Polgar, the father of the chess prodigies known as the “Polgar sisters”, famously argued that all extreme talent is ultimately cultivated through deliberate and focused practice. His success in raising daughters to become world-class chess players, hundreds of ranks above any women in world history, is a testament to this philosophy.
Let's delve into Laszlo Poglar's perspective of how the LSAT can be learned.
Can the LSAT be learned?
Yes, the LSAT can be learned. Though the test is often seen as an intimidating hurdle and a signal of innate intelligence, it is as learnable as any other skill. This belief that the LSAT can be learned is supported by the teachings of renowned educator Laszlo Polgar.
Laszlo Polgar's Theory
A “prodigy” is a person with exceptional talents. Conversely, we tend to reserve the word “prodigy” for those who become recognized masters (well within the top 1% in proficiency) in a task by early adolescence. Mozart, Tiger Woods, and John Stuart Mill would all, generally, be considered prodigies.
Were these brilliant creators just born more gifted?Polgar argued the answer was “No.” A type of deliberate practice, as opposed to hereditary factors, he suggested, determined who could become a prodigy. Polgar pointed out that virtually every person who was generally labeled a “prodigy” had similar factors in their stories.
They all had a father who was a specialist in their field, they began training at or before two years of age, and they all had ten years of practice before the age of 14. It was this set of circumstances, rather than any magical advantage acquired by genetics, that could give rise to rare greatness.
The Outcome of Laszlo’s Theory
Laszlo published his findings and a beautiful woman named Klara, impressed by the power of his writings, agreed to marry him and have kids, at least partially to test his theories (author’s note: Laszlo’s text game would have been fired).
Klara and Laszlo would have three children. Those three children taught with the “best practices” of deliberate practice, would go on to become prodigies. Judit Polgar, known as the greatest female chess player of all time, would end up becoming the then-youngest chess Grandmaster in world history, breaking Bobby Fischer’s then record.
Laszlo Polgar’s approach to learning the LSAT
The Growth Mindset
Polgar emphasized a growth mindset: anyone can achieve mastery with the right methods and consistent effort. For LSAT students, this means viewing the test not as a measure of innate ability but as a skill set that can be honed.
The Humble and Confident Mindset
The LSAT is an exceptionally difficult task against where you are pitted against competition that is talented and ambitious, much like yourself. Polgar recognized that an exceptional talent must have the humility to accept their current activity is imperfect in some way and can be improved. However, that humility needs to be tempered with a confidence that allows the talent to believe they are capable of making those changes and improvements.
Deliberate Practice
Polgar’s approach to learning focused on targeted practice in areas that yield the most significant improvement. The daughters would learn a task, intensely practice that task, and then be given work that allowed them to experiment within the task under guided conditions and with consistent feedback.
Building Systems
Polgar believed in structured learning environments. LSAT success demands a clear study plan, breaking the exam into manageable sections, setting specific goals, and adhering to a disciplined schedule. Tools like personalized tutoring and detailed review of practice tests reflect this principle. You can also book a Free LSAT strategy session and consultation to address your needs.
The Power of Feedback
Polgar stressed the importance of immediate and actionable feedback. In LSAT prep, this translates into reviewing incorrect answers, understanding reasoning errors, and applying insights to future questions. The importance of the speed of feedback cannot be overstated.
If a student gets to see the exact place they went wrong, near the moment when they went wrong, they can better associate the mistake with the conduct and adapt more quickly than if the student hear the feedback days or weeks later. Feedback should be constructive, correct, and quick to maximize student growth.
Focus on Patterns
Much like chess, the LSAT is about recognizing patterns. Logical arguments, reading passages, and analytical puzzles all follow predictable formats. By mastering these patterns through repeated exposure and comfortable guidance, students can transform the test into a series of familiar challenges.
Conclusion
The LSAT is not an insurmountable obstacle; The LSAT is a learnable challenge that rewards strategic effort. Drawing from Polgar’s philosophy, any student willing to embrace deliberate practice, structured learning, and a growth mindset can not only conquer the LSAT but excel. Success lies in understanding that ability is cultivated—not bestowed.
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