Are the Logic Games Changing Forever? (Ep. 355)
Love ’em or hate ’em, LSAT logic games—as we know them—are not long for this world. While the future of the games is uncertain, some June test takers were given a sneak peak at possible changes to come. Nathan and Ben discuss the lawsuit that prompted redevelopment of the LSAT’s Analytical Reasoning section and reminisce about the old days of paper testing. The guys then debunk an LSAT myth in another episode of Pearls vs. Turds. They share a helpful tip from a TED talk. And to wrap up, they answer listener questions about grad GPAs, résumés, and diagnostic tests.
As always, if you like the show and want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben.
6.29.2022 — June LSAT scores released
6.30.2022 — August LSAT registration deadline
7.26.2022 — September LSAT registration deadline
8.12.2022 — August LSAT begins
8.31.2022 — August LSAT scores released
9.9.2022 — September LSAT begins
9.28.2022 — September LSAT scores released
08:11 - Are the Logic Games Changing?
The June LSAT featured a different kind of experimental section for many test takers. Several students described the experimental section as consisting of rules with questions followed by a survey asking whether and how they used their scratch paper. Ben and Nathan speculate that the new experimental section may be a means for LSAC to research future changes to the Logic Games section. The guys discuss the settlement of a lawsuit that alleged the games were discriminatory toward blind students, and they debate whether visual diagrams are really necessary to solve logic games.
43:12 - Pearls vs. Turds
This week’s Pearls vs. Turds submission comes from a listener who heard a bit of questionable advice from an independent LSAT tutor. Is it true that the September and October LSATs are easier than those administered in other months? The guys debunk this myth and explain that the LSAT is scaled, not curved.
Scoreboard: 17 pearls, 62 turds, 24 ties
Got a Pearls vs. Turds candidate? Email help@thinkinglsat.com
46:47 - A Tip for Getting Straight A’s
Ben shares a clip from a TED talk that provides a helpful tip for getting good grades and increasing productivity in general. After years of struggling in school, the speaker describes the marginal adjustments he made to increase his focus and productivity and become a straight-A student.
52:51 - Building Your Law School Résumé
Demon student Cassandra plans to attend graduate school while studying for the LSAT. She asks whether her graduate GPA will count more or less than her undergraduate GPA when she applies to law school. She also wonders whether she should get a job to build her résumé. Nathan and Ben advise Cassandra to reconsider pursuing a master’s degree before law school. Only undergraduate GPAs are factored into law school admissions formulas. The guys do recommend getting a job before law school, but it should be to gain experience in the field, not just to build your law school résumé.
1:06:08 - Diagnostic Test
An anonymous Demon student reaches out to ask how they should prepare for their first practice LSAT. Ben and Nathan recommend taking a cold diagnostic test. Read the instructions at the beginning of the section, and then start carefully working on the questions one at a time. There is no better way to familiarize yourself with the test than by practicing real LSAT questions.