LSAT-Flex Registration Woes and Hacks (Ep. 253)
As the 2020-2021 admissions cycle draws near, many of you may be scrambling to take your LSAT-Flex and get your application packages in line. And you couldn’t have better timing. Applying early and broadly is the best way to nab your best deals for the 2021-2022 school year. To help you in your lawyerly quest, the guys read and discuss some ProctorU woes that students have been having, and they also report on some hacks that may help you with registration over the next few months. Nathan and Ben also answer some important questions around when and if you should re-take the test after a disappointing performance, and they read through a rock-solid personal statement that helped earn a bunch of full-ride scholarships. Plus, the guys discuss LGBTQQIA+ diversity statements, tackle an LR question from practice test 65, and more.
As always, if you like the show and you want to get more from the Thinking LSAT community, check out the links below. You can connect with other folks studying for the LSAT, and get more useful resources from Nathan and Ben.
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Important Dates
7.12.2020 – The week of the July LSAT-Flex
7.15.2020 – It’s the registration deadline for the August LSAT
7.30.2020 – Fingers crossed! July LSAT-Flex scores are released
8.29.2020 – Can you beat the heat?! It’s the August LSAT!
4:08 – ProctorU Registration Hack
Nathan and Ben jump right into some of the intricacies of registering for the LSAT-Flex. That includes the not-so-straightforward process of choosing your test time with ProctorU. They discuss the pros and cons of being able to pick the time for your LSAT. Then, the guys share a ProctorU hack of Reddit fame that will allow you to register early for your LSAT-Flex.
11:42 – Speedy LG Tips?!
Emily has been struggling to increase her speed in LG sections. She’s been drilling in the Demon and focusing on accuracy, but she’s still frustrated with the amount of time it takes her to get through each game. With a recent 164 on record, she wants to up her game on games to get her closer to 170. Ben and Nathan recommend doing a game, watching videos and reading descriptions in the Demon, and then re-doing the game to see if any additional insight is gained.
19:53 – LGBTQQIA+ Diversity Statement
Rebecca writes in to ask the guys if her perspective as a bi-sexual would be valuable in a diversity statement. She is concerned that college admissions staffers would dismiss her statement or discriminate against her for her identity or views. Nathan and Ben agree that law schools (and most higher education institutions) are generally left-leaning in thought and they would be surprised if Rebecca faced skepticism or discrimination due to content of her diversity statement. They recommend she start sharing her perspective writing straight away.
24:40 – Two Retake Questions
The guys field two questions about whether a retake would be advised. One correspondent saw a disappointing LSAT-Flex score after they saw a rise in practice test scores and wants to know if they should delay their next scheduled test. And another scored a 177 but wants to know if they should retake. Here are the pro tips. If you’re happy with your practice scores, take the test. Don’t swing for the fences. Play your game just like you would on any other practice test. And if you score a 175 or above…don’t retake. Just start focusing on the other aspects of your admissions package.
34:02 – Test 65, Section 4, Q5
The guys tackle the next in a series of LR questions from Practice Test 65. This is question 5 in section 4 of that test, and this is a *dreaded* “Principle” question. But Nathan and Ben easily cut through the convoluted language in the stimulus and treat the question for what it is—a strengthen question. And by thinking ahead and considering a sufficient assumption for the problem, the guys can accurately predict the right answer, which presents itself almost immediately.
41:43 – Rock Star Personal Statement
Nathan and Ben read through Thinking LSAT team member Matt’s personal statement. And boy is it a killer essay. The writing is plain. It builds a story. And shows off Matt’s general badassery by sticking to the facts. The guys helped Matt with his personal statement and it earned him over two million dollars in scholarship rewards (read full-ride) from over ten institutions. Not. Too. Shabby. The guys discuss what makes a strong personal statement and talk about how Matt’s essay illustrates those points.