Many law students pay nowhere near full tuition. Some pay no tuition at all. Law schools don’t offer reduced or waived tuition fees out of generosity—it’s a calculated business strategy. But this week, Nathan and Ben discover a law school whose outlandish scholarship numbers seem to defy business sense. The guys also discuss the new US News law school rankings, help listeners choose between law schools, and advise students to keep their study schedules simple. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 451 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 4:14 - Law School Rankings - US News just released its 2024 law school rankings. While the rankings have changed, their practical value hasn’t. They still provide poor justification for choosing one law school over another. 10:27 - Picking a Law School - Ben and Nathan help two listeners decide between offers of admission. The choice largely depends on answering a single question: “What do you want to do?” 33:48 - Bouncing Back - Listener Tyler stumbled during his April test. Nathan and Ben encourage him to learn from his mistake and to stay the course as he prepares for the June LSAT. 38:48 - There Is No Curve - How will the removal of Logic Games affect the curve on the August LSAT? Easy question. It won’t, because LSAT scores aren’t curved. 45:30 - Study Schedule - An anonymous listener with lots of time to study asks how to structure their study schedule. Ben and Nathan give a surprising answer: It doesn’t matter. 50:28 - Who Pays at Campbell? - The guys browse the scholarship estimator for law schools friendly to splitters with low GPAs. They find Campbell University School of Law, which reports that a staggering 94% of its students receive full-ride scholarships. 1:08:50 - Waitlist to Full Ride - LSAT Demon student Jason just accepted a full-ride scholarship to Texas A&M after being waitlisted by the school earlier this year. 1:13:52 - Word of the Week - We vituperate predatory law schools.

Tuitions are soaring at U.S. colleges and universities, and short-sighted student loan policies may be partly to blame. This week, Ben and Nathan discuss the latest round of student loan forgiveness, which treats the symptoms of high education costs but won’t fix the problem. The guys also correct a common misconception about “test-optional” admissions. They consider the scholarship chances of applicants with low GPAs. And they advise a listener to pick a new personal statement topic. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 450 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:48 - LSAT Optional - No, the LSAT is not “going away” in 2025. Law schools will continue to value the LSAT even if they aren’t required to use it. 15:32 - Low GPA - Applicants with low GPAs aren’t locked out of law school. Grade forgiveness may help some. But a high LSAT score is the real key to getting scholarships. 23:24 - GPA and Law School Rankings - An anonymous listener considers taking a course pass-fail to avoid hurting their GPA. Nathan and Ben approve. The guys explain why law schools are so invested in their GPA medians: it’s all in the rankings game. 31:40 - $100,000 a Year - Some colleges will soon charge $100,000 a year. Ben and Nathan bemoan the unhinged state of tuition hikes and student loans. 39:34 - Personal Statement - The guys advise an anonymous listener to avoid a vague personal statement. 43:00 - Graduate School - An anonymous listener wants to drop out of grad school but worries about what law schools will think. Nathan and Ben think the choice is clear. 46:38 - Extra Test Attempt - Leslie, LSAT Demon’s admissions guru, shares the story of a student who successfully appealed for an extra test attempt. 50:48 - Word of the Week - Listener Syd recommends Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day.

The April LSAT is almost here. How should test-takers approach the final days leading up to their official test? Nathan and Ben advise listeners to treat test week like any other week of unhurried LSAT prep. Later, the guys explain why you shouldn’t skip tough questions. They shake their heads at UC Law SF’s solicitations. And they offer words of encouragement to a student who is concerned about how the elimination of Logic Games might impact their score. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 449 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:03 - April LSAT - Treat test week like any other practice week. Treat the official test like any other practice test. 6:35 - LSAT Demon Is Hiring - Want to join the team? LSAT Demon is hiring teachers and writers. Visit lsat.link/apply to submit your application. 7:47 - Skipping Questions - Listener Harry disagrees with Nathan and Ben’s advice not to skip or flag difficult questions. The guys clarify their position and reaffirm their mantra: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” 14:52 - Should I Quit My Job? - Ben and Nathan counsel listener Emna not to let law school admissions dictate an important career decision. 22:36 - UC Law San Francisco - Nathan scorns his alma mater’s pleas for more money. 30:12 - Is Law School the Right Path? - The best law students are fierce academic competitors. Applicants with low undergraduate GPAs should think long and hard before entering the fray. 42:05 - LG Study Schedule - Nathan and Ben describe their own study habits for Logic Games. 46:10 - LG Anxiety - An anonymous listener dreads losing the Logic Games after the June LSAT. Ben and Nathan encourage Anonymous to stay optimistic. 53:39 - Word of the Week - The best logic games are Daedalian puzzles.

Micah McCreary is an LSAT coach and law school admissions consultant through his company JurisPrep. He’s also a former LSAT Demon student and current 2L at Harvard Law School. Micah joins Ben and Nathan to share insights about the current admissions cycle, emphasizing the importance of a well-crafted diversity statement. The guys also discuss Micah’s experience at Harvard, the challenges of working in big law, and their shared focus on an accuracy-first approach to the LSAT. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 448 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:51 - Harvard Law School - Micah attended Harvard Law School virtually for his 1L year. He now appreciates the networking opportunities that come from attending law school in person. 8:52 - Big Law - Micah plans to work in corporate law, but he’s wary of the grueling hours and unrewarding assignments often faced by junior associates at big law firms. 17:32 - Don’t Pay for Law School - Micah shares the history and mission of JurisPrep, his LSAT and law school admissions consulting business. The guys explain the nuance behind the tagline “don’t pay for law school.” 27:13 - Ignore the Clock - Micah agrees with Ben and Nathan on their accuracy-first approach to the LSAT. They brainstorm ways for students to practice ignoring the clock when taking timed sections. 40:13 - Admissions Cycle - In an unusually slow admissions cycle, Micah has noticed that applicants with strong diversity statements have fared better than those without. 56:17 - Working While in Law School - Micah recommends that law students avoid working other jobs until after their 1L years. 1:05:49 - Words of the Week - Ben and Nathan proscribe LSAT gimmicks. They prescribe a commonsense approach that focuses on careful reading. 1:11:39 - Application Timing - Micah advises law school applicants to apply as early in the cycle as possible.

Two weeks ago, Ben and Nathan revealed a shadow ban targeting LSAT Demon on Reddit. The sole moderator of the r/LSAT subreddit, Graeme Blake from LSAT Hacks, responded with personal attacks and false accusations of “sockpuppeting.” He then banned LSAT Demon entirely. This week, Nathan and Ben recap the strange saga and question Graeme’s motives for attempting to silence LSAT Demon and its supporters. Later, the guys offer advice to a student who’s missing too many easy questions in Logical Reasoning. They correct a faulty approach to Logic Games. And they examine a possible case of T14 yield protection. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 447 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:47 - Reddit Ban - The guys break down the events leading to LSAT Demon’s ban on Reddit. 11:59 - Difficult LR Questions - Good news! You don’t need to get all the hard questions right to score well in Logical Reasoning. 17:38 - Missing Easier Questions - Listener Lawrence misses too many easy questions. Nathan and Ben instruct Lawrence to slow down and avoid making sloppy mistakes. 23:30 - Mastering LG - Logic Games are an opportunity, not an obstacle. Ben and Nathan advise an anonymous listener on how to master LG in time for the June LSAT. 29:30 - Waitlists and LOCIs - Listener Lauren has a stellar GPA and LSAT score, yet she was waitlisted at every school in the T14. The guys blame a combination of yield protection and bad luck. They encourage Lauren to write letters of continued interest and to reapply next year. 39:46 - GPA Addendum - Nathan and Ben recommend that listener Morgan write a brief GPA addendum to address some old grades. 44:28 - Admissions Course - Ben and Nathan invite you to join the waitlist for their law school admissions course. 46:26 - Word of the Week - Listener Kris provides a book recommendation for anyone with inchoate negotiation skills.

Testing accommodations are meant to give students with documented disabilities a fair shot. But recent LSAT scoring data suggests that the current time-and-a-half minimum might not level the playing field—it might give an unfair advantage to people with accommodations. Ben and Nathan discuss the problematic state of LSAT accommodations and what it means for students. Later, the guys weigh the costs and benefits of taking the test five times. They draft a short character and fitness addendum. And they urge students to avoid the comparison trap. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 446 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:26 - Aiming for 175 - You don’t get points for answering questions quickly. You get points for answering questions correctly. Nathan and Ben instruct listener Manan to slow down and focus on accuracy. 12:43 - Accommodations - Ben and Nathan probe the history of LSAT accommodations and question the fairness of the current system. Accommodated Test-Taker Trends (2017) The Department of Fair Employment and Housing v. Law School Admission Council Inc. 34:43 - Downside to Retaking? - Listener Finn worries that law schools will judge him harshly for taking the LSAT five times. Nathan and Ben assure Finn that law schools only care about his highest score. 40:46 - Character and Fitness Addendum - The guys help an anonymous listener draft a short addendum to address a minor character and fitness issue. 43:43 - GPA Addendum - Ben and Nathan advise listener Emme not to write a GPA addendum that risks victim signaling. 50:27 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon alumna Sierra says: “Don’t get too caught up on the numbers and how everyone else is doing.” 51:47 - Words of the Week - Only when LSAT teachers cease their obscurantism may they find absolution.

Love it or hate it, the r/LSAT subreddit is a popular forum for LSAT news and advice. Unfortunately, LSAT Demon students have been unable to engage fully with this community for almost a year. Their posts and comments about the Demon are secretly banned. Ben and Nathan recount the curious back story of LSAT Demon’s shadow ban on Reddit and ask for listeners’ advice. Later, the guys discuss upcoming changes to LSAT Writing. They share tips on becoming a gladiator of the English language. And they examine why some lawyers might be better off working in fast food. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 445 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:11 - Reddit Shadow Ban - The guys detail LSAT Demon’s shadow ban on the r/LSAT subreddit. Read more in their blog post and share your thoughts at help@thinkinglsat.com. 14:19 - Changes to LSAT Writing - Big changes are coming to LSAT Writing. Starting July 31, 2024, the section will feature a more open-ended essay prompt that asks writers to defend an original thesis. Ben and Nathan weigh in on the upcoming changes. 20:18 - Improving at English - Lawyers are gladiators of the English language. Nathan and Ben share a few tips on how to improve your reading and writing. 31:22 - Pearls vs. Turds - Despite what some LSAT “experts” say, there are no shortcuts to success in LSAT Reading Comprehension. If you want to improve in RC, you must improve your ability to read. 39:54 - Law vs. Fast Food - Not every lawyer makes big law money. But lawyers at least earn more than fast-food workers, right? Not necessarily. 46:49 - Informational Interviews - Ben and Nathan advise listener Michael on how to solicit and conduct informational interviews with practicing lawyers. 52:07 - Focus on Accuracy - Listener Grace faces challenges in transitioning to the LSAT Demon approach after switching from another prep company. Nathan and Ben encourage Grace to stick with it and to prioritize accuracy over section scores. 56:18 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Nick shares a pearl of wisdom: “Don’t tell everyone you know that you are taking the LSAT.” 1:01:14 - Word of the Week - If law schools would put the kibosh on their unfair pricing schemes, Ben and Nathan wouldn’t have to inveigh against them.

When Ben and Nathan say “the LSAT is easy,” it’s not to suggest that LSAT improvement comes effortlessly. This week, the guys elaborate on their motto. The LSAT becomes easy when you do it the Demon way. Later, the guys discuss strategies for negotiating scholarships with schools that claim not to engage in such discussions. They offer advice to a listener battling fatigue at the end of Reading Comprehension sections. And they urge a well-qualified applicant not to settle for a disappointing outcome this admissions cycle. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 444 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:18 - The LSAT Is Easy - Departing Demon Tatiana sends a message of support to her peers: “Keep showing up and don’t give up. Ben and Nathan are right—the LSAT is easy if you let it be.” 22:07 - Scholarship Negotiation - Some law schools claim not to negotiate scholarships. But every offer of admission opens the door to negotiation. Asking for more financial support carries no downside. 29:53 - RC Timing - Listener Jess asks how to tackle the fourth passage in Reading Comprehension with limited time on the clock. Ben and Nathan advise her to ignore the clock and to treat the final passage the same as any other. 34:03 - RC Fatigue - LSAT Demon student Cassidy is surprised by her fatigue at the end of Reading Comprehension sections. Nathan and Ben suspect that she’s reading too quickly. They urge her to slow down and focus on understanding. 42:16 - Go Now or Reapply? - Lauren was offered a stipend to attend WashU, but she’s disappointed by her offers from other top law schools. Ben and Nathan encourage Lauren to reapply next year and not to settle for less than she’s worth. 53:54 - Howard Law - Listener Morgan offers an explanation for Howard Law’s big law placement numbers, as discussed in Ep. 442: Don’t Become a Lawyer for the Money. 55:05 - Word of the Week - Thinking LSAT listeners invite opprobrium when they apply to law school without their best LSAT score.

What does it take to score 170 on the LSAT? A mastery of the English language, sharply honed reasoning skills, and a strong work ethic. But with the increasing trend of scores surpassing 170 in recent years, maybe we should now ask: What does it take to score 175? This week, Nathan and Ben explore the habits and traits of those who excel at the highest levels on the LSAT. The guys also contemplate the future of Logical Reasoning, delve deeper into law schools’ unjust pricing, and consider an unconventional transfer plan. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 443 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 8:46 - April LSAT Registration - An anonymous listener seeks guidance on whether to register for the April LSAT. Nathan and Ben are concerned by Anonymous’s relatively small amount of progress over a year of LSAT study.  21:06 - The Future of LR - Some people have speculated that Logical Reasoning will feature more “formal logic” and formulaic Must Be True questions when the logic games go away. Ben and Nathan don’t envision a drastic change. They point out that most LSAT questions are already Must Be Trues. 33:23 - What It Takes to Score 175 - Top LSAT scorers exhibit diligence, patience, and humility. 49:02 - FAFSA Delay - The Department of Education recently announced a five-month delay in processing the FAFSA. Nathan and Ben lament how loans are labeled “aid,” and they examine more evidence of law schools’ unfair pricing. 1:14:09 - Scholarship Data - Listener Spencer shares data from lsd.law that indicates that some schools’ scholarship decisions are based solely on LSAT and GPA. What’s the takeaway? One LSAT point could save you tens of thousands of dollars. 1:17:43 - Transfer Down? - An anonymous listener considers transferring to a lower-ranked law school for a better scholarship and lower level of academic competition. Ben and Nathan propose an alternative: dropping out entirely. 1:29:00 - Tips from a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Rick suggests ditching your timelines and embracing a slow-and-steady approach to LSAT improvement. 1:29:57 - Word of the Week - Listener Kate is no milquetoast.

Many prospective lawyers dream of big law salaries. Far fewer achieve them. Ben and Nathan examine the disappointing reality of big law placement at non-elite law schools and insist that money is a terrible reason to pursue a legal career. The guys also warn listeners not to let application accoutrements distract from the LSAT. They reject a backward approach to Logical Reasoning. And they denounce law schools’ unfair pricing practices. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 442 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:16 - Focus on the LSAT - Listener Tony asks whether to highlight his masters thesis in his law school personal statement. Nathan and Ben tell Tony to bake his cake before he worries about frosting it. 13:51 - Grade Change - Persistence pays off for an anonymous listener in their campaign to change an A- to an A. 17:20 - Pearls vs. Turds - An LSAT Demon student finds a pearl of LSAT wisdom in an RC passage about the memory-altering effects of leading questions. 26:28 - Do LR Backward? - Ben and Nathan advise listener Madison to un-reverse her approach to Logical Reasoning. 31:47 - Big Law Placement - The guys question law schools’ self-reported data on big law placement. Outside of a few top schools, career outcomes for law school graduates are wildly uncertain. Your best bet is to attend a school where your scholarship sets you up to compete at the top of the class. 55:00 - Apply Broadly - An anonymous listener considers an accelerated JD-MBA program at their local university. Nathan and Ben unequivocally reject this option. They encourage Anonymous to apply broadly and to avoid law schools’ cash grabs. 1:10:14 - Don’t Do It for Money - Ben and Nathan urge listener Zeek not to let the prospect of a big paycheck lure him into big law. Chasing money is not a good reason to become a lawyer. 1:17:28 - Tip From a Departing Demon - LSAT Demon student Nathaniel shares his key to LSAT success: “Drill, drill, drill!” 1:18:37 - Word of the Week - Macropterous ostriches flocked to us.

Ben and Nathan address a frequently asked question: “Why the name LSAT Demon?” The name’s origin aligns with their belief that every LSAT question can be solved with certainty. Later, the guys critique some shortsighted advice for Logical Reasoning. They also explore strategies for negotiating scholarships, and they discuss a rare exception to their advice not to pay for law school. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 441 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:35 - January LSAT Scores - Listener Josie asks how to bounce back from a disappointing score on the January LSAT. Ben and Nathan pinpoint a problem with Josie’s mindset: too much concern for the clock and the calendar. 16:06 - Laplace’s Demon - The guys reveal the origin of the name LSAT Demon and its relevance to their teaching philosophy. 22:27 - Pearls vs. Turds - How important are question types in Logical Reasoning? Should you skip Parallel Reasoning questions for the sake of time? Nathan and Ben offer their insights. 42:11 - Reviewing Logic Games - Ben and Nathan discuss how to review and learn from mistakes in Logic Games. Hear Demon teachers Matt and Erik share their perspectives in LSAT Demon Daily Ep. 614: How to Review Logic Games. 47:47 - Accepted to Yale - Don’t pay for law school. But does this principle hold true even for Yale? Nathan and Ben weigh the costs and benefits of attending the most prestigious law school in the country. 56:49 - Scholarship Negotiation - The first and most important step of scholarship negotiation is to ask for what you want. As Jonea Gordon explains in Ep. 437, nothing bad comes from doing so. 1:05:56 - Comparing Scholarship Offers - Ben and Nathan help listener Leon pick between competing offers from two Florida law schools. 1:16:54 - Words of the Week - It would be impolitic to delimit cost as an ostensibly extraneous factor in picking a law school. 1:25:08 - Book Recommendations - The guys chat about the books they’ve been reading. 1:34:27 - Tips from a Departing Demon - Demon student Erik encourages current students: “Don’t stop, give up, or leave any points on the table.”

Nathan is joined by Maya Russell, chair of the Pre-Law Advisor National Council, for an insightful discussion of the law school admissions process. Maya provides expert analysis of the rapidly changing admissions landscape, highlights common mistakes made by law school applicants, and outlines key questions to ask when deciding where to apply and attend. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 440 Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 3:09 - Application Timing - In a recent study focusing on application timing, AccessLex found that historically underrepresented applicants who apply early tend to have better admissions chances than those who apply late. Nathan and Ben acknowledge the findings, but they’re unconvinced by AccessLex’s methodology and recommendations. The guys express their concerns about the study and about law school pipeline programs in general. 25:08 - Maya Russell, Pre-Law Advisor - Maya Russell is a pre-law advisor at Furman University and chair of the Pre-Law Advisor National Council (PLANC). Maya recounts her path to becoming a pre-law advisor and describes what the job entails. 45:06 - Law School Scholarships - Maya and Nathan agree that law school is overpriced and that applicants should seek the best merit scholarships available to them. They discuss how successful applicants prioritize GPA before LSAT, apply broadly, and evaluate the potential return on their investment before committing to a law school. 1:11:02 - Admissions Advice - Maya encourages patience during this unusually slow application cycle. She attributes the slowdown primarily to last year’s Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and suggests that law schools are testing new ways to attract and admit a diverse pool of applicants. Maya and Nathan consider the long-term impact of the SCOTUS decision. And they caution applicants not to be in such a rush to attend law school. 1:39:48 - LSAT Alternatives - Some law schools now accept LSAT alternatives, like the GRE or JD-Next. Maya believes that most applicants should stick with the LSAT. 1:46:43 - LSAT Writing - Maya explains why law schools may start paying closer attention to applicants’ LSAT Writing samples. She warns listeners to read applications carefully for restrictions on the use of AI. 1:50:56 - Medical Disclosures - Maya urges applicants to keep their medical histories out of their personal statements. 2:00:15 - Words of the Week - LSAT advice is often deranged. Ben and Nathan aim to elucidate the test.

Law school doesn’t have an age limit. But older applicants be warned: law isn’t a fallback career. This week, Nathan and Ben beseech listeners of all ages to examine their motivations for pursuing law school. Later, the guys consider some students’ contention that Logic Games on the January LSAT were unusually difficult. They share tips for LSAT study groups. And they clear up a misunderstanding regarding LSAC’s GPA calculations. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 439 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:18 - JD Advantage Jobs - In Episode 437, data privacy expert Jonea Gordon described how her legal background contributed to her success in jobs that don’t require a JD. Ben and Nathan nonetheless maintain that law school should be pursued by those who intend to practice law. 16:10 - Too Old for Law School? - Listener Melissa wants to make a career change, but she worries that she’s too old for law school. Nathan and Ben assure Melissa that her age isn’t an obstacle. They also counsel her not to treat law as a fallback career. 21:41 - January LSAT Logic Games - Some test takers thought that the January LSAT featured especially difficult Logic Games. Nathan and Ben aren’t surprised—they hear this complaint after almost every LSAT. 25:49 - Study Groups - Ben and Nathan advise LSAT Demon student Cameren on how to structure his study group sessions. 29:18 - Grade Change - The guys correct some misinformation regarding LSAC’s grading policy for Pass/Fail grades. In most cases, a “P” on an applicant’s transcript will not be included in LSAC’s GPA calculation. 37:49 - Tips from a Departing Demon - Departing LSAT Demon student Tara shares her advice for other LSAT students: study so much! 39:09 - Words of the Week - Ice on Mars sublimes to vapor. To this we ascribe the planet’s lack of liquid water.

The LSAT is a test of reasoning skills. But the best lawyers often go beyond reason—they set unreasonable goals and work unreasonable hours to attain them. If you have dreams of attending a top law school, you should embrace a similar level of commitment. This week, Ben and Nathan discuss how your work ethic impacts your success on the LSAT, in law school, and throughout your legal career. Later, the guys share tips for managing test anxiety. They critique a misguided approach to studying Logic Games. And they contemplate the biggest risks that the world faces in 2024. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 438 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:41 - What’s My LSAT Potential? - Don’t limit yourself to a “reasonable” score increase. Your LSAT potential comes down to how hard you’re willing to work. 19:15 - Test Anxiety - The guys discuss strategies for overcoming test-day nerves and treating the official test like an ordinary practice test. 29:21 - Overconfident and Underprepared - Listener Erica was surprised by how much she struggled with the Logic Games on the January LSAT. Ben and Nathan find an obvious flaw in Erica’s study routine: too much reading and not enough real practice. 36:36 - Survey Flaws - Nathan and Ben discuss the results of a survey about the top global risks in 2024. The guys list some of the most common survey flaws that appear on the LSAT. 1:00:36 - Worlds - Nathan quotes the No Stupid Questions podcast to describe LSAT Demon’s worlds-first approach to Logic Games: “mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive.” 1:13:50 - Optional Essays - Ben and Nathan explain why “optional” essays  should be treated as mandatory if you want your application to shine. 1:16:24 - First-Gen Students - Listener Madison asks whether first-generation students have any advantage in law school admissions. 1:18:22 - LSAT Writing - Nathan and Ben break down how to approach the LSAT Writing section. 1:23:35 - Words of the Week - The guys aren’t being cantankerous, they’re just trying to galvanize you.

Jonea Gordon left her job as a lawyer and quadrupled her salary. She’s now a data privacy expert who has worked with some of the biggest tech companies in the world on issues like artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Jonea joins Ben to share the story of her career, offer advice on networking and negotiation, and explain why her experience as a litigator remains invaluable to her work in tech. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 437 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:56 - Expectations vs. Reality in Legal Practice - Jonea recounts her path to legal practice and her discovery that litigation wasn’t right for her. 23:44 - From Law to Tech - Jonea prefers her work in data privacy to the toil of legal practice. But she doesn’t regret becoming an attorney. Jonea describes how the skills she honed as a litigator remain crucial to her work in tech. 33:51 - Networking - Jonea shares simple networking techniques that she used to advance and transform her career. 44:38 - Negotiation - Jonea encourages listeners to overcome their fear of negotiation and to advocate for themselves. As her career shows, good things happen to those who ask for what they want. 53:32 - Connect with Jonea - Jonea invites listeners to connect with her on her website or on social media @joneagordon_esq. 54:58 - LSAT Experimental Sections - Nathan and Ben discuss why test takers are unlikely to see Logic Games on future experimental sections. 1:07:34 - Words of the Week - Here’s some avuncular advice: beware of anomie in the legal profession.

Many applicants face a dilemma at this point in the admissions cycle: Do they settle for a mediocre LSAT score and uninspiring scholarship offers? Or do they retake the LSAT and reapply next year? To Ben and Nathan, the choice is clear. There’s too much upside and too little downside not to take the long-term approach. Later, the guys explain why common sense trumps formal logic on the LSAT. They speculate that the LSAT will soon increase in difficulty. And they discuss the proper use of law school rankings. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 436 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:45 - How to Start Studying - After a five-year break from the LSAT, listener Ellen asks how to restart her studies. Nathan and Ben answer simply: begin with one question. 5:26 - Retake and Reapply - Listener Dale believes that he can improve upon his official 166, but he fears that his parents won't support his decision to retake and reapply next cycle. Ben and Nathan recommend patience. The beginning of your legal career is too important to rush. 16:22 - Formal Logic - The guys assure listener Alexis that the LSAT requires no knowledge of formal logic. It just takes common sense. For more, watch LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 384: Formal Logic. 23:31 - No Gimmicks - An LSAT Demon student seeks time-saving strategies based on trends in correct-answer distribution for certain question types. The problem? Those trends don’t exist. 31:40 - Will the LSAT Get Harder? - Nathan and Ben suspect that the LSAT may soon become more difficult—but not because the Logic Games are going away. 38:05 - Law School Rankings - Ben and Nathan suggest that applicants use law school rankings to help build a list of target schools, not to decide which school to attend. 49:00 - Success Story - A proud dad thanks the LSAT Demon team for helping his family save $250,000. 53:23 - Don’t Go to Law School Unless… - The guys congratulate LSAT Demon student Alex for deciding not to go to law school. 58:44 - Words of the Week - Those who recoil from new words may find their antipathy to vocabulary inimical to the inauguration of a legal career.

Happy New Year! Nathan and Ben kick off 2024 with New Year’s resolutions for LSAT students. The guys also discuss whether nontraditional applicants face a disadvantage in law school admissions. They endorse a slow-and-steady approach to Reading Comprehension. And they assess the LSAT timelines of listeners who may miss out on Logic Games. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 435 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 1:02 - New Year’s Resolutions - The guys propose some New Year’s resolutions for LSAT students. 14:28 - Nontraditional Applicants - “Nontraditional” applicants aren’t disadvantaged in law school admissions. Law schools often prefer students with work experience.  23:11 - Test Schedule - Listener Timothy wants to take the LSAT before the Logic Games go away, but his practice test scores fall short of what he needs for the T14. Ben and Nathan urge Timothy not to rush his timeline. 28:59 - Pearls vs. Turds - Listener Sneha was told to attempt only the first three passages in Reading Comprehension. Can ignoring the final passage lead to better scores in RC? 44:08 - Conservatives in Law School - An anonymous listener worries that they’ll be treated differently in law school because of their conservative political views. But law schools aren’t as liberal as people think. 54:24 - Accommodations Listener Jackson was granted extra time for the LSAT. But with the accommodation has come an unexpected challenge: a temptation to overthink certain questions. Nathan and Ben counsel Jackson to ease up on his perfectionism and to practice gratitude for his LSAT achievements. 1:00:15 - Letters of Recommendation - Nathan and Ben help listener Finn decide who to ask for a professional letter of recommendation. 1:04:05 - LG or No LG? - Logic Games is currently Susan’s weakest section—should she wait to take the LSAT without games? Ben and Nathan encourage Susan not to give up on LG. 1:08:51 - Words of the Week - Eschew unnecessarily redundant tautologies.

Ben and Nathan address a listener’s concerns about his stagnant test scores, providing guidance for improvement. Also on the show, the guys share insights on how to inform impatient family members about the reality of law school admissions. They express support for online law school. And they discuss the decades-long trend of undergraduate GPA inflation. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 434 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:02 - Family Pressure - An anonymous listener is patiently pursuing a 170+ LSAT score, but their parents are hounding them to apply this cycle. Nathan and Ben suggest LSAT Demon Parent’s Night among other ways to educate family members about the law school admissions game. 6:04 - An Hour a Day - After improving his score by 20 points, listener Nate feels that he has reached a plateau. Ben and Nathan challenge Nate to remain consistent in his study schedule and to prioritize reviewing his mistakes. 18:55 - Online Law School - Nathan and Ben are proponents of online education—including online law school. They advise applicants to do their due diligence in selecting a school that’s right for their career goals. 25:13 - Sufficient Assumptions - The guys explain how to reliably predict answers to Sufficient Assumption questions in Logical Reasoning. 31:11 - RC Timing - Improving in Reading Comprehension isn’t a matter of timing, it’s a matter of understanding. Ben and Nathan urge a student to slow down and focus on accuracy. 34:40 - Grade Inflation - Law schools’ GPA medians ticked upward during the pandemic. Will they come back down? The guys review a recent New York Times article on undergraduate grade inflation and find no reason to expect that the trend will change. 42:41 - Applying Broadly - Nathan and Ben advise listener Brad on how to build a broad list of target schools with help from the LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator. 46:13 - Vocabulary Corner - Be rapacious for a better LSAT score.

Feared by some, loathed by others, “yield protection” remains a steadfast reality in law school admissions. This week, Nathan and Ben discuss why law schools justifiably use yield-protecting strategies in admissions. The guys also share the story of a listener who successfully petitioned their college to expunge a semester of failing grades. They compare law schools’ debt-to-income ratios for recent graduates. And they offer practical tips to a student seeking ways to avoid underperformance on test day. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 433 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 2:26 - Word of the Week - Avoid zoonotic diseases like the plague. 5:24 - Appeals - Persistence pays off. Ben and Nathan hear from a listener who convinced their community college to withdraw a semester of failing grades. They also discuss another listener’s successful appeal to LSAC for a fee waiver. The conversation then shifts to considering the chances of an international student procuring an extra test attempt. 18:48 - Debt-to-Income Ratio - In a recent blog post, a Notre Dame law professor compares the median debt-to-income ratios of recent graduates from different law schools. Nathan and Ben explain why the numbers are even more alarming than they first appear. 30:38 - Yield Protection - Ben and Nathan react to—and mostly agree with—Dean Z’s explanation of yield protection. Every facet of the admissions process is part of a negotiation over how much you’ll pay for law school. 56:26 - Scoring Below PTs - LSAT Demon student Katie scored significantly lower than her practice test average on her official test. The guys describe some common causes of underperformance on test day, and they instruct Katie to treat the official LSAT like any other practice test. This topic is featured in LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 690: Don’t Let Test Anxiety Become an Excuse. 1:02:21 - Senior Year Grades - Yes, K-JDs have to maintain good grades in their senior year of undergrad. 1:05:52 - LOR Timeline - Listener Pat plans to apply to law school in 2025. Nathan and Ben agree that getting a head start on requesting letters of recommendation is a wise move.

Another one bites the dust. Ben and Nathan bid adieu to Golden Gate University School of Law, which will end its JD program in May. Unfortunately, eliminating one law school doesn’t fix the problem of having too many law schools. Also on the show, the guys simplify Reading Comprehension for an overthinker. They counsel some downcast listeners on how to bounce back from a disappointing LSAT. And they weigh the admissions value of work experience versus GPA. LSAT Demon LSAT Demon iOS App LSAT Demon Daily Watch Episode 432 on YouTube Thinking LSAT YouTube LSAT Demon YouTube 4:07 - Word of the Week - The guys look up a melange of words. 7:08 - Goodbye, Golden Gate - Ben and Nathan react to the news that Golden Gate University will soon discontinue its JD program. 22:40 - Stop Overthinking RC - Nathan and Ben condense Reading Comprehension down to two essential questions: What did the passage say? What’s the author’s main point? The guys instruct a listener to forget question types in RC and treat them all as Must Be Trues. 38:27 - Recovering from a Low Score - Listeners seek guidance on how to bounce back from a disappointing LSAT. The guys discuss a key to overcoming test anxiety. 50:06 - Scholarship Estimator - Listener Shane is perplexed by his results in the LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator. Ben and Nathan dig into the numbers and assess Shane’s scholarship chances. 54:02 - Work Experience vs. GPA - Listener Donald hopes that his extensive work experience in academia will offset his low undergraduate GPA. Nathan and Ben prepare Donald to apply broadly and to walk away from bad offers. 1:01:09 - Low Score Fears - The guys assure a worried student that law schools really only care about your highest LSAT score. 1:03:27 - Retake a 173? - Listener Alexander is ready to declare victory over the LSAT with a 173, but Nathan and Ben see no downside to retaking. They push Alexander to get greedy. 1:09:35 - Shoutout - LSAT Demon student Kayla thanks Demon teacher Beth for helping her improve her LSAT score by over 25 points. Listen to Beth’s own LSAT success story on LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 321.