed arguments and ridiculous hypos, how can you not laugh and take jabs at it? If a student walks into my class nervous, wary, and/or uncertain, they usually walk out relaxed, focused, and confident.

Teaching Experience. I’ve been teaching the LSAT (as well as other school subjects) for a very long time (for over a decade). And I taught it everywhere (including California, Vermont, Arizona, Seattle, Illinois, New Jersey, China, Japan, Korea, etc.). When anyone does anything for as long as I have (see Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 Hour Rule), you sort of become a “genius” at it. Very few people possess my teaching experience, and even fewer people possess a deep understanding of the LSAT the way I do. I strongly believe that I offer the best LSAT prep service in the Chicago area and most likely one of the best (if not THE best) in the nation.

4. Why do you think most students choose you over behemoth test prep companies?

Besides my stunning aura?

In all seriousness, I think they choose me mainly because the instruction quality is just so much higher than at the large behemoth companies. I give everyone a chance to compare my class/lessons with other class/lessons. Thus far, when given the chance to compare and contrast, 100% of the students chose me.

Another key attraction is that everything about the LSAT Sensei training is personalized and tailored to meet students’ needs. I partner with other LSAT tutors and instructors who help me ensure that all students are getting their questions answered and staying on schedule. Great LSAT prep isn’t simply about what books or curriculum you use; it’s also about how good of a coach your teacher can be. This means constantly keeping a pulse check on student progress – knowing when to be tough and pushy, and when to enforce rest and fun.

It also helps that my classes and workshops are a better bargain.

5. How did you first get into this gig?

I took the LSAT, while I was in China, as a Peace Corps volunteer. I did very well, so some of my fellow volunteers and a few of the expats in the area asked me to tutor them. What began as a small group tutoring session quickly grew into a full size class. Soon, Chinese natives began attending my class. Now that I think back at it, it was kind of crazy and amazing.

When I returned to the States, I got hired by and worked for a national test prep company.

6. Did you go to law school? If so, where?

Yes. The University of Chicago Law School

7. What do you love most about your job?

I love that I get to teach and inspire. I did not enjoy corporate law practice because of my limited human interactions and because there was no tangible difference I was making to improve anyone’s life. I’m a huge people person, and I love that my job enables me to always interact with people.

8. Could you please share with the world one of your most memorable LSAT (horror/fun/heart-breaking) stories?

Jimmy comes to mind.

So Jimmy is one of those plugger types – he’ll plug and plug away until he gets it. When he and I first met, he told me one of the most tragic LSAT stories: while he was taking the test, a crazed and panicked student ran into his examination room, waving a gun in one hand. There were two types of students/reactions – the ones that immediately hid under their desks for cover, and the ones that feverishly continued on with their exams. When I first heard Jimmy recount his story to me – I asked him, “Which one were you?” He sheepishly smiled in response. I knew he was the latter.

I taught and coached Jimmy for six months. By exam day he had gone through each and every published exam at least eight times. This was enough for him to have every single LSAT question nearly memorized. It was amazing. I would ask, “Jimmy, June 1999, the second LR section, question #21?” And he would recite the entire question (not quite verbatim, but close enough) along with the correct answer to the question.

I vividly remember his phone call after the test, “Dave, I might need to cancel. I screwed up.” He was crying.

I remember thinking that, “He’s overreacting.” After all, Logic is logic is logic, and this guy had practically memorized all iterations of LSAT logic from past exams.

Jimmy ended up scoring a perfect 180.

10. (Just for fun) if you could be anything in the world (besides an LSAT guru), what would you be? Why?

Kpop star! I would be a Korean Pop singer. I love to dance, sing and perform. I actually sing and dance for my students all the time (in class). If I weren’t an LSAT instructor, I’d definitely be a Kpop star.

Fox Test Prep

2012-01-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

1. What is your company's name and where is it located?
Fox Test Prep, San Francisco, CA

2. What is your web address?
www.foxtestprep.com

3. What makes you such an awesome LSAT instructor?
I just love teaching the LSAT. It’s a fun test! (At least it is if you’re doing it right.) I try to inject as much humor and irreverence as possible, which helps students stay awake during four-hour classes after a long day at work or school. My process in class is very simple: I teach without the answers in front of me, so that I can walk students through the actual path I would use to solve a problem. It’s especially fun to argue with the Logical Reasoning: If the presented argument is bogus (as it usually is), I’ll say “Okay, this argument is bullshit because of X, Y, and Z.” Students will chuckle, but this is the kind of critical thinking that allows us to answer the questions before even looking at the answer choices. If you can get angry at the speaker on the Logical Reasoning, then you can answer 75 percent of the questions pretty easily. It’s a lot simpler than people think.

4. Why do you think most students choose you over behemoth test prep companies?
The behemoths simply don’t pay their teachers enough money to keep the good ones around for very long. If you go with a behemoth, you have no idea whether your teacher was just hired that day, or can actually teach.

I love teaching, and it shows in my classes--people choose me because of the reviews they read on Yelp and Google. My book “Cheating the LSAT” has attracted a fair amount of positive attention on Amazon, which also sends folks my way.

I also do a lot more than just teach LSAT. I provide end-to-end counseling about law school admissions, even long after the class is over. I read personal statements, give advice on personal statements, and help students decide when and where to apply. When they get their acceptance letters, I help them make smart decisions about where to go, including weighing the value of a scholarship vs. the value of a slightly better school. (Hint: Take the money!) In short I really care about my students, and that means I’ll do a lot more for them than just churn them through an LSAT class and kick them out, which is what you’ll get from Kaplan or Princeton.

I’m confident that my classes are the best in the area, and they are also quite a bit cheaper than any of the behemoths. When you offer the best product at the best price (think Costco) you tend to do pretty well.

5. How did you first get into this gig?
Totally by accident. In 2005-2006, I did an MBA. After graduation, I was teaching GMAT for one of the behemoths, and they needed an LSAT teacher. I didn’t like teaching GMAT that much anyway, so I took the LSAT (scoring 179 on the Feb 2007 test), and started teaching LSAT. I immediately loved it—it’s a superfun test, and prospective JD students are (on average) a LOT smarter than prospective MBA students. (I can say this since I have both degrees.) Then I got tired of the behemoth getting rich off of all my hard work, so I quit and started Fox Test Prep.

6. Did you go to law school? If so, where?
UC Hastings (San Francisco, CA), class of 2011

7. What do you love most about your job?
Really, there are too many things to count. But I’ll name three: 1) Positive feedback from my students. I get Yelp reviews that say “My LSAT instructor made me laugh every night in class”—that’s awesome, and it’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. 2) I LOVE being my own boss. I make my own schedule, and I call all my own shots. Part of the reason I’ve never had a bad review is that I have full authority to make things right when I make mistakes (which happens all the time!). Students have my cellphone number, and they know that they can use it. It’s very satisfying to take care of people. 3) I love giving away seats in my LSAT classes. This is something I’ve done since the very beginning of Fox Test Prep. I’ve never turned someone away for lack of funds. It’s a great feeling to be able to do something so tangible toward enhancing racial and socioeconomic diversity in law school and the legal profession.

8. Could you please share with the world on of your most memorable LSAT (horror/fun/heart-breaking) stories?
I’ll share a couple horror stories. My point isn’t to shame these folks, but to let others learn from their mistakes.

I always tell my students they can call me on the morning of the actual test if they are hyperventilating and need someone to talk them down from the ledge. Only one student has ever taken me up on this. It was two minutes before the scheduled start of the test, and this guy called me as he was RUNNING across campus at SF State: “Nathan, they changed the test room on me! It’s all the way on the other side of campus! What should I do?!?!?” My response was obviously “hang up the phone and run faster,” but what I really wanted to say is “Why didn’t you show up earlier, like I advised you to, and WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE ACCOMPLISHING BY CALLING ME AT THIS POINT?” I was glad he reached out to me, but that moment probably wasn’t the best time to do so. Anyway, I think he did well on the test in the end--but definitely not that day.

Then there was the student who called me four weeks after the test and said: “Well, I was doing pretty good on the first couple sections, then I got to a very weird section of Logic Games. It was totally unfamiliar, and it was OBVIOUS that it was the experimental section. Since I knew, for sure, that it was the experimental section, I just closed my eyes for 35 minutes and rested, rather than waste my energy. … But um… when the scores came back … as it turns out … that was actually NOT the experimental section, so I bombed the entire test.” I had told her, but she didn’t listen: YOU CAN’T TELL WHICH SECTION IS EXPERIMENTAL WHILE YOU’RE DOING IT. Unfortunately for her, she became a horror story that I now tell all my classes.

9. What is the most frequently asked question that you receive from your LSAT students, and what is your response?
One that I get a lot is “why do I always narrow it down to a 50-50 and then guess incorrectly?” My response is “that’s not actually what’s happening… you just don’t review the ones where you’ve narrowed it down to a 50-50 and guessed right. You need to start circling all your guesses as you go, and you’ll immediately see that you guess correctly half the time on your 50-50 guesses.” Students don’t love to hear this, because they want a magic bullet, but that’s one of my trademarks as a teacher: I am NOT going to bullshit my students. Accepting reality is necessary if you want to do well on the LSAT. These students will benefit from reviewing their CORRECT guesses just as much as their INCORRECT guesses. Just because they got lucky doesn’t mean they actually understood the question.

10. (Just for fun) if you could be anything in the world (besides an LSAT guru), what would you be? Why?
My heroes include Ricky Gervais, Willie Nelson, and Miguel Angel Jimenez. So I guess I’d be a standup comic / potsmoking outlaw country singer / professional golfer.

ScoreItUp LSAT Prep

2012-01-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

1. What is your company's name and where is it located?
ScoreItUp LSAT Prep in Irvine, CA (in Orange County, between Los Angeles and San Diego)

2. What is your web address?
www.scoreitup.com

3. What makes you such an awesome LSAT instructor?
I suppose I could sum it up with four words that all begin with "e": experience, enthusiasm, expertise, and energy.

Experience: In addition to enormous LSAT Prep teaching experience (I began teaching LSAT Prep before attending Harvard Law School), I also taught over 35 full-length University law courses and gained a tremendous amount of experience working with the logical reasoning concepts tested on the LSAT in law school and as a practicing attorney. Candidly, I don't think students are likely to find an instructor with more depth and breadth of relevant LSAT Prep experience anywhere!
Enthusiasm: For me, teaching LSAT Prep happens to be a perfect example of the old saying "if you love your work, you'll never work a day in your life." I think my enthusiasm and passion for teaching comes through strongly in my classes.
Expertise: Doing extremely well on the LSAT helped me get into law schools of my choice, and having a deep and solid understanding of the LSAT helps me as an instructor. However, LSAT Prep is about teaching and what truly matters is an instructor's ability to teach students how they can maximize their potential on the LSAT. That is one of the reasons I provide extensive and independently verifiable student evaluations online. I believe a LSAT Prep instructor ideally should have tons of teaching experience, a law school degree, and expertise in explaining the LSAT's legal reasoning concepts.
Energy: I prioritize bringing a lot of energy into the classroom to make LSAT classes a really fun experience. I like to have fun when I teach, students like to have fun when they learn, and students' results are enhanced if they enjoy the experience. Students routinely tell me that they are convinced my course was much more helpful than a course from one of the large test prep companies would have been, and a lot more fun than they ever would have expected.

4. Why do you think most students choose you over behemoth test prep companies?
I suppose I can best answer this question with an analogy. Imagine craving a hamburger, and seeing two places: McDonald’s and Mark’s Burgers. McDonald’s is everywhere, but Mark’s Burgers offers larger hamburgers, higher quality hamburgers, a much better value, and is a fun place to eat a burger. And the burgers at Mark’s Burgers are guaranteed to be prepared by a highly experienced, well-trained burger chef. Students who see the obvious benefits of the bigger, higher-quality, better-value burger would be the ones who choose ScoreItUp. Students will get the same training in the basics they would receive at one of the large test prep companies, but much more. Students tend to like ScoreItUp if they value clear, straightforward advantages and proven results over the advertising gimmicks and fake student comments frequently used by other test prep companies.

5. How did you first get into this gig?
I was looking for teaching opportunities and I really enjoyed preparing for the LSAT, so I began teaching LSAT Prep for one of those large test prep companies. It became apparent to me that I could do this far more effectively on my own, using recent and real LSAT questions, and guaranteeing I would teach the course myself – students would not have to worry about getting a part-time student instructor with questionable student evaluations or limited teaching experience, or who had not even gone to law school. After getting very positive feedback from students in the University courses I taught, I started ScoreItUp.

6. Did you go to law school? If so, where?
Yes, I graduated from Harvard Law School.

7. What do you love most about your job?
As for my LSAT Prep teaching, a couple things immediately come to mind: (1) watching students go from being utterly confused to extremely confident (often most dramatically when dealing with the Logic Games section), and (2) the point in every course when the class develops a sense of deep confidence in the course and their instructor – that’s a very rewarding feeling! I also am a practicing attorney - the excitement of jury trials and the satisfaction of assisting victims are two very rewarding aspects of that job.

8. Could you please share with the world one of your most memorable LSAT (horror/fun/heart-breaking) stories?
This is a story that only LSAT nerds would find funny, but here goes. I once had a very animated student who was expressing frustration with a Reading Comprehension question after class. He felt the information in the passage was wrong, and therefore the correct answer choice was wrong. I told him that he needed to focus only on the information contained in the passage, and explained the question’s reasoning process to him. He wouldn’t let the issue go. His face turned bright red, he began gesturing wildly and pacing back and forth across the classroom. He got so worked up that other students became worried, and thought he might have a heart attack. One of the students then found the official LSAC statement indicating that information contained in LSAT passages is not necessarily correct, and to base answers only on the information provided. He relaxed and we had a good laugh over his passion – LSAT questions can sometimes do that to you!

9. What is the most frequently asked question that you receive from your LSAT students, and what is your response?
I’d say it’s a two-part question: “When should I start preparing for the LSAT, and how much time per week should I plan on devoting to it?” It depends upon the student, but I would say that serious LSAT Prep students ideally should plan on spending a minimum of 2 months time preparing. During those 2+ months, they should assume that LSAT Prep will be roughly the equivalent of a full-time job (or a full and challenging quarter of college courses). One certainly can have a life while preparing for the LSAT, but having a full-time job or a full set of college classes on top of LSAT Prep is likely to be overwhelming for students seeking to maximize their potential on the exam.

10. (Just for fun) if you could be anything in the world (besides an LSAT guru), what would you be? Why?
This may be an unusual answer, but I suppose I’d be a philanthropist along the lines of Warren Buffet. Everyone may not agree with me, but I really admire him - certainly much more than athletes or celebrities. He spends half his time outsmarting the world with his brilliant investments and the other half of his time figuring out how to save/improve the world by donating his massive fortunes to the causes and charities he finds most worthy. That sounds like a fun and very meaningful way to live one’s life, and I have a lot of respect for him.

Presenting LSAT Boutique Companies

2012-01-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

Last month, I posted about a project - searching and interviewing hidden gems of the LSAT world. I sent out 10 questionnaires to small elite Boutique LSAT Tutors and Companies. I found these tutors through every typical means that a hopeful pre-law student would go about searching for an LSAT prep course.

These companies/tutors offer the rare combination of quality and affordability. Starting this Monday, I will begin posting about each company/tutor, one-by-one.

LSAT Prep | Candid Review: LSAT Freedom

2012-01-18T08:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry for being MIA. These past few weeks, I've been wallowing through surveys and questionnaires, which I sent out to various test prep companies. Many cooperated and replied (thanks!). Others, just offered nothing, but continued silence (get back to me!).

One of the first companies that I connected with is LSAT Freedom.

LSAT Freedom is a smaller, 100% online, LSAT prep company founded by three Harvard Law grads. Overall, my interaction with management has been positive. They were accommodating and helpful. Nevertheless, unlike the larger national test prep companies, I was unable to garner lots and lots of feedback from their former clients (only 10 former students replied).

LSAT Freedom

Brief: good company * * * (3 out of 5 stars)

Positive:

Actual Harvard law school grads explaining real LSAT questions
Overall, student experience positive
24/7 access to latest LSAT explanations
Great price - $499!

Negative:

Not really an “LSAT Course” per se. More of an LSAT Q&A compilation. If you are searching for a comprehensive LSAT course, then look elsewhere. A student commented, “I am not sure [LSAT Freedom] would be a great place to start….I would recommend getting a basic knowledge and then come to this site.”
Technical problems and poor technology! For a 100% online course this isn’t cool. A student complained that the entire site was down during the weeks leading into the June exam.
Everything is digital, so printing tests/materials could be exhaustive and expensive.
No coaching. “Like all online sites you have to be self-motivated.”

Factoids:

Instructors aren’t full-time LSAT instructors. They are practicing lawyers, who do this on the side. This is both a perk and a drawback. It’s a perk since you know they won’t dime and nickel you for every little cost (they have primary, significant income from another source). It’s a drawback since they aren’t as committed or invested as those full-time folks.
LSAT Freedom vs. Blueprint's Online Course. Go with LSAT Freedom. You will, most likely, need to purchase a study aid book, like the PowerScore Logic Bible series. But either way, it's cheaper and more effective to go the Freedom route, then the Blueprint route.

LSAT Boutiques and Tutors

2011-12-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

LSAT prep companies are dime a dozen. So many shapes and colors; we do our best to rate them and choose the best one for us (see here). But let's face it, large, behemoth companies aren't for everyone.

Fortunately, there are other options: LSAT boutiques and tutors. These small elite shops are geographically tied to one location, taught by the master-founder, and often a much better bargain than your large one-size fits all company.

Over the years, I have come across and made connections with some of the best and brightest LSAT tutors in the world. In the next few weeks, I'll give you snap-shot interviews of some of the best LSAT boutiques and tutors in the industry.

Four weeks til' the LSAT

2011-11-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

Hate to break it to you, but if you haven't been practicing and studying regularly, then you really have no shot at improving beyond maybe 5 points. The LSAT is cram proof. Do not walk into it thinking that you're going to pull off a miracle.

But my purpose here isn't to pee/poop on your party. So I'm sorry for the cynicism. Here's the best way to really improve your performance within the next few weeks/days.

1. Reading Comp - stop ignoring this section! Many students ignore this section and focus on the analytical reasoning (games) and/or logical reasoning section. Heck, even test prep companies (i.e. TestMasters, Kaplan, and PowerScore) make this mistake. But if there's any one section you'll show the most amount of score increase with just pure/raw practice, it's the reading comp section. So for the next few weeks/days, just chug on through this section.

2. Logical Reasoning - most of you are struggling with the assumption questions, flaw questions, and/or parallel questions. It's frustrating, ain't it? Most prep companies are actually quite bad at teaching these sections. Learning to rock the assumption questions, for example, involves figuring out what type of thinker you are. Unless you have a tutor that can work with you one-on-one to figure out your weakness and thinking style, I would not worry about working on these weaknesses. Rather, in these remaining few weeks improve on your strengths. Be sure you're not getting any Must Be True questions wrong. Be sure that you're hitting all questions within the 35 minute time limit. Focus on your strengths - and improve on them!

3. Analytical Reasoning - if you aren't getting a perfect (or near perfect) on this section, then that means you haven't studied correctly. Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) should be rocking this section. If you ain't, then you need to change books, instructors, or prep course. It's the one section you can improve on drastically (within a week). Even if you're not the "math type," I would highly recommend bogging your instructor down and getting them to help you understand the nuts and bolts. Afterwards, practice like mad.

4. Sleep sleep sleep, eat well, and exercise - keep your body in tip top shape. This helps keep your mind in tip top shape. I can't stress enough the importance of mental sharpness - and how much it correlates with maintaining healthy diet, regular exercise and good rest.

5. Stop visiting websites that psyche you out! TLS and law school numbers are highly useful sites. In fact, I recommend their use. However, in the next few weeks - FORGET ABOUT 'EM. Fight the itch. Too many losers on these site like to humble brag about their fictitious LSAT scores and/or GPAs. And since you're human, you can't help but be affected (despite your sneaking suspicions). Stop visiting these sites!

-----

[ORIGINAL POST - 11/3/2011]
What will you do for the remaining four weeks? LSAT instructors/tutors, if you have advice please feel free to share. I have my own controversial thoughts on this subject matter.

[UPDATE - 11/15/2011]
I fell through. I promised I'd write this past weekend. But I was busy at a workshop in the Boston area. Sorry. I promised my advice and insight - what to do with less than 4 weeks until the LSAT?

Please check back this weekend for update.
-----

Candid Review of LSAT Prep Companies

2011-10-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Which is the best LSAT Prep company for you? I will do my best to update this and consider all your input. So if you have any updates or pertinent info that I'm missing here (for a brief and candid review), then please let me know.

Behemoths:

Kaplan (**)
Princeton Review (**)
TestMasters (***)

Small to Medium:
Manhattan LSAT (**)
BluePrint Prep (***)
LSAT Freedom (***)

* = Star. The maximum number of stars I give is 5.
Stars are given based on 5 criteria

Instructor Quality
Effectiveness/Originality of Curriculum
Student/Consumer Friendly Price
Results (Score Guarantee/Point Improvement/etc.)
Good & Ethical Marketing/Business

FULL DISCLAIMER: I worked for 3 out of 5 of these companies. No longer working for them. I'm on my own.

LAST UPDATE - 1/18/2012. LSAT Freedom is not nearly as big as BluePrint or Manhattan. But given that an online company can literally be anywhere/everywhere, it made sense to include it in this list of prep companies.

UPDATE - 11/6/2011. Manhattan LSAT and BluePrint each lost a star. I was considering giving Kaplan an additional star for their amazing score guarantee, but that would be placing the at the same level as TestMasters and Blueprint....which is not true. So I kept Kaplan at 2-stars despite their awesome guarantee.

LSAT Prep | Candid Review: Princeton Review

2011-10-24T08:20:00.001-07:00

Princeton Review

Brief: Decent. If Kaplan is McDonalds, then Princeton Review is Burger King. * * (2 out of 5 stars)

Positive:

It’s everywhere
If you’re sick of Kaplan, then you have another national test prep option.
Not a fly by night company – so you can trust it’s quality to be up to par.
$1449 – 84 hours of live LSAT fun

Negative:

Quality of instruction unpredictable; typically low.
Smaller (quite a bit smaller) than Kaplan – following in the footstep of Kaplan usually.
Spread thin (i.e., SAT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE, etc.) with no real expertise or focus on the LSAT.
Too much menu of options – so which course is best for someone wanting the BEST course? It’s all confusing.

Factoids

It has the second biggest market share.
A lot of free perks. Take advantage of it!
After all these years finally changed their logo and color

Rebuttal - Bad reasons for going to law school

2011-10-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

Recently, I read a post by a blogger who claims that he/she is a mid-career law professor at a tier 1 school. I'm skeptical. But no matter. He/she raises fair points.

However, his/her so-called "8 bad reasons" were cheap shots. If any one of these reasons were the SOLE reason for law school, then YES - bad reason for law school indeed. However, we are complex humans with multiple motives and desires. Multiple factors contribute to our reasons for wanting law school. The stated "8 bad reasons" aren't bad per se, when seen from a more holistic stance.

Here are my rebuttals. Enjoy.

(8) Everybody in my family is a lawyer.

Seriously? If everybody in your family (your dad, your mom, your uncles, your aunts, cousins, siblings, grandparents, etc.) is a lawyer, then you just might have a natural knack for law practice. So why not go for it? Though not entirely, genetic disposition and innate talent are huge determining factors in finding happiness and success.

In my law school class, an unusually large proportion of classmates who had lawyer parent(s) did VERY WELL in law school. I admit that my personal experience is a limited sample and not representative, but take it for what it's worth.

Also consider Eric Posner, a law professor at the University of Chicago Law School. His father, the preeminent Honorable Richard Posner, is likely a partial reason behind his involvement in the legal field.

(7) I want to help poor people/save mountaintops from being blown up in West Virginia/stop human right violations in Africa/make a difference in this world.

The law degree is a great degree for making "big world" differences. It's not the only way; but it's a good and well recognized way. Like it or not, the law degree brings instant credibility among lay people. Many world leaders and shakers possess a law degree. Thus, it's not altogether unnatural to follow precedents.

(6) I want to be rich.

Going to law school might not guarantee wealth. But it's a professional school that offers a degree with a lot more security than a masters or Ph.D in English, history or international studies. Law practice can also be very lucrative. The wealthiest lawyers in the world didn't go to the "very best" law schools.

Also, what's wrong with pursuing something to buff up your income earning power? Med students and B-school students go to grad school for similar reasons.

(5) Lawyers do all kinds of interesting work.

They do. They are CEOs; public defenders; teachers; Presidents; business owners; authors...they do a lot of interesting work indeed.

(4) The previous paragraph is irrelevant to me, because I’m going to graduate in the top ten percent of my class at a T-14, work at a big firm for five years while living like a monk to pay off my debts, and then do what I really wanted to do all along

Uhm. Going to a T-14 does increase your odds of working at a big top firm. It's definitely possible to pay off debts within five years, and then do "what you wanted to do all along." Just don't go in there thinking it'll be easy just because you're at a T-14 school. You'll still need to work your tail-off.

(3) My parents will be disappointed in me if I don’t do something respectable instead of pursue my dream of being a ____

This is a bad reason to go to law school. But we make many difficult and bad decisions in an effort to please parents. I'm sure the law professor who wrote these "8 bad reasons" also tried pleasing his/her parents. There's nothing wrong with trying to please the people you love.

(2) What am I supposed to do with this useless undergraduate degree in English/PoliSci/Sociology/Assyrian Musicology?

Not necessarily go to law school, but it's still an option, and no law professor should shoot you down for wanting to get a professional degree.

(1) I don’t know what to do with my life

Welcome to the club. Our life expectations and goals are always evolving. It's a never ending journey. You don't need to know exactly what you want to do to go to law school. Trust me, your goals will change even if you think you know what you want to do.

LSAT | Photo Requirement "Say Cheese!"

2011-09-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't taken the June 2011 LSAT, you probably don't know what's going on. There's a new photo policy. Take a picture 2x2 picture showing your face and shoulder. Bring it to the testing center.

Detailed instructions are available on the LSAC website. Here is an excerpt:

In addition, all candidates must attach to their ticket a recent photograph (taken within the last six months) showing only the face and shoulders. The photograph must be clear enough so there is no doubt about the test taker's identity, and must be no larger than 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 cm) and no smaller than 1 x 1 inch (3 x 3 cm). Your face in the photo must show you as you look on the day of the test (for example, with or without a beard). LSAC provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos. The photograph will be retained by LSAC only as long as needed to assure the authenticity of test scores and to protect the integrity of the testing process.

Good luck!

LSAT | Schedule for Last Week

2011-09-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

What to do during the final week? It’s easy to get worked up and nervous. But don’t let your answer to anxiety be, “do more work.” Often students try to alleviate their nervous energy by taking more practice exams. Even those who usually don’t put much study time in, suddenly become very diligent during these final days.

The LSAT, however, is a cram proof exam. You may have been able to cram all your life (in high school and college), but not this time. The LSAT, fundamentally, is a logic test, a reading test, and test on your level of focus. You can’t really cram for any of these three areas?

So instead of jamming LSAT questions into your days and nights, follow a light, healthy and balanced schedule. Here’s sample schedule that I have my tutoring students follow; it’s the same schedule I followed before I went in to take my LSAT.

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Relax	Practice Test (Untimed)	2-Sections (timed) -LR Section -AR Section	Practice Test (Untimed)	2-Sections (timed) -LR Section -RC Section	Relax	Victory Day!!!

Monday – Thursday

- 6:00AM: Wake-up. Smell the coffee. Follow your morning routine. Read your morning paper; get your brain warmed-up

- 8:30AM: Sit down. Look over and work on your Practice Test/2-Sections. Don’t worry about the clock. Light and easy. Your purpose here is to gain confidence and maintain focus.

- 11:30AM: Finish studying. Fight your desire to study more.

- 12:00PM: Eat lunch.

- 1:00PM: Go play. Have some fun. Relax. Be happy in knowing that you will soon be an awesome lawyer.

You can time your 2-Sections question-by-question, page-by-page, or in its entirety. Whatever floats your boat; just don’t stress out. The entire purposes here (I’ll say it again) is to keep confident and focused.

Also, this last week is a bad time to suddenly take on a new hobby that could alter your sleeping or eating habit. Don’t, for example, suddenly decide to go running a marathon. Even though working out is good for you, it can actually be bad for your performance on test date.

LSAT | Speed and Performance - Logical Reasoning

2011-09-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

Increasing speed, while keeping your accuracy is hard. Generally speaking, building speed is a matter of regularly practicing under timed conditions over an extended period of time (one/two months). But there are also few quick-fix strategies you can implement, right away, to help you increase speed before test day.

Regular Practice - you want to alternate between doing full-length exams and short mini-runs (i.e., doing only one/two sections timed). When you do full-length exams start the timer and countdown from 35 minutes. Initially your goal is to finish under 35 minutes. Yes you will make many mistakes, initially. But as long as your not getting half the test wrong (if you are, then you really shouldn't be working on speed yet; instead work on accuracy), keep at it. You brain and body will adjust to the time restriction you impose. Once you get "comfortable" with the 35 minute countdown, challenge yourself even further - try to finish the entire Logical Reasoning section under 30 minutes, etc.

For short mini-runs I recommend timing yourself for every single question/page; instead of timing yourself for the entire section. If you decide to time each question/page, then instead of using your timer to countdown, I recommend starting your stopwatch and counting-up (start from 0 and count-up to however long it takes you to complete the question/page). You have anywhere between 1m 20sec to 1m 25sec per question. Matching-Reasoning (Parallel) questions can take a little longer, so accordingly, give yourself some slack. I know that the later numbered questions tend to be more difficult and time consuming - even so, try to finish each question under 1m 25sec. If you're timing yourself page-by-page, then try to finish each page in under 5 minutes.

Immediate Strategies - three things you can do to increase speed NOW, before test date.

1. Zoom through the first 10 questions. This means trying to finish all 10 questions in under 7-8 minutes. It's possible. People do it all the time. These first 10 questions are "easier". Usually people are correct, even if they go with their gut instinct and choose the answer that "sounds best" to their ears. No reason for you to waste time deliberating and really weighing between two answer choices. If you're struggling with speed, this is the perfect way to shave-off 2-3 minutes in the beginning and gain 2-3 minutes more time for the more difficult questions.

2. Skip and do the questions you know best, first. This method could work marvels - but only if you don't have OCD or you're not anal about doing every question in the given order. Think of it as you taking control. You're not allowing the test-makers to dictate which questions you're doing first. One of the main struggles folks have in the LR section is, what I like to call, gear-shifting - switching from one question type to another requires the ability to gear-shift from one method of thinking to another. In my experience, most students who enroll in a LSAT prep course are bad at gear-shifting. This is mainly because they are accustomed to doing drills and exercises of the same kind, back-to-back-to-back. When you do the same question type back-to-back-to-back, you'll get more right and do more under timed conditions because you don't have to gear-shift. Of course, the best way to adjust is to master all question types and learn how to become efficient at gear-shifting. But if you're still struggling with time, then my recommendation is to skip from question-to-question attacking the question types that you are most comfortable and familiar with first.

3. Burn questions. This is radical thinking. But if your goal is to score between a 158 and 165, AND you are immensely accurate in getting the correct answer, given enough time and composure, then it's possible to score within the 158-165 range without fully working through every single LR question. You should just burn the last five LR questions; bubble in D, D, D, D and D on your scantron. By burning/sacrificing the last 5-6 questions, you gain an extra 6m to complete the remaining LR questions. Warning - this isn't a good strategy unless you are able to get almost ALL of the other remaining LR questions correct.

Good luck. Email me if you need a few more tips. LSATboost@gmail.com

LSAT | "Just take it in December?"

2011-09-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

I'm on my way to the airport. I'll be doing a workshop this weekend - on law school admissions and LSAT prep.

This week I've heard the following questions quite often: "Should I just push the test til' December?"

I get it. It's freaky. The October test is looming closer. Your score seems to fluctuate a little too much. You wonder if you'll even be able to maintain composure on test date. You're getting anxious. If there's a secret pill you can take to help you relax, you'd do it in a heart beat.

Anxiety strikes the best of us. It happened to Michael Phelps (before his 6th Olympic Gold Medal), I'm sure it happened to Obama (before every single debate), to lawyers in court, to doctors in surgery....so of course it's bound to happen to you.

Relax. Do whatever it takes to wind down. If you've been preparing well for the past few months, there nothing really big or scary around the corner; you've seen it all and done it all.

LSAT | Breakfast

2011-09-22T05:08:00.000-07:00

What to eat for breakfast on the day of the exam? It's a bit of a dilemma, no?

If you eat too much, then you'll get food coma. If you eat too little, then you'll get hungry during the test. If you drink too much, then you'll need to run to the restroom. There just seems to be no way to win.

Finding the "perfect" and balanced breakfast for the day of the exam may take some trial and error.

True story. When I was studying for my SAT I heard that steak is good for breakfast before taking the exam. "The hearty protein will keep you going," was the reasoning. I followed that advice. I fell asleep during section 3. It was a math section.

Moral of the story - heed all "best practice" advice you hear about the LSAT with a grain of salt; and stay clear and away from steak for breakfast....unless you know you want fall asleep.

LSAT | 3 Signs of Burn Out

2011-09-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

As test date approaches, some people begin studying harder than ever before. This is the wrong approach. The LSAT is cram proof, and if you still don't have the fundamentals down, then there really isn't much you can do to "drastically" improve your score.

For the next week, it's best to keep fresh and keep your confidence level high. Don't study so much that you burn-out.

Here are three clear signs of burn out:

1. Feeling Guilty. You've just taken a practice test, and yet you feel guilty; as though you're not doing enough. Thus you fill your "extra free time" by doing more LSAT practice sets.

2. Average Score Dips. A few weeks ago, you scored, for example, between the 157 and 160 range. But as test date approaches, and as you take more and more exams, your average score starts dipping.

3. Silly, Stupid Mistakes. You make careless mistakes - ones that you used to get correct even before studying for the test. Or perhaps you read a question, and you find yourself uncharacteristically rereading it over and over again.

If one or more of the above signs describes you, do yourself a favor and take a breather. Go relax. Hang out with friends. Enjoy a good movie. I highly recommend taking it easy, especially now that the test date is just around the corner.

LSAT Prep | Countdown - 5 Last Minute Tips

2011-09-20T03:36:00.000-07:00

The LSAT is around the corner. Here are some last minute tips to reduce "freak outs" and really squeeze the most out of yourself on the day of the exam:

Regimented Routine. Minimize "unknown" variables for the morning of the exam. For example, know what song you'll listen to while in the shower; know what you'll eat for breakfast; know what you'll read to warm-up your brain. Know, know and know as much as possible, and live it for the next week (or so).
Wake-up Early. Besides the June exam, every other LSAT is proctored early in the morning. For most of us, our brains aren't really functioning so early in the morning. This means you ought to wake-up earlier so that your brain has time to gear-up and warm-up.
Sleep Earlier. Practice going to bed; at least by 10PM. Don't take pills, unless you've already been taking pills. Count sheep or find whatever other ways that'll help put you to sleep. Some people get anxious the night before the exam. So practice now.
Golden Middle. Don't take a practice exam everyday. On the other hand, don't go cold turkey either. You want to keep it in the nice warm middle.
Avoid pissy people. Seriously. You don't need the negative energy. A HUGE part of doing well on the LSAT is keeping a happy, focused and confident mindset. Shut all those pissers out.

Good luck on the exam!

LSAT | How many hours a day?

2011-06-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

Many students ask - "How many hours a day should I study?" There's no easy answer. Some people need to fundamentally need to put more hours in - while others (those that tend to burn out) could benefit from laying off on the studying.

Generally speaking, however, you want to error on the side of burn-out prevention. Let me make this clear: BURNING OUT IS BAD. Once you burn out, it's a very long and difficult road back. At the top level, more people bomb the LSAT because they burn out, than because they are inadequately prepared.

How do you prevent a burn out? I like sports, so I'm going to use a sporting analogy. Your body CANNOT be working out 12 hours a day. That's just crazy. You'll sooner end up in the hospital than get in shape. So why do to your mind what you would dare not do to your body? Do not think you can study 12 hours a day and maintain your sanity? Impossible. Let's be realistic. Studying non-stop all day is not possible. And even if you pull it off, it's not sustainable. So don't even go down that path.

So how many hours is ideal? I would argue (though great minds can disagree) that if you can focus (= with undivided attention on the LSAT) for 2-hours, you're golden. It's really REALLY hard to stay focused, non-stop, for 2-hours.

So I would study in 2-hour intervals. But definitely no more than 4-hours a day. If you're studying more than 4-hours a day....stop. Go get a breath of fresh air. Hang out with friends. Get some perspective on why you are doing what you are doing. If you don't listen to me now, you're going to end up hating yourself later.

June LSAT Around the Corner

2011-05-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The June LSAT is around the corner. If you are still struggling with deductions and diagrams, it's time that you buckle down and get the concepts down. But if you don't get it down within the next two-weeks. I highly encourage you to withdraw - a new LSAC policy that allows you to withdraw/cancel your test date without much penalty (you just don't get a full refund).

Email me if you have any questions.

LSAT Prep | Candid Review: BluePrint LSAT Prep

2011-03-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

BluePrint Prep

Brief: One of the better companies out there * * * (3 out of 5 stars) [Took Away One-Star]

Positive:

They use real LSAT questions.
I met two former Blue Print students at Columbia Law School – both gave glowing reviews.
At $1299 for 100 hours of LSAT instruction, the pricing is competitive.

Negative:

They allege to offer the longest LSAT curriculum, but this is false. Kaplan still out does Blue Print in terms of hours. (I've been contacted by both BluePrint and Kaplan. BluePrint offers 100 hours of live instruction, the other complimentary services aren't included into the hour calculation. Kaplan offers a variety of classes - one of which offers 300 hours of live instruction).
Questionable marketing - often makes unfounded strong claims (beware!) - Blueprint's classes now only include 88 hours of live instruction (they say 112 hours on their website, but they lowered the number of instruction hours and are now lumping testing hours and instruction hours together).
At $799, their online LSAT course is a rip-off. It is basically videos of Trent Teti and Matt Riley, co-founders of BluePrint, talking to a camera, while you follow along with their book. LSAT Freedom offers cheaper video based courses.
Quality of classes suffering as the company expands.
Instructor quality is hit or miss. Unless you are in LA, where the founders teach, you are not guaranteed the best quality instruction.

Factoids:

BluePrint is the improved spin-off of TestMasters. Trent Teti and Matt Riley, co-founders of BluePrint, got a good scare when they got sued by Robin Singh, the founder and CEO of TestMasters. Teti allegedly stole TestMasters material and basically re-labeled everything. “BluePrint is basically the TestMasters curriculum, but marketed better and made a tad-bit longer.” I would disagree with this statement.
Instructors are known to be “funny” and “crass.” Both can be great teaching attributes.

LSAT Prep | Candid Review: Manhattan LSAT

2011-03-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Manhattan LSAT (formerly known as Atlas LSAT)

Copycat! - This looks like BluePrint's Logo

Brief: You can do better. * * (2 out of 5 stars). – [took away one-star]

Positive:

Real LSAT questions.
99th Percentile (172 or above) LSAT instructors.
Original curriculum (not just another TestMasters/PowerScore spinoff).
Pays instructors $100/hr.

Negative:

Fake YELP Reviews (obnoxious!) - (Click on Gregory M's review here - and you get Sara M at the actual Yelp site)
Quality of instruction unpredictable - hit or miss. Though they attempt to screen, my sources have found the instructor quality to be inconsistent.
Living off Manhattan GMAT's glory.
Manhattan LSAT and GMAT are owned by Kaplan (see here and here)
Kaplan can (and probably will) offer the same quality materials at a lower price in its Kaplan LSAT courses

Factoids

Manhattan LSAT is like the Banana Republic and Kaplan LSAT like the Old Navy. You can get practically the same quality at both stores. Manhattan LSAT will just charge more because they are slightly more boutique. If you are the self-motivated type, go with Kaplan. If you need the extra measure of hand-holding, go with Manhattan LSAT.

LSAT Prep | Candid Review: TestMasters

2011-03-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

TestMasters (Robin Singh Educational Services, Inc.)

Brief: Good company. * * * (3 out of 5 stars)

Positive:

Practically everywhere. Not as prevalent as Kaplan, but still formidable.
Real LSAT questions
98th Percentile (170 or above) LSAT instructors.
$1450 - steady & predictable pricing (why fix it, if it's not broke?)

Negative:

Quality of instruction unpredictable - hit or miss.
No longer the industry leader. It was once the industry leader in that Singh was one of the first to use the"real LSAT questions only" model
Operation of the company revolves around one man guru (i.e., Robin Singh)

Factoids

Singh has the most number of 180s. This fact is irrelevant to your LSAT performance, but whatever! It's still great marketing.
TestMasters is unnecessarily aggressive towards its own students when they try to resell their used books. So beware of trying to sell your old books on eBay or Craigslist!
Litigious. You will see Singh's name come up quite a bit on Google. Anything that has to do with TestMasters + Singh is about a lawsuit.
You can get tutored from the "master" himself (Singh) for $1000/hr.

LSAT Prep | Candid Review: Kaplan

2011-03-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

Kaplan

Brief: You could do better. * * (2 out of 5 stars)

Positive:

Everywhere. If you can't find a Kaplan class, then you're living in a cave.
Real LSAT questions.
Variety of options (courses ranging from $1399 - $7999)
Higher score guarantee (the best in the industry)

Negative:

Quality of instruction unpredictable; typically low
Not really an industry leader - always changing its curriculum in the footstep of other LSAT prep companies.
Spread thin (i.e., SAT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE, etc.) with no real expertise or focus on the LSAT

Factoids:

300-pound gorilla. It has the biggest market share, but not because it's quality - because it is big and spends a butt-load of money marketing. This is the basis behind their misleading marketing slogan: "More people get into law school with a Kaplan LSAT course than with all other major courses combined"
Acquired and now owns Manhattan LSAT - since acquisition Kaplan materials have been improving.

LSAT Alumni | Application Deadline Extended

2011-03-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

I know for a fact that some of you are trying to meet the law school March 1st 2011 application deadline.

GOOD NEWS (or bad news...if you've rushed to submit your application already), many law schools have decided to extend the application deadline to April 1st, 2011. Some schools starting updating their website to reflect this change. So before clicking submit be sure to make sure you confirm the correct application deadline - especially if you need a few more days to make extra tweaks to your Personal Statement.

The thousand dollar question - why are law schools extending application deadlines?

Some law school consultants speculate that it's because application volume has declined during this doom economy. No offense, but I seriously doubt that to be the reason for extension.

The more likely reason is because many applicants don't have their Feb LSAT scores yet. The Feb LSAT has been administered a little later than usual this year. So the score reports aren't coming back as early as they used to. Since most applicants wishing to make the March 1st deadline are relying on their Feb LSAT score to apply, it only makes sense that law schools extend the March 1st deadline to accommodate these folks.

All in all, though, remember that law school admissions is based on rolling admissions. If you're applying this late in the game, you're really fighting an uphill battle. The only party benefiting from you applying so late in the game are the law schools that are cashing your application fees. My general advice to people applying frantically to meet the March 1st (now April 1st) deadline is - "Relax. Don't do it. Try again next cycle."

LSAT Preparation | How to achieve a perfect 180 LSAT score?

2011-02-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

I am the first to admit that I did not just cruise in on exam day and effortlessly achieve a perfect LSAT score. Behind my 180 lies much hard work and sweat...more than I ever imagined. I may not be the brightest bulb in the room, but I'm decently smart - or so I thought. This test really really humbled me and made me respect it.

Getting a 180 (as well as scoring anywhere above a 172) requires much practice and refinement (assuming that you are already scoring in the mid-to-upper 160 range).

The LSAT essentially measures three (3) skills:

1. Logic
2. Reading
3. Preparation

Logic. You must get into a habit of thinking in LSAT logic. Most people make silly mistakes because they are still entrenched in their old method of thinking. The LSAT is a logic test, and unfortunately, most folks aren't logic machines. Good lawyers and great law students, on the other hand, are essentially logic machines. To score anywhere within the 99th percentile you must internalize and own the methodical, systematic and critical thinking that lawyers employ. Some argue that the LSAT has nothing to do with law practice. But this is simply untrue. LSAT is very close to the type of basic legal thinking you will do in law school and law practice. Logical thinking can be learned. It takes practice. You must make it a habit. Habit takes time to form. I found that most students requires at least 6 months.

Reading. Knowing how to read 1) accurately and 2) efficiently is mandatory for scoring 180. A good litmus test for whether you are an accurate reader (or not) is to see if you can effortlessly sparse out the main point, tone and organization of any argument you read. Most students find density and length of a passage/paragraph the biggest impediment to reading accurately. Again, practice, practice, and practice some more. Read the Wall Street Journal, Economist, Law Review articles, etc.- any quality literature that's relatively dense will do.

Speed also come with practice - but don't practice speed using the same material you would for accuracy. Speed comes with frequency of and affinity for reading. Grab a Harry Potter book, for example ,and read it within a week. In short, you work on speed using the type of literature you would read during your leisure.

Preparation. Obtaining a 180 requires the ability to focus (pretty intensely for 3+ hours. Many LSAT test takers lose focus as early on as Section 1 question #2 - seriously. And by losing focus I mean that their mind wanders off, and thus, they are forced to re-read a sentence again (and again). To improve your focus, avoid multi-tasking while you study the LSAT or read a book. Get into a habit of sitting still and studying for several hours in a row. Prepare every day as though you are dealing with the actual LSAT.

If you are simply studying 2 hours a day, that probably won't cut it. 2 hours of intense focus - maybe. But unfortunately, most people lack the discipline and experience to sit completely focused and undeterred for 2 hours. This is where prep companies are helpful. But then again, if you just go to prep class and never do the homework problems, then you're wasting money (see here).

There is not just one way to prepare correctly. Over the years, I've seen it all. And really, it comes down to how you usually prepare for exams. Cramming NEVER works for the LSAT. If you work best under the guidance and coaching for a professor/TA in a classroom setting, then that means you should take a prep class. If you work better one-on-one with your professor/TA, then find a LSAT tutor (see here). If you are the self-study "I can do this on my own" type, then find the right books (see here).

Whichever method you choose, the need for preparation is not gonna go away. You have to work hard and really put the hours into it.

Finally, it's extremely important to be relaxed and confident, as well as positive and optimistic. This is where I think it helps tremendously to have an LSAT tutor/coach by your side.

LSAT Alumni | Picking Law Schools Based on Money or Prestige

2011-02-22T00:59:00.000-08:00

A law student wrote the following to me: "I got in everywhere - including Columbia, NYU, Fordham...I chose to go to Pace Law School. I chose my school for several reasons. Firstly, I received a full scholarship. Second, I chose based on my "fit." Also, Pace has one of the best environmental law programs in the nation. I immensely enjoy law school. I don't regret my choice at all!"

Lower ranked schools buy good students. They will pay scholarship money to entice students with high LSAT and GPA to come. This helps them raise their US News rank. In a down economy opting for the money over prestige, I suppose, makes sense. But even in a down economy I would say you want to weigh your options carefully.

Let's say the above law student wants to work for a big law firm, wants to enter academia, wants to do high-profile public-interest-law cases, wants to work at the US attorney's office, or wants to clerk for the federal court....will she regret her choice? YES! Will doors be closed for her? YES!

Being out of law school with zero debt helps you begin what you love to do sooner. But you have more opportunities coming from a top law school. The best of both worlds is getting into a top school with tons of financial award.

Here are some tip-top schools that give out full-rides:

- Columbia Law School (Hamilton Fellowship)
- University of Chicago Law School (unnamed - but it exists)
- University of Michigan Law School (Darrow Scholarship)
- University of Pennsylvania Law School (Levy Scholarship)
- Cornell University Law School (unnamed - but exists)

There are more schools out there that offer full-rides. I'll occasionally update this list.
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LSAT | Naked Truths and FAQs

2011-02-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

[On going list...so come back and check for updates]

Naked Truths
Sad truth: studying more will NOT guarantee you better numbers than someone who doesn't study as much.
Happy truth: It will, however, get you better numbers than YOU would have gotten without studying.
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Sad truth: not everyone can score a 180 on the LSAT.
Happy truth: almost anyone can improve his/her score through intense study.
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Sad truth: the LSAT is not easy.
Happy truth: the LSAT can be fun - once you get good at it (especially the games section).
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Sad truth: the LSAT sucks, it's evil, and it's gonna eat up your weekends.
Happy truth: doing well can make your dream come true.
-
Sad truth: law schools place heavy weight upon your LSAT score and your GPA
Happy truth: high LSAT + lousy GPA or lousy LSAT + high GPA will not get you into every top school, but they will get you into a few, since there are schools that are determined to increase their rankings and thus are happy to take students with one or the other.

FAQ RE: LSAT
Q: "Should I take a course?"
A: Yes, you should. It's convenient to think that courses really don't help that much, substantively anyway. It's convenient to think that with a little determination, you can easily do at home what other people are spending more than $1000 to do. But let's face it, most people (you included) don't engage in intense preparation. Studying an hour or two a day is NOT ENOUGH. Prep courses offer you the structure and guidance to engage in intense preparation.

Q: "I signed-up for a course, so that's enough, right?"
A: No. We're talking about your future here. Taking an LSAT course with that attitude is like signing up for a gym and expecting it to do your work for you. "Are you studying for your LSAT?" I ask. "Yup!" says the student. What does he/she mean? It means he/she is taking a course. Maybe a machine will do the sit-ups. "How'd you do?" I ask. "Not as well as I'd hoped," says the student.

Q: "Does my LSAT prep course expect me to finish all my homework?"
A: Yes! All of it. Do all of the homework. Or you're wasting your time. Who is cheating whom? Stop complaining and do the work. The best way to make the case that your grades do not reflect your ability is to get a much higher LSAT score. The best way to get into a better law school than the college you attended is to get a high LSAT score. Not doing your homework is like buying a workout DVD and not really doing anything with it.

Q: "Should I hire a tutor?"
A: Yes. If you are having trouble focusing in class (because your instructor is so sexy) or if you're still having trouble sticking to the schedule, then hire a tutor. It'll be expensive. But it's your future. Good things cost a lot of money. But be warned, there is a ton of instructional malpractice in the LSAT prep industry. This means your LSAT instructor may not have taken the LSAT or even gone to law school.

Q: "Can I improve my score, even if I can't afford to take a course or hire a tutor?"
A. Yes! Do what law students do. Form a study group. Buy good "cheat" books. You are not competing against your friends. Make it large/small. Advertise. Meet every day at a church/synagogue/class room. Before you meet spend three hours answering the same sample exam. During the study session, go over the exam, go around the table and explain, at random or in order, why each answer is correct. Just do it.

LSAT Alumni | Skilled Attorneys Well Compensated in Down Economy

2011-02-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

More news on how law firms are changing their business model. Today's Wall Street Journal article on law firms: Pay Gap Widens at Big Law Firms as Partners Chase Star Attorneys.

Top attorneys (right now) are making $10 Million a year! When I was a 1L (a.k.a. first-year law student) $3M a year was considered a lot.

The 'old' law firm business model was in the shape of a pyramid. The few partners at top were made rich off the large base of associates, who worked their tails off in exchange for decent pay, security, and a shot at being at the top of the pyramid (a partner) one day. Associates' (and most partners') salaries were determined according to which entering class they belonged to.

For example, all associates that began work in 2005 are paid the same salary; all partners that began work in 1998 are paid similar salaries. In determining salary compensations for associates, it didn't matter how good/bad the work product was. In determining salary compensations for partners, it didn't matter whether you brought in more/less business. High times or low times, everyone was compensated equally according to entering class. It was an old-boy's system, where "you scratch my back and I scratch yours" - when the corporate practice isn't doing too well, the bankruptcy practice brings in the dough, and vice-versa.

Many of the tip-top white-shoe firms (some listed here) still adhere to the 'old' model. But the lesser prestigious firms are quickly abandoning this model for a more reward based system - those that produce stay, and those that don't are left behind. Compared to the 'old' model it's less old-boy's clubish. But why is that so bad?

The WSJ article is a bit on the grim side (no surprises there). Every industry is moving towards efficiency (including medicine). So why should the legal field be any different?

No matter what industry you decide to go into, the "top dawgs" and top performers will be rewarded heftily. If you are looking to cruise and relax, then blame the times that you were born into. The entire world is moving toward efficiency - to expect lawyers to be immune to this global trend is a bit foolish.

I think it's rather a good thing that the law firm business model is changing. Hopefully, it'll prevent and discourage those who are aimlessly and impulsively deciding to apply to law school. I predict that most firms - even the most prestigious ones - will have to eventually change their 'crony' model to an incentive based model.

LSAT Alumni | Unwanted Acceptance Letters

2011-02-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

Congrats to all those hearing back good news from law schools! The fruit of your hard work and labor is sweet - yes?

Anna Ivey recently wrote a great post on How to Gracefully Decline a Law School Offer.

The legal community is small and the academic community is even smaller. You never know when you will run into these folks, so it's always a good idea to put your best foot forward - even when you're declining an acceptance offer.

LSAT Alumni | Law Firm 2011 Spring Bonus

2011-01-28T05:33:00.000-08:00

There is quite a bit of buzz about bonuses amongst law firm associates in NYC.

Well...not just NYC associates - law students and law associates all across the nation are curious, since NYC pays out the highest level of bonus. But get this - this isn't the year-end bonus, this is Spring time bonus! Above the Law has been keeping track of bonus announcements.

Just a quick guide to NYC white-shoe firms:

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz: pays out bonus equal to what other NYC firms pay out in salary - my friends here make a minimum of $160,000 in bonus.
Sullivan & Cromwell: a very prestigious firm that was once upon a time ranked #1 on Vault Law Ranking. This firm is the 2011 trend setter - it was the first to announce Spring bonus.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett: the law firm that represents many top private equity firms was first to match S&C.
Clearly, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton: the quirky international powerhouse, was second to match S&C.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, & Flom; Davis Polk &Wardwell: three (3) other prestigious NYC firms that you can expect will match S&C level bonus.

LSAT Answer Keys

2011-01-28T04:25:00.000-08:00

The answers to every released LSAT - right below!

Now you can scrap the answer key(s) attached to your LSAT PrepTest book(s) and avoid the temptation of peeking while studying. Form good habits. Don't cheat yourself by prematurely peeking at the answers. If you're not taking full practice exams, then I recommend finishing at least an entire page of Logical Reasoning or one game of Analytical Reasoning or all questions to one Reading Comp passage before checking your answers.

1991 Exams - PrepTest 1-3

1992 Exams - PrepTest 4-6 + 18

1993 - PrepTest 7-9

1994 - PrepTest 10-13

1995 - PrepTest 14-17

1996 - PrepTest A + 19-21

1997 - PrepTest 22-24

1998 - PrepTest 25-27

1999 - PrepTest B + 28-30

2000 - PrepTest C + 31-33

2001 - PrepTest 34-36

2002 - PrepTest 37-39

2003 - PrepTest 40-42

2004 - PrepTest 43-45

2005 - PrepTest 46-48

2006 - PrepTest 49-51

2007 - Jun 2007 + PrepTest 52-53

2008 - PrepTest 54-56

2009 - PrepTest 57-59

2010 - PrepTest 60-62

Every released LSAT PrepTests (and where to acquire them)!

2011-01-27T00:06:00.000-08:00

LSAT Schedule: Week 3 - Logic Games 1

2011-01-22T22:55:00.000-08:00

[previous post]

These are the books you need for this study schedule:

Logic Game Bible by PowerScore (older but cheaper version available here)
10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest® by LSAC
10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest® by LSAC
The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest® by LSAC

And now, in continuation of what we started in Week 1.

WEEK 3: GROUPING GAMES

This third week you are going to begin Grouping Games. Grouping games are different from the games we have covered up until this point. You will still be studying approximately 2-hours each day. If you don’t have 2-hours to spare, then spend at least an hour each day and do half the amount of work instead. Always feel free to reread chapters and redo games that give you trouble.

Grouping Game Categories:

Grouping: In & Out = some variables are chosen to be in the group, and some left out.
Grouping: Splitting = variables are divided into 2 or more groups.
Grouping: Matching = one set of variable is assigned to another set of variable.

DAY 15

1. LGB. Read Chapter 4: Grouping Games (you can skim or skip the first three sections)

· The Principle of Grouping (SKIM OR SKIP)

· Unified Grouping Theory™ (SKIM OR SKIP)

· Unified Grouping Theory Classification Drill (SKIM OR SKIP)

· Diagramming the Groups

· Diagramming the Rules

· Grouping Game Rule Diagramming Drill

· Making Inferences

· Avoiding False Inferences

· Grouping Setup Practice Drill

2. Do One (1) Practice Problem from LGB Chapter 4: Grouping Games

· Game #1: October 1996 Questions 6-12 (In & Out)

DAY 16

1. Do the Two (2) Practice Problems from LGB Chapter 4: Grouping Games

· Game #3:December 2004 (In & Out)

· Game #5: December 2000 (In & Out)

2. Grouping Game – In & Out:

· PrepTest 9 (Oct 1993), Game 2

· PrepTest 11 (Jun 1993), Game 3

3. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

4. Review “A” and “B” Games.

5. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 17

1. Grouping Game – In & Out:

PrepTest 20 (Oct 1994), Game 2

PrepTest 23 (Oct 1995), Game 2

PrepTest 24 (Dec 1997), Game 4
PrepTest 31 (Jun 2000), Game 2

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 18

1. Grouping Game – In & Out:

PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000), Game 2

PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000), Game 3

PrepTest 24 (Dec 1997), Game 4
PrepTest 31 (Jun 2000), Game 2

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 19

1. Grouping Game – In & Out:

PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000), Game 2

PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000), Game 3

PrepTest 35 (Oct 2001), Game 1

PrepTest 36 (Dec 2001), Game 1

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 20

1. Do the One (1) Practice Problems from LGB Chapter 4: Grouping Games

· Game #2:June 1997 (Splitting)

2. Grouping Game – Splitting:

PrepTest 7 (Feb 1993), Game 3

PrepTest 12 (Oct 1994), Game 2
PrepTest 13 (Dec 1994), Game 1

3. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

4. Review “A” and “B” Games.

5. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 21

REST

LSAT - Optional?

2011-01-21T04:07:00.000-08:00

Recently, there has been some buzz about the LSAT possibly becoming optional. The idea of getting rid of the LSAT has always been around. Year-in and year-out a good number of students will cry foul and even give up their lawyer dreams because of the LSAT.

This time, however, we want to take the "no LSAT" news a bit more seriously because it comes from a committee from the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA is the great authority in charge of setting rules and standards by which law schools and lawyers abide by.

However, more likely than not, the LSAT is probably here to stay.
No definitive decision has been made yet. Even after the committee makes a decision, the ABA, as a whole, must decide whether to accept the committee's proposal or not.

Ultimately, even if the ABA decides to make the LSAT optional, law schools (definitely the top schools) will most likely still require the LSAT (if not, some sort of standardized exam). This is because it is next to impossible for law schools to make admissions decision based solely on one hard factor (i.e., GPA) and multiple soft factors (i.e., personal statement, resume, etc.).

Let's say I'm the Dean of Admissions at law school XYZ. I am assessing several applicants from different undergrad institutes. Let's assume that a handful of students have identical GPAs. Despite having the same GPA, these students are not identical in terms of academic prowess. Grade inflation exists in some schools, while grade deflation exists in others. This means some schools/classes give lots of A's, while other schools/classes don't give any A's. How am I to know which school is which?

Let's just say over a course of time, I learn which schools giver easier A's, even so, am I suppose to devalue the GPA of students graduating from the easier schools? This is unfair, since it is still possible that students with high GPAs from the relatively easier schools are just as smart as students with high GPAs from the harder schools. As the Dean of Admissions, I am unable to make a fair assessment.

In short, the GPA, standing alone, is too subjective a measure to accurately assess a student for law school admissions. The LSAT has essentially helped resolve this problem.

I say don't hang your hopes on the LSAT disappearing any time soon. For now (and I predict for a while), the test is here to stay. So buckle down and study.

LSAT Schedule: Week 2 - Logic Games I

2011-01-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

[previous post]
[next post]

These are the books you need for this study schedule:

Logic Game Bible by PowerScore (older but cheaper version available here)
10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest® by LSAC
10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest® by LSAC
The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest® by LSAC

And now, in continuation of what we started in Week 1.

Advanced Linear Games (a.k.a. Stacking Games)
This second week you are going to master Advanced Linear Games. You will be studying approximately 4-hours each day. If you don't have 4-hours to spare, then spend at least 2-hours each day and do half the amount of work instead. Always feel free to reread chapters and redo games that give you trouble.

DAY 8

1. Do the Six (6) Practice Problem(s) from LGB Chapter 2: Linear Games.

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 9

1. LGB. Read Chapter 3: Advanced Linear Games

· Multiple Stacks

· Diagramming with Multiple Stacks

· Advanced Linear Setup Drill

· Two Linear Inference Principles

2. Do the Four (4) Practice Problem(s) from LGB Chapter 3: Advanced Linear Games

3. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

4. Review “A” and “B” Games.

5. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 10

1. Do Practice Problem(s):

PrepTest 7 (Feb 1993), Game 2
PrepTest 7 (Feb 1993), Game 4

PrepTest 13 (Dec 1994), Game 3

PrepTest 14 (Feb 1995), Game 4

PrepTest 16 (Sep 1995), Game 3

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 11

1. Do Practice Problem(s):

PrepTest 19 (Jun 1996), Game 2

PrepTest 21 (Dec 1996), Game 3
PrepTest 21 (Dec 1996), Game 4

PrepTest 22 (Jun 1997), Game 2

PrepTest 24 (Dec 1997), Game 3

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 12

1. Do Practice Problem(s):

PrepTest 26 (Sep 1998), Game 1
PrepTest 28 (Jun 1999), Game 3

PrepTest 30 (Dec 1999), Game 3

PrepTest 31 (Jun 2000), Game 1

PrepTest 32 (Oct 2000), Game 4

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 13

1. Do Practice Problem(s):

PrepTest 35 (Oct 2001), Game 3

PrepTest 36 (Dec 2001), Game 2
PrepTest 36 (Dec 2001), Game 3

PrepTest 36 (Dec 2001), Game 4

PrepTest 37 (June 2002), Game 2
PrepTest 38 (Oct 2002), Game 4

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 14

REST

"Law School...a Losing Game"

2011-01-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Several months ago, I was telling a group of first-generation pre-law students (students who will be the first lawyers in their family) that in the current economy it only makes sense to go to law school only if he/she 1) gets into a tip-top law school (US News ranking 1-10) or 2) is so rich (or has rich parents) that he/she does not need to rely on law school loans.

Check out this NYT article, "Is Law School a Losing Game" by David Segal. Sobering. Real. Anyone taking (or considering taking) the LSAT should read it.

Essentially, the article more thoroughly reiterates what I've been telling pre-law students all across the country - DON'T GO TO LAW SCHOOL UNLESS YOU CAN AFFORD IT. Loans and promises of future payouts is just not going to cut it. You will come out of law school regretting you ever went.

I have access to at least 600 "tip-top" law school students. I will actually survey every single law student I know and ask the following simple question:

"Do you have a job lined up after law school? If so, how much does/will it pay?"

I already asked approximately 100 law students. My precursory research seems to indicate that tip-top law schools aren't as affected by the economy as lower tier students are affected. But it's still premature to jump to any conclusions. I'll have something to you folks in a week's time.

In any case, it's clearly a big problem that law schools are overselling and that freshly minted JDs are not getting the high paying jobs promised. According to Professor William Henderson of Indiana University, Maurer School of Law, there is a solution to this dire problem: close down a bunch of lower-tiered schools.

I'm not so sure I agree with this, just yet. But I'll weigh in on this more after I conclude my survey.

LSAT Schedule: Week 1 - Logic Games I

2011-01-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

The aim here is to prep for the June 2011 LSAT. Follow my study schedule and I promise it will help you perform better on the LSAT. The idea is to take it slow and steady.

We are going to dedicate January and February for grasping the Logic Games section of the LSAT. I need you to acquire four books:

Logic Game Bible by PowerScore (older but cheaper version available here)
10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest® by LSAC
10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest® by LSAC
The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest® by LSAC

Here's a schedule that actually works, as in, you don't have to quit your job or put your life on hold.

BEFORE STARTING take a diagnostic test. Go here, to download the June 2007 LSAT.

Take it under actual timed conditions - 35 minutes per section; 15 minute break after Section III. Don't worry about there being no experimental section.
Grade diagnostic, but don't stress over your low score, on the one hand, and don't get cocky of your "higher than expected" score, on the other. Either way this isn't your real LSAT score. This is only a pulse check; your peak has yet to come

This first week you are going to master Linear Games. You will be studying approximately 4-hours each day. If you don't have 4-hours to spare, then spend at least 2-hours each day and do half the amount of work instead. Always feel free to reread chapters and redo games that give you trouble.

DAY 1

1. Logic Games Bible (“LGB”). Read Chapter 1: Introduction. This chapter is like potty reading, so don’t fret.

2. LGB. Read Chapter 6: Pure Sequencing Games

· Pure Sequencing Games

· Pure Sequencing Diagramming Drill

3. Do the Two (2) Practice Problem(s) from LGB Chapter 6: Pure Sequencing Games.

DAY 2

1. Do Practice Problem(s):

PrepTest 10 (Feb 1994), Game 1

PrepTest 12 (Oct 1994), Game 1

PrepTest 14 (Feb 1995), Game 2

PrepTest 15 (Jun 1995), Game 1

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 3

1. Do Practice Problem(s):

PrepTest 23 (Oct 1997), Game 1

PrepTest 29 (Oct 1999), Game 3

PrepTest 29 (Oct 1999), Game 4

PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000), Game 1

PrepTest 34 (Jun 2001), Game 3

PrepTest 38 (Oct 2002), Game 1

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 4

1. LGB. Read Chapter 2: Linear Games

· The Concept of Linearity

· Rule Representation

· Linear Games Rule Diagramming Drill

· Making Inferences

· Linear Setup Practice Drill

· The Questions

· Two Specific Question Types

· Placing Diagrams

· Reusing Information

2. Do Practice Problem(s):

PrepTest 7 (Feb 1993), Game 1
PrepTest 11 (Jun 1994), Game 2
PrepTest 13 (Dec 1994), Game 2

PrepTest 15 (Jun 1995), Game 3
PrepTest 18 (Dec 1992), Game 2
PrepTest 19 (Jun 1996), Game 1

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 5

1. Do Practice Problem(s):

PrepTest 24 (Dec 1997), Game 2
PrepTest 25 (Jun 1998), Game 4
PrepTest 26 (Sep 1998), Game 2

PrepTest 27 (Dec 1998), Game 1
PrepTest 27 (Dec 1998), Game 4
PrepTest 28 (Jun 1998), Game 1

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 6

1. Do Practice Problem(s):

PrepTest 30 (Dec 1999), Game 4
PrepTest 31 (Jun 2000), Game 3
PrepTest 32 (Dec 2000), Game 3

PrepTest 34 (Jun 2001), Game 1
PrepTest 35 (Oct 2001), Game 4
PrepTest 37 (Jun 2002), Game 4

2. Grade your work. Grade them “A”, “B”, or “C”

· NOTE: “A”s are games that you finished under 9 minutes and got 0-1 wrong.

· NOTE: “B”s are games that you finished under 11 minutes (but above 9 minutes) and got 2-3 wrong.

· NOTE: “C”s are games that you finished over 11 minutes or got more than 3 wrong.

3. Review “A” and “B” Games.

4. Redo “C” Games.

DAY 7

REST

LSAT - New Year Resolution 2011

2011-01-01T01:16:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011! It's the year of the Rabbit. For those hoping to go to law school, this is your lucky year (if I may dare say so).

One of my New Year's Resolution is to provide the most comprehensive and finest LSAT Prep Guide available online...all for FREE. I have been teaching the LSAT for nearly a decade now. I met a lot of great people over the years. This exam has given me way more than just a law degree. Consider this my way of giving back to society.

So first and foremost, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Secondly, lock and load, and get ready to rumble. I am going to help you ace the LSAT. Come check my blog regularly. Follow my methods and you will increase your LSAT score for sure.

LSAT Feb Test - Take Break

2010-12-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

Little status update. I've been busily helping write an LSAT book. This is my reason for not having had the energy and time to write posts.

Just some frequently asked questions I wanted to answer RE: Feb exam.

Is the curve harder for the Feb test?
No. It's the single biggest misconception. Even some LSAT tutors/instructors fall prey to this deception. The only thing different about the Feb LSAT is that you won't get to see what you got wrong (or right) on your exam because the LSAC does not release copies of the Feb LSAT.

Should I take the Feb test?
Only if you've been studying steadily for the past 1 to 2 months. If you just decided on a whim to apply to law school this year, then bad idea. First off, you're already quite late in the admissions cycle. Given the rolling admissions process (= first come first serve), you'll only be paying applications fees and getting rejection letters. Moreover, the LSAT is neither an aptitude test nor an IQ test, so the likelihood of you walking in their and getting a decent score is zilch-to-narrow. Finally, just take the June test instead. This gives you more time to study and plenty of time to prep your applications.

Should I study over the holidays?
Yes, at your own pace. Don't go overkill and give yourself an "unhappy" Christmas. Honestly, maintaining a good attitude is half the battle. You've already lost that battle if you're miserable over the holiday season. People who do well on the LSAT treat it like a game (not just the games section, but the entire test). To learn to "love" the test, you have to have a "life". Study, but don't burn out.

Good Luck on the LSAT~

2010-12-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

The LSAT is tomorrow! Good luck to everyone.

Remember that this is a journey and the LSAT is just one landmark. Go into it and do your best. If you do well, then you no longer have to worry about this "stupid" test. If you don't do so well, who cares? You can take it again. I say this while thinking of my buddy Steve H. He ended up at UCLA Law even after taking the LSAT 5 times - his final score was a 162.

I will be answering questions all night, so email me if you have ANY questions.

LSAT - Final Week "Study Schedule"

2010-12-06T21:53:00.000-08:00

The LSAT is less than a week away.

So what should you do with your remaining time? Should you take a practice test everyday? Or go pray a whole ton? Over the years, I've seen it all.

The best advice any one could ever give you is for you to take it easy this week. This doesn't necessarily mean avoid studying. It means don't burn out.

Students are overtly optimistic about the amount of improvement they could make in the final week. So they study like crazy. But unfortunately, statistically, it's highly unlikely that you will improve your score in the next few days. So studying like crazy is counter-productive.

Here's a guide of what you can do to keep your brain warmed-up yet avoid burning out:

Tuesday
Spend about 2 hours of your day attempting a few questions. If you're the type that freaks out easily, do yourself a favor and DO NOT try new questions. The last thing you need is to get frustrated with new problem sets that trip you up. Rather, I advise you to go over questions you've already done before. Especially exam the questions you've gotten wrong in the past.

Wednesday
Take a full practice test untimed. This is your LSAT OPPORTUNITY to take a full practice test. So make the most of it.

Thursday
Same thing as Tuesday.

Friday
RELAX! You shouldn't be doing much LSAT problems. Maybe only an hour worth of studying. Here is a list of relaxing activities that a few 170+ scoring students have suggested.

Finally, get good rest! You ought to know how many hours your body requires to be fully functional. Don't jeopardize your test score by failing to get good rest.

Comment or email me if you have any questions~!

LSAT Logical Reasoning | Most Strongly Supported - "Virtually Must Be True"

2010-11-30T07:01:00.000-08:00

Most Strongly Supported (MSS) questions are the most commonly appearing question type on the LSAT. Yet many test prep companies do not acknowledge its existence. They mesh it together with Must Be True questions. But this is a mistake.

While the correct answer to a Must Be True question is conclusive and absolutely follows from the set of facts, the accredited answer to a MSS question is supported by the stimulus/prompt with a little wiggle room remaining. Despite this slight yet crucial difference, the practical approach in arriving at the correct answer, in most instances, remains the same for both question types.

This is why I like to call MSS questions - "Virtually Must Be True" questions. But BE CAREFUL! There are some MSS questions (the more difficult ones) in which you need to be keenly aware that the answer choice is not necessarily supported conclusively by the stimulus/prompt.

LSAT Alumni | Law Student Job Prospects

2010-11-30T06:38:00.000-08:00

This morning I read a bleak article from the American Lawyer. It surveyed hundreds of law firms and interviewed some of the top managing partners of the nation RE: future plans and projections.

I know there have been prior comments and predictions about the "changing legal landscape", but most statements (thus far) have been at best guess work (based on mere observation). This recent study, however, brings some empirical data to the conversation. And in short, ladies and gentlemen, the future is not all that bright for law students...at least for the time being.

More than 60% of the respondents picked "YES" to the question: "Do you plan to ask partners to leave?" And the vast majority of the respondents also made it clear that they will only be hiring a very small number of fresh law school grads.

No one can know with a 100% certainty in which direction the economy is headed. But despite there having been some signs of economic improvement, most people believe that times are (still) bad. And even if it were true that the tides are turning and the economy improving, law firms probably won't budge in their unwillingness to hire fresh grads. Law firms are slothfully slow to change because they are run by a fiscally conservative and risk-adverse bunch.

While I am under no delusion that all will return to the pre-2008 state (when law firms were giving out jobs left and right), I want to remind everyone that even with the changing billing structure (from billing per hour to billing per case) a law firm's greatest asset is its lawyers. So though the numbers are smaller, law firms will always need to hire fresh law school grads. In all honesty, the pre-2008 hiring spree was a bit crazy and unsustainable. In some ways, law firms are readjusting after going on a spending spree.

For those thinking about law school - think carefully, long and hard. And if you are committed to going, then be sure to study long and hard. You need the best possible grades to do well in this environment.

LSAT Alumni | New York Law Firm Bonus

2010-11-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

In law school, one of our professors had us read a case study on Cravath, the preeminent NY law firm. The Cravath system; the Cravath man; the Cravath training. etc. At the time, I was told by my law professor that the average Cravath partner makes $3M per year.

Anyhow, Cravath has announced it's year-end bonus.
$7,500 for its first-year associates; $35,000 for its seventh-year associates. Here is a letter from the management of Cravath - confirming the firm's promise and intent to payout by Dec 10th.

This is good. It shows a healthier economy. And NY firms have a tendency to follow suit (like lemmings) when it comes to bonus structure.

For those of you thinking about law school, take all warnings and advice with a grain of salt. There were several blogs and warnings that the law firm system is doomed. They may very well be correct; only time will tell.

But for the time being, it looks like things are picking back up. There will always be a need for good lawyers - no matter how bad the economy. And top firms, will always need to hire.

So, in short, do well on your LSAT. No matter what your goals - public interest, international law, diplomacy, corporate law - going to a top law school will help; and going to a top law school means doing well on the LSAT. Good luck!

LSAT Logical Reasoning | Main Point Questions - "Where's Waldo?"

2010-11-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

Main Point (a.k.a. Main Conclusion) Questions are easy. But many students still miss these questions.

You might think: "When the question stem asks me to find the main point/conclusion, it is asking me to deduce a conclusion (make an inference)." NO! This is a common misconception. If you think this way, then you are confusing Main Point Questions with Must Be True Questions. Although Main Point questions are a subset of Must Be True Questions, they ought to be approached differently.

Waldo Method
Main Point Questions are typically preceded by arguments (as opposed to group of facts). Arguments by their very nature contain a conclusion. So Main Point Questions are simply asking you to find the conclusion within the argument. Think of it like finding Waldo.

Waldo = Main Point/Conclusion

See the following actual LSAT question from the freely & publicly available June 2007 test (Sec 2, Ques 1):

Economist: Every business strives to increase its productivity, for this increases profits for the owners and the likelihood that the business will survive. But not all efforts to increase productivity are beneficial to the business as a whole. Often, attempts to increase productivity decrease the number of employees, which clearly harms the dismissed employees as well as the sense of security of the retained employees.

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the economist’s argument?

(A) If an action taken to secure the survival of a business fails to enhance the welfare of the business’s employees, that action cannot be good for the business as a whole.

(B) Some measures taken by a business to increase productivity fail to be beneficial to the business as a whole.

(C) Only if the employees of a business are also its owners will the interests of the employees and owners coincide, enabling measures that will be beneficial to the business as a whole.

(D) There is no business that does not make efforts to increase its productivity.

(E) Decreasing the number of employees in a business undermines the sense of security of retained employees.

So where is Waldo (= Main Point/Conclusion)?

1st Sentence = This is an assertion. Depending on what the subsequent sentence will say, it can (or cannot) be the Waldo.
2nd Sentence = The word "But" is important. It tells me that the prior sentence is NOT Waldo, since the the function of this particular "But" is to negate the prior sentence. It also tells me to be on my toes about the subsequent sentence because it may be Waldo.
3rd Sentence = This sentence is a positive assertion, which follows after the 2nd sentence tears down the 1st. This is Waldo!

Understanding the flow and ebb of the argument structure, clearly helps. I have an entire list of trigger words. Shoot me an email and I'll send you the list.

Tee Ball Structure
Psychometricians (a.k.a. test makers) love to hide the ball (much like your law professors will be doing). Sometimes the Main Point of an argument is disguised. Consider the following sentence:

Some people think that the latest Harry Potter movie sucks.

If you are reading actively, then you can probably anticipate the sentence that follows.

But I disagree.

In this case, the Main Point is the negation of the sentence starting with the word "Some" - i.e., the Harry Potter movie does not suck. Be on the look out for these hidden main points.

LSAT Logical Reasoning | Must Be True Questions - "A Very Good Place to Start"

2010-11-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

Must Be True (MBT) questions are foundational to doing well on the logical reasoning section of the LSAT. This is because all other question types build upon the skill sets (namely reading comprehension skills) used for MBT questions. If you're self-studying for the LSAT, it's a good idea to start by tackling MBT Questions.

Below I found each and every Must Be True question from the three "10 Real LSAT" series. With enough practice, you'll become excellent at this question type. (Click on the image to make it bigger).

5 Basic Things to Remember about MBT questions:

1) Most MBT prompts are a group of facts (as opposed to an argument with a conclusion). This is one of the main predictable indicators that will help you spot a MBT question even before hitting the questions stem.

2) After reading the prompt, your short-term memory should be good enough to retain the "story" you just read. This will help you eliminate the wrong answers more efficiently. It is perfectly fine (and sometimes expected) of you to return back up to the prompt and quickly re-read it, so don't pressure yourself to rely 100% on your memory (after all, MBT questions are not testing how good your memory is; they are testing how good your reading skill is).

3) When looking for the correct answer to a MBT question, you're not immediately looking for what "must be true." You are typically first sniping out what "could be true" or "must be false."

4) The correct answer will always be 1) a paraphrase (of a part of the prompt) or 2) a deduction (derived from the prompt).

5) The correct answer will not stray far from the boundaries (story line) set by the prompt.

Changing LSAT Test Date vs. Being Absent | Chat Between Anna and Steve

2010-11-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Folks, today is the deadline to change your LSAT test date via phone, mail or FAX. Nov 21st is the last day to do it via Internet. To change LSAT test date go here.

Interesting conversation between Anna and Steve Re: changing LSAT test date vs. being absent.

Now, here's my two-cents Re: changing LSAT test date vs. being absent:
Ultimately, do what's best for your LSAT score.

I agree with both Anna and Steve in that way too many people believe in last minute LSAT miracles. Consult your LSAT tutor/instructor as to what you should do. And take their advice to heart. Too many people are blinded by their desire to start law school immediately that they do a disservice to themselves. If waiting another year could mean higher LSAT score (and thus increased likelihood of being accepted to the top programs), then why not?

Admissions officers (while good people at heart) are usually looking for reasons "Why I shouldn't accept this person". Missing a test deadline and being absent, while definitely negative, won't look so bad if you justify it with a really high LSAT score later. This does NOT mean you abuse the system and decide to do a "no show". Be careful and decide wisely - again, consult your LSAT tutor/instructor.

Good luck folks!

LSAT Alumni | Elite of the Elite Law Firms

2010-11-17T21:56:00.000-08:00

Here are the 5 Elite law firms that only the best of best law school graduates have a shot at. These Elite firms not only handle the the most high profile cases in their respective fields, but also pay better and/or provide significantly more responsibility (and interesting work) to their junior associates.

1. Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz. (New York. Not just preeminent, but simply the best Corporate Practice) First-year associates (fresh law school grads) at this firm get paid $320,000/year ($160,000 in salary and then an additional $160,000 in bonus) - that's 100% more pay than other top law firms. Wachtell hand-picks its associates every year from only the best of best law schools - for example, from the mid-west they recruit at University of Chicago Law School, but not at Northwestern Law School. It's no wonder why Wachtell has been the #1 top-dog on the Vault Law Firm Rankings for years.

2. Munger Tolles & Olson. (Los Angeles. Clients turn to Munger when stakes are high) Munger won't interview you unless you have stellar grades from the very best law school. At Munger, the partner to associate ratio is close to 1:1. Associates are treated as "equals," in that their vote counts when it comes to decision making. Headquartered in sunny Los Angeles, Munger has been selected as the #1 of the A-list firms by the American Lawyer (3-years in a row). Associates from other top firms secretly envy the associates at Munger.

3. Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott. (Chicago. Unparalleled record of courtroom victories) Go through the list of young lawyers at this firm and you'll find that most clerked for a prestigious federal judge. It's an unspoken rule - "To get a job at Bartlit Beck, you must be a superstar in the legal world." Bartlet Beck was elected the litigation boutique of the year by American Lawyer. While first-year associates at other firms are sent into the back-room to do legal research, Bartlit Beck's first-year associates are making closing arguments at federal trials.

4. Williams & Connolly. (Washington DC. Litigation powerhouse - a lawyers' law firm) To get a job at Williams & Connolly, being a member of Law Review (one of the highest distinctions in law school) is a must. While the firm is notorious for paying its associate below NY level salaries, it's associates are given unparalleled boasting rights and opportunities to try the nation's most high profile cases. Williams Connolly lawyers are genuinely feared by opposing counsel. Moreover, no other firm is more highly sought after by troubled politicians than Williams Connolly.

5. Irell & Manella. (Los Angeles. IP power house) For the past half-century, Irell has remained a small boutique - only two offices; both in Southern California. But don't late size fool you - this small Southern California powerhouse handles very high profile IP litigation cases. It "matches or exceeds its multinational peers in salary, prestige and high stake cases". Junior associates at this firm get really great experience early on. You definitely need to have the correct pedigree for a shot at working for this firm directly out of law school. But they are a bit more forgiving with grades, especially if you have a "correct" IP background (along with the pedigree).

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I have several friends and classmates that work at each of these firms, so let me know if there are any questions you would like for me to ask them (on your behalf). Comment below or email me por favor.

LSAT Self-Study Schedule | 1-Month (4-Week)

2010-11-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a sample 1-month LSAT self-study schedule.

Disclaimer: 1-Month is really not enough time to master the numerous LSAT concepts or put in sufficient prep time, so please don't take this as my endorsement of procrastinating or cramming. Also, this is just a general sample; it's not perfect for everyone. Your schedule ought be personalized to your unique testing needs.

Even so, if you are a repeat test taker, then 1-Month is plenty of time to practice, practice, and practice. Remember the age old adage "Practice makes perfect". Read my post about what LSAT companies don't tell you.

The PrepTests mentioned in my study schedule are listed and reviewed in my post about Best LSAT Prep Books.

Please comment or email me if you have any questions.

LSAT Logic Games | Classified by Type

2010-11-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

I've classified the Logic Games from all three of the "10 real LSAT" books series (see here for book recommendations). For your convenience, the games are organized both by type and by PrepTests.

If you are using the PowerScore® LSAT Logic Games Bible (older/cheaper edition here), you'll realize that some of the names are slightly different.

Linear: Sequencing = variables are ranked in order. See Chapter Six: Pure Sequencing Games.
Linear: Assignment = variables are assigned to a specific place in line. Chapter Two: Linear Games.
Linear: Stacking = essentially assignment games stacked atop of each other. Chapter Three: Advanced Linear Games.

Grouping: In & Out = some variables are chosen to be in the group, and some left out.
Grouping: Division/Splitting = variables are divided into 2 or more groups.
Grouping: Matching = one set of variable is assigned to another set of variable.

Without further ado...

Logic Games by Classification:

Linear: Sequencing
PrepTest 10 (Feb 1994), Game 1
PrepTest 12 (Oct 1994), Game 1
PrepTest 14 (Feb 1995), Game 2
PrepTest 15 (Jun 1995), Game 1
PrepTest 23 (Oct 1997), Game 1
PrepTest 29 (Oct 1999), Game 3
PrepTest 29 (Oct 1999), Game 4
PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000), Game 1
PrepTest 34 (June 2001), Game 3
PrepTest 38 (Oct 2002), Game 1
PrepTest 52 (Sep 2007), Game 1
PrepTest 52 (Sep 2007), Game 4

Linear: Assignment
PrepTest 7 (Feb 1993), Game 1
PrepTest 11 (Jun 1994), Game 2
PrepTest 13 (Dec 1994), Game 2
PrepTest 15 (Jun 1995), Game 3
PrepTest 18 (Dec 1992), Game 2
PrepTest 19 (Jun 1996), Game 1
PrepTest 24 (Dec 1997), Game 2
PrepTest 25 (Jun 1998), Game 4
PrepTest 26 (Sep 1998), Game 2
PrepTest 27 (Dec 1998), Game 1
PrepTest 27 (Dec 1998), Game 4
PrepTest 28 (Jun 1998), Game 1
PrepTest 30 (Dec 1999), Game 4
PrepTest 31 (Jun 2000), Game 3
PrepTest 32 (Dec 2000), Game 3
PrepTest 34 (Jun 2001), Game 1
PrepTest 35 (Oct 2001), Game 4
PrepTest 37 (Jun 2002), Game 4

Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
PrepTest 7 (Feb 1993), Game 2
PrepTest 7 (Feb 1993), Game 4
PrepTest 13 (Dec 1994), Game 3
PrepTest 14 (Feb 1995), Game 4
PrepTest 16 (Sep 1995), Game 3
PrepTest 19 (Jun 1996), Game 2
PrepTest 21 (Dec 1996), Game 3
PrepTest 21 (Dec 1996), Game 4
PrepTest 22 (Jun 1997), Game 2
PrepTest 24 (Dec 1997), Game 3
PrepTest 26 (Sep 1998), Game 1
PrepTest 28 (Jun 1999), Game 3
PrepTest 30 (Dec 1999), Game 3
PrepTest 31 (Jun 2000), Game 1
PrepTest 32 (Oct 2000), Game 4
PrepTest 35 (Oct 2001), Game 3
PrepTest 36 (Dec 2001), Game 2
PrepTest 36 (Dec 2001), Game 3
PrepTest 36 (Dec 2001), Game 4
PrepTest 37 (June 2002), Game 2
PrepTest 38 (Oct 2002), Game 4

Grouping: In & Out
PrepTest 9 (Oct 1993), Game 2
PrepTest 11 (Jun 1994), Game 3
PrepTest 20 (Oct 1996), Game 2
PrepTest 23 (Oct 1997), Game 2
PrepTest 24 (Dec 1997), Game 4
PrepTest 31 (Jun 2000), Game 2
PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000), Game 2
PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000), Game 3
PrepTest 35 (Oct 2001), Game 1
PrepTest 36 (Dec 2001), Game 1

Grouping: Division
PrepTest 7 (Feb 1993), Game 3
PrepTest 12 (Oct 1994), Game 2
PrepTest 13 (Dec 1994), Game 1
PrepTest 15 (June 1995), Game 4
PrepTest 16 (Sep 1995), Game 1
PrepTest 19 (Jun 1996), Game 3
PrepTest 19 (Jun 1996), Game 4
PrepTest 24 (Dec 1997), Game 1
PrepTest 25 (Jun 1998), Game 1
PrepTest 26 (Sep 1998), Game 3
PrepTest 27 (Dec 1998), Game 3
PrepTest 29 (Oct 1999), Game 1
PrepTest 34 (Jun 2001), Game 4
PrepTest 52 (Sep 2007), Game 2

Grouping: Matching
PrepTest 9 (Oct 1993), Game 1
PrepTest 10 (Feb 1994), Game 2
PrepTest 11 (Jun 1994), Game 1
PrepTest 12 (Oct 1994), Game 3
PrepTest 14 (Feb 1995), Game 3
PrepTest 18 (Dec 1992), Game 1
PrepTest 22 (Jun 1997), Game 1
PrepTest 25 (Jun 1998), Game 2
PrepTest 28 (Jun 1999), Game 2
PrepTest 28 (Jun 1999), Game 4
PrepTest 35 (Oct 2001), Game 2
PrepTest 37 (Jun 2002), Game 1
PrepTest 37 (Jun 2002), Game 3

Pattern
PrepTest 10 (Feb 1994), Game 3
PrepTest 11 (Jun 1994), Game 4
PrepTest 12 (Oct 1994), Game 4
PrepTest 16 (Sep 1995), Game 4
PrepTest 18 (Dec 1992), Game 4
PrepTest 20 (Oct 1996), Game 3
PrepTest 21 (Dec 1996), Game 2
PrepTest 23 (Oct 1997), Game 4

Mapping
PrepTest 9 (Oct 1993), Game 4
PrepTest 15 (Jun 1995), Game 2
PrepTest 16 (Sep 1995), Game 2
PrepTest 18 (Dec 1992), Game 3
PrepTest 20 (Oct 1996), Game 1
PrepTest 22 (Jun 1997), Game 3
PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000), Game 4

Hybrid: In & Out + Assignment
PrepTest 30 (Dec 1999), Game 2
PrepTest 34 (Jun 2001), Game 2

Hybrid: In & Out + Stacked
PrepTest 32 (Oct 2000), Game 1

Hybrid: In & Out + Pattern
PrepTest 32 (Oct 2000), Game 2

Hybrid: Division + Sequencing
PrepTest 25 (Jun 1998), Game 3
PrepTest 52 (Sep 2007), Game 3

Hybrid: Division + In & Out

PrepTest 10 (Feb 1994), Game 4
PrepTest 23 (Oct 1997), Game 3

Hybrid: Matching + Sequencing
PrepTest 20 (Oct 1996), Game 4
PrepTest 38 (Oct 2002), Game 2

Hybrid: Matching + Assignment
PrepTest 9 (Oct 1993), Game 3

Hybrid: Matching + In & Out
PrepTest 26 (Sep 1998), Game 4
PrepTest 29 (Oct 1999), Game 2

Hybrid: Matching + Division
PrepTest 38 (Oct 2002), Game 3

Hybrid: Matching + In & Out + Sequencing
PrepTest 31 (Jun 2000), Game 4

Hybrid: Matching + Pattern
PrepTest 30 (Dec 1999), Game 1

Hybrid: Matching + Mapping
PrepTest 14 (Feb 1995), Game 1
PrepTest 21 (Dec 1996), Game 1

Hybrid: Matching + Division + Assignment
PrepTest 27 (Dec 1998), Game 2

Hybrid: Matching + Division + In & Out
PrepTest 22 (Jun 1997), Game 4
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Logic Games by PrepTest # and Date:

10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18

PrepTest 7 (Feb 1993)
Game 1 - Linear: Assignment
Game 2 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 3 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 4 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)

PrepTest 9 (Oct 1993)
Game 1 - Grouping: Matching
Game 2 - Grouping: In & Out (Selection)
Game 3 - Hybrid: Matching + Linear
Game 4 - Rare: Mapping Game

PrepTest 10 (Feb 1994)
Game 1 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)
Game 2 - Grouping: Matching
Game 3 - Rare: Pattern Game
Game 4 - Hybrid: Splitting + In & Out

PrepTest 11 (Jun 1994)
Game 1 - Grouping: Matching
Game 2 - Linear: Assignment
Game 3 - Grouping: In & Out (Selection)
Game 4 - Rare: Pattern Game

PrepTest 12 (Oct 1994)
Game 1 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)
Game 2 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 3 - Grouping: Matching
Game 4 - Rare: Pattern Game

PrepTest 13 (Dec 1994)
Game 1 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 2 - Linear: Assignment
Game 3 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 4 - Rare: Pattern Game

PrepTest 14 (Feb 1995)
Game 1 - Hybrid: Matching + Mapping
Game 2 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)
Game 3 - Grouping: Matching
Game 4 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)

PrepTest 15 (Jun 1995)
Game 1 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)
Game 2 - Rare: Mapping Game
Game 3 - Linear: Assignment - Underfilled
Game 4 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)

PrepTest 16 (Sep 1995)
Game 1 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 2 - Rare: Mapping Game
Game 3 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 4 - Rare: Pattern Game

PrepTest 18 (Dec 1992)
Game 1 - Grouping: Matching
Game 2 - Linear: Assignment
Game 3 - Rare: Mapping Game
Game 4 - Rare: Pattern Game
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10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests 19-28

PrepTest 19 (Jun 1996)
Game 1 - Linear: Assignment
Game 2 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 3 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 4 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)

PrepTest 20 (Oct 1996)
Game 1 - Rare: Mapping Game
Game 2 - Grouping: In & Out (Selection)
Game 3 - Rare: Pattern Game
Game 4 - Hybrid: Matching + Sequencing

PrepTest 21 (Dec 1996)
Game 1 - Hybrid: Matching + Mapping
Game 2 - Rare: Pattern Game
Game 3 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 4 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)

PrepTest 22 (Jun 1997)
Game 1 - Grouping: Matching
Game 2 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 3 - Rare: Mapping Game
Game 4 - Hybrid: Matching + Splitting + In & Out

PrepTest 23 (Oct 1997)
Game 1 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)
Game 2 - Grouping: In & Out
Game 3 - Hybrid: Splitting + In & Out
Game 4 - Rare: Pattern Game

PrepTest 24 (Dec 1997)
Game 1 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 2 - Linear: Assignment + Sequencing
Game 3 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 4 - Grouping: In & Out (Selection)

PrepTest 25 (Jun 1998)
Game 1 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 2 - Grouping: Matching
Game 3 - Hybrid: Spltting + Sequencing
Game 4 - Linear: Assignment

PrepTest 26 (Sep 1998)
Game 1 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 2 - Linear: Assignment + Sequencing
Game 3 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 4 - Hybrid: Matching + In & Out

PrepTest 27 (Dec 1998)
Game 1 - Linear: Assignment
Game 2 - Hybrid: Matching + Splitting + Assignment
Game 3 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 4 - Linear: Assignment

PrepTest 28 (Jun 1999)
Game 1 - Linear: Assignment
Game 2 - Grouping: Matching
Game 3 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 4 - Grouping: Matching
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The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests 29-38

PrepTest 29 (Oct 1999)
Game 1 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)
Game 2 - Grouping: Matching + In & Out
Game 3 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)
Game 4 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)

PrepTest 30 (Dec 1999)
Game 1 - Hybrid: In & Out + Pattern
Game 2 - Hybrid: In & Out + Assignment
Game 3 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 4 - Linear: Assignment

PrepTest 31 (Jun 2000)
Game 1 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 2 - Grouping: In & Out
Game 3 - Linear: Assignment
Game 4 - Hybrid: Matching + In & Out + Sequencing

PrepTest 32 (Oct 2000)
Game 1 - Hybrid: In & Out + Stacked
Game 2 - Hybrid: In & Out + Pattern
Game 3 - Linear: Assignment
Game 4 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)

PrepTest 33 (Dec 2000)
Game 1 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)
Game 2 - Grouping: In & Out
Game 3 - Grouping: In & Out
Game 4 - Rare: Mapping Game

PrepTest 34 (Jun 2001)
Game 1 - Linear: Assignment
Game 2 - Hybrid: In & Out + Assignment
Game 3 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)
Game 4 - Grouping: Splitting (Division)

PrepTest 35 (Oct 2001)
Game 1 - Grouping: In & Out
Game 2 - Grouping: Matching
Game 3 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 4 - Linear: Assignment

PrepTest 36 (Dec 2001)
Game 1 - Grouping: In & Out
Game 2 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 3 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 4 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)

PrepTest 37 (Jun 2002)
Game 1 - Grouping: Matching
Game 2 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)
Game 3 - Grouping: Matching
Game 4 - Linear: Assignment

PrepTest 38 (Oct 2002)
Game 1 - Linear: Sequencing (Ordering)
Game 2 - Hybrid: Matching + Sequencing
Game 3 - Hybrid: Matching + Splitting
Game 4 - Linear: Stacked (Tiered)

LSAT lifestyle | Daily Habits that Lead to Higher LSAT Score

2010-11-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

All habits listed below are NOT to replace actual LSAT studying via PrepTests, Prep Class, etc. They are, however, great supplements to your regularly scheduled LSAT curriculum.

Logic Game (LG) Boosters
1. Sudoku
Everyone loves this number-based logic brain teaser. People who are really good at Sudoku are naturally good at the Logic Games (LG) section of the LSAT.

There are several reasons for this. First, both Sudoku and LG require a good short-term memory. Second, they both require you to be comfortable with analytical thinking (deduction after deduction after deduction). And third, both Sudoku and LG reward those who are not afraid to make logical leaps of faith and make smart guesses; it rewards those who won't be paralyzed by multiple options/possibilities. Now-a-days you can find Sudoku everywhere. But if you can't find any near you, go here for some free Sudoku challenge.

2. Calculate Tip (in your head)
Next time you eat out and the check arrives at your table, try calculating the tip in your head. Doing simple math calculations in your head actually helps you perform better on LG. It's not mere coincidence that people who hate math have a harder time with LG; and people who love math do better on LG. By no means do you have to become a mathematician to do well on the LSAT. This is just a slightly helpful exercise.

3. License Plate Game
When you go driving around (or walking around) look at the license plate numbers on some of the cars that pass by. Retain, memorize and two-minutes later try to recall the numbers you saw. This will help your short term memory. LG requires you to retain rules and remember deductions from three questions ago. Playing memory games can only help your LSAT score.

Reading Comprehension (RC) Boosters
1. Read Bestsellers (i.e., Harry Potter or Twilight)
Many students complain about their reading speed. Doing well on the Reading Comprehension (RC) section requires both accuracy and speed. You can't sacrifice one for the other. The best way to increase reading speed is NOT to read only the Economist or the New Yorker. Reading these periodicals are more for the purposes of improving accuracy. For speed, you ought zoom through one book per week. If you can zoom through four New York Times Bestsellers in a month, I guarantee you'll get quicker. Also, it's so much more painless this way.

2. The Economist, New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, etc.
These periodicals will not only increase your knowledge of what's happening in the world around you, but also improve your reading accuracy. BTW, don't judge "a book by it's cover" - these periodicals deal with so much more than just Economics/Finance and New York issues. I read these periodicals daily. I highly recommend that any serious pre-law, current law and post law students do likewise.

3. Optimism Boost
Many people think: READING = BORING. To really ace the RC section of the LSAT you need to get your mind out of this detrimental rut. Ya gotta love reading any topic/subject-matter the psychometricians (= LSAT makers) throw at you. Here's my little trick. Take your reading to the toilet (a.k.a. number 2; johnny; wash closet, etc.). Next time you're doing your deed in the bathroom, take with you one of those "boring" LSAT science passages about physics and chemistry. You'll find the passage so much more entertaining and pleasurable. This is because when you're pooping, anything (and everything) can be interesting (it's the main reason why people read all that non-sense written on public bathroom stalls). Try this exercise. It works. Fully tested on thousands of past LSAT students.

High LSAT Score = More Wealth? | 5 Wealthiest Lawyers in America

2010-11-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

Nope! Not necessarily.

Having a high LSAT score may greatly increase your odds of getting a "cushy" big law job fresh out of law school (albeit I don't know if you'd call 80-hour weeks cushy). But attaining a high LSAT score doesn't necessarily equal more wealth.

On Forbes magazine's annual list of 400 Riches People in America, 37 people hold a law degree. Yet the vast majority of these folks did not gain their fortune via law practice; they made their fortune through business (here is the list of ex-lawyers turned billionaires).

One lawyers, however, did make his billion via law practice: Joe Jamail. Over the years this tort king accumulated an estimated wealth of $1.4 billion! The first question on any curious aspiring law student's mind is "Where did he go to law school?" The answer: University of Texas School of Law (LSAT: 164-168; GPA: 3.54-3.87).

Now presenting the list of wealthiest lawyers (based on annual earnings) and their respective law schools (and each law school's LSAT and GPA range):

1. Gerald Hosier ($150 Million)* - DePaul University College of Law (LSAT: 158-162; GPA: 3.11-3.57)
Patent lawyer that earned his millions by representing the late Jerome Lamelson, an inventor with 700+ patents, and Lamelson's heirs. He is based in Las Vegas. He collects airplanes for fun.

2. Fred M. Baron ($21-$45 Million) - University of Texas School of Law (LSAT: 164-168; GPA: 3.54-3.87)
Made his millions in asbestos cases. Was one of the founding/named partners of the Dallas based law firm, Baron & Budd, PC (but he sold his interest in the firm). Very active in the Democratic party.

3. Joe Jamail ($20.7 Million) - University of Texas School of Law (LSAT: 164-168; GPA: 3.54-3.87)
Wealthiest from this list in terms of net worth. He made his fortune litigating tort cases. This guy has a football field named after him! It has been noted that he turned down the litigation case against BP oil spill because he was, "too busy" and "didn't want to deal with it". (I like his style).

4. Willie E. Gary ($12.1 Million) - North Carolina Central University School of Law (LSAT: 157-164; GPA: 3.43-3.73)
Dubbed himself as the "Giant Killer". Made his millions litigating against "giants" like Disney, Microsoft, and Kodak. Son of a migrant worker, this man definitely achieved the American dream.

5. Philip H. Corboy ($11.6 Million) - Loyola University Chicago School of Law (LSAT: 158-162; GPA: 3.29-3.62).
Made his millions litigating personal injury cases in the greater Chicago area for over 50 years. This man is the epitome of tough. When asked about retirement, he is quoted to have said: "I don't play golf well enough, and I don't want to get my hands wet fishing."

One final closing thought. The average US lawyer makes $90,300/year (see here). Mind you that's the average. That means half of the attorneys out there make less than $90,000 a year. This is sad because people don't need to go to law school and acculumate a $160,000 debt just to earn below $90,000/year; plenty of college grads are make between $40,000 - $100,000/year fresh out of school. So unless you know you want to make your living practicing law, perhaps money shouldn't be the reason for law school.

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*Fact/Figure from America Lawyer (here)
**Facts/Figures for Annual Earnings from Forbes (here)
***Facts/Figures for LSAT and GPA from LSAC (here)

LSAT Logic Games Mastery | Ordering Game: Sequencing

2010-11-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

For any Logic Game (a.k.a. Analytical Reasoning), after you finish reading the story (and the rules) you should be able identify what type of game you're dealing with. Sequencing games (the most basic and foundational of all Ordering games) are distinctive in that 1) they possess ranking lingoes, such as, best/worst, before/after, taller/shorter etc., and 2) 90+% of the rules rank the various variables mentioned in the story.

The point of this post is NOT to give you a comprehensive lesson on Sequencing games. Instead, I want to point-out some key tips and tactics for becoming more efficient with these types of games. If you master these tips by practicing regularly on actual LSAT games, you should be able to finish any pure sequencing game in less than four (4) minutes. Seriously. Most of my students can finish every type of game in less than six (6) minutes.

Over the years, I have not only taught LSAT students, but also trained and coached LSAT instructors for prep companies. And boy, most people waste a LOT of time on the Logic Game section! Just as male swimmers shave their legs just to be a few seconds faster, LSAT students should shave eliminate any/all bad habits that waste time. Follow the below steps one-by-one and you'll become super efficient.

Step #1 - Understand (the perimeters of) the Story
Read the story. Re-write and list all the variables mentioned in the story on the upper blank space of the test. All brainstorming/scratch-work should be done here. It's a good mnemonic to actually rewrite each variable mentioned in the story.

Step #2 - Diagram the Rules (not just anywhere)

Diagram the rules one-by-one next to the rules. DO NOT diagram the rules on the bottom of the page or any where else on the page.

Why? Two reasons: 1) you don't get scratch paper, so you need the other available paper-space for work; 2) when you diagram the rules too far from the rules, you end up wasting time (i.e., darting your eyes back and forth, from the rules to the diagram, re-reading the rules, etc.).

Step #3 - Find the Wild Card(s)
Do this now. Don't wait until you're 4 questions into the game. Based on the rules you just diagrammed, figure out which variables are actually used in the rules and which aren't. The variables that are mentioned in the rules EVERYONE remembers. It's the variables that aren't mentioned in the rules that people forget about. Remember these unmentioned variables because they are the Wild Cards that can go anywhere. Take note of the Wild Cards by rewriting them to the side and drawing bold circles around them.

Step #4 - Synthesize
To synthesize means to combine all the rules together. Do not make any deductions or connections until you have finished diagramming ALL the rules. When you synthesize you can start using the paper-space below.

Step #5 - Find the Extremes
Based on your synthesis ask yourself which variables can be in the first and last slots. For example, if you have the following diagram:

you can determine that the first slot will be occupied by "A" and that the last slot could be occupied by "D" or "E".

Always find the extremes (i.e, first and last slots). Thereafter, don't waste time figuring out what goes in any of other slots (unless blantantly obvious).

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Follow these Five Steps until you can do it like clockwork and you'll become noticeably faster. I'll post other tips on games in the following weeks.