151 to 174: Kaley’s LSAT Success Story

In an October 2024 episode of the LSAT Demon Daily podcast, we interviewed Kaley, who went from a struggling LSAT test-taker to achieving an impressive 174. Here’s how she overcame challenges in Reading Comprehension (RC) and Logical Reasoning (LR) and developed strategies that transformed her approach to the test.

Early Struggles

Kaley’s LSAT journey began with a diagnostic score of 151, far from her eventual success. Like many first-time test-takers, she was unprepared for the test’s demands. LR felt foreign, and RC was overwhelming. Initially, Kaley ambitiously planned to study for only one month before her first official test. When her score fell short, she realized she needed a more structured, long-term approach to succeed.

A New Approach

Disappointed with her initial results, Kaley discovered LSAT Demon. She had previously relied on self-study methods that overemphasized question types and rigid strategies. LSAT Demon’s straightforward, content-focused teaching helped her move past these ineffective techniques.

Describing the experience as a “revelation,” Kaley gained the confidence and tools she needed to tackle the LSAT with clarity and focus.

Breaking Through RC Barriers

RC was Kaley’s biggest challenge. She dreaded passages and often felt lost midway through. A breakthrough came after a 90-minute tutoring session, where she learned that “all the answers are in the passage.” This insight shifted her approach. She began carefully extracting key ideas and relationships within passages, transforming RC from a hurdle into a manageable and even enjoyable part of the test.

The Power of Active Reading

Kaley developed a method of active reading to retain information and understand the flow of each passage. She focused on the relationships between sentences and paragraphs, making connections as she read.

By treating the text as a conversation and demanding clarity from the author, she learned to read critically and question unclear points. This mindset shift made RC far more approachable and effective.

A New Perspective

LR also required a change in mindset. Kaley initially struggled with identifying conclusions and understanding sufficient and necessary conditions.

Through LSAT Demon’s guidance, she shifted her focus to the logical structure of arguments, following the evidence to determine the conclusion. Instead of relying on trigger words, she concentrated on the argument’s flow, building a stronger foundation in LR and boosting her confidence.

Overcoming Plateaus

Kaley hit a milestone with scores of 166 and 167, surpassing her original goal of 165. Encouraged by a friend, she aimed even higher, determined to break into the 170s.

With a rigorous study routine and renewed determination, Kaley eventually scored a 174, proving that persistence and the right strategies can lead to remarkable results.

What’s Next for Kaley?

With a 174 under her belt, Kaley has submitted her law school applications and is excited about her future. She plans to study on the East Coast and pursue a career in patent law.