LSAT BOSS with Shana Ginsburg, Esq.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood parts of the law school application: the Character & Fitness section.From speeding tickets to juvenile offenses, arrests, expunged records, and academic violations, we break down the five key categories you might need to disclose. Learn how to be honest without oversharing, how to protect your integrity while staying concise, and why the way you frame your experiences matters. We also share real-world examples and tips for avoiding common pitfalls—plus why this section can impact your bar admission down the line.Whether you're just starting your application or revisiting your addenda, this episode will help you approach Character & Fitness with clarity, confidence, and professionalism.Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, founder and CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring. 🎧 Music by Taha Ahmed | Editing by Podcast Doctors 📚 Listeners take $200 off an LSAT BOSS masterclass with code LSAT200. Enroll today at https://www.ginsburgadvanced.com/lsat-boss-live-classes

In this episode, Shana dives into the often starry-eyed optimism students have when choosing a law school based on the ranking in a specific specialization. The conversation challenges whether these rankings truly determine success—or whether students need to read between the lines before committing.Guest co-host Yale Law grad Trudel Pare argues to exercise caution if you share the mindset of applicants who chase high-ranking specialization programs without fully considering the fine print. She believes it's time to question ranks and ask the tough questions: Are students being misled by rankings alone, or are they simply not asking the right questions? What does the ranking actually mean for your future prospects?🎙️ Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, Esq., Founder and CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring 🎵 Music by Taha Ahmed 🎧 Sound editing by The Podcast DoctorsFind LSAT BOSS live class schedules, personalized tutoring, admissions consulting and accommodations support at ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com or email us at hello@ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com🔹 Love the episode? Leave us a 5-star review!

Not all scholarships are created equal.In this episode, Shana (Founder and CEO, Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring) and Trudel (Yale Law '25) break down conditional scholarships—those tantalizing tuition discounts that aren’t guaranteed to last. If you're relying on one to fund your legal education, you need to know the fine print.🎙️ Understanding the Risk Many law schools offer merit-based scholarships that seem like a golden ticket—until you realize you must maintain a certain GPA or rank in a specific percentile to keep the funding. And here’s the kicker: grading curves in law school are brutal.Even top-performing students in undergrad can struggle when faced with the reality that not everyone can meet the renewal requirements—because the school simply doesn’t allow it. We unpack why this system exists, how law schools benefit from it, and what students should consider before accepting these offers.📌 Strategic Decision-Making If you’re weighing a scholarship offer, consider: ✅ How realistic is it to meet the renewal requirements? ✅ What happens if you lose the scholarship—can you afford tuition without it? ✅ Should you pick a school with lower tuition instead of a risky scholarship?💡 Takeaways Conditional scholarships can be powerful tools or potential traps depending on how they’re structured. We explore real stories from students who have lost their funding and what they wish they had done differently.Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, Founder of Ginsburg Advanced | Cohost: Trudel Pare | Music by Taha Ahmed | Editing by Podcast Doctors | Enroll in LSAT Boss classes for the anything-but-average student!: https://www.ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com/lsat-boss-live-classes Get $100 off a live LSAT BOSS class with code MAYBOSS100

Welcome back to LSAT Boss! Season 5 kicks off with your host, Shana Ginsburg, and the brilliant co-host, Trudel Pare, as they dive into the art of writing compelling personal statements and navigating law school admissions. From brainstorming anecdotes to explaining your "why law school" journey, this episode unpacks how to stand out authentically in your applications. Shana and Trudel reflect on how personal insights shape impactful statements and explore how law school choices connect to lifelong goals.Stick around to hear why understanding conditional scholarships could be a game-changer for your law school decision-making process—plus a sneak peek into next week's episode on financing your legal education. As always, we remain committed to advocating for diverse voices and creating equitable spaces in the legal field. Music by Taha Ahmed | Editing by Podcast Doctors Enroll in LSAT Boss classes: https://www.ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com/lsat-boss-live-classes Get $200 off a live class with code LBLIVE200!Created by Shana Ginsburg, founder and CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring. What will they say about you after law school? Let this episode help you decide how to tell your story—and make your mark. Tune in for empowering insights and take your LSAT journey to the next level!

We're back! In Season 4, we're shifting away from the LSAT and to address a crucial gap in the pre-law process: pre-law advising. This season focuses entirely on filling the void left by a lack of pre-law societies and advising at many schools, especially as it relates to students with disabilities. This premiere episode explores whether there is an ideal major for pre-law students. Our straightforward answer? No. Join us as we speak with our alumni about their own experiences in their pre-law journey. Learn about our accommodations service, admissions consulting, LSAT and law school tutoring and our LSAT BOSS live remote classes at www.ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com.

Reading Comprehension passages will be about topics ranging from arts and humanities, economics, psychology, science and the law.  Each will have its own argument structure, and each structure supports and argument that builds from one paragraph to the next. So, knowing the structure of the argument will help you to not only identify the overall organization, but also to identify the role or purpose of each paragraph in the passage for role or purpose questions. Shana and Trudel also talk about what makes a unique essay, and how anybody can write one, even if they don't have a singular outstanding academic or professional achievement.   Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, Esq., Founder and CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring. This podcast is developed by Shana Ginsburg. Music by Taha Ahmed. Sound editing by The Podcast Doctors.  Podcast listeners take 15% off our LSAT Boss course on Teachable with offer code GAT15 at checkout. Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring is a full-service tutoring, accommodations and admissions company designed to support the needs of the anything-but-average student. For tutoring and accommodations inquiries, find us on the web at ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com or email us at hello@ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

In this episode, Shana and guest host Trudel Pare bring you a very special episode in honor of Shana's grandmother, the Honorable Bess B. Lavine . Shana recounts her grandmother's legacy, a woman who broke through gender barriers, pushed for criminal justice reforms and mentored legal professionals including Shana's aunt, leading to the first mother-daughter judge teams in the country. (obituary at https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2022/10/05/bess-lavine-prince-georges-judge-dead/).  Shana and Trudel also discuss what Trudel's experience has been like as a Yale 1L under a 1L pass/fail, no-grade grading system.  Finally, the two dig into the next Reading Comprehension lesson, and discuss the different reading comprehension notetaking techniques that are available to readers with varying degrees of memory and recall abilities. Like Hansel and Gretel, you might want to start leaving breadcrumbs to mark your passage, too!  Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, Esq., Founder and CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring. This podcast is developed, edited and mixed by Shana Ginsburg. Music by Taha Ahmed. Podcast listeners take 15% off our LSAT Boss course on Teachable with offer code GAT15 at checkout. Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring is a full-service tutoring, accommodations and admissions company designed to support the needs of the anything-but-average student. For tutoring and accommodations inquiries, find us on the web at ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com or email us at hello@ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

In this final Logical Reasoning episode and final episode of Season 2, Shana and cohost Trudel tackle Resolve/Explain questions, and discuss whether what you wear when you study actually matters. Resolve/explain questions are like riddles with only five possible solutions. Answers will provide an explanation as to how two things that are coexisting or correlating can be explained. Both matters must be addressed and resolved by the resolution you come up with. So a solution must address both elements: A and B A correct answer will not just resolve an issue with element A. A correct answer will not just resolve an issue with element B. A correct answer will resolve the issues with both A and B. Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, Esq., CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring. This podcast is developed, edited and mixed by Shana Ginsburg. Music by Taha Ahmed. Podcast listeners take 15% off our LSAT Boss course on Teachable with offer code GAT15 at checkout. Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring is a full-service tutoring, accommodations and admissions company designed to support the needs of the anything-but-average student.  For tutoring and accommodations inquiries, find us on the web at ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com or email us at hello@ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

In this episode, Shana and season 2 cohost Trudel discuss Parallel the Reasoning and Parallel the Flaw Questions. The pair also bust a pesky myth about not discussing events that happened before college in your personal statement, and also discuss why it can be a great idea to take a gap year, or two, or even more.  Your goal for Parallel the Reasoning questions is to first establish the inductive reasoning of the stimulus. Is it a causal, analogous, or data sampling argument structure? Is it based on abductive reasoning,7,] requiring you to follow multiple steps in a line of reasoning to reach a probable conclusion? Or does it establish a general rule, and an exception to that rule? Answering those questions will allow you to establish how the argument is reasoned. Then, you’re ready to find the argument’s parallel. Consider that the correct answer choice will be an analogous form of reasoning to the original argument (or stimulus). Parallel arguments are, in a way, analogous. They rely on the assumption that the two scenarios (the original argument and the correct answer choice) must be similar with respect to their reasoning and argument structure. Example: Suppose the reasoning of the argument is “making the case for the conclusion of one argument by showing the argument’s resemblance to another, presumably cogent, argument.” Then the correct answer choice must be similar with respect to that type of reasoning. An incorrect answer choice will state a different method of reasoning (i.e developing a case or attempting to show that a piece of reasoning is incorrect). Mnemonic: MITS The MITS mnemonic is designed to ensure you that you have checked for the different ways that the argument and the answer choice must parallel: M Modifiers (adjectives, adverbs, prepositional phrases, that/which phrases) I Intensifiers (degree of likelihood and degree of certainty language from the inference lessons) 7 Abductive reasoning is a form of logical inference which starts with an observation or set of observations then seeks to find the simplest and most likely explanation for the observations. This process yields a plausible conclusion but does not positively verify it. This is different than deductive reasoning, which yields a definite and verifiable conclusion. You will use deductive reasoning in the Logic Games section. T Transition words [conjunctions (correlative; subordinating; coordinating), as well as transition words that denote cause/effect or illustration] S Structure (ensuring that roles are in the same place in the reasoning of the argument, and that any logical or conditional sequences go in the same direction and are not reversals (the converse of an implication). Only contrapositives will maintain the same structure. Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, Esq., CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring. This podcast is developed, edited and mixed by Shana Ginsburg. Music by Taha Ahmed. Podcast listeners take 15% off our LSAT Boss course on Teachable with offer code GAT15 at checkout. Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring is a full-service tutoring, accommodations and admissions company designed to support the needs of the anything-but-average student.  For tutoring and accommodations inquiries, find us on the web at ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com or email us at hello@ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

In this lesson, Shana and Trudel introduce you to LSAT Logical Reasoning Flaw questions, and bust the myth that "The February LSAT is THE HARDEST LSAT".  Simply not true.  Flaw Notes: A flaw is a fault in an argument that impairs the quality of its logical reasoning. In causal arguments, the flaw is found in the causal assumption, and often will reverse the cause and effect or create causation where there isn’t any. In arguments by analogy, the flaw will illogically relate two groups or ideas whose differences are significant and being ignored. In data sampling arguments, the flaw will often be found in how the survey was conducted and highlight a human error or a sample that misrepresents a whole. A flawed causal argument will contain a flaw in the assumption; it will establish causation when there is merely correlation, or, it will establish only one cause when there is clearly more than one cause. Any time you have two things merely present or coexisting in the premise, and then you find a conclusion connecting them through a causal relationship, you will likely have a correlation/causation flaw. The correlation/causation flaw takes on three possible forms: A. Correlation/Causation Confusion a. Example: If evidence suggests that people who snore have throat damage, a flawed argument might conclude that snoring causes throat damage, although the evidence only suggests a relationship (that snoring and throat damage are both traits of certain individuals). An answer choice might say: “The argument takes for granted that because certain characteristics are present whenever a condition occurs, those characteristics are a cause of that condition.” b. Example: Suppose an argument states that negative news reports cause damage to people’s confidence, which in turn can decrease the willingness of people to spend money (A → B → C ). Then, it would be a flaw to say that a correlation between B and C couldn’t exist, without B and C being wrapped up in a conditional causal argument. Here, the correct answer choice will open the door to the possibility that B relates to C for reasons other than A, such as “people who have little confidence in the overall economy generally take a pessimistic view concerning their own immediate economic situations.” See Preptest 65 Section 1 #17. c. Example: Suppose studies show a negative correlation between diet A and disease B, and suppose to conform to diet A you have to eat things within diet A that may also include non-diet-A foods (like a higher-fiber diet that also increases your calcium intake). To conclude that diet A directly causes a change in the incidence of disease B is a flaw. The reason why is because other non-diet-A foods (like high-calcium foods) could have just as easily caused the change in incidence of disease B. Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, Esq., CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring. This podcast is developed, edited and mixed by Shana Ginsburg. Music by Taha Ahmed. Podcast listeners take 15% off our LSAT Boss course on Teachable with offer code GAT15 at checkout. Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring is a full-service tutoring, accommodations and admissions company designed to support the needs of the anything-but-average student.  For tutoring and accommodations inquiries, find us on the web at ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com or email us at hello@ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

Inference questions ask you to analyze the logical reasoning of an argument and determine what other information necessarily follows from it. To determine what necessarily follows, or flows, from the argument, you’ll need to learn formal logical reasoning inference rules. These rules are the backbone of an argument, and understanding them can refine your approach to question types we learned in earlier lessons. Inference: A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. Note how similar the definition of an inference is the definition of a conclusion: Conclusion: A statement that necessarily follows from the stated and unstated premises. Notice how a conclusion flows from the premises—or evidence—but an inference flows from evidence AND reasoning. So what does it mean to flow from reasoning? Let’s learn some formal logic: Modus Ponens: a deductive reasoning inference rule of logic stating that if a conditional statement (“if p then q ”) is accepted, and the antecedent ( p ) holds, then the consequent ( q ) may be inferred. Example: If I sit hunched over my desk, I will likely end up with back pain. I sat hunched over my desk for five hours. So, I may end up with back pain. Symbolization: P → Q P --------- Q Modus Tollens: the inference rule of logic stating that if a conditional statement (“if p then q ”) is accepted, and the consequent does not hold ( not-q or ~q ), then the negation of the antecedent ( not-p or ~q) can be inferred. Example: If I sit hunched over my desk, I will likely end up with back pain. I did not end up with back pain today. So I must have not sat hunched over my desk. Symbolization: P → Q ~Q ---------- ~P Modus Tollendo Ponens (aka disjunction syllogism): A valid form of argument in which the antecedent (p) of a conditional proposition (Either p or q) is negated (~p), thereby entailing the affirmation of the consequent (q). Example: Either I am going to watch Bordertown on Netflix, or I’m going to watch The Good Fight because my eyes are too tired to handle the subtitles. My eyes are too tired for the subtitles in Bordertown, therefore, I’m going to watch The Good Fight. Symbolization: P v Q ~P ______ Q Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, Esq., CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring. This podcast is developed, edited and mixed by Shana Ginsburg. Music by Taha Ahmed. Podcast listeners take 30% off our LSAT Boss course on Teachable with offer code SALE30 at checkout. Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring is a full-service tutoring, accommodations and admissions company designed to support the needs of the anything-but-average student.  For tutoring and accommodations inquiries, find us on the web at ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com or email us at hello@ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

Strengthening questions are the first question type in the Logical Reasoning section of the LSAT that make you start thinking like an attorney. The best strengthening answer choice will: a. Eliminate a possible alternate cause; or b. Eliminate a possible alternate effect; or c. Give more evidence linking the stated possible cause with the stated effect; or d. Bluntly support the assumption. In a causal argument, the answer choice would support the assumption that “nothing other than A (the cause) caused B (the effect).” Today's Practice Question: 1. Among men with broad shoulders, a large proportion do not even work out: They don’t do any cardiovascular exercises, don’t lift weights, and don’t do any manual labor that requires heavy lifting. Since such activity often leads to broader shoulders, it is likely that men with the broadest shoulders are genetically disposed to having a broader skeletal structure. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument? (A) There is some evidence that engaging in some upper-body exercise can broaden anyone’s shoulders. (B) Some of the men with the broadest shoulders don’t do any cardiovascular exercises, but they do lift weights and have manual labor jobs that require heavy lifting. (C) Some of the men with the broadest shoulders do daily cardiovascular exercises, but they do not lift weights or have manual labor jobs that require heavy lifting. (D) Some men who do not have broad shoulders also don’t do any cardiovascular exercises, lift weights or have manual labor jobs that require heavy lifting. (E) Nearly all men with broad shoulders have fathers and brothers who also have broad shoulders. Hosted by Shana Ginsburg, Esq., CEO of Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring. Ginsburg Advanced Tutoring is a full-service tutoring, accommodations and admissions company designed to support the needs of the anything-but-average student. For tutoring and accommodations inquiries, find us on the web at ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com or email us at hello@ginsburgadvancedtutoring.com. This podcast is developed, edited and mixed by Shana Ginsburg. Music by Taha Ahmed. Like what you hear? Leave us a review! Podcast listeners take 30% off our LSAT Boss course on Teachable with offer code SALE30 at checkout.

I love this Admissions Love Story, because it's the gift that keeps on giving. Ali and Claudia first met at the beginning of their pre-law journey in 2018. Fast forward to September 2020, and Ali has generated a 21-point LSAT score improvement -- but equally amazing-- a 1.0 UGPA increase.  While he waits for his acceptance letters to roll in, we recorded an interview about his journey and caught up with Claudia Ryan, who, at the time, was preparing for her Criminal Law midterm exam.   A month later, we now bring you this episode with exciting news: Claudia  received the highest grade in the class! Ready to begin your pre-law journey? Learn about our test prep, admissions, and accommodations services at our website GinsburgAdvancedTutoring.com.  Find LSAT Boss: The Class hosted by Shana Ginsburg on Teachable.  Begin your LSAT journey with a rigorous, curriculum-based course designed for the anything-but-average student. LSAT Boss podcast listeners enjoy 30% off at checkout with code SALE30. Music by former student Taha Ahmed.