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In this episode, Ben Parker tackles common LSAT questions, including whether to take practice tests with an experimental section. He explains why he generally advises against taking too many full-length practice tests, as they can diminish the effectiveness of studying individual sections. Instead, he suggests focusing on timed sections for better learning and only taking one or two full tests to build endurance. He also addresses how accommodations, such as removing the experimental section or getting extended time, can significantly impact LSAT scores and ultimately law school admissions.
Ben then shifts into a broader discussion on LSAT accommodations, comparing them to performance enhancers in bodybuilding. He argues that while the system may be flawed, students should take advantage of available accommodations because law school admissions are a competitive game. However, he raises concerns about whether these accommodations make the LSAT less predictive of legal ability, as law practice does not offer similar adjustments.
The conversation transitions into debunking LSAT curve speculation, where Ben explains why obsessing over how many questions can be missed for a certain score is pointless. He criticizes companies that attempt to predict LSAT content and scoring trends, likening their methods to fortune-telling. He emphasizes that studying should focus on understanding the test rather than chasing irrelevant predictions.
Ben also reviews a personal statement from a past applicant, breaking down why it falls short. He critiques the statement for focusing too much on childhood experiences, overusing abstract ideas, and failing to demonstrate why the applicant would be a strong law student. His advice? Scrap it and rewrite with clear, compelling adult achievements. He encourages applicants to analyze law school employment data rather than rankings, calling out overrated schools like Georgetown and Minnesota for their poor cost-to-outcome ratios. The episode wraps with a reminder that law school admissions involve strategic decision-making, and applicants should always consider the financial and career implications of their choices.