My first perfect RC section! Despite scoring well on single LR section practices, I can't seem to get out of the -4/-5 range during PTs. Has anyone else had this experience and know how to break out?
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My first perfect RC section! Despite scoring well on single LR section practices, I can't seem to get out of the -4/-5 range during PTs. Has anyone else had this experience and know how to break out?
15 comments
Any RC tips?
@ElizabethG For RC, I have to actively remind myself to focus on the task at hand, otherwise I get distracted. I've also started reading the passages as if they're extremely interesting, which often helps for some of the tougher ones.
After reading other comments, I implemented the Comparative passage strategy, where you try to answer as many questions as you can after reading only Passage A, then reading Passage B and completing the rest. It can be very helpful as long as you don't spend too much time on the questions on the first go around!
I personally don't use the low-res summary technique, though I try to read the passages as if I have to tell someone else what it was about afterwards. If you struggle with recall, low-res practice or increasing your reading outside of studying may help. I've been trying to read a ton, as it has many benefits (RC & LR comprehension, stamina, etc.)
@LSATsisyphus When you say you've been trying to read a ton, what kinds of readings have you been doing? Are these scientific readings or fictional readings? Do you think it matters?
@EagerEye I've been working on finishing Anna Karenina, and I feel like the sheer length has been helping my stamina. Honestly I probably should be reading scientific and legal research papers, since the Science/Law passages can be hard for me when under time pressure. I'm not sure how much it matters though. It's more of a supplemental source of studying as opposed to doing actual sections/drills/practice tests!
@LSATsisyphus and @EagerEye - Science is also my absolute worst topic just becasue I dislike it…you should be able to make an account on Scientific American magazine, and you can search their archives. You should be able to download at least a few free ones. They’re a lot like what you’re going to see on the test which has been good reading practice for me: https://www.scientificamerican.com/archive/issues/
Have to commiserate because I'm exactly like you! RC is my anchor and I usually get -3 to -0. But LR... arrgg.. best I can do on a timed section is -3, but I usually average around -5 to -6, so it's what I spend most my studying time on.
If you're similar to me with LR, meaning your core understanding is intact (getting BRs in the -0 to -2 range), then under timed conditions it's most likely bad mechanical habits.
Everybody is different.. my main problems are "correct then flip" (I doubt my right answer and talk myself out of it). Time vortexes where you should bail earlier to save time. Flagging correctly!! I used to flag so much because I wanted to "go back and double check" - bad strategy. Only flag when you are truly stuck between 2 or 3 answer choices, and learn to trust yourself. It will usually only then be a few questions, and with fresh eyes you can spot the wrong answer on second pass.
Absolutely know your weakest question types - I skip right over any dense conditional reasoning/needs diagramming. Or heavy parallel reasoning questions. Get your easy points in the bank first, then go back with more time for these.
For now, I am stuck in -5 LR jail... hoping I can cut that down to -3 at least, in time for October!!
@EEC_517 I feel you, we've got this!
You’re doing amazing! We’ve got this!
@Lillia555 Thank you! We're going to crush it
For LR here are some things that have helped me get down to -0 to -2:
1) I had to better manage my timing within a section- I try to do first 15 questions in the 15 minutes or around that (you can try practicing with drills to hone that), which leaves ~20 minutes for the last 10 questions, which tend to be harder. This has allowed me to have time to do those last few questions, whereas before, I would sometimes run out of time at the end of a section and have to guess or not thoroughly spend time with a question I would've gotten right if I had that extra minute.
2) I think something else for LR I have done is decrease my volume and spend more time on review. For every question you miss, especially in a PT, I would recommend really breaking down why you got it wrong and why you fell for a trap answer, even if they are "silly" mistakes. Over time, spending more time thoroughly reviewing my mistakes has also allowed me to see trends in the types of questions I miss and then allow me to hone my drills to improve in those areas.
Hope this is helpful!!
@kg8888 Can you please explain how to get the first 15 in 15 minutes? "I try to do first 15 questions in the 15 minutes or around that (you can try practicing with drills to hone that)"
@kg8888 Thank you!
i have the same problem - scoring better on LR in drills/sections than PTs. This might not be the case for you but for me it was anxiety and fatigue surrounding the full PT that made my scores on these sections a bit lower. What helped me is trying to view every LR question as if it was the "only one", and also just getting better at handling fatigue which comes simply with time and practice. not sure if that makes sense but i hope it helps and nice job! this is an amazing score regardless.
@juooper The fatigue is definitely a huge factor. I'll try that, thank you!
Any tips you would recommend for not only improving your score but also studying more effectively?