Since the October score release, there's been some online chatter claiming the October LSAT was unusually difficult. Nathan and Ben respond to one student's concerns by pointing to numerous Demon students who crushed the LSAT this month. They remind listeners that every test administration sparks the same rumors, but the LSAT remains consistent from one test to the next. That consistency should inspire confidence. If your practice test scores match your goal score, you’re ready for the real deal.
Also in this episode:
- Ben and Nathan explore community colleges awarding A-pluses
- Demon students share their parting advice for LSAT success
- They critique a prep company that promotes a “blind review” score
Links Mentioned:
lsat.link/grades
Northeast Community College Course Search: https://reg-prod.ec.northeast.edu/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/term/termSelection?mode=search
Foothill College Course Search: https://foothill.edu/schedule/
Arizona State University Universal Learner Courses: https://courses.ulc.asu.edu/
Check out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segments.
Get caught up with our Word of the Week library.
0:30 - Was the October LSAT Harder?
7:45 - Drill Rating System
12:51 - Colleges with A-pluses
25:32 - Tips From Departing Demons
39:24 - Blind Review Score
53:08 - Lived Experience Essay
1:00:00 - Personal Statement Gong Show
1:07:55 - Word of the Week — incommunicado
Nathan and Ben highlight a notable increase in law school applications per the latest LSAC reports. These numbers have nervous students rushing to apply this cycle, even though they don't have a strong LSAT score. Nathan and Ben explain that November is already late. Instead, they encourage applicants to wait and apply next year to take advantage of the best scholarship opportunities.
Also in this episode:
Links Mentioned:
Check out all of our “What’s the Deal With” Segments.
Get caught up with our Word of the Week library.
0:30 - LSAC Volume Summary Report
10:10 - Following the Demon Philosophy
17:13 - When to Submit Applications
29:56 - Email from a Law School on Loan Limits
44:46 - Low LSAT Scores
51:27 - What’s the Deal with the University of Arizona
1:05:00 - Personal Statement Gong Show
1:12:28 - Word of the Week - impervious
Ben and Nathan explain why applying broadly maximizes admissions and scholarship opportunities. They advise students to consider waiting another cycle to submit the strongest application possible.
Also in this episode:
Links Mentioned:
Register for the Los Angeles LSAC Forum: http://lsac.org/lawschoolforums
Watch Episode 529 on YouTube
Check out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segments.
Get caught up with our Word of the Week library.
0:30 - Reading Every Passage Thoroughly
7:26 - “Where Have You Applied?” on Law School Apps
10:18 - Is It Still Worth Applying?
23:16 - Tips from Departing Demons
24:53 - To Waive, or Not to Waive
30:00 - What’s the Deal with Santa Clara Law?
51:02 - Personal Statement Gong Show
1:14:38 - Word of the Week - Guffaw
Ben and Nathan weigh in on New England Law’s conditional, full-tuition scholarships. They criticize conditional scholarships that can leave a majority of students paying full price. At most law schools, only top students (typically those already with scholarships) will secure six-figure jobs. The majority of the class foot the bill, taking out exorbitant loans while earning significantly less after graduation. Ben and Nathan encourage applicants to apply broadly and attend the right school at the right price.
Later in the show, they:
Break down UC Law San Francisco’s new $100 million campaign
Reassure a student who fears they’re progressing too slowly
React to WashU personally contacting applicants’ recommenders
Links Mentioned:
Register for the New York LSAC Forum
Check out all of our “What’s the Deal With” Segments.
Get caught up with our Word of the Week library.
0:32 - UC Law San Francisco $100 Million “Into the Future” Campaign
6:00 - Trusting the Process
13:48 - WashU Reaching out to Recommenders
29:30 - Policies on AI
39:15 - Caught Between Admissions Cycles
45:20 - Pearls vs. Turds
57:24 - What’s the Deal with New England Law?
1:13:05 - Personal Statement Gong Show
1:35:30 - Word of the Week
Ben and Nathan dig into the ABA’s decision to put Cooley Law School on probation and the broader issue of weak oversight in legal education. They also cover addenda for multiple LSAT scores, early acceptances, and retaking for better scholarships.
0:28 - Cooley Law on Probation by the ABA
Ben and Nathan react to the news that Cooley Law has been placed on probation by the American Bar Association for failing to meet bar passage standards. They question why the ABA continues to allow such programs to operate and highlight the risks for students who enroll in them.
24:45 - Addenda for LSAT retakes
Demon student Sam asks about Michigan Law’s recommendation that applicants submit an addendum if they’ve taken the LSAT three or more times. Nathan advises against volunteering information that could hurt an application and emphasizes that only your highest score matters.
37:43 - Early Application Is Key
A Redditor reports being admitted to the University of Hawaii with a generous scholarship. Ben and Nathan use the example to remind applicants that applying early gives them the best shot at admissions and scholarships.
57:09 - Retaking a 173 for Scholarships
Demon student Jack scored a 173 and wonders whether it’s worth retaking. Ben and Nathan say yes, especially if he’s targeting top schools. They advise him to wait another cycle and keep studying to become a stronger, more competitive applicant.
1:06:20 - UGA Law Lets Undergrads Skip the LSAT
The University of Georgia Law School now allows its undergraduates to apply using ACT or SAT scores instead of the LSAT. Nathan argues that this limits students to only UGA Law and weakens their scholarship leverage. Ben adds that the policy ultimately does a disservice to the students.
1:12:41 - Georgetown Law Group Interview
Demon student Jeremiah describes a Georgetown group interview where participants analyzed a hypothetical applicant. Ben and Nathan break down how to handle this kind of exercise: play along with the scenario, and show reasonable judgment.
1:20:11 - Personal Statement Gong Show
Casey takes the stage on the Personal Statement Gong Show, chasing Sophia’s record of 34 lines.
1:38:17 - Word of the Week: Dispositive
“The panel directed counsel to focus oral argument on the dispositive issues.”
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Santa Clara Law is offering every admitted student a $16,000 scholarship to align tuition with the new federal loan cap for law school borrowers. Ben and Nathan discuss whether loan caps can rein in skyrocketing tuition, share wisdom from a departing Demon user, unpack the University of Miami’s AI essay prompt, and offer reassurance to students stressed by LSAT scheduling woes.
0:26 - Santa Clara Scholarships
Nathan and Ben react to Santa Clara Law’s new PLEDGE scholarship, which effectively lowers tuition to just under the $50,000 federal loan cap. Borrowing limits are a step in the right direction for controlling law school costs.
24:04 - Tips from a Departing Demon
Demon student Abigail, who improved her LSAT from 159 to 176, offers a parting piece of advice: take breaks. She encourages students to let the material settle and give themselves time to recharge. Nathan and Ben highlight her success as proof that steady, balanced preparation works.
28:34 - University of Miami AI Essay Prompt
Demon teacher Beatriz highlights Miami Law’s unusual essay prompt that requires applicants to use generative AI. Nathan and Ben credit the school for recognizing AI’s growing role in lawyering and suggest other schools should follow suit.
36:06 - Scheduling Woes Strike Again
A Reddit user vents about not finding a time slot for the October LSAT. Nathan reassures students that LSAC always opens more seats.
38:21 - Letters of Recommendation
Two listeners ask for advice on letters of recommendation:
Morgan debates which supervisor to ask for a letter of recommendation. Ben and Nathan recommend choosing the one who knows Morgan best.
Abo wonders if decade-old letters of recommendation can still be used to apply to law schools. The guys advise Abo to get updated letters.
47:51 - “Should I Stay or School I Go?”
An engineer is considering law school. Ben and Nathan encourage him to research the opportunities that patent law offers, but suggest that staying in engineering might lead to better career outcomes.
57:21 - What’s the Deal with Detroit Mercy?
Ben and Nathan investigate Detroit Mercy Law, which just got ABA approval for a fully online JD program. The guys explore what this approval could mean for legal education. They dig into the school’s stats and highlight its Canadian–U.S. dual degree.
1:15:35 - Personal Statement Gong Show
Cody takes the stage on the Personal Statement Gong Show, chasing Sophia’s record of 34 lines.
1:33:39 - Word of the Week - Augur
“The obligation to exercise reasonable professional skill and judgment—under either constitution—does not encompass an obligation to augur an about-face by the United States Supreme Court.”
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Ben and Nathan dig into a law professor’s claim that law school tuition is collapsing and explain what that really means for future students. More than 80% of students receive institutional scholarships. A strong LSAT score and GPA set you up to take advantage of the broken system rather than fall victim to it.
0:31 - The Law School Tuition “Collapse”
Ben and Nathan discuss a blog post by Professor Paul Campos on declining law school tuition. From 2010 to 2023, average tuition dropped by $9,000 (adjusted for inflation). The guys remind listeners that only one in five students actually pays full price, and those who do are often the least financially equipped. Improving your LSAT score and GPA is the surest way to secure a scholarship and avoid paying for law school.
19:27 - Tips from Departing Demons
Ben and Nathan share advice from departing Demon students who crushed the August LSAT.
Olivia: Never give up.
Keisha: Treat your official test like your practice tests.
Sophie: Don’t rush! Slow down, and the improvement will come.
Andrea: Avoid law school debt by following the Demon way.
33:22 - Are Optional Essays Really Optional?
Susan wonders if she should submit optional essays with her applications. Ben and Nathan say: only if you have something good to add. LSAT and GPA remain the biggest factors in law school applications. For the top T14 schools, optional essays may be more useful to include. Ben also reminds Susan that her personal statement should show, not tell.
41:04 - How to Structure Studying
Katherine asks how to structure her study time for maximum improvement. Ben and Nathan advise her to focus on one question at a time, prioritizing accuracy, and to mix drilling with timed sections.
50:55 - Career Aspirations
A listener wonders if stating a desire to become a prosecutor could hurt their application. Ben and Nathan explain that vague career goals aren’t persuasive, but if you have concrete experience, a short mention is fine.
56:25 - Time for the Early Decision Talk
Ovadia is considering an early-decision application to a T14 school. Nathan is skeptical of her chances and warns that scholarships through early decisions are rarely full rides. They recommend applying broadly to maximize her scholarship potential and improving her LSAT if she’s serious about T14.
1:10:08 - Personal Statement Gong Show
Amanda, a past contestant, writes in to thank Ben and Nathan for their feedback. Then Britt steps up as the next Gong Show contestant. In this segment, Ben and Nathan read your personal statement until they reach an unforgivable mistake—then they ring the gong. The record to beat is 34 lines, set by listener Sophia.
1:23:07 - Word of the Week
The article presented the salient facts of the dispute clearly and concisely.
Get caught up with our Word of the Week library.
Ben and Nate review a letter from the ABA council chair outlining the standards behind ongoing accreditation revisions. Line by line, the guys conclude the same thing: the ABA underperforms in its efforts to protect law students, from the lack of transparency surrounding the actual price of law school to the ever-increasing cost of a legal degree. Protect yourself by crushing the LSAT, applying early and broadly, and attending the right school at the right price.
Watch Episode 524 on YouTube
0:31 – Tips from Departing Demons
Ben and Nate share the top tips from departing Demon students who crushed the August exam.
Andrew: Just read the damn words.
Mario: Don’t take an official test until your scores show you’re ready.
Stevan: Get greedy.
Megan: The advice to “slow down” applies to you.
Sam: It takes hard work.
7:59 – ABA Standards and Values
The ABA council chair’s recent letter highlights their guiding standards for revised accreditation. They claim to act in the name of consumer protection and professional integrity, but many of their standards read like lip service. Ben and Nathan point out how the ABA underperforms by its own values—especially around transparency. Simply put, the law school pricing system is stacked against students. This makes it vital to focus on the actual price paid rather than the sticker price. The best way to protect yourself: crush the LSAT and attend the right school at the right price.
36:26 – Is Going to an ABA School Necessary?
Gabriel is weighing a top-tier ABA school against a state-accredited option. While elite schools are useful for breaking into big law, the bigger question is whether you understand the path to practice. Price should still be your top concern. $75,000 isn’t cheap, but with the right LSAT performance, you can likely find a school for free.
44:35 – Practice Tests
Mehdi asks whether practice tests are still relevant after the latest changes to the LSAT. Ben and Nate suggest avoiding Reddit. The LSAT has always been a test of reading and comprehension. The removal of logic games doesn’t change that. Mehdi mentions planning for the November test. Ben and Nathan push back, insisting that choosing a test date in advance is premature.
53:32 – A JD Isn’t a Gravy Train
John shares a story about meeting a law grad now working at a building supply store. It’s a reminder that a JD alone doesn’t guarantee financial stability or prestige. Listeners should carefully weigh the cost of law school against realistic career outcomes.
56:00 – What’s the Deal with Mitchell Hamline School of Law?
Ben and Nate dive into John’s story by looking at the supply clerk’s alma mater: Mitchell Hamline School of Law, “Minnesota’s Law School of Choice.”
Check out all of our What’s the Deal with segments.
1:17:09 – Word of the Week: Lacunae
“A common law prosecution is not possible, therefore, unless there is a true gap in the statutory system, and today there are few lacunae.”
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Ben and Nathan host a special marathon edition of the Personal Statement Gong Show. They kick things off by laying out the fundamentals of personal statements—what they are, what to write about, and when to start. Then, nine students face the gong, each vying to set a record and earn their place in Thinking LSAT Gong Show history.
Watch Episode 523 on YouTube
3:33 – Personal Statement, Not Resume Recap
Ben and Nathan introduce the starting point for a personal statement: bringing one bullet point on your resume to life. Your personal statement should show, not tell, how a particular experience from your resume is going to make you a successful law student and lawyer. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to cover too many positions or experiences. The personal statement is a chance to illustrate your character, not an unnecessary resume recap.
9:41 – When to Start Writing
Isaac finds himself with several hours of free time every day, even after his LSAT studying. The guys give him the green light to start working on his personal statement, but the LSAT still has to come first. They also suggest spending time on professional development through networking and research to make informed decisions about his legal career.
17:46 – Personal Statement on Running
Just because you don’t have legal experience on your resume doesn’t mean you don’t have a valuable story to share. Riley asks about writing a personal statement about marathon running. While Ben and Nathan don’t dismiss the idea outright, they explain why it might not be the best option. Customer service, familiarity with regulation and compliance, and tenacity are among the lawyery attributes that Sean could highlight from his experience in retail and landscaping.
22:37 – Personal Statement Gong Show Marathon
In a special edition of the Personal Statement Gong Show, Ben and Nathan bring nine contestants who are looking to break Sophia’s record of 34 lines. The rules are simple: Ben and Nathan read until they find an unforgivable mistake—then ring the gong.
Check out all of our Gong Show Segments!
When you substitute understanding with gimmicks, you hamper your score now and in the long term. Tips like “10 questions in 10 minutes” or “If you don’t understand an answer, it’s probably correct” excuse poor reading and rushed test-taking. When you accept that the LSAT is easy and every question is solvable, you’re more likely to commit to a problem until you solve it. No shortcuts needed.
Watch Episode 522 on YouTube
0:40 – Structuring Study
Mila started with a 150 and plans to study two to three hours a day while in school. Ben and Nathan suggest limiting LSAT time to one focused hour and prioritizing perfect grades. After she’s secured perfect grades for the semester, she can switch to LSAT prep. Mila and other candidates looking to boost their GPA could also consider enrolling in a few community college courses that offer A+ grades.
5:21 – Undergrad Involvement in Pre-Law Clubs
Kyle wonders whether joining pre-law clubs is necessary. The guys explain that clubs and extracurriculars are negligible compared to GPA and LSAT. A 4.0 GPA paired with a great LSAT score will always outweigh résumé fluff. Schools may pretend otherwise, but admissions officers prioritize numbers.
15:17 – Graduate School Conundrum
Carson asks if finishing grad school before law school makes sense. Ben and Nathan point out that lawyers learn what they need on the job—grad degrees won’t add value. Universities push unnecessary certificates and programs because they profit from them. Don’t pair bad LSAT prep with wasted tuition. Learn freely, but don’t pay for credentials you don’t need.
26:53 – Pearls vs. Turds
Demon team member Beatriz shares a questionable piece of advice that one of her students heard from another prep company: “If you don’t understand what the answer is saying, it’s probably correct.” Turd. This advice is antithetical to the Demon approach. Wrong answers don’t need to make sense, but right answers do. If you understand the passage, you should be able to understand why the right answer is right. The LSAT is easy if you approach it correctly.
32:57 – UC Law San Francisco Welcome Email
Nate reads a verbose welcome email from his alma mater, UC Law San Francisco (formerly Hastings). It’s a wall of text showing what students pay thousands for—law school administrators framing business interests as justice. The email is more about promoting the school’s image than welcoming students.
39:50 – Choosing the Right Law School
Sean wants advice on picking the right school. Step one: get your best LSAT. Step two: apply broadly and early. Step three: compare offers. Rule of thumb: rank schools by cost, not prestige. If a more expensive school is ranked higher, double its rank and see whether cheaper options fall within that range. Going cheaper often means graduating at the top of your class, with better job prospects and stronger networks.
59:57 – Question Types
McKenna asks whether she should study question types. The guys explain that focusing on question types is a distraction. Meaning is in the words on the page, not labels. Most struggling students overemphasize question types instead of careful reading.
1:07:53 – Personal Statement Gong Show
Celebrity contestant and Demon teacher Kaley shares a lived-experience essay.
1:19:05 - Word of the Week - Inexorable
Among them was a rigid belief in the inexorable power of logic to change the opinions of others.
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Ben and Nate break down the measurable cost of applying late in the law school admissions cycle. Your LSAT score has the most value on the day that applications open. By rushing your LSAT or applying late in the cycle, you sacrifice points and leave money on the table. With AI poised to disrupt the legal market, it’s more important than ever to go to law school for free.
Watch Episode 521 on YouTube
0:32 – AI Making Law School Obsolete?
Ben and Nate discuss an article from a former Google exec claiming AI will make law and medical degrees obsolete. The guys acknowledge that AI is improving, but it still makes mistakes. While they agree that a law degree isn’t a guaranteed gravy train, they also note that the law itself is a barrier to modernization, which will slow AI’s impact on legal education. The schools most at risk are bottom feeders churning out lawyers for grunt work. Their advice: don’t pay tuition at weak schools.
14:50 – LSAT Suspended in Mainland China
LSAC halts testing in China after evidence of cheating. A Reddit post earlier this year even advertised cheating services. While tough for honest test takers in China, applicants should appreciate LSAC’s effort to safeguard exam security.
24:03 – Cost of Delaying Apps
How late is too late? While early applications are stronger, it’s never worth rushing the LSAT. The best strategy is to get your best LSAT and then apply at the start of the next cycle. A University of Chicago Journal of Law and Economics article finds that delays weaken applications. Waiting 100 days is equivalent to dropping 2.1 LSAT points or 0.26 GPA points. Schools review applications in waves, and the earliest applicants are often the strongest. Missing the first wave, even by a day, can carry measurable costs.
Dynamic Decision-Making under Rolling Admissions: Evidence from US Law School Applications
47:43 – Main Point vs. Summary
A summary lists information, but a main point answers “why.” It’s what the author is trying to convince you of, not just what they said.
52:31 – Doing LR Backwards
Listener Blair wants to work backward in Logical Reasoning to combat fatigue. Ben and Nathan’s answer: If you’re scoring under 175, you shouldn’t be finishing sections anyway, so working backward means skipping easier questions to do harder ones. If you’re at 175 or above, then fatigue isn’t an issue.
59:28 – Score Plateaus
Listeners Trevor and Ireland feel stuck. The guys caution against chasing a single breakthrough. Progress comes from carefully reviewing and learning from every mistake, one question at a time.
1:04:42 – Personal Statement Gong Show
Listener Elena is the next Gong Show contestant. Ben and Nathan read her personal statement until they reach an unforgivable mistake—they then ring the gong. The record is 34 lines, set by listener Sophia.
Want in? Send in your statement by September 1, 2025, to be considered for the Gong Super Show.
1:07:20 - Word of the Week - Truism
The standard advice about writing is mostly truisms, like “Make a plan,” “Don’t use the passive,” or “Think of your audience.”
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Ben and Nathan share strategies for using visualization to stay engaged in Reading Comprehension. They also explain that getting a full-ride to law school takes more than just a high LSAT score—your application timing, school choices, and willingness to walk away from weak offers all matter.
Watch Episode 520 on YouTube
0:28 – How Law Schools Guide Career Decisions
A Harvard alumnus describes losing his job in big law after publishing an op-ed criticizing the Trump administration. Nathan and Ben discuss how law schools recruit students under the banner of justice, but then steer them toward corporate law firms. The guys remind listeners: you can’t do public-interest work and make big-law money at the same time. Sending their students to big law is a choice that schools have a vested interest in.
9:27 – UC Law SF Sweatshirt Drive
Nathan shares an email from UC Law San Francisco (formerly Hastings) asking alums to buy sweatshirts for incoming 1Ls. He and Ben laugh at the school’s request for $40 sweatshirts while simultaneously charging students more than $50,000 in tuition per year.
21:16 – Visualizing Passages
Connor asks for advice on improving visualization skills in RC. Strong reading comprehension depends on pausing to visualize the text—especially when it’s abstract. Creating a mind map lets you evaluate each sentence and anticipate what’s coming next. If you’re not actively questioning and connecting ideas, you’re missing the forest for the trees.
34:01 – Proctor Troubles
Michael ran into issues with a proctor during his test and wonders if he should cancel his score. Ben and Nathan say there’s no advantage to canceling. The real question is whether his practice test results showed he was ready. Prepared students need not worry about minor test-day issues.
37:51 – Don’t Settle for Sub-Par
Mike has a 3.98 GPA and practice LSAT scores in the 170s. He’s considering applying in-state with a 166 but also wonders about his T-14 prospects. The guys advise Mike to take an additional gap year, score 170+, apply early, and secure scholarships at top schools, especially given his career aspirations.
44:17 – Conditional Full Ride
Theo adopted the motto of going to law school for free. After a gap year, he improved his LSAT, applied broadly, and accepted a full-ride scholarship to his top choice law school. The downside is that it’s a conditional scholarship. Nate encourages Theo to stick to his commitment not to pay for law school.
52:37 – Personal Statement Gong Show
Natalie is the next Gong Show contestant. In this segment, Ben and Nathan read your personal statement until they reach an unforgivable mistake—they then ring the gong. The record to beat is 34 lines, set by listener Sophia.
1:08:34 - Word of the Week - Waylay
I don’t want to waylay our meeting with this topic.
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Ben and Nathan field a handful of questions with a common theme: they come from students who are moving too fast on the LSAT, attempting too many questions, and failing to understand what they’re reading. In other words, they’re rushing to failure.
The solution is simple: Attempt one question at a time. If you miss it, review until you understand why. Then, move on to the next one. Slow down, skip all the gimmicks, and the LSAT becomes easy.
Watch Episode 519 on YouTube
0:33 – Reading All Answer Choices
Sydney asks if she can skip answer choices once she finds her prediction. Skimming bad answer choices is fine, but you still need to glance at all of them. You also don’t have to read every word. As soon as an answer starts moving in the wrong direction, eliminate it confidently and move on.
8:35 – Master’s Degree to Make Up for a Low GPA?
Joe recognizes that his undergraduate GPA will hurt his admissions chances and is considering a master’s degree to improve his odds. Ben and Nathan note that his 4.0 GPA in his senior year already shows he can succeed in law school. Graduate grades won’t factor into his LSAC GPA. Joe should focus instead on removing bad grades from his transcript and getting the best LSAT possible.
13:37 – Mean LSAT Tweets
After a 144 diagnostic, Chris sends Nate an angry email. Ben and Nathan outline the Demon’s resources for improvement—if Chris wants to use them. They also note that academically strong students often approach the LSAT like school: skimming, rushing, and relying on outside knowledge—habits that hurt scores.
19:12 – Worst GPA You’ve Ever Seen
Rachel has a 1.73 GPA and just wants to get into law school. The guys commend her paralegal experience but explain that her only shot is with a strong LSAT. Given her situation, she should consider part-time or state-accredited programs to reduce cost and risk.
26:41 – Two-Word Accommodation Request
A Reddit student gets 50% extra time for “severe anxiety” with a simple two-word doctor’s note. Ben and Nathan highlight the ease of securing accommodations but remind listeners that they aren’t necessary to succeed.
34:30 – When to Take a Break
Blake feels burnt out after hours of daily studying with little progress. The guys point out that he’s prioritizing quantity over quality. They advise him to skip September, focus on learning, and wait to take the official test when he’s ready.
43:17 – ABA Journal
Ben and Nathan scoff at the latest ABA Journal, which addresses loneliness, gambling addiction, and the California bar exam mishap just on the cover. Inside? A first-page ad asking lawyers to donate more money to the ABA with a testimonial from a dental hygienist.
50:10 – What’s the Deal with Purdue Global Law School?
Peter wants to know if Purdue Global Law School, a California-accredited law school, is worth applying to.
1:09:40 - Personal Statement Gong Show
Sophia signs up as the next Gong Show contestant. In this segment, Ben and Nathan read your personal statement until they reach an unforgivable mistake, then they ring the gong. The number of lines to beat is 21—the record currently held by listener Danielle.
1:20:27 - Word of the Week - Ameliorate
The new tutoring program was designed to ameliorate students’ struggles with reading comprehension.
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Thinking LSAT Show Notes
In preparation for test week, Ben and Nathan remind students of a foundational piece of advice: treat the official test exactly like you would any other practice test. They apply that advice to everything from testing location decisions to your test week study plan.
Watch Episode 518 on YouTube
0:25 – Ticketmasters
Reddit is full of students panicking about unavailable test center seats due to a 50% increase in August registrations. Demon team members weigh in on the remote vs. in-person testing debate, with Ben and Nathan generally siding with online testing. While there can be proctor issues, they note that this isn’t a universal problem and argue that horror stories are often amplified on Reddit while the smooth administrations go unnoticed.
7:36 – Eliminating 4 out of 5
Demon student Tom highlights a valuable LSAT skill: confidently eliminating four answers even if you’re unsure why the fifth is right. Ben and Nathan explain the two paths to the correct answer—positive identification or conclusive elimination. When unsure of why a correct answer solves the problem, be sure to learn from that question in review, even if you get the question right.
13:12 – The Week Before?
Harry asks how to prepare in the final week before his test. The guys say to keep doing exactly what’s worked. They caution that even asking this question suggests Harry may be treating the official test differently from practice. Planning to use all five attempts reduces the pressure of any one test.
19:50 – LSAT Demon Dashboard Ratings
A listener asks about the purpose behind the Demon’s dashboard ratings and how to utilize them effectively. Ben and Nathan explain that there were two primary goals: motivation and more immediate feedback. They emphasize that rating changes aren’t always linear, and minor drops shouldn’t be discouraging.
24:40 – Video Explanations for RC
Connor wonders if he should still review RC videos when he got everything right. Ben and Nathan say yes—especially if the passage felt confusing or required guesswork. Watching how teachers read can improve your process, not just your accuracy.
28:32 – Transcript Petition Success
Megan shares how she successfully petitioned to remove bad grades from her transcript. Ben and Nathan read the letter she used and suggested others in similar situations should try this approach. They note that smart, respectful advocacy can yield real results.
40:28 – Applying Broadly
A student recounts accepting a partial scholarship and still facing six-figure debt. Ben and Nathan stress that 80% of law students receive scholarships and that partial offers can still lead to heavy debt burdens. Applicants should apply broadly and reject the idea that a “generous” offer is good enough if it means massive loans.
Check out the LSAT Demon Scholarship Estimator
47:00 - Word of the Week - Askance
“The judge also looked askance at Anthropic’s acknowledgement that it had turned to downloading pirated books in order to save time and money in building its AI models.”
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Ben and Nathan push back against hype-driven decisions, urging students to ignore rising August LSAT registrations and wait to test until their practice scores consistently reflect readiness. They caution against chasing perceived trends, whether that means rushing to take an “easier” test or relying on gimmicks like diagramming. Even if more conditional logic appears in Logical Reasoning, the path to success remains the same: focus on intuitive understanding and resist shortcuts that only complicate the test.
Watch Episode 517 on YouTube
0:30 – August 2025 Registrations
Despite an increase in August test registrations, Ben and Nathan stress that this shouldn’t affect your personal test date. Wait to sign up until your practice test scores indicate that you’re ready. They remind listeners that perceptions of an “easier” test are misleading.
14:26 – Still No Need To Diagram
Henry asks if LR sections now contain more conditional logic. Ben defends the intuitive approach even on the most conditional-heavy questions, while Nathan notes that LR will never match the complexity of logic games. Diagramming, among other gimmicks, are magic beans sold to students. These strategies only complicate the test and inhibit meaningful understanding.
22:17 – Michigan AI Essay
Jordan sends in a Michigan Law prompt inviting applicants to use generative AI. The guys are critical of the prompt but applaud the school for acknowledging AI’s role. They discuss how this reflects evolving attitudes toward AI in legal education.
30:06 – Why Don’t You Want Me to Go This Fall?
Lizzy expresses pressure to apply quickly despite not feeling ready. Ben and Nathan explain why waiting until you have your best score matters most. They warn against a “one-and-done” mindset and emphasize that rushing leads to lower scores, worse offers, and possible regret.
40:20 – Listing Awards
A listener asks whether they should list awards they haven’t officially received yet. The advice: yes, include them—just mark them as “expected.”
42:08 – Online JD Programs
Are online JDs respected? Do they get scholarships? The guys argue there’s little meaningful distinction between online and in-person programs. Applicants should still apply early and broadly to maximize scholarship offers.
51:22 - Word of the Week - Unless
Innovation cannot thrive unless organizations embrace risk-taking.
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This week, Josh and Nate tackle the misconception that the Demon isn’t built for beginners—a belief that emerges from the absence of an introduction to LSAT “theory”. They explain that a bloated curriculum, disconnected from questions, often confuses students and can even reduce scores. The Demon advocates jumping right into questions and letting the test, paired with our explanations, be your teacher.
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0:33 – Announcements
Registration deadlines are coming up. You know you’re ready to sign up when your practice tests match your goal score.
6:07 – Logical Reasoning Mindset
Nate and Josh explore the mindset required for success in Logical Reasoning, emphasizing that each question has one objectively correct answer. Rather than starting with abstract theory, they advocate an intuitive, hands-on approach: dive into real questions, make mistakes, and learn from them. The Demon is built for beginners. By focusing on solving problems and reviewing mistakes, students can build a strong foundation for sustained success.
18:50 – Candidate Referral Service
Josh and Nate revisit the candidate referral service and consider whether it’s worth signing up. Several Demon team members share how they used the service and received CAS fee waivers to apply early and widely. Still, be cautious—don’t let school marketing sway you. Stay skeptical of marketing gimmicks from these schools and be a savvy applicant.
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26:54 – Tale of Two Careers
Jacob is thinking about a pivot to law from a very successful accounting career. Josh and Nate recognize there is a meaningful career opportunity, but caution him not to go to law school just because he has great reasoning skills. Instead, meet tax attorneys and decide if that is a job that you want.
36:41 – Studying with a Buddy
Demon Student Alex asks how to study with a buddy. Josh and Nate encourage him to practice teaching questions to each other. Josh encourages Alex to utilize the LSAT Demon Discord to find a study buddy.
44:46 – Studying for One Hour
Alexis doesn’t feel like she is making progress with only one hour per day during her lunch break. The guys encourage her to continue her slow and steady approach to studying, but encourage her to improve the quality of her hour. Your LSAT hour needs to be your best hour of the day: interruption-free, focused, and energized.
57:23 – Full Practice Test Fails
Paige’s scores plummet when she takes full practice tests instead of timed sections. Josh suggests that the score is distracting her from giving the test 100% of her mental effort. The guys then suggest that Paige must not be applying her normal process to practice tests. Nate concludes: You should have a growth mindset when it comes to practice tests. Ask yourself how you can learn from this test, not what score you will get.
1:04:43 – Comparative RC
Gavin struggles with comparative passages. Josh and Nate encourage him to start explicitly focusing on comparing and contrasting as he’s reading.
1:12:11 - Word of the Week - Specious
The difference between “literary” and “genre” fiction is a specious distinction.
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After an influx of GPA addenda questions, Nathan and Josh address several examples in a rapid-fire segment. Their main point: you probably shouldn’t write one at all. Addenda highlight weaknesses and provide information that admissions committees may hold against you. Skip the sob stories and focus on showing why you’ll succeed in law school.
0:42 – Big Beautiful Bill
Nathan and Josh discuss provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill that cap law school loans at $50,000 per year. They argue it’s not the crisis some students fear, noting that borrowing six figures for law school is unwise and the cap protects less informed applicants. They see the bill as targeting predatory schools, not students.
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23:52 – Rapid Fire Addenda
The guys advise students to avoid addenda. Addenda draw attention to the weakest parts of your application and must be concise and strategic if used. An effective addendum highlights positive traits and avoids overexplaining. The goal is to shift focus away from negatives and give admissions officers something strong to latch onto.
38:46 – Role Questions
Nathan and Josh explain how to approach role questions, which ask about the function of specific sentences in an argument. They remind listeners that sentences are usually in one of two key categories: premises and conclusions. While answers are phrased abstractly, you succeed by reading answer choices with the same care and engagement used on the passage itself.
50:18 – Accuracy Up but Speed Stalled
Nathan urges students not to chase speed at the expense of comprehension. Every missed question indicates another question you got correct, but didn’t understand. Rereading whole passages is a red flag for poor initial reading. Meaningful engagement with the passage allows students to trust their comprehension in the face of flawed arguments.
1:04:05 – Broken Questions
Josh and Nathan refute the idea of “broken” LSAT questions. While some answer choices may be stronger than others, all correct answers are defensible. Blaming the test forfeits a chance to improve. When struggling, walk away and revisit the question with fresh eyes—some days you’ll simply perform better than others.
1:11:14 – Personal Statement Gong Show
Hannah sends in her submission for the Personal Statement Gong Show. Josh and Nathan read the personal statements and hit the gong when something goes wrong. The standing record to beat is 21 lines, held by Danielle.
1:27:07 - Word of the Week - Effect
Pollination of fruit tree flowers, a necessary step in fruit production, is effected only by certain insects.
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Ben and Nathan tackle Parallel Reasoning questions, a question type that some students prefer to skip. They assure listeners that these questions work just like any other LSAT question. Gimmicks—like reading the question first or diagramming—don’t help and only distract from the core task. Focus instead on reading for comprehension and understanding the argument. The key is to identify the reasoning and treat everything else as secondary.
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0:30 – How Cheating Spreads in Law School
Ben and Nathan discuss a Wall Street Journal article on extended-time accommodations at Pepperdine Law, where 30% of students reportedly receive them. They argue that accommodations should level the playing field, not give an advantage. They question the value of timed essay exams and compare law school to gaining entry into an ABA-approved guild, suggesting that gaming the system might seem rational, ethics aside.
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27:25 – WashU Law Pre-Application Trap
A listener is contacted for an interview by WashU Law before even applying. Ben and Nathan caution that this is a sales tactic: the school is trying to extract information and create perceived interest to reduce scholarship offers. They revisit their advice about the Candidate Referral Service, suggesting it might be time to reconsider what students share with schools early in the process.
36:12 – Parallel Reasoning Clarity
The guys break down Parallel Reasoning questions on the LSAT. They emphasize that matching language or subject matter is secondary—what matters is aligning the logical structure of arguments. To succeed, students must first understand the core argument before worrying about technical parallels. A big-picture approach is key.
53:20 – Tips from a Departing Demon
A departing Demon, Vox, shares his advice for other students: keep your study streak alive. Even a single question can turn into an hour of productive study. Consistency compounds.
54:56 – Zyns on the LSAT
Redditors wonder if nicotine pouches like Zyn are allowed during the LSAT. Ben and Nathan suggest that they aren’t explicitly banned, but advise playing it safe and contacting LSAC directly. Better to assume they’re off-limits.
1:03:22 – Why Are Others Wrong?
Listener Andrew is thinking about writing an LSAT addendum. Ben and Nathan advise him to focus on improving his score with his two remaining attempts. They argue that law school deans who encourage addenda are trying to get applicants to expose weaknesses. Schools are more interested in reporting the highest LSAT scores, driving denial numbers up, and collecting full tuition. Admissions advice is often self-serving.
1:18:21 – Personal Statement Gong Show
Danielle sends in their submission for the Personal Statement Gong Show, the show where Ben and Nathan read personal statements and hit the gong when something goes wrong. The standing record to beat is ten lines, held by Greta.
1:32:38 - What’s the Deal With… Jacksonville University?
Ben and Nate take a look at Jacksonville University, the newest school to receive ABA accreditation. While there are reasons why this may be a good fit, you shouldn’t pay to be the school’s guinea pigs.
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1:42:50 - Word of the Week - Legerdemain
“Commenting on the county counsel exception, the court termed it a 'legerdemain giving birth to a solution of dubious validity.'”
Howitt v. Superior Court, 5 Cal. Rptr. 2d 196, 202 (App. 1992).
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On this week’s Thinking LSAT, Josh joins Ben to answer questions from students who feel stuck. They explain that plateaus often come from ignoring the core skill tested by the LSAT: “Did you understand what you read?” “Strategies” like skimming passages or completing 10 questions in 10 minutes distract from comprehension. Instead, you unlock the LSAT when you read each sentence carefully and make sure you understand every word.
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1:01 – Be Careful What You Share
Josh and Ben unpack a NYT report on a white nationalist who won an award for a paper on originalism. They focus on a student quoted in the article who lost a job offer after telling a future employer about the interview. Their point: it’s not about politics—employers want to avoid liability and bad press. The same logic applies to law school admissions, where offices will use any self-disclosed information to their advantage.
7:15 – Save My RC
Ellie writes in hoping to “save” her reading comprehension. They urge her to slow down, spend more time digesting each passage, and treat every question as Must Be True—provable solely by the text.
14:50 – Professors’ Letter of Recommendation
When Joshua’s professors ask what to include in letters of recommendation, highlight experiences that prove future lawyer competence—research, writing, leadership, and advocacy. Ensure recommenders understand LSAC’s credential assembly service upload process so letters arrive on time.
19:12 – Retaking Classes
Emma wants to know if she should retake classes to boost her GPA. If your school removes old grades from your transcript, retaking a course can improve your GPA. If not, stack easy A’s instead. Delay graduation if needed to add GPA-boosting coursework, and consider a gap year to raise numbers further—every decimal point can translate into larger scholarships.
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24:44 – Plateauing in Scores
The guys diagnose Sydney’s stall, where she was missing seven questions per section. She’s fixated on speed. Strategies like “10 questions in 10 minutes” detract from accuracy and understanding. Instead, Josh and Ben prescribe concentrating on accuracy, ditching box-checking wrong-answer journals, and digging into the logic of each missed question instead of types.
37:56 – Applying Early Decision
Applying early decision is a scholarship-killer. You surrender negotiation leverage and forfeit the chance to apply broadly and early elsewhere. Keep your options—and bargaining power—open.
42:46 - Word of the Week - Nimrod
“In Wisconsin, as I was driving through, a hunter shot his own guide between the shoulder blades. The coroner questioning this nimrod asked, ‘Did you think he was a deer?’”
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Law School Lemons & LSAT Ceilings
Ben and Nathan discuss how law school admissions resemble a “market for lemons,” where students face steep information asymmetries. They highlight tools like the Scholarship Estimator and 509 reports that help applicants manage expectations and avoid overpaying. While there are several ways to strengthen an application, none are as effective as a strong LSAT and GPA.
Watch Episode 512 on YouTube
0:26 – Law School Lemon Law
Demon student Luca applies the “market for lemons” concept to law school admissions, emphasizing the information gap between applicants and schools. Ben and Nate note that schools often string applicants along without providing transparent pricing. Tools like 509 reports and the Scholarship Estimator help narrow this gap by showing what students might actually pay. Despite the added time and cost, applying broadly remains key to determining your market value.
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17:36 – Getting In Isn’t the Goal
Ben and Nathan discuss a Reddit post that shared an email in which the University of Oklahoma’s law school advised an applicant to raise their LSAT score. Some were outraged, but the data supports it—Oklahoma’s median LSAT is 160. They caution against accepting offers where you just meet the medians. Barely squeaking in often means overpaying.
23:31 – Announcements
August LSAT Registration closes June 26th. See all registration details at lsat.link/dates.
25:22 – Holistic Applications
Extracurriculars and soft factors help, but only after your LSAT and GPA are competitive. Athletics, internships, and work experience can strengthen your application, but they won’t offset weak numbers.
29:48 – Tips from Departing Demons
Recent Demon students share what worked for them. Asma recommends “having a conversation with the test” to stay mentally engaged rather than going on autopilot. Another student, LT, shares that they ultimately decided not to pursue a JD, showing that sometimes the best move is to walk away.
34:23 – What’s My Ceiling?
Seth asks if massive LSAT gains—30 or even 40 points—are possible. The guys say yes, but they stress not to rush toward specific schools or deadlines. Instead, slow down, focus on one question at a time, and aim for a minimum of 160. Below that, law school might not be the right investment.
39:21 – Personal Statement Gong Show
Amy feels that the Personal Statement Gong Show has given her a great idea of what not to do. Now, she wants to know what makes an elite personal statement. Ben and Nathan highlight some essential lessons using a personal statement from the Gong Show’s first celebrity contestant, Demon team member Stefan.
1:04:32 - Word of the Week - Aegis
[The memoirs] written by royalists, who opposed the Revolution, were published under the monarchy’s aegis.
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