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If I can master this exam (while 7 months pregnant, working full-time, & parenting a toddler), you can too.
Scored a 146 on a diagnostic back in 2018. Took the November 2019 LSAT and scored a 153. Took it again and scored even lower. Worked my ass off (used Khan Academy —> BluePrint —> LSAT Hacks —> 7sage) and scored 180 in August. I almost canceled my score.
I’m very tired. Need a nap and maybe some chocolate.
Update: ** see below for the topics I covered in the comments.
** In the comments, I added tips around each of the following topics:**
Note: found my diagnostic score and it was actually 2 points lower! (updated accordingly).
245
79 comments
Great thread! Bumping for my 01/24 testers.
@dk415827 This is the most useful thread ever! Any chance you can share your LR strategy?
I am taking time to BR, but feel like I am not making the necessary connections for improvement
@dk415827 said:
@trannkb83 @stulombard2012301
By popular request, this is how I approached the core curriculum.
Context: if you saw my original post, I tried a bunch of different programs before coming to 7sage so I had a foundation in the exam and was scoring in the 150s on PTs. So in re-attacking exam, I let go of some ineffective strategies and habituated effective strategies.
Mindset + Step-By-Step Strategy Guides: I was focused on being as precise as possible. As I went through the strategy for each question type, I wrote down the numbered steps of each strategies because my brain responds best to that. I thought of my brain like a computer and I needed to upload a new program, then run it to identify any bugs along the way. I needed a reference document where I compiled all of my step-by-step strategies for each question and type, so that I could refer to it easily and it helped me readily identify any missteps or "bugs" along the way. for example
weakening question:
Identify conclusion
Identify the primary premise
Prephrase the assumption… etc.
That way, when I would get a particular question wrong, I reviewed the strategy and identify where my misstep was. I needed this level of precision and analysis to make significant improvements and improve my efficiency. This process took all the mystery out of the exam. There were clearly wrong answers and right answers and no one question type was less precise than another. Each had a specific strategy and 1 correct answer.
Overall approach to CC: Once I started 7sage, I spent 4 months mastering strategies for LR (2.5 months), LG (3 weeks), and RC (3 weeks). For each section, I focused on accuracy THEN timing. For LR, I mastered each question type before moving on to the next. For LG, I focused on ensuring I had a step-by-step strategy for sequencing, grouping, and in-and-out games, For RC, I developed a reading strategy that worked for me and different strategies for each of the question types (a lot of them were almost identical to the same question types on LR).
This was my approach to LR:
Step 1: Learn the strategy for each question type. I the solidified my understanding of the strategy for each question type. I created a document with my step by step process for each question type, which I refined and added to as I did practice questions. If a particular strategy didn't work for me, I abandoned it.
2. Untimed practice for accuracy: I practiced 15-75 questions per question type and focus on accuracy. I would master the strategy (ensuring I was scoring 93% accuracy at least on each question type). I noted questions I got wrong to see if I needed to modify my strategy at all to ensure I didn’t make the same mistake again.
3. Timed practice: Once my accuracy was near perfect, I would put myself under timed pressure. I did timed groups of 3 questions of a single type. If my timing was slow, I would identify any inefficiencies in my process, then try another set of 3 questions. Small tweaks here and there really helped me improve my timing.
1 month out I started PTing. I did 1 full test on the weekend under timed conditions and 4 time sections during the work week. This totaled 10 exams in that month. I’ll do another post describing how I reviewed each PT. My first exam I scored a 168 and then I was scoring in the high 170s. I will do another post on how I reviewed PTs.
I hope this helps! Focusing on accuracy then timing and having clear step-by-step strategies were instrumental in getting a 180 on test day.
Thank you so much for sharing! Your podcast episode with JY was also fantastic to listen to & learn from. Do you still have an example document of your LR strategy for one or each question type? I am having a little trouble understanding the specifics of your strategy here.
This was a very interesting approach! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this helpful information! I really appreciate you sharing this!
You're incredible- I loved reading this beautiful post! Congratulations on your 180, and the upcoming birth of your daughter! I'm going to try your methods-the 45 minute sprint study time sounds doable and effective. So happy for you, and I'm looking forward to reading more posts about your law school journey :-)
@juliet7sage said:
@dk415827 Congratulations!
I hope JY interviews her for the podcast!
Update: Good-bye for now 7sage! Thank you all for the love and support! I'm grateful for the opportunity to help my fellow 7sagers by sharing key strategies that helped me along the way (see the comments for guides that I posted!) I am shooting to get my APPS DONE in the next few weeks before my daughter is born, so wish me luck :) I may be back to responding to messages in November after I've applied.
In the comments, I added tips around each of the following topics:
My study schedule
Some thoughts around balancing work, parenthood, and LSAT studying
My 15 favorite books that I read while I was studying: https://classic.7sage.com/discussion/#/discussion/30299/15-books-to-read-while-studying-from-a-180-scorer
A few RC strategy tips that helped me go from -6 to perfect on RC sections (it's possible!)
My logic games strategies
My approach to the Core Curriculum + Mastering LR
Hi @dk415827 : Great job! Thank you so much for the inspiration. I love how you said you are your child were doing it together. I'm sure she would be very very proud of you.
I have some questions for you :)
I was a bit surprised to hear that you didn't come close to finish all PT. Did you redo previous PTs you did? It sounds like you prioritize the later PTs (80s)? Did you drill? How did you refine your strategy for each question type?
Could you also walk us through ineffective tutoring vs. effective tutoring? What made you realize the earlier tutoring was ineffective to switch to effective tutoring?
Finally, I wonder if it's possible to get accommodation for being pregnant.
Thank you so very much!
@dk415827 You are an amazing inspiration! Congratulations! I have six kids, so I know the struggle. I am not sure that I can duplicate your progress, but I hope to get close! Thank you for taking the time to share. I really enjoyed your RC tips. I am trying to get from -2/-3 to -0.
Who was your effective tutor ????????
@dk415827 You mentioned that you had both good and bad experiences with private tutoring. Where were you looking/who did you hire? I am thinking of trying to find one, and want to know how to find one that will be helpful. Thank you and congratulations!
Congrats @dk415827 that is truly a remarkable feat to conquer! I'm especially grateful that you included motherhood and balance in your post! I have 2 kids and 1 on the way and I just seem to have more discouraging times lately. So thank you and congrats again!
Would you be willing to share your created document with step by step process for each question type?
Thank you so much for sharing @dk415827 and congratulations on the victory. Your story is just the motivation I needed.
Congratulations on the final victory! What a beautiful protracted and disciplined war plan! Happy mid-autumn festival!🥮
you are a true force! i am so happy for you :-) reading this gave me the serotonin boost i needed!
What an inspiring and amazing story. Thanks for Sharing ! I would also love to see your document if you would be willing to share it.
Would you be willing to share your document with step by step processes?
@umairwaleed365 @dflesch833 @ttboyd02072 thank you all for the kind and encouraging words. I can't get enough of it!!!
@trannkb83 @stulombard2012301
By popular request, this is how I approached the core curriculum.
Context: if you saw my original post, I tried a bunch of different programs before coming to 7sage so I had a foundation in the exam and was scoring in the 150s on PTs. So in re-attacking exam, I let go of some ineffective strategies and habituated effective strategies.
Mindset + Step-By-Step Strategy Guides: I was focused on being as precise as possible. As I went through the strategy for each question type, I wrote down the numbered steps of each strategies because my brain responds best to that. I thought of my brain like a computer and I needed to upload a new program, then run it to identify any bugs along the way. I needed a reference document where I compiled all of my step-by-step strategies for each question and type, so that I could refer to it easily and it helped me readily identify any missteps or "bugs" along the way. for example
weakening question:
Identify conclusion
Identify the primary premise
Prephrase the assumption… etc.
That way, when I would get a particular question wrong, I reviewed the strategy and identify where my misstep was. I needed this level of precision and analysis to make significant improvements and improve my efficiency. This process took all the mystery out of the exam. There were clearly wrong answers and right answers and no one question type was less precise than another. Each had a specific strategy and 1 correct answer.
Overall approach to CC: Once I started 7sage, I spent 4 months mastering strategies for LR (2.5 months), LG (3 weeks), and RC (3 weeks). For each section, I focused on accuracy THEN timing. For LR, I mastered each question type before moving on to the next. For LG, I focused on ensuring I had a step-by-step strategy for sequencing, grouping, and in-and-out games, For RC, I developed a reading strategy that worked for me and different strategies for each of the question types (a lot of them were almost identical to the same question types on LR).
This was my approach to LR:
Step 1: Learn the strategy for each question type. I the solidified my understanding of the strategy for each question type. I created a document with my step by step process for each question type, which I refined and added to as I did practice questions. If a particular strategy didn't work for me, I abandoned it.
2. Untimed practice for accuracy: I practiced 15-75 questions per question type and focus on accuracy. I would master the strategy (ensuring I was scoring 93% accuracy at least on each question type). I noted questions I got wrong to see if I needed to modify my strategy at all to ensure I didn’t make the same mistake again.
3. Timed practice: Once my accuracy was near perfect, I would put myself under timed pressure. I did timed groups of 3 questions of a single type. If my timing was slow, I would identify any inefficiencies in my process, then try another set of 3 questions. Small tweaks here and there really helped me improve my timing.
1 month out I started PTing. I did 1 full test on the weekend under timed conditions and 4 time sections during the work week. This totaled 10 exams in that month. I’ll do another post describing how I reviewed each PT. My first exam I scored a 168 and then I was scoring in the high 170s. I will do another post on how I reviewed PTs.
I hope this helps! Focusing on accuracy then timing and having clear step-by-step strategies were instrumental in getting a 180 on test day.
You're amazing. Bravo and well done.
this post gives me life! Thank you so so much for sharing
Wow...Amazing Journey... Congratulations!!! (you've probably heard this like 100 times at this point ;p )
Your post totally made my day. And I'm not trying to score anywhere near a 180...lol
What you said about separating yourself from the score itself was so profound. I'm not even sure I fully grasped the magnitude when I first read it. I was thinking the whole objective was to try to get a larger # than my previous PT...lol
btw...I may hit you up in the future for some guidance.
Thank you.
@laurennhaumesser783 you're amazing! Cheers to you! good luck with the LSAT and book publication :)
God bless u, truly. I'm studying while working full time, taking care of a sick parent, and prepping a book for publication (final draft due to the academic press 2 weeks post-LSAT). It's encouraging to hear of other people in similar situations!