Personal Statement Pitfalls (Ep. 499)
Back by popular demand, Ben and Nathan kick off the return of Thinking LSAT’s personal statement review segment with a listener's personal statement that had strong subject material. But the statement quickly strays into the weeds, and Ben and Nathan “ring the gong.”
Then Ben and Nathan emphasize the importance of securing a full scholarship to minimize risk during employment contraction. They also reassure a listener that reapplying with a higher LSAT score won’t hurt her chances. Later, they offer advice on effective LSAT review strategies and discuss the value of LSAT skills beyond the test. Ben and Nathan caution against Seton Hall’s 3+3 program and programs like it.
0:27 - The Risk of Law School Debt
Bobby shares a blog post highlighting the risks of taking on law school debt. Ben and Nathan discuss how law schools have evolved from para-professional training programs into elite “finishing schools” detached from the realities of legal practice. This shift has contributed to skyrocketing student debt. As economists warn of a potential recession, history suggests that the legal job market may suffer just as it did during the 2008 financial crisis. The guys reference a piece by Karen Sloan that paints a grim picture of recent law school graduate employment, potentially signaling tougher times ahead. Their advice? Avoid the risk—attend law school only if you secure a full-tuition scholarship.
28:52 - Reapplying Next Cycle
Alice originally applied to law schools with an LSAT score below the medians of her top choices. Following Demon’s advice, she retook the LSAT to improve her score before reapplying. Now, she worries that reapplying to schools that previously accepted her might hurt her chances of securing a scholarship. Nathan and Ben reassure her that law schools will treat her new application independently and that reapplying won’t be held against her. They commend her decision to wait a year to maximize her scholarship opportunities.
33:31 - How Do I Review?
Alanna feels like she’s spinning her wheels and isn’t sure how to review effectively. The guys remind her that most mistakes stem from simple misreading. True learning happens when concepts “click” because you’ve uncovered the logic you previously overlooked. They encourage her to focus on understanding the reasoning behind the correct answers rather than just memorizing explanations.
45:31 - Use Scholarships to Motivate Your Study
A student making solid progress on the LSAT expresses a loss in motivation. Ben and Nathan remind her that LSAT prep builds essential skills for a legal career—if she isn’t enjoying the process, she should seriously consider whether law is the right path. They also warn that while a 155 might be enough for admission, it’s unlikely to secure a scholarship. They suggest using the goal of a full-ride scholarship as motivation to keep improving her score.
51:04 - LSAT Skills Are Transferable
Departing Demon James reflects on the invaluable skills he gained from studying for the LSAT.
52:43 - Personal Statement Segment
Ben and Nathan review Jeremiah’s personal statement. While his topic is compelling, they note that the statement quickly shifts away from the “personal” aspect, getting lost in the story's context.
1:04:43 - What’s the Deal With Seton Hall?
A student asks about Seton Hall’s 3+3 program, but Ben and Nathan caution against it, arguing that such programs lock students into paying full tuition before they can explore other law school options. They also criticize Seton Hall’s continued use of predatory conditional scholarships. However, they acknowledge that Seton Hall’s part-time program is a smart choice for students who want to work while attending law school.
1:52:34 - Word of the Week
“In that construct, the strong performance of the few can obfuscate the mediocrity of the many.”