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:

• An Ask-button question about reading each passage thoroughly

• Ben and Nathan’s take on law school applications that ask where else you’ve applied

• Advice on whether to waive your right to view letters of recommendation

Links Mentioned:

Register for the Los Angeles LSAC Forum: http://lsac.org/lawschoolforums

⁠Study with our Free plan⁠

⁠Download our iOS app⁠

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 DC Law Fair

Register for the New York LSAC Forum

⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠

⁠Download our iOS app⁠

Watch Episode 528 on YouTube

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.

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⁠Download our iOS app⁠

Watch Episode 527 on YouTube

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.”
Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library.

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.

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Watch Episode 526 on YouTube

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.

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Watch Episode 525 on YouTube

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.

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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.

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⁠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.

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⁠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.

Get caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library.