Learn to Love the LSAT (Ep. 475)

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The most successful LSAT students are the ones who love the test—but finding that love can be challenging. This week, Ben and Erik discuss why positive self-talk is vital to your relationship with the LSAT. Later, the guys criticize law schools’ moratorium on AI use for applications. They explore possible causes of score variance. And they help a listener navigate family pressure to apply before they’re ready.

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5:35 - Learn to Love the LSAT

Listener Lani wants to love the LSAT, but she’s frustrated by her slow progress. Erik and Ben encourage Lani to adjust her mindset. They recommend a scaled-back study schedule that focuses on drilling instead of timed practice.

15:48 - AI and Applications

Law schools have taken different stances on whether applicants can use AI while preparing their applications.

25:06 - Losing Momentum

An anonymous listener worries that they’re losing momentum after a hot start to their LSAT journey. Ben and Erik assure Anon that progress is rarely linear.

31:15 - Score Variance

Erik and Ben explain what causes score variance and why it’s perfectly normal to score in a broad range.

36:36 - 20-Point Underperformance

An anonymous listener underperformed their practice tests by 20 points on the September LSAT. Ben and Erik try to figure out what went wrong.

41:00 - Family Pressure to Apply

An anonymous listener faces parental pressure to apply to law school this year, but they’d rather retake and apply next cycle. Erik and Ben invite Anonymous’s parents to visit lsat.link/parents to learn how they can support their child’s LSAT journey.

48:53 - URM Bump

It’s too early to know whether minority applicants will continue to receive a “URM bump” in law school admissions.

55:11 - Tips from a Departing Demon

LSAT Demon Josh says: “When reading the passage, I often look away from the text and think about what I just read.”

58:50 - Word of the Week

Thinking LSAT listeners are adroit at the LSAT.