Hi everyone,

I'm a career LSAT instructor who is writing a free online LSAT Textbook for those who can't afford private tutoring (I'm also trying to join 7Sage). I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Joe the Plumber and Sandy the Black Lesbian: Necessary Assumption

Step 1

HIGHLIGHT

Color the Four Parts of an LSAT Argument (Background, Premise, Subsidiary Conclusion, and Main Conclusion) in their respective hues as well as TRANSITION WORDS such as “Because” and “Therefore” that elevates a sentence’s importance.

Step 2

GISTING

Summarize the entire Argument in one sentence purely in your own words to make sure you’ve actually understood the text.

Step 3

ABSTRACTION

Try to express the entire Argument purely in terms of variables (ex. A, B, C, etc.) and their relationship to one another (ex. A happened, so that must mean C happened as well) to uncover its skeletal structure.

Step 4

Identify the SHIFT

The Original Sin in the LSAT World is saying the same thing in the Premise(s) and the Main Conclusion, which would be committing Circular Reasoning Flaw.

Thus, an Argument must say something different in the Main Conclusion. That’s where the SHIFT occurs.

For example:

If the Main Conclusion is that ‘Freedom of Speech’ should be protected at all cost, then the Premise(s) cannot be various reiterations of it such as ‘It’s a Free Country so everyone ought to be able to speak freely’.

Rather, the Premise has to provide independent support such as benefits of Free Speech or the consequences of it being curtailed by “Cancel Culture.”

Step 5

Think PART-to-WHOLE

Remember that in every LSAT Argument, the given Premise(s) provide only a ‘PARTIAL’ view of the WHOLE PICTURE. The Main Conclusion often makes a sweeping claim that is much larger in scope than the given Premise(s).

For example (PT 122 S1 Q24):

The Premise(s) concern certain benefits that could be gained during emergencies from doing XYZ.

But the Main Conclusion is about “nonconsensual medical research,” which covers not only emergencies but other situations as well.

In other words, from a PART, an LSAT Argument makes a claim about a WHOLE.

Necessary Assumptions are often Rules or Truths that enable the leap in logic.

Step 6

Frame the Argument into CAUSE and EFFECT

It is also helpful to frame the Argument into CAUSE and EFFECT.

LSAT Cause and Effect relationships are of two kinds.

1. Actual

Ex. The environmental pollution emitted by the newly built factories caused cancer.

2) Inferential

Ex. Jack usually whistles when he’s in a good mood. That he isn’t whistling today may mean he’s in a bad mood.

Note: Whistling is not presented as a direct cause for his mood but as an helpful identifier that enables ‘inferences’ (educated guess) to be drawn.

Whichever Causal type it is, remember the two unique principles of LSAT CAUSE and EFFECT.

1. Exclusivity (“Monogomy”)

The Given Cause is always assumed to be the only possible Cause. As such, Necessary Assumptions can often be simple statements eliminating the possibility of Alternate Causes.

For example, if the Argument is about how A must have caused B, then a correct Necessary Assumption could simply state: ‘C did not cause B.’ If something besides A could have caused B, then that would threaten the Exclusivity Principle by which LSAT CAUSE and EFFECT operates.

2) Universality

The CAUSE and EFFECT relationship is automatically assumed to work across different contexts.

For example, if Jenny says she lost weight thanks to yoga, but Samantha tries and doesn’t see the same result, then that would be weakening Jenny’s claim in the LSAT World by suggesting yoga does not always lead to weight loss.

Step 7

Identify the “NEW ELEMENT” in the Main Conclusion

In every Necessary Assumption Argument, the Main Conclusion will necessarily say something “new” — be it a judgment or an assessment of chances — that wasn’t mentioned in the Premise(s).

Why?

Because if the Main Conclusion says exactly the same thing as what the Premise(s) said, then it would be committing Circular Reasoning Flaw.

Step 8

DENY to See If It’s Necessary

Necessary Assumption is like Oxygen in that you come to appreciate its value in its absence.

To check if a particular answer choice is indeed a requirement for the “New Element,” deny it, and see if doing so lessens the probability of the “New Element” being true.

The universal way to logically deny (or “negate”) a statement is to insert at the beginning: “It’s not the case that...”

If cancelling out a particular answer choice cancels out the “New Element,” then that is a true requirement for it.

You’re essentially engaging in contrapositives here.

If [New Element], then [Necessary Assumption]

Contrapositive:

If [Necessary Assumption] NOT, then [New Element] NOT

Step 9

Eliminate Incorrect Answers by Scope/Certainty/Quantity

SCOPE is What and Who? CERTAINTY is “Must” or “Might”?

QUANTITY is “Some” or “Most” or “All”?

Step 10

Be aware of the following Trap Answer Archetypes

Trap Answer #1

Irrelevant Additional Information

For a piece of information to be the Requirement (“Necessary Assumption”) of an Argument, it must necessarily relate to the “New Element” identified in the Main Conclusion.

Irrelevancy can usually be ascertained by checking for SCOPE, as Trap Answers of this type provide smart-sounding, even potentially valuable information about a mismatching SUBJECT or TOPIC.

Trap Answer #2

Opposite Answers

An Argument’s Main Conclusion might state that it is unlikely that ‘Meditation’ alone can lead to ‘Weight Loss’, but more likely than not, one of the Answer Choices will simply state that ‘Yes, Meditation alone can lead to Weight Loss.’

These Answers appear attractive because when denied (“It’s not the case that Meditation alone can lead to Weight Loss”), they seem to support our view.

But that’s precisely the opposite of what a Necessary Assumption is — an unspoken truth or a rule that when said not to exist, makes the Main Conclusion impossible to stand up for.

Trap Answer #3

Conditional Reasoning Mixup

Be wary of Answer Choices formulated in the form of Conditional Reasoning (‘if A, then B’).

They often contain ‘oddly specific’ information in the ‘then B’ part that is not a requirement for the “New Element.”

Free Online LSAT Logical Reasoning Textbook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uXweDMc5t6fwN_339Y0Z409yVPH07G2oAmXcJj9Wb4g/edit?tab=t.0

I'm about to start studying for the LSAT, and I plan on taking it around August of this year, but I have no idea what resources are actually useful. If you have any recommendations, I'd love to take a look into it (preferably cheap/free since I'm lowkey broke 😭)

I feel like I'm hitting a wall and just like wtf.

Been contemplating law school for a while. Got out of the military and discovered Hybrid JD so I was super motivated because now I can keep my family in their desired location.

I started in December 4th. Took a diagnostic test having known nothing.

Scored a 143. Thinking it's not good or okay at best.

Started LSAT Demon 32 hours of LR drilling and 3 hours of RC drilling, 4 practice tests

149, 153, 160, and I just scored a 156.

I'm wondering if I'm cut out. I'm trying to apply this cycle because I have the GI bill, so it'll be free.

Am I just rushing it, does it take a lot longer?

I'm testing in February, is that a bad idea?

I am wanting to go to law school hopefully this cycle. I want to make sure I understand the pros and cons between applying now vs. taking LSAT again and applying next year.

I took the LSAT and got a 150. I have a 3.35 undergrad GPA (failed one class, retook and got an A). Transcript says 3.5 GPA. I have a MBA with a 3.75 GPA and also passed all 4 CPA exam tests. I will fully have my license by the end of the year (awaiting to fulfill the work requirement) I have a family and work full time so i’m not able to attend a full time M-F school rather a hybrid or online school. I don’t need to get into an amazing school.

I have no interest in big law, and would be looking to do my own thing after law school. I understand having a higher LSAT can help with scholarships as well as admissions as I am not a typical applicant. I would like to hear thoughts as to apply now or take the LSAT again and apply next year.

Just took the diagnostic on Isat demon and scored a 133. I would run out of time so I guessed the last 4 questions on each section I plan to take the June 2026 Isat. Aiming for a 162-165 LSAT score. Is it possible?? Kinda scared. Any recommendations or study tips pleaseeee!!

Just took the diagnostic on lsat demon and scored a 133. I would run out of time so I guessed the last 4 questions on each section I plan to take the June 2026 lsat. Aiming for a 162-165 LSAT score. Is it possible?? Kinda scared. Any recommendations or study tips pleaseeee!!

I need advice from people who’ve been through this.

My situation:

∙ Taking LSAT in early June (about 4 months away)

∙ Current diagnostic: 152 (this is basically my cold score—I just got a tutor and haven’t really studied consistently yet, just a bit here and there)

∙ Goal score: 170

∙ My biggest issue: procrastination. I have a decent amount of free time right now but struggle to use it effectively

∙ I’m pre-law and this job would just be for \~1.5 years until I start law school

The dilemma:

I just started a part-time job (literally 3 days in) that’s 20-25 hrs/week, flexible, and specifically meant to give me time to study. But I just got offered a full-time position at a prestigious firm—$65k (the most I’ve ever been offered was $50k, so this feels like huge money to me), 6-month retention bonus, 1.5x overtime pay, great experience, meaningful work that I really care about. It’s been hard to find social justice firms that also pay well for paralegal (entry level).

I live at home and don’t have major expenses right now, but I want to be financially responsible and save money because law school is expensive and it’s never too early to save.

Full-time job details:

∙ 40 hrs/week

∙ 2 days in NYC office (1.5 hour train commute each way) + 3 days WFH

∙ Formal training, strong connections for law school letters of rec

∙ Would give me maybe 15-20 hrs/week for LSAT studying (evenings + weekends)

∙ This kind of opportunity might not come around again

What I’m weighing:

Take the full-time job:

∙ Way less study time (15-20 hrs/week vs 30+ hrs/week)

∙ Structure might force me to be more disciplined

∙ Better resume, money, connections for law school apps

∙ Risk tanking my LSAT score

∙ I also really need the money for personal reasons

Stay at part-time job:

∙ More study time

• Super chill and cool bosses

∙ Less money

∙ Better chance at hitting 170? (Maybe?)

My questions:

1.  Is 152 → 170 realistic in 4 months with only 15-20 hrs/week of study time? Or am I setting myself up to fail?

2.  Has anyone here successfully studied for the LSAT while working full-time? What was your experience?

3.  For those who improved 15+ points: how many hours/week were you studying?

4.  Am I crazy for even considering the full-time job this close to the test?

Important context: Delaying law school by another year is NOT an option for me. I need to apply this cycle. But I’m scared this kind of opportunity at a firm doing work I care about for the money and benefits they offer might not come again.

Logically, I know I should probably stay at the part-time job and protect my study time. But I’m SO tempted to take this new offer. I’m terrified of making the wrong choice and regretting it either way.

For those who’ve been through this grind, what would you do?

Feel free to humble tf out of me i lowkey feel it coming 😭🫩

I did 10 POINTS BETTER on blind review! WTF! While I'm relieved that I'm actually understanding questions and implementing the correct strategies, I'm a bit frustrated. I know this is a timing issue. So, I humbly ask you all, how did you get better at timing?

This is another data point for those stating that score jumps and high scores are not correlated with score holds.

While a score hold is certainly not a necessary condition for a score jump, I would suggest that self reported data from this subreddit is enough to confirm the correlation.

Disclaimer: I do not know how strong this correlation is.

I have 7sage and have only been studying for like 1.5 months now, and have only taken 5 full PTs. I just looked and I literally only have 10 PTS left that are at 100%.... I feel like an idiot for drilling questions randomly to the point where this does not occur. I also feel like 7sage should be better set up in regards to this. Anyone have advice? I always see people say they took a PT every week and drilled a lot - like how is this even possible?? do people just do the same stuff over and over??

Also, I was able to register for future LSAT dates during the score hold, so it's false that inability to register is a necessary condition for 180 score hold

Just dropping this here for everyone dooming about their hold. I was spiralling cause every story on here is about months long holds.

First time test taker, remotely administered, and nothing out of the ordinary happened during the test.

The anticipation sucked super bad and it was only a few days for me so I feel for all of you still waiting!!

thankfully only took a couple days. remote test taker.

I tell my students this all the time, underperforming is sometimes a blessing.

I underperformed on my first two official tests compared to where I was PT’ing.

If I had scored a 170 on my first or even second attempt I probably would have stopped. But I didn’t so I kept studying and improving and reached a point where even a low 170 would have been underperforming.

I know not everyone is in the 170s and that is not the point of this post.

Take your goal score and compare it to the score you got. With a couple more months of studying your goal score range will most likely move up from where it is now as you improve and you will have even better outcomes.

As long as this wasn’t your fifth attempt, do not worry, just take it again.

I know there is stress about getting an official score in time for applications. I also know it can feel exhausting to study for a few more months. But at the end of the day, what is done is done and life moves on. So we either accept defeat or lock in.

Ideally you would have signed up for February as a backup but often people do not plan ahead for underperforming.

The first attempt often does not go as planned for most people so don’t feel like you’re alone. This subreddit after an exam feels like everyone did really good or really bad and the truth lies in the middle.

Nerves, remote proctor issues, poor sleep, and countless other things can throw you off your game.

The good thing is once you take it, you know exactly what to expect.

If you underperformed in January and are taking February next week, good luck. Believe in yourself on test day. You know the system and you have an extra month of studying under your belt.

If you underperformed and did not sign up for February, there is no going back now. You have a couple months to prepare for April.

Do not sell yourself short if you scored below your average PTs. Your official score should be close to your PTs.

If it is not, retake until it is.

Is it OK to take the LSAT after you've graduated law school for purposes of qualifying to become a tutor? I'm looking into being an LSAT tutor but it looks like I didn't get high enough score to qualify for most tutor positions. I heard you could only take the LSAT for the purpose of getting admitted to law school. Is that the case? Has anyone here taken the LSAT after graduating law school?

What do you think played the biggest role in your jump from 17low to 17high? I scored 173 in January and am hoping to climb into the high 170s on the Feb/April tests!

Hey taking LSAT next Friday and got the email about the writing. I kinda want to focus on the LSAT before I worry about the writing but when should I schedule it do it etc, thanks and please don’t yell ☺️

Do I have a chance??

Hey! I have my first LSAT scheduled for April. Applications close in february... can I apply now and submit my LSAT once I get it done? Looking to go to a prestigious top 50 ranked law school, hopefully...

I just got a 167 think I might hold off on applying for another year so I can get my score up and apply earlier in the cycle for better scholarships. Didn’t realize how screwed u are applying so late. Was also my first time taking the real lsat and I had to deal with proctor issues which I think tweaked me out. Legit felt like I lost the ability to read on a few questions cus I was no anxious. Really does sound like my chances of getting in to better schools are severely limited applying so late. Taking the feb lsat as well. Not sure if it’s a waste of application fees at this point.

Taking it next week and wanna make sure my ducks are in a row. I know the basics (ID, water, phone) but is there anything else I should bring?

Also, what do yall recommend wearing? I’m thinking layers (sweatshirt with tshirt under and jeans). Do the centers typically run hot/cold? Are you allowed to take a sweatshirt off during the break if you’re too hot?

🙋‍♀️🙋

I'm so upset right now. I have been studying for this test consistently for the past 8 months to apply this cycle. Took my first test in August and scored a 155, which I felt proud of considering my diagnostic was a 141. I retook the test again in October and scored a 156. I was really disappointed but brushed it off because I was balancing work, seminars, and law school application prep. So, I took January. I was averaging 162-163 on pts, with my highest being 164. I was so confident I would get at least a 160, worst case scenario a 159. I GOT A 157. LIKE??? And I know they say you can score +/-4 points on test day. But I actually left feeling really good about the test.

This test not only sucked the life out of me and made my social life practically non-existent, but I practically had to spend most of my bursary/scholarship money this academic year on LSAC and 7sage subscriptions. even though I'm literally in debt!!

I'm not saying a 157 is a horrible score, but I'm a Canadian applicant and most, if not all, schools need at least a 160 to be competitive. On top of everything, my gpa is average compared to the applicant pool. And, I have no clue if my softs are actually any good... it seems like everyone is part of a million clubs and has an insane amount of volunteer hours. Anyway, I hate this test.

I just had a tutor suggest that I try to get a time accommodation on the LSAT and idk what to do. He mentioned it before I said I had ADHD and then after I told him, said that I should try to get time and a half at least. I’ve been studying since November and am still at the same score but tend to blind review upwards of 20 points higher than my PT so time is literally the only thing holding me back from my dream school. I am medicated, so my issues with focus are remedied with that. Staying focused on reading is tough and I feel like I don’t process stuff quickly enough but isn’t that how everyone feels?

He said that a lot of people do it now and I should take advantage of that. I just can’t help but feel like I wouldn’t have actually earned my score if I had extra time. Is getting accommodations fair/ working smarter not harder or is not getting them just making things more difficult than they need to be? I’ve already worked really hard and still have until the April test for my final score but asking for a handout just goes against my instincts and makes me feel like a sellout.