Congratulations on passing the exam lawschooladviceguy !!! I'm really happy you took the time and made another video for us. Your advice has really helped me out and I'm sure I'm not the only one here who has benefited from your videos. Thank you so much and again, CONGRATULATIONS!
Quick follow up to the video. Someone asked me about the essay section, since I don't mention it in the video. Honestly, I think its more of a formality than anything else. I can't say for sure how its assessed or utilized, but I think its more just to see that you can write coherently and at least formulate some kind of logical argument. But I wouldn't waste time studying or prepping for it. I never looked at a single one before test day, but thats just me.
I definitely think so. Approaching the exam with the right mindset can make all the difference. And even if it only yields an extra 2 or 3 questions right, that can still be the difference between acceptance and rejection, or the difference between paying full sticker price and getting a 20K scholarship. Each point is so important.
Literally I've been so nervous about law school considering I've wanted to be a teacher my whole life and recently realized it wasn't for me and law school is more in my future. These videos are super helpful and calming me down a lot so thank you :)
One last question: Do you think it is harmful or bad to practice logic games on blank sheets of paper rather than to keep re-printing them over and over. They give you 2 sheets now on the real test, so I figured it wouldn't make that much of a difference. Did you use actual copies of LGs when you did your prep. Also how many LGs did you do would you say. Thanks again! It means the world!
I always liked client service, and working with clients to counsel and guide them through issues and problems. I always really liked that kind of interaction. I also really enjoy thinking through complex intellectual problems and logical puzzles. On top of that, I have always been more than a little bit neurotic when it comes to details and organization. So it seemed like a logical fit for me.
+Anthony Thompson Hi Anthony! This is Sean, and I'm a student rep at Blueprint LSAT Prep. I'm not sure if you've taken the exam already, but I'd say this sort of thing really depends on your learning style. There are tons of prep materials out there for self-study types, but a class can provide the structure you need to learn how to beat the exam quickly and efficiently. A stellar, engaging curriculum can really provide you with the edge you need to excel on the exam, and it's definitely something to consider before you start prepping. If you're interested, I recommend creating a free account with us, and checking out our Free Tour! Our Free Tour is a 45 minute intro video detailing how we teach each section of the exam, and it will give you a great idea of what to expect from a course with us. You can create an account by clicking the 'Login' button at the top right of our website, blueprintlsat.com. If you have any questions for me, please don't hesitate to ask!
Most prep courses work the practice tests into the curriculum. And even the courses that are in the weeks before the test will give you the last week or so to yourself so that you can take practice tests on the homestretch. I wouldn't take a prep course that ends months before the test, since you want the info fresh in your mind
I probably took somewhere between 20 and 30 actual, timed tests. It was the majority of what I did over the final month of preparation. I would take the timed exam in the morning, and then spend the afternoon reviewing the test, and studying whatever needed improvement. You don't need to do ALL logic games released to do well. But I would do many of them, especially the more modern ones, which are more representative of the test's substance. Keep in mind that it has been 8 years since I took the LSAT so there are MANY more tests and practice questions available. Much of the material I myself used to prep is now obsolete.
Thank you so much. I honestly watched all your videos and you've been such a big help. I'd never thought you'd reply. I am eternally grateful and hope you are doing well. Thank you again!
English Learner As in my other comment, I dont disclose specifically where I went to school, other than to say it was a top 10 school. I currently work in a large biglaw-style firm, and have for a few years now.
I don't think LSAT is too great a predictor of law school success. Some of the concepts are certainly applicable, but the test itself looks nothing like what you will encounter in law school itself
Thank you so much for your insight and the videos! The section i struggle the most on is RC, given that I have a science degree we didn't do much of that in our classes. If you have any tips on how to improve in that section, apart from what you said in the video i would appreciate it.
+WeSnapple I haven't tutored LSAT in a few years, so I'm not sure how it has changed recently. The general idea is to start with the oldest tests that are still sufficiently similar to the current tests. So it may make sense to start with tests from 5 or 6 years ago, when the test was somewhat similar, and work your way forward, doing the newest tests toward the end. Or you can mix them up as you go. Just make sure you have some very recent tests for the homestretch of your preparation
hi, thanks for the videos. I'm studying for the LSAT and besides getting a good LSAT score my big concern is paying for law school. how many times did you take the LSAT and 2) did you work during law school?
+Diana Mos I only took the LSAT once, but I took it early enough in the cycle that I would have had enough time for a 2nd shot had I needed it. Its a bad idea to bank on the December test with the intent to apply immediately after, since you are banking on getting a good score on the first shot. Its a good goal to hope for, but plan for the contingencies. I worked part time once I was a 3L but that was it. During 1L, I really suggest not working at all if possible (assuming you are in a full-time program). That first year is SO important, and will essentially determine your career trajectory (since much hiring is done based on 1L grades). As a result, it requires a high amount of time, energy, and focus.
+lawschooladviceguy thank you very much for the quick response. I've been going back and forth about going to Law school, primarily because of the cost but finally decided to go ahead and do it. I was banking on taking it in December since the school I'd like to attend( and think I have a good shot at getting accepted into) accepts up until the June test for Fall entrance (weird Huh). So I'll have another chance to retake it if there's a need
Substantively, not at all. But some of the skills are generally applicable. Reading comprehension is particularly key in law school, so there is obvious carryover there. As for logical reasoning, you sometimes find yourself applying the tricks and methods you learn. Legal opinions are often just rhetorical devices, and you can dissect it in a coldly logical sort of way. For example, "Justice X's conclusion would have followed even more strongly if X had been established." Isolating the conclusion, and analyzing how it relates to the premises is an important exercise in law school, and thats certainly something that is emphasized on the LSAT. But again, its only "similar" in a very abstract, general sense.
Darien G if you would like to discuss anything privately, feel free to send me a private message through youtube. I believe you can send a private message by going to my channel page and clicking the about tab. That should give you the option of sending me a message.
Hey man I love your videos! Always honest and to the point.I am an incoming freshman in college, and I was considering taking the LSAT in my first year just to see how I do, and where I rank. I plan on studying for it, but I was just wondering if you would recommend taking it so early.(Also I've taken a few practice tests and I got I converted my score to the LSAT scale and I got a 160 )Any advice would be great man!
No good can come from taking it too early. The reason is that many schools will see all of your scores. Some may average multiple scores or only consider your highest score. But many will still see and consider all official scores. Never do an official sitting as a test run. Only take the real test when you are truly ready in junior/senior year (or later depending on your plans). Companies like Kaplan set up mock LSAT tests so that you can get the feel of testing under real conditions. Do something like that, as opposed to an official test sitting.
Thank you for the tip! Also I noticed when in high school the test prep ACT/ SAT stuff was always harder than the official test. Is it the same way with the LSAT?
Ideally, you should be preparing with actual, official questions from prior LSAT tests themselves. A number of companies use mock questions that they themselves develop to "look and feel" like real LSAT questions. That isn't good enough. The only worthwhile prep is working with real questions. So ideally, the content of the real test should be the same as your prep. Substantively, there would be no difference in difficulty. But most people tend to do slightly worse on the real thing due to nerves. Thats why its so important that you not only use real questions, but try and replicate testing conditions. Use a time clock and stick to it. Practice in a slightly noise environment so little sounds don't throw you off, etc.
These are great tips also thanks so much! A lot of lsat advice I've looked at tends to be fluff trying to sell me sell me something, these are actually useful
Legal reasoning involves getting to the point, so why waste the first minute with total fluff, a useless preamble? It undercuts your credibility. Save that worthless verbiage for the video description, if at all. We get it. GOSH. Also, mention how you did on the LSAT in the video description in order to qualify yourself for the topic. Your percentile or score. Any fool can go to law school and pass the bar. We see them in court everyday.
I mention in a few of my videos that I scored in the highest percentile on the LSAT, tutored it for a number of years, and attended a top 10 law school, so I think my credibility on this topic is quite secure. Thank you for your constructive criticism and I will keep it in mind when making future videos.
That first snidbit he shared was very useful to me. It actually helped me know that the rest of what he's about to say is very credible. If he hadn't share that I would've think he would be like just some other guy with an "experience" in law school.
Congratulations on passing the exam lawschooladviceguy !!! I'm really happy you took the time and made another video for us. Your advice has really helped me out and I'm sure I'm not the only one here who has benefited from your videos. Thank you so much and again, CONGRATULATIONS!
Thanks for the kind words
Quick follow up to the video. Someone asked me about the essay section, since I don't mention it in the video. Honestly, I think its more of a formality than anything else. I can't say for sure how its assessed or utilized, but I think its more just to see that you can write coherently and at least formulate some kind of logical argument. But I wouldn't waste time studying or prepping for it. I never looked at a single one before test day, but thats just me.
You first piece of advice is so important. Sometimes it takes a slight shift in perspective to truly excel on the exam.
I definitely think so. Approaching the exam with the right mindset can make all the difference. And even if it only yields an extra 2 or 3 questions right, that can still be the difference between acceptance and rejection, or the difference between paying full sticker price and getting a 20K scholarship. Each point is so important.
Literally I've been so nervous about law school considering I've wanted to be a teacher my whole life and recently realized it wasn't for me and law school is more in my future. These videos are super helpful and calming me down a lot so thank you :)
steephanielynnnn Glad to help. If you have any questions, definitely let me know
One last question: Do you think it is harmful or bad to practice logic games on blank sheets of paper rather than to keep re-printing them over and over. They give you 2 sheets now on the real test, so I figured it wouldn't make that much of a difference. Did you use actual copies of LGs when you did your prep. Also how many LGs did you do would you say. Thanks again! It means the world!
Thanks for the advice. What did you make on the LSAT?
Excellent advice...thank you!
Great videos 👍🏻👏🏻💫
What was your score?
How did you find out that becoming a Lawyer was your ideal job?
I always liked client service, and working with clients to counsel and guide them through issues and problems. I always really liked that kind of interaction. I also really enjoy thinking through complex intellectual problems and logical puzzles. On top of that, I have always been more than a little bit neurotic when it comes to details and organization. So it seemed like a logical fit for me.
Congrats on your success and thank you for the precise advice! You look similar to emenem😏
Great video, man- this really is appreciated.
Please please make more videos!
lawschooladviceguy how important would you say it is to take a class as opposed to just self studying?
+Anthony Thompson Hi Anthony! This is Sean, and I'm a student rep at Blueprint LSAT Prep. I'm not sure if you've taken the exam already, but I'd say this sort of thing really depends on your learning style. There are tons of prep materials out there for self-study types, but a class can provide the structure you need to learn how to beat the exam quickly and efficiently. A stellar, engaging curriculum can really provide you with the edge you need to excel on the exam, and it's definitely something to consider before you start prepping. If you're interested, I recommend creating a free account with us, and checking out our Free Tour! Our Free Tour is a 45 minute intro video detailing how we teach each section of the exam, and it will give you a great idea of what to expect from a course with us. You can create an account by clicking the 'Login' button at the top right of our website, blueprintlsat.com. If you have any questions for me, please don't hesitate to ask!
Is it is a good idea to take a prep course right before the test or take the course a few months before the test and work on practice tests? Thanks
Most prep courses work the practice tests into the curriculum. And even the courses that are in the weeks before the test will give you the last week or so to yourself so that you can take practice tests on the homestretch. I wouldn't take a prep course that ends months before the test, since you want the info fresh in your mind
How many PTs did you ultimately take while prepping? Also, do you think we need to do ALL the logic game ever released to do well?
I probably took somewhere between 20 and 30 actual, timed tests. It was the majority of what I did over the final month of preparation. I would take the timed exam in the morning, and then spend the afternoon reviewing the test, and studying whatever needed improvement.
You don't need to do ALL logic games released to do well. But I would do many of them, especially the more modern ones, which are more representative of the test's substance. Keep in mind that it has been 8 years since I took the LSAT so there are MANY more tests and practice questions available. Much of the material I myself used to prep is now obsolete.
Thank you so much. I honestly watched all your videos and you've been such a big help. I'd never thought you'd reply. I am eternally grateful and hope you are doing well. Thank you again!
very good, you will go far
Congrats on graduating and passing the bar exam. So where are you working now? What school did you go to?
English Learner As in my other comment, I dont disclose specifically where I went to school, other than to say it was a top 10 school. I currently work in a large biglaw-style firm, and have for a few years now.
Is the LSAT a true reflection of how well you will do in law school? Will you come across similar exams in law school?
I don't think LSAT is too great a predictor of law school success. Some of the concepts are certainly applicable, but the test itself looks nothing like what you will encounter in law school itself
Thank you so much for your insight and the videos! The section i struggle the most on is RC, given that I have a science degree we didn't do much of that in our classes. If you have any tips on how to improve in that section, apart from what you said in the video i would appreciate it.
Should I work with older tests first then newer or vice versa?
+WeSnapple I haven't tutored LSAT in a few years, so I'm not sure how it has changed recently. The general idea is to start with the oldest tests that are still sufficiently similar to the current tests. So it may make sense to start with tests from 5 or 6 years ago, when the test was somewhat similar, and work your way forward, doing the newest tests toward the end. Or you can mix them up as you go. Just make sure you have some very recent tests for the homestretch of your preparation
hi, thanks for the videos. I'm studying for the LSAT and besides getting a good LSAT score my big concern is paying for law school. how many times did you take the LSAT and 2) did you work during law school?
+Diana Mos I only took the LSAT once, but I took it early enough in the cycle that I would have had enough time for a 2nd shot had I needed it. Its a bad idea to bank on the December test with the intent to apply immediately after, since you are banking on getting a good score on the first shot. Its a good goal to hope for, but plan for the contingencies. I worked part time once I was a 3L but that was it. During 1L, I really suggest not working at all if possible (assuming you are in a full-time program). That first year is SO important, and will essentially determine your career trajectory (since much hiring is done based on 1L grades). As a result, it requires a high amount of time, energy, and focus.
+lawschooladviceguy thank you very much for the quick response. I've been going back and forth about going to Law school, primarily because of the cost but finally decided to go ahead and do it. I was banking on taking it in December since the school I'd like to attend( and think I have a good shot at getting accepted into) accepts up until the June test for Fall entrance (weird Huh). So I'll have another chance to retake it if there's a need
Great video! Thank you.
Your time & effort are much appreciated !!! Congratulations on passing the bar exam.
china jo Thanks.
Thank you friend.
Thank you so much.
Does the content on the LSAT bear any similarity to your actual coursework in law school?
Substantively, not at all. But some of the skills are generally applicable. Reading comprehension is particularly key in law school, so there is obvious carryover there. As for logical reasoning, you sometimes find yourself applying the tricks and methods you learn. Legal opinions are often just rhetorical devices, and you can dissect it in a coldly logical sort of way. For example, "Justice X's conclusion would have followed even more strongly if X had been established." Isolating the conclusion, and analyzing how it relates to the premises is an important exercise in law school, and thats certainly something that is emphasized on the LSAT. But again, its only "similar" in a very abstract, general sense.
Thanks for the feedback.
Do you have an email you can be contacted at? Thanks!
Darien G if you would like to discuss anything privately, feel free to send me a private message through youtube. I believe you can send a private message by going to my channel page and clicking the about tab. That should give you the option of sending me a message.
Hey man I love your videos! Always honest and to the point.I am an incoming freshman in college, and I was considering taking the LSAT in my first year just to see how I do, and where I rank. I plan on studying for it, but I was just wondering if you would recommend taking it so early.(Also I've taken a few practice tests and I got I converted my score to the LSAT scale and I got a 160 )Any advice would be great man!
No good can come from taking it too early. The reason is that many schools will see all of your scores. Some may average multiple scores or only consider your highest score. But many will still see and consider all official scores. Never do an official sitting as a test run. Only take the real test when you are truly ready in junior/senior year (or later depending on your plans). Companies like Kaplan set up mock LSAT tests so that you can get the feel of testing under real conditions. Do something like that, as opposed to an official test sitting.
Thank you for the tip!
Also I noticed when in high school the test prep ACT/ SAT stuff was always harder than the official test. Is it the same way with the LSAT?
Ideally, you should be preparing with actual, official questions from prior LSAT tests themselves. A number of companies use mock questions that they themselves develop to "look and feel" like real LSAT questions. That isn't good enough. The only worthwhile prep is working with real questions. So ideally, the content of the real test should be the same as your prep. Substantively, there would be no difference in difficulty. But most people tend to do slightly worse on the real thing due to nerves. Thats why its so important that you not only use real questions, but try and replicate testing conditions. Use a time clock and stick to it. Practice in a slightly noise environment so little sounds don't throw you off, etc.
Thank you so much!
Your the bomb
Also one more quick question:
What companies do you suggest for lsat practice books/ practice tests?
You look like Eden Hazard
These are great tips also thanks so much! A lot of lsat advice I've looked at tends to be fluff trying to sell me sell me something, these are actually useful
Legal reasoning involves getting to the point, so why waste the first minute with total fluff, a useless preamble? It undercuts your credibility. Save that worthless verbiage for the video description, if at all. We get it. GOSH. Also, mention how you did on the LSAT in the video description in order to qualify yourself for the topic. Your percentile or score. Any fool can go to law school and pass the bar. We see them in court everyday.
I mention in a few of my videos that I scored in the highest percentile on the LSAT, tutored it for a number of years, and attended a top 10 law school, so I think my credibility on this topic is quite secure. Thank you for your constructive criticism and I will keep it in mind when making future videos.
+lawschooladviceguy best reply
That first snidbit he shared was very useful to me. It actually helped me know that the rest of what he's about to say is very credible. If he hadn't share that I would've think he would be like just some other guy with an "experience" in law school.