How to Answer "Except" Questions (Ep. 410)
Beginning with the August LSAT, certain key words like “except” will be presented in lowercase bold rather than ALL CAPS. On this week’s episode, Ben and Nathan react to the change and give a crash course on how to approach these types of questions. The guys also discuss another perspective on affirmative action in college admissions, celebrate LSAT Demon students’ successes on the June LSAT, and implore listeners to turn off the clock while taking timed practice tests.
1:45 - Affirmative Action
The guys discuss a New York Times opinion piece about the shortcomings of affirmative action for most college students.
25:06 - Changes to “Except” Questions
Nathan and Ben explain why they like the change to the presentation of “except” questions on the LSAT. They then share some tips on how to approach these types of questions.
40:26 - June LSAT Score Release
Listeners share their success stories from the June LSAT.
43:31 - Turn Off the Clock
Listener Ikey blames his inconsistency in RC for his disappointing score on the June LSAT. Ben and Nathan remind Ikey that it’s okay not to finish the section. Ikey should turn off the clock and commit to solving every question that he attempts.
50:31 - Ignore Game Types
Listener Steven’s habit of skipping “circle” games in his prep came back to haunt him on the June LSAT. Nathan and Ben encourage Steven to ignore game types and treat every logic game as a solvable puzzle.
57:58 - Full Rides and Stipends
Listener Parker asks for help assessing whether his local law school awards stipends in addition to full-tuition scholarships. The guys dig into the ABA 509 data, but they implore Parker to apply broadly and not to bank on a great offer from a single school.
1:12:39 - Don’t Skip Questions
Listener Angelica was taught to skip certain games and question types. Ben and Nathan reject this approach. They advise Angelica to answer the questions in order and not to worry about “pacing” strategies.
1:24:51 - Personal Statement Topic
Listener Jane worries that her law firm work experience is too generic to write about in her personal statement. Nathan and Ben assure Jane that “generic” isn’t a problem for law schools, who are in the business of producing Big Law worker bees.
1:31:13 - 3+3 Programs
The guys warn listeners against 3+3 programs that lock you into law school after only three years of undergrad.
1:37:39 - School Visits
Ben and Nathan advise listener Caleb to delay his law school visits until after he’s received his scholarship offers.
1:47:28 - Patent Law
Listener Jay asks whether it’s worth it to take some science classes as a step toward working in patent law. Nathan and Ben suggest that Jay instead find work in a law office to gauge his actual interest in legal practice.