Before we get into specific points, here’s the most important thing to remember: don’t reschedule just because you’re nervous. You should have concrete reasons for doing so and have weighed both the pros and the cons of your decision.

Here are the main points to consider:

If you’re reading this post in the fall or winter, what’s the impact of postponing the LSAT to your application deadlines? (Fortunately, for those of you considering swapping from June to October that’s a non-issue.)

Will you be able to keep up the same level of studying? When your test is 1-2 months away, it’s much easier to keep your head in the game the entire time and stay motivated. On the other hand, when your test is 3-5 months away it’s tougher to stay focused. Unless you’re convinced that you will consistently study from now until October, then come mid-September you’ll be in the exact same position you are right now. Remember: 90 minutes a day 6 days a week will produce much greater results than no studying from Monday-Friday and then blitzing the LSAT for 14 hours on the weekend.

What prevented you from hitting your target this time around? There are a number of possible answers to this key question.

Maybe you didn’t give yourself enough time to study and you’re convinced that another 4 months will get you there. Perhaps life temporarily got in the way (work/family/health emergency) and now that issue has been resolved so you can bear down and study. Both of those are good reasons to think that postponing will help you achieve your LSAT goal.

However, it’s also possible that your obstacles this time around will still be your obstacles for October and beyond. Did you get distracted by better weather/socializing/any excuse not to study? Unless you change your attitude toward the LSAT, changing your test date won’t fix any of those issues. Did you study inefficiently? Again, unless you find a better way to prepare you’ll just be extending the futility and frustration.

Don’t make the decision lightly; as we discussed last time you have a limited window in which to decide, so think it through and make the best choice for your future.

Have specific questions about your situation? Feel free to ask them here or email me at stuart.kovinsky@kaplan.com.

While the percentage of Caucasian test takers has dropped over the past 7 years, this group of people taking the LSAT still makes up the greatest percentage. The next largest ethnic group of people taking the LSAT are African Americans – in contrast with Caucasian test takers, the percentage of African Americans has increased over the past few years rising from 10.3% of those taking the LSAT 2005-2006 to 12% in 2011-2012. The third largest ethnic group taking the LSAT is Asian/Pacific Island test takers, holding steady at roughly 9% of those taking the LSAT.

LSAC looked at scores within each ethnic group. Average LSAT scores were highest for Caucasian and Asian/Pacific Island test takers. Lowest mean LSAT scores were seen among African American and Puerto Rican test takers. The average LSAT score for Caucasian and Asian/Pacific Islander test takers was 152, while scores among African Americans were 142 and scores for Puerto Rican test takers was 138. Test takers who did not indicate their race/ethnicity had the highest LSAT score at 155.

Does this mean that race is determinative of LSAT results? It should be noted that the scores of test takers were studied with no analysis of prep time, prep courses or any other factors that might affect LSAT scores.

As many of you remember, the first section on the SAT is the essay – students are asked to take a position and support it with reasoning and examples. As I read the essays I noticed that the way in which students argue mimics what is often seen on television “debates” – a conclusion is offered and there is evidence offered. However the “evidence” that is often given in support of the conclusion is simply a restatement of the conclusion. For example, many students supported the conclusion that it is important to learn facts in school, rather than have an open mind, because facts are important; how else can you learn if you don’t know facts? In addition to having a low scoring essay, these high school students are missing the essential skills necessary to have an engaging and enlightening debate. Of course, this can present additional challenges when taking the LSAT.

In my LSAT classes, I have seen future test takers struggle with an important skill – they are unable to quickly and easily identify the evidence and conclusion in an argument and therefore, cannot spot the assumption that the author is making. A basic way of, at least, starting to identify the assumption is linking the terms in the evidence with the new term in the conclusion; this will either help a test taker key in on the correct answer or at least help in eliminating wrong answers. But, if those prepping for the LSAT are used to seeing arguments in which the evidence simply restates the conclusion, then it is no wonder that the skill of separating the components of an argument is lacking.

Is there any help for this problem? Of course there is!  Needless to say, prepping will be a great aid in becoming proficient at correctly identifying the parts of an argument. In addition to prep and practice, take time to really analyze the arguments that you hear and read, and decide whether they are well crafted arguments. Listen with a critical hear to some of the political discussions, regardless of your personal position. As you listen, or read, see if you can identify the main point and what is used to back up that point. Often, you will see there is simply rhetoric or circular reasoning and in other cases you will be pleased as you pick apart a well-crafted argument. This will not only help you as you take your own positions but also will lead to more LSAT points!

As of today, the June LSAT is 5 weeks away. You may have already been studying for days, weeks or months – or your exams may just have ended and you’re ready to kick things into high gear. It’s certainly not too late to take a course, but you may be a self-studier. If that’s the case, then there’s no excuse not to attend Kaplan’s free (yes, you read that right!) LSAT Boot Camp.

Kaplan runs a lot of free LSAT and Law School Admissions events, but our LSAT Boot Camp has a special place in my heart. 90 minutes of fast-paced focus on advanced content – the toughest prep for the toughest questions on the LSAT. Just like a real boot camp, you’ll run drills to both test your ability and get you into shape for the big day. By the end of Boot Camp you’ll have a great idea of where you stand and on what you need to focus for your last few weeks of study.

How do you enroll? Simply click here and hit the “sign up” button beside LSAT Boot Camp. You’ll be challenged and engaged and gain great insight into the LSAT – what are you waiting for? Hut hut hut!

Most of the information is identical to past tests, but there are a couple of key changes – especially for those of you considering changing your test date.

Until a few years ago, the LSAT was one of the most customer-friendly exams; for a small fee, you could actually change your test date right up to Test Day itself. Then someone at LSAC decided that either (a) that process caused too much paperwork/wasted resources or (b) there was more money to be made by imposing greater restrictions on test changes (just because an organization is non-profit doesn’t mean they’re not looking for ways to cut costs or generate more revenue!). So, LSAC started to require 21 days notice if you wanted to change your test date (and just pay $80 instead of the full $160).

For the June 2013 test, however, it appears that things have again changed. Here’s the key excerpt from the email (emphasis mine):

You may pay a fee to change your test date. Select the option to change the date in the LSAT Status section of your LSAC.org account or speak to a telephone representative at 215.968.1001. NOTE: This option will be available as of May 19, 2013. The deadline to make the change is May 24 (by telephone) or May 26 (online).

So, instead of a final deadline of 21 days before June 10th (which would be May 20th), you actually can’t change your test date until May 19th – and you have until May 24th to make the decision.

Why has LSAC made this “ninja” change to procedures? Almost certainly it’s because registration isn’t open yet for October or December 2013, so if you decided to change your test date right now there would be nowhere to put you.

If you miss the deadline for changing your date, you’re not out of options. Here are two others from the email:

You may remove your registration by submitting a request before the refund-request deadline and obtain a partial refund. You may download a Refund Request Form from the policy section of the LSAC website.

The deadline for a registration (partial) refund is May 17th.  You can see a list of all June-related deadlines here.

Once the refund and test-date change deadlines have passed, you will find an option to withdraw your registration in the LSAT Status section of your LSAC.org account. You may withdraw your registration up until 11:59 p.m. ET the night before the test. There will be no refund for this option.

So, even though you don’t get any of your money back, you can keep your LSAT transcript clear by withdrawing until 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on June 9th.

All of this info raises a big question: when is it right to postpone your LSAT? Coincidentally, that’s the topic of next Wednesday’s blog post – see you then!

Written by Clifford Winston, an economist and fellow at the Brookings Institute, the editorial’s main concern is the economic result of requiring future lawyers to attend 3 years of school, and then spending months preparing for the bar exam. His concern is that the costs of the process keep lawyers from being available to the poor and low income persons in need of legal assistance.

Should law school be necessary? The cost of law school is, of course, the major factor in the arguments of many – too expensive and not enough of a return on the investment. After all, many will argue, look at Abraham Lincoln, who did not attend law school and Clarence Darrow, who attended but did not graduate from the University of Michigan Law School, and did not take the bar – great lawyers who would not be allowed to practice today. No doubt there is need to revise the way in which future lawyers are educated, but law school does hone critical skills such as critical thinking and writing, ethical behavior, analysis of arguments and more. Complex legal issues that were beyond the scope of anything Lincoln or Darrow could conceive are covered in law school. With increased access to internships and clinics, students will achieve these critical skills in better settings; it is unlikely that acting as an apprentice as Lincoln did would have the same effect. Law school is still the best place to learn how to be a lawyer.

There are several reasons for this drop in numbers and we looked at many of them in past weeks and months. Certainly, the ever increasing cost of law school is a factor, as is a very bad job market for students graduating from full-time law programs who ultimately pass the bar. For those law school graduates lucky to finally land a job requiring a law degree and bar passage starting salaries are down – way down.

There may be some good news for prospective law students in these numbers. To deal with the decreased number of applicants, schools are taking a variety of approaches. Some law schools are reporting that they are simply dealing with smaller 1L classes. Other law schools indicate that they will probably accept students that might not have been accepted before – lower LSAT scores and lower GPAs will probably lead to consideration for admissions. While law schools are generally posting the same requirements with respect to GPA and LSAT scores that have been required for years, it appears that in many instances law schools are accepting students with lower LSAT scores and grade averages. Of course, this does not mean that it is likely that a law school that would not consider an LSAT grade of less than 160 will take an applicant with a score of 150; for a student with a score of 155 or better, doors are suddenly opening.

At the same time that schools are reassessing their admissions criteria they are examining options to make law school more affordable and relevant in order to increase the number of applications and admissions; it is not clear how this will ultimately affect score requirements in the future. While there may be more maneuverability now with respect to LSAT scores and grades, ultimately the best chance of admissions lies in preparing and getting the best LSAT score possible to assure acceptance from the school of your dreams.

Some of you may have reread that last sentence 3 or 4 times and still be unsure how “LSAT” and “best summer ever” could coexist in the same thought. In fact, if you’re like most of my students (before I help them see the light), you probably think of the LSAT as an obstacle in the path of your dreams. In truth, however, the LSAT is going to help you get into law school.

First, let’s consider a staggering statistic: roughly 40% of test takers go into the LSAT cold. Just by reading this blog you’re well ahead of that crowd – and that fact evidences your commitment to acing the test.

Next, let’s summarize the two components of your academic index: undergrad GPA and your LSAT score. Chances are high that you finished at least 75% of your degree (and, if you’re applying for a fall 2014 start, the exams you just wrote will be the last ones that contribute to that index). So, there’s not much you can do about your GPA.

The LSAT, however, is the unwritten future. Since many schools count the LSAT as equal to your entire undergrad, you still have a huge opportunity to distinguish yourself from the masses!

If you haven’t already started studying, take a practice test right now (or as soon as exams are over) to see how the LSAT works. Based on your performance and spring/summer plans, decide which test date to target (June or October – never leave the LSAT to the last minute) and how to prepare. You may decide to take a course, work one-on-one with a tutor, study on your own or even attend LSAT summer camp!

Once you decide on the proper medium for your studies, make a study plan (and ask your instructor for help with that plan, if you’re taking a course). Commit to that plan to ensure your test day success. Remember: planning is the key to enjoying a balanced summer.

OK – so that’s all great advice, but you may still be skeptical about my “best summer ever” claim. Well, by doing great on the LSAT you’ll begin to make your legal dreams a reality; you’ll potentially earn huge savings on your law school tuition; you’ll prepare yourself to think the way the most successful law students and lawyers do; and you’ll vastly reduce your LSAT- and law school-related stress. What could possibly be more fun?

As we plan the wedding, we have to decide who will be invited –selection – the table the guest will sit at, as well as with whom he will sit –distribution- the music to be played –another selection element- and finally the order in which the bridal party will walk down the aisle, sequencing. Of course, with any wedding there are also other issues to be dealt, such as finances and family, but that is another story.

What is the purpose of taking a joyous event and turning it into a logic game? The opportunity for logic games practice abounds, whether you are involved in a wedding or in any of hundreds of day to day scenarios. I tell my students that logic games accounts for about 23% of their LSAT score, but about 80% of test day anxiety. Of course simply thinking about logic games and turning events into mock games will not in and of itself result in great LSAT scores; however, seeing the real life situations in which these games occur will help to ease some of the anxiety about them. You know that old saying: “familiarity breeds contempt”? I am not sure that it is really true-often familiarity simply takes away the fear and enables success.

Whether you are part of a couple to be married, or a guest at a wedding, take time to think how can I use this opportunity to practice Logic Games? No wedding in sight? Use graduation or a barbecue and think of how you can create a game out of it. As a start think of the guests as entities and ask yourself what you can do to create a game – select some guests to be invited and omit others. Or perhaps there is the opportunity for formal logic: If Sam is invited, I can’t invite Jeffrey. (If J-> no S; if S à no J), or if Mary doesn’t come, I will invite Arlene (If no M àA; if no A àM). For a barbeque, what items will be placed on what plate? What order should the food be served?

Regardless of when you are planning to take the LSAT, don’t miss the opportunity to prepare for it. With day-to-day practice and prep, familiarity will breed success!

Assuming that everyone reading this is at least thinking about law school, I’m sure that’s a question that each of you has asked.

A lot of people would probably be surprised by your answer.

Stereotypically, lawyers are about money and nothing but money (OK, maybe power and fancy cars, too). At this point we’ll probably never know why Shakespeare had it out for us, but when Dick the Butcher said “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers”¹, it didn’t bode well for our public image.

However, a recently conducted Kaplan survey² paints a very different picture of the potential class of 2016.

When asked to describe their primary reason for applying to law school, a whopping 71% said “to go into a career I am passionate about” – and only 5% cited improved salary potential.

Some of the replies to other questions were also enlightening, although not that surprising to someone who’s been following the employment woes of recent law school grads. For example, 50% of respondents said that they planned to pursue a non-traditional legal role (as opposed to practicing as an attorney). Of those who planned an alternative to traditional practice, 60% cited the current state of the job market as a motivating factor.

Along similar lines, over 40% of respondents plan to pursue a job in the business, rather than legal, world. An almost identical percentage said that they’d likely get an MBA if they weren’t applying to law school.

It will be interesting to see how this shift in focus affects law schools; for example, if a large proportion of applicants are interested in non-traditional careers, will schools with a purely traditional curriculum see their numbers drop as savvy students shop for the right mix of upper year classes? Will schools foster closer contacts within the business world to build career centres that better suit their students’ needs? How will admissions officers deal with the growing number of personal statements that reflect this change in attitude?

Why are you pursuing law and what are your post-graduation plans?

¹  2 Henry VI, 4.2.59, Dick the Butcher to Jack Cade
²  The online survey was conducted in February 2013 of 228 pre-law students who took a Kaplan LSAT course.