Why Did I Score Lower on Test Day? (Ep. 462)
Every LSAT score release day leaves some frustrated test takers wondering: “Why did I score so much lower than on my practice tests?” This week, Nathan and Ben discuss the number one reason why some people underperform on test day. The guys also celebrate listeners’ success on the June LSAT. They question the viability of applying to law school with a GRE score but no LSAT. And they express a wish for American law schools to adopt the more equitable tuition practices of their Canadian counterparts.
3:21 - Keep Studying?
Listener John fell short of his goal score on the June LSAT—his last shot at a test that included Logic Games, his best section. Should he keep studying for the August test, or is it time for John to declare victory over the LSAT?
8:29 - Reapply
Listener Carlos applied to law school earlier this cycle, but he improved his LSAT score substantially in June. Ben and Nathan encourage Carlos to withdraw his applications and reapply this fall.
12:10 - Test Day Struggles
Test takers who change their approach on test day are likely to underperform. Solution? Relax and treat the official test just like any practice test.
16:18 - LSAT Writing
LSAT Writing is changing soon. But if you’ve already completed LSAT Writing, there’s no need to retake it.
17:29 - Canadian Law Schools
Nathan and Ben argue that Canadian law schools are more civilized in how they approach pricing and scholarships. Canadian applicants should still weigh the costs and benefits of paying for law school.
29:55 - Turn Off the Clock
How do you stop worrying about the clock in Reading Comprehension? Turn off the clock. Speed will come naturally when you focus on understanding one sentence at a time.
39:13 - GRE or LSAT?
An anonymous listener wonders whether their high GRE score could allow them to bypass the LSAT. However, law schools’ ABA 509 reports suggest that very few students are admitted without LSAT scores.
45:31 - Letters of Recommendation
Some older applicants struggle to acquire academic letters of recommendation. Nathan and Ben suggest some alternatives.
49:42 - Tips from a Departing Demon
“I got so much from reviewing missed questions that I started reviewing correct ones also, which I believe enhanced my learning.”
52:24 - Words of the Week
The doddering professor developed a mercurial temper as he fell further out of touch with his young students.