FTC Labels ABA a Monopoly (Ep. 537)

The FTC submitted a letter to the Texas Supreme Court supporting its decision to drop the ABA as the state’s official accreditor. Ben and Nathan agree that the ABA has been slow to modernize and often lags behind student needs, but they don’t fully align with the FTC’s reasoning. Also in this episode:A listener asks whether to choose a part-time or full-time law program.Whether to cancel an official score that comes in lower than a prior LSAT.A personal statement  with an unusually bold opening.Links Mentioned:FTC Letter to Texas Supreme CourtStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 537 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ libraryQuestions? [email protected]:00 When to Take Practice Tests6:11 FTC Claims the ABA is a Monopoly21:43 Full-Time vs. Part-Time Law Programs29:47 Tips from Departing Demons35:02 Performing Worse on the First Section43:19 Cancelling a Lower Score46:45 Personal Statement Gong Show

Ben and Nathan dig into a striking chart showing dozens of schools clustering their LSAT medians at 150 and 160, while almost nobody reports 149 or 159. They break down why schools chase these round-number medians, how it leads to irrational admissions behavior, and what it means for applicants trying to play the rankings game.Also in this episode:- How applying without a GPA can affect your admissions chances- Success stories from Demon students who crushed the November LSAT- Why the University of North Carolina has climbed so quickly in the rankingsLinks Mentioned:Derek T. Muller ArticleStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 536 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Retaking to Beat New Medians5:37 Applying with No GPA14:05 November LSAT Success20:05 The Irrational Pursuit of Round LSAT Medians27:20 Lower Scores When Timed34:50 Meeting with an Admissions Counselor39:35 What’s the Deal with University of North Carolina55:56 Word of the Week — Prolixity

A listener writes in asking how to handle the pressure of their final official LSAT attempt. Ben and Nathan remind them that their highest score on record, a 165, is already strong enough for full scholarships at many law schools. They encourage the listener to let go of perfectionism, be comfortable with not finishing a section, and approach test day expecting  incremental improvement.Also in this episode:- An update on an LSAC cheating allegation- Ben and Nathan react to the ABA lifting its probation of Cooley Law- Advice from Demon students who recently crushed the LSATStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 535 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 Update on Cheating Allegations5:24 ABA Lifts Probation for Cooley10:50 How to Approach Your Last Official Attempt21:44 Tips from Departing Demons34:25 Chances at a T14 as a Super kJD41:10 Pearls vs. Turds43:27 Personal Statement Gong Show57:12 Word of the Week — Percolation

A listener writes in after a disappointing first round of scholarship offers. Ben and Nathan explain that initial offers are rarely a school’s best, they’re just the starting point. They reassure the listener that more and better offers are still on the way.Also in this episode:- Whether taking the January LSAT is too late to apply this cycle- Questions about Harvard’s Junior Deferral Program- A deeper look at one of the newest members of the T14: WashULinks Mentioned:Derek T. Muller ArticleStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 534 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 - Is the January LSAT Too Late?23:45 - Receiving Bad Scholarships 35:24 - When Do I Know When I’m Ready?43:05 - Follow–Up on Cheating45:18 - Harvard’s Junior Deferral Program1:07:45 - Demon Team Tracker1:09:19 - What’s the Deal with… WashU1:36:54 - Word of the Week — Propinquity

A listener writes in asking whether they should retake a 173, worried that a future attempt could be lower. Ben and Nathan explain why they should be willing to use all four remaining attempts: law schools only care about your highest score, and every point, especially for higher scores, can turn into thousands of dollars. Also in this episode:- When applicants can expect scholarship responses from law schools- Advice from Demon students who crushed the LSAT- Another brave contestant steps up for the Personal Statement Gong ShowLinks Mentioned:https://lsat.link/gradesStudy with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 533 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 - Following the Demon Way3:30 - When Will I Hear Back on Scholarships?9:31 - Medians Above 4.0024:25 - Tips from Deparing Demons31:40 - Should I Retake a 173?36:35 - Light at the End of the Tunnel50:56 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:05:23 - Word of the Week — Anachronism

When LSAC accused a student of cheating, claiming his score jump had “Powerball odds,” Ben and Nathan dig into the details. They break down LSAC’s vague statistical claims and explain why big score increases are both possible and common for serious students. They also urge the student to document their prep to show clear evidence of progress.Also in this episode:Early 1L and 2L law firm hiring trendsA student asks whether to keep taking undergrad classes to boost their GPAShould you ask law schools for an application fee waiver?Links Mentioned:https://lsat.link/grades ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 532 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What’s the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our ⁠Word of the Week⁠⁠ library0:00 - Is It Ever Worth Paying for Law School? 23:40 - LSAC Accuses a Student of Cheating 49:20 - 1L and 2L Law Firm Hiring Trends 56:37 - Should I Keep Taking Classes? 1:03:37 - Community Colleges Offering A+ Grades 1:09:59 - Pearls vs. Turds 1:15:06 - Should You Ask for a Fee Waiver? 1:19:44 - Word of the Week — Demarcating

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” scoreLinks Mentioned:lsat.link/gradesNortheast Community College Course Search: https://reg-prod.ec.northeast.edu/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/term/termSelection?mode=searchFoothill College Course Search: https://foothill.edu/schedule/Arizona State University Universal Learner Courses: https://courses.ulc.asu.edu/ ⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 531 on YouTubeCheck 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 System12:51 - Colleges with A-pluses25:32 - Tips From Departing Demons39:24 - Blind Review Score53:08 - Lived Experience Essay1:00:00 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:07:55 - 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:Gratitude from a listener who embraced the Demon mindsetA message from Nebraska Law about student loansA Demon student questions whether to keep going after low scoresLinks Mentioned:LSAC Volume Summary Report⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 530 on YouTubeCheck 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 Report10:10 - Following the Demon Philosophy17:13 - When to Submit Applications29:56 - Email from a Law School on Loan Limits44:46 - Low LSAT Scores51:27 - What’s the Deal with the University of Arizona1:05:00 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:12:28 - 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:An Ask-button question about reading each passage thoroughlyBen and Nathan’s take on law school applications that ask where else you’ve appliedAdvice on whether to waive your right to view letters of recommendationLinks Mentioned:Register for the Los Angeles LSAC Forum: http://lsac.org/lawschoolforums⁠Study with our Free plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 529 on YouTubeCheck 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 Thoroughly7:26 - “Where Have You Applied?” on Law School Apps10:18 - Is It Still Worth Applying?23:16 - Tips from Departing Demons24:53 - To Waive, or Not to Waive30:00 - What’s the Deal with Santa Clara Law?51:02 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:14:38 - 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 campaignReassure a student who fears they’re progressing too slowlyReact to WashU personally contacting applicants’ recommendersLinks Mentioned:Register for the DC Law Fair Register for the New York LSAC Forum⁠Study with our Free Plan⁠⁠Download our iOS app⁠Watch Episode 528 on YouTubeCheck 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” Campaign6:00 - Trusting the Process13:48 - WashU Reaching out to Recommenders29:30 - Policies on AI39:15 - Caught Between Admissions Cycles45:20 - Pearls vs. Turds57:24 - What’s the Deal with New England Law?1:13:05 - Personal Statement Gong Show1:35:30 - Word of the Week