@Bkk374 what worked for me was putting a focus on applying the fundamentals in the core curriculum. Once I got to the practice stage, I would go back and review key concepts right before/after drilling.
@RJlsattutor this is just one test, so I honestly don't even know if I've fully gotten over it haha... but I think that getting out of my head was super important! I commented below that it helps to remember that the LSAT will not make or break your life. Learn for the sake of mastering, not to get a particular score. Adopting that mentality, reviewing thoroughly, and lowering my volume helped, I think :)
@plantpreps That makes a lot of sense, and I think your point that this is only one test is important. At the 173–174 level, the issue often is not missing major concepts; it is based in execution like overthinking, changing answers without a concrete reason, and creating fatigue through too much volume.
Lowering volume can actually be very effective when it leads to deeper review, more attention to uncertain correct answers, and less pressure to constantly prove that you can hit a particular score. The mindset shift you described also helps a lot because uncertainty stops feeling like an emergency, which usually leads to cleaner first-pass decisions and less second-guessing.
@8M_M8 Hi! I really struggled with the conditional indicator words that they discuss in the core curriculum - they just weren't intuitive for me. I just practiced working out conditionals in my head (without indicator words) and diagramming when necessary, and eventually it came naturally. Also, I think reading a lot of non-fiction outside of the LSAT helped with RC :)
@JacqN Thanks! tbh I'm still trying to figure things out on these question types myself, but really internalizing and applying what they tell you in the core curriculum was a gamechanger for me compared to my diagnostic. For NA, I always apply the negation test to every answer.
@j_w180 Thanks! For RC, what works for me is to internalize any author's opinion/viewpoint indicators, and try to do a low res summary in my head (purpose of each paragraph, main point, etc.). I also think that reading a lot of non-fiction outside of the LSAT helps.
Are there key words that you flag in your brain as "important" when reading an RC passage? Like what would you say is a super common thing that pops up usually in the questions that you know to automatically flag in your brain?
@Shardison Not OP but my highest PT score is a 179 and for me things that outline a conclusion or main point (thus, therefore, etc.) or tone/viewpoint indicators (sadly, unfortunately, tragically) are things that always pop out to me, mainly because whenever I do notice them the passage questions focus on them extensively.
@CarsonWagner Thanks! I'm not an expert by any means, but something that really helped me was lowering my overall volume and being really intentional about reviewing. I do about 50-70 questions per day (drills + 1 full section) and flag every single question that I am even 1% unsure about. Then I review flagged + incorrect questions as in-depth as I can.
Any tips for RC, do you highlight specific things one color and other things a different color? What has worked best for you and anything on this platform that particularly helped?
@Violetsworld I honestly didn't start highlighting until recently, and even now it's very minimal. I only use the default yellow to highlight phrases that I think reflect the author's attitude, or other things that I anticipate will be asked about. This is what works for me, it may not work for everyone :)
My biggest tip for RC is to invest time into your initial read. 99% of the time, I'll pause to ask myself "what the hell is this person even saying" at least once during the passage.
On this platform specifically, I really like the "ask a tutor" button and discussion forums for specific questions. Sometimes it just takes someone else's perspective for a question to really click.
@FelipeBarrera I think what really changed the game for me was being super intentional about reviewing! I flag every single question that I am even 1% unsure about, and review those in-depth in addition to my incorrect questions.
Also always reminding myself that this is just a test, and is in no way a measure of intelligence, value, or future success. It will not make or break your life 🤷♀️ Taking the pressure off helps.
39 comments
Congrats!
congratulations!!! proud of you.
What do you reccommend for someone who literally started prep 2 days ago?
@Bkk374 what worked for me was putting a focus on applying the fundamentals in the core curriculum. Once I got to the practice stage, I would go back and review key concepts right before/after drilling.
@plantpreps Do you think this platform alone is enough? It seems pretty extensive but like I said I am new to all this.
this is awesome congrats!! How many hours per day or months have you been studying for?
@Farah Thank you! I've been studying 5-6 hours a day (sometimes less because of work and travel) for 3 months.
omg!! good job this is amazing! - for practicing do you do untimed sections or timed sections?
@dhvaniparikh thank you! I do timed sections, untimed drills
Congrats
YOU'RE A BEAST, A DAWG, A KILLA
You’re awesome!
Very impressive! For those that are likely wondering - what do you think was most important in getting over the 173-174 plateau?
@RJlsattutor this is just one test, so I honestly don't even know if I've fully gotten over it haha... but I think that getting out of my head was super important! I commented below that it helps to remember that the LSAT will not make or break your life. Learn for the sake of mastering, not to get a particular score. Adopting that mentality, reviewing thoroughly, and lowering my volume helped, I think :)
@plantpreps That makes a lot of sense, and I think your point that this is only one test is important. At the 173–174 level, the issue often is not missing major concepts; it is based in execution like overthinking, changing answers without a concrete reason, and creating fatigue through too much volume.
Lowering volume can actually be very effective when it leads to deeper review, more attention to uncertain correct answers, and less pressure to constantly prove that you can hit a particular score. The mindset shift you described also helps a lot because uncertainty stops feeling like an emergency, which usually leads to cleaner first-pass decisions and less second-guessing.
Congrats again - A 180 is no small feat!
@RJlsattutor thanks! I might reach out to inquire about your tutoring services if I bomb the August test :’)
Awesome job!!
Hi, just wanted to ask, do you or did you at some point struggle with the wording, if so, anything you did to get better?
@8M_M8 Hi! I really struggled with the conditional indicator words that they discuss in the core curriculum - they just weren't intuitive for me. I just practiced working out conditionals in my head (without indicator words) and diagramming when necessary, and eventually it came naturally. Also, I think reading a lot of non-fiction outside of the LSAT helped with RC :)
@plantpreps could you please recommend some?
congrats! do you happen to have any tips on causal/psar/sa & na question types?
@JacqN Thanks! tbh I'm still trying to figure things out on these question types myself, but really internalizing and applying what they tell you in the core curriculum was a gamechanger for me compared to my diagnostic. For NA, I always apply the negation test to every answer.
Congrats! How long have you been studying for? Also, do you have any tips on RC? I take too long to read them:(
@j_w180 Thanks! For RC, what works for me is to internalize any author's opinion/viewpoint indicators, and try to do a low res summary in my head (purpose of each paragraph, main point, etc.). I also think that reading a lot of non-fiction outside of the LSAT helps.
absolutely incredible!! congrats!!
goat
Are there key words that you flag in your brain as "important" when reading an RC passage? Like what would you say is a super common thing that pops up usually in the questions that you know to automatically flag in your brain?
@Shardison Not OP but my highest PT score is a 179 and for me things that outline a conclusion or main point (thus, therefore, etc.) or tone/viewpoint indicators (sadly, unfortunately, tragically) are things that always pop out to me, mainly because whenever I do notice them the passage questions focus on them extensively.
@amistupid58 Thank you!
Congratulations thats amazing!! Any tips?
@CarsonWagner Thanks! I'm not an expert by any means, but something that really helped me was lowering my overall volume and being really intentional about reviewing. I do about 50-70 questions per day (drills + 1 full section) and flag every single question that I am even 1% unsure about. Then I review flagged + incorrect questions as in-depth as I can.
@plantpreps WOW, that's a lot of work. Makes sense that you got a 180. I'll keep that in mind for when I get to the practice section!
Any tips for RC, do you highlight specific things one color and other things a different color? What has worked best for you and anything on this platform that particularly helped?
@Violetsworld I honestly didn't start highlighting until recently, and even now it's very minimal. I only use the default yellow to highlight phrases that I think reflect the author's attitude, or other things that I anticipate will be asked about. This is what works for me, it may not work for everyone :)
My biggest tip for RC is to invest time into your initial read. 99% of the time, I'll pause to ask myself "what the hell is this person even saying" at least once during the passage.
On this platform specifically, I really like the "ask a tutor" button and discussion forums for specific questions. Sometimes it just takes someone else's perspective for a question to really click.
@plantpreps Thank you so much for your response. I appeciate it!
this so goated good for you dawg
Congrats! Any study tips?
@FelipeBarrera I think what really changed the game for me was being super intentional about reviewing! I flag every single question that I am even 1% unsure about, and review those in-depth in addition to my incorrect questions.
Also always reminding myself that this is just a test, and is in no way a measure of intelligence, value, or future success. It will not make or break your life 🤷♀️ Taking the pressure off helps.
Congrats 🎉