This is sort of random. I'm not exactly superstitious. I do strongly believe in the power of mind control and know that mindset plays a powerful role in the LSAT. Also, I know confidence is important. So, this happens to me, and I'm wondering if to anyone else. For instance in LG fool-proofing. I get on a roll where I'm doing fantastic. I'm getting -0 and under JY's recommended time. Then I feel great, I mean I feel great. Then, shortly thereafter, I'll screw up. And I think it's my confidence that gets in the way. I screw up and then curse myself. But then, once I have that awful feeling of sucking, I do better again. But, the happy feeling feels much better than does the discouraging feeling. It's like the discouraging feeling helps me to pay more attention to the rules. Being on cloud 9 has my judgment cloudy. How do I level this playing field for myself? Do I need to go into my test feeling like shit and doubting myself in order to do well? That does not sound like the type of mindset anyone would suggest... * sigh *

Do all Law Schools use the index formula that computes your UGPA? adding withdrawals and f's into your gpa? I am mainly interested in which schools in New York follow that. Thank you

Hello everyone!

I was hoping that someone could give me some advice on how to tackle the LSAT if you are a slow reader.

A little background: I wrote the LSAT this past september, scored 145, rewrote in December and scored 155. I am re-wrtiging again in two weeks, and I have been improving consistently. However, one thing I don't seem to improve on is my reading speed. I consistently don't get to answer the last 5 questions in arguments, and I always barely make it through 3 out of 4 passages. If I try to read faster, I start misunderstanding what I read and get lost. Overall this has been very frustrating. I would really appreciate if anyone could give me some points on how to fix this! I don't think I can handle writing this test more than 3 times :|

Hello everyone!

A couple weeks ago I posted a discussion and many people thought it would be a great idea to have a thread dedicated to helpful tips for those who have to balance working full-time with their study routine. Well here's the thread! I've tapped @"Cant Get Right" and @LSATcantwin, two Sages who worked full time while studying and still managed to score 170+ on the LSAT, to give us some helpful tips on what we can do to beat this test all while working 40+ hour weeks, taking care of families, running errands and all around keeping our lives afloat. Below are their answers in a Q&A Format, and I gotta say, it's some GREAT advice. So if you're feeling overwhelmed with work and study, definitely take a few minutes to read. I've also included the recording from @"Accounts Playable" 's AMA from 1/8/18 below. Starting at ~42 min he gives some awesome tips to those who go to school full time and are studying as well. Happy Reading + Happy Studying!

Q&A with @LSATcantwin

Score Range

Diagnostic: 151, Attempt 1: 157, Attempt 2: 163; Attempt 3, 171

Length of study time

Year and a half (May 2016 - Dec 2017). From May 2017 until October 2017 I studied about 20 hours a week.

What successful study habits did you incorporate into your routine while working full time?

Lunch became dedicated LSAT time. It was an extra hour I got to throw into the mix each day. I would eat and review questions or do LG. Half my commute was spent on public trans, I would do LG or study LR on the train as well.

What was your ideal study schedule and how did that help you reach your goal score?

Monday - Friday; Get to work an hour early and study. Study during my hour lunch break, study 2 hours or so at night when I got home. (4 hours or so a day) (2 hours at night included blind review of my Sat PT); Saturday; Timed PT; Sunday; rest.

How did you find the time to juggle work with studying?

Basically just took any "free time" I could find and dedicated it to LSAT.

What concrete tips can you give those who are struggling working full time while studying part time?

Burnout is real and it isn't only the LSAT that can cause it. Remember to give yourself breaks, down time and sleep. Don't compare yourself to other people studying. Lots of people are going to be studying full time or only working part time. They might make faster progress than you, but you'll still make progress I promise. Time management is key. With 40 hours a week dedicated to our job free time is hard to come by. It is even more limited when you have other responsibility to worry about (children, dishes, cooking, cleaning, friends, family...) I gave up running and working out for more time. Because I love cheese I gained about 20lbs over the year and a half....Time to start running again! haha! Remember to be as open as you can with your employer/family/friends. I sent a massive text to all my friends explaining my situation. I apologized and told them I was not ignoring them or blowing them off. I made it clear that my goal was T-14 and I was working my butt off to get there. My friends understood and did not hold it against me. I did much the same with my family.

What were some mistakes you learned during your study process?

Don't do things that are unnatural for you. I tried waking up before work (at 4am) to study more. My body hated this, and in turn, I got nothing out of those hours of studying before work. Don't try and break yourself. Slow and steady will win the race. Don't be afraid to take extra time to study. Working full time will slow us down. Don't create a timeline. The LSAT isn't going anywhere, so make sure you are getting the score you want before you take the plunge.

Any other tips for success?

If you can't teach something to someone else, you probably don't understand it yourself. During my studying I spent a TON of time on 7Sage. My favorite posts were specific to questions. I would open them immediately and try and type out an answer that explained the question. In so doing I was able to spot many weaknesses because sometimes I couldn't explain why the right answer was correct. Other times I'd be able to explain it with relative ease and these were questions I knew I understood.

Q&A with @"Cant Get Right"

Score Range

Diagnostic: high 140's,

Officials: 163, 162, 170, 176

Length of study time

Two years+ (Summer 2015 - Sept 2017).

What successful study habits did you incorporate into your routine while working full time?

I set a very low daily minimum study time--one hour most days. One hour is manageable on the worst of days, and so it always got me started which was frequently the hardest part. I enjoyed studying and so I often found myself engaged and wanting to continue. Other days, I didn't. On those days, I fulfilled my minimum daily requirement and allowed myself to leave it at that without guilt. Studying for the LSAT requires high energy, and when the energy isn't there the returns on study time are going to be miniscule. Recharging and managing your energy is essential. In all seriousness, I learned to view taking one night off a week to eat pizza and catch up on TV as an essential part of my study routine.

What was your ideal study schedule and how did that help you reach your goal score?

Morning before work was always best. After work, there was very low chance of having the energy to study at a high level. I began going to bed earlier and earlier in order to create more and more study time before work. This allowed me to, in at least some small way, prioritize LSAT over work. Work took more of my time, but LSAT got me at my freshest.

How did you find the time to juggle work with studying?

Strict scheduling. Time management must be done proactively which was not something I was really used to. For the first time, I made a google calendar and began chopping my days into blocks. I accounted for as much as I could. Work went down first. Then sleep. Then LSAT. Then everything else. And the everything else is really important, so you have to leave space for it. I tried to be ambitious at first and devote every waking hour away from work to LSAT and that burned me out real fast. Flexibility is also important. Sometimes you just need to take a week off when you just can't stand to look at the test anymore. One time, I was taking a PT on my day off and I had a total meltdown. You can't let it get to that point.

What were some mistakes you learned during your study process?

I didn't adjust my timeline to my reality. I thought I could work full time and conquer the LSAT on the side in only a few months. This is a mistake many people make, but I think it's particularly destructive for those of us who work. My best score while still working was a 163. I came a long way in that time and that was a score that would open a world of possibilities to me. I had enough savings to leave my job and study full time, so I acknowledge that my advances after that are perhaps of questionable value for those who aren't able to quit work. However, I do think it's worth acknowledging that most of the mistakes I made were not corrected until after leaving my job, and leaving my job was not a part of those corrections. I didn't even find 7Sage until after I quit working. Looking back on it, I realize that it is much more important to study correctly than to study full time. It just takes longer. Had I continued working but made the same shift in my mentality, I am positive I would have been successful. On the other hand, I could have studied full time for a decade without changing my mentality, and I know I would have never improved.

Any other tips for success?

Seek understanding rather than a score--understanding of logic, understanding of language, understanding of testing strategy, understanding of every component of taking the LSAT. If you achieve a higher level of understanding, a higher score will follow. If you chase a score, you will always be trying to push beyond your understanding rather than advancing it.

AMA with 7Sager @"Accounts Playable" 1/8/18

Apparently, schools are aware of when you begin filling out an application for them. I began an application to a certain school but did not finish it, and just got an e-mail from them telling me that they know that I began an application to them and should get a move on finishing it by the end of the month!

So I'm about to finish with the Core Curriculum (the reading comprehension section - not all PTs). I'll be finished by early next week. Immediately after, I plan on taking the preptest to assess where I am at, but after that I'm not so sure. As you can see I'm not Ultimate +, so LG bundle is not an option - BUT I plan on getting the bundle by the end of next month (funds don't currently allow). In the meantime should I purchase the LSAT Trainer and go through it to reinforce material? Should I go through all of the CC drills again? Both? I'm not entirely sure what route to take post CC, with a month before purchasing Ultimate +. Thanks!

Hi 7Sage Community, I took my first practice test, with no knowledge of the LSAT back in late June 2017 and got a 148. I've been studying since then, but not as much as I could, and last weekend my score was 158, and 160 BR. I'm wondering if anyone on here has started with a score under 150, and excelled past 170? Is it possible if I put the time in before the June 2018 exam?

I've always done horribly on standardized tests, and the LSAT is no exception, even though I understand the tricks of the test makers a lot more than I ever understood the SAT (which I put minor time into studying for because I lacked self-discipline and time management skills in high school, even though I got all A-s and As in my Honors and AP classes through hard work and cram studying). I also have ADHD so that really doesn't help with the challenging time constraints of the LSAT.

Thank you!!

Hey there, I am new in 7Sage l was wondering if there is a video explanation for the small problem sets we get after some lessons. Thank you!!!

...but I just received an email from Yale inviting me to apply. Under “know” illusions (as in, “I know that Yale is a wash”—not getting it twisted on that) as to its significance for an app but I’m curious as to how I should treat the information that they send me for my app.

I was already done with my materials for Yale, but I’m just wondering if I should carefully read through the packet that they sent in order to adjust my materials. Or do the materials just constitute some suggestions (that are really only suggestions) as to the sorts of things you might include in your application materials.—if they are more than that, then I’ll have to sit down with them more carefully than I would otherwise, given the stage I’m at. I’m sure it’s no biggie, but any advice would be appreciated. Many cheers—A.c.S

I completed the CC about a year ago and I took a while off due to some military obligations and now I'm gearing towards taking the June LSAT. I've begun to fool proof the LG and am wondering what should I do to improve RC and LR? Do I do the CC again or should I focus on the questions types I struggle with?

My diagnostic test was a 144, I've improved to a 156 but that is doing the test untimed. I average -12 LR -12 RC and -11LG. I'm seeing some improvement so far by fool proofing the LG but don't want to neglect the other sections that I also need to improve dramatically on.

Hello all!

I purchased 7sage last summer with the intention of taking the September LSAT. I had a 158 diagnostic, BR of 174. Ending up kind of half-assing my way through the CC, never truly focusing on any particular strategy for any of the three sections or forcing myself to make sure I truly understood the logic. When September rolled around, I knew I wasn't ready but decided to take anyway (I made this big post about whether or not I should, I had to take it abroad in Paris) with the plan on taking again in September. I scored a 163, which was pretty much what I expected.

I continued studying through September/October and made incremental improvements - took three more PTs and got a 164, 166, and 167, with BRs from 175-177. I then came to the realization that December was not enough time to reach my potential. So I decided to postpone the whole cycle and now I'm shooting for June and I'm pretty pumped about this choice! Woo!

I've been re-doing the CC more meticulously this time. I am currently in the midst of fool proofing the LG bundle...I've made it to game 12 and for the last 5 games I've gotten 2-3 wrong the first time through timed. So I feel like I am on track for that section and am comfortable enough to do it alongside the CC, since some of the material is review.

For LR, the CC + the few PT's I've done have helped me identify weak areas, as there are definitely patterns in the questions I am missing. Particularly SA, NA, and Parallel Flaw questions. I seem to be on average missing 5 or so per section. My hope is that through question type drilling and returning to the CC I will be able to get this down to a consistent 2 or less over the next 4.5 months.

Reading comprehension is where I am a bit lost because I don't feel like I really know where to begin in terms of practicing. I miss around 4/5 per section ... but that has been as high as 7 and as low as 1. I think I'm a little bewildered as to how to approach this section due as I've always been very strong in RC in other standardized tests, but obviously LSAT RC is a whole different beast... I know some people do a lot of marking, underlining, etc. on the passage while others do none at all. Just curious about how y'all have approached the RC section from the get-go/how you figured out what strategy worked for you.

Just for some more details, if I got score of 174 I would be pretty thrilled. I realize I still have plenty of work ahead and just want to make an effective use of my time, as I'm sure we all do. I can devote 20-25 hours per week to the LSAT, I'm just working part-time. My undergrad GPA is a 3.76 with a degree in global policy and a couple random minors in biology and French for a small LA school. By the time I attend law school, I'll have been out of school for 4 years, 2 of which I spent teaching English in France and 2 spent in Iceland getting a MA in International Affairs (free tuition wooo!). I would love love love to go to Columbia or NYU, as I'm quite interested in International law but will definitely apply to a slew of schools.

Any input on RC would be much appreciated, as well as general feedback regarding how realistic my goal is. Thank you thank you !

I've been studying full time for a few months and on days like today (where I'm loopy and can't focus), I like to take a break and do something non-LSAT related for a bit. I'd love to use my breaks to spend time with friends but socializing has been tough lately because all of my friends either work full time or are still in school. I am usually studying by the time my friends finally get off work/end class, so my 'break' moments have consisted of me going to the gym and then putzing around until I feel like I can study again lol... I'm running out of ideas for things to do during the day that will keep me sane!

For those who study full-time, what do you like to do during the day when you take a break from the LSAT?

My study abroad grades would hurt my current cumulative GPA if taken into account by LSAC... and I'm already a splitter to begin with so I can't afford any hits to my GPA.

My school notes my abroad courses and grades on the transcript (with an "S" for satisfactory and my actual grades in parentheses), but does not calculate it for the cumulative undergrad GPA.

When I send my transcript to LSAC, will my abroad grades be taken into account for cumulative? If so, is that a hard rule or are there exceptions?

I was wondering if anyone knew if PreProBono was holding any more LSAT workshops? I was going through the website and the last workshop was in 2016 : (. I signed up for their newsletter but wanted to express my interest in case anyone here is working with JY on it. Thanks.

We are all working hard as the feb exam is approaching. This is a thread for giving advice of any type to anyone writing the test. My number one advice, if it’s your first write, TAKE THE DAY BEFORE OFF. don’t do anything that will compromise the next day like get drunk the night before, but totally unwind. Do a baking soda detox bath and go to sleep on time!

Over the summer I took a diagnostic and got a 141. I read the LSAT Trainer and did all of the recommended exercises. I just started the 7Sage CC a couple days ago. My goal is a 170 on the September LSAT. Obviously anything is possible, I was just curious to hear about anyone's experience who was able to do this. I'm in school full-time but I'm still able to devote a lot of time to studying for the LSAT.

This may be silly, however I can't remember if the real test paper is thinner than the single tests available on amazon. Does anyone know if the paper is that thin delicate stuff? Also, was LSAC releasing Dec scores early a one time thing or have they hinted at releasing Feb scores early?

I started studying for the LSAT September with a 155 on an non timed LSAT by January 22 I got a 170 on a non timed test. I am now switching to timing myself to learn how to analyze and take the test as time efficiently as possible. At the same time spending more time on RC which is my weaker area. Any thought on how to own the timed LSAT scene? In the meantime keep grindin' everyone!! You got this!!!!

Just a note to say... I've heard folks say that the LSAT is kinda like riding a bike. Once you learn the logic and how to take the test, the skills more or less stick around. I'm happy to report that after being away from it for about 6 weeks, it's pretty true!

After the December test, I've basically only been focusing on applications. I'm still registered to re-take in February though. I was hoping to have apps done by now and be able to go back to drilling, but life has gotten in the way and I'm crazy behind on applications. Ugh.

Just to gauge where I'm at though, I took a PT yesterday and scored the exact same as I did on the December test! I was afraid that I would have gotten rusty. In LR, I actually felt like I improved a lot. I finished both sections with about 5 minutes to spare (which is a first for me) and went -1 and -2, which is basically my high scores for those. I did feel rusty on LG though, they all took me longer than I think they should have and my score reflected that. I did better than average on RC too, which is my weakest section. That all balanced out to a consistent score with where I was at in early December though, and I'm very pleased. I actually even think an extended break was helpful - I think I did better on LR because I wasn't overthinking things so much.

So this is a note also just to encourage anyone that may have had to take a break for any number of reasons, or is afraid of taking a break to recover from burn out: trust yourself! If you learned the underlying logic, you're going to be ok and retain those skills.

Before Feb 10?

Is there a portion of the application process where you apply for scholarships? Or do schools look at your score and make that decision

Hey everyone!

I started 7sage in late December 2017 and have just recently started the Core Curriculum Reading Comp section (I used the 7sage's "create schedule feature" for the June 2018 LSAT). My diagnostic was a 149 and a167 blind review. The reason for the drastic jump is undoubtedly that I went very slow and left tons of unanswered questions in each section.

I am shooting for a 175 LSAT. 149 to a 175 is a huge jump, but given that my BR was167 on the diagnostic I'm hoping it's achievable with hard work. Now for the question - should I sign up for the June LSAT and just cancel it for a partial refund if my PT's are looking grim? How far out can you cancel with a refund? I'm working a part-time job and have already graduated college also. The alternative is to not even think about June and just chug along until the September LSAT. Thoughts?

Before taking my December LSAT I feel as if I reviewed all of the PT's I took wrong and didn't learn from my mistakes at all. Now that I have BR what is a good strategy to review the remainder of the PT? My diagnostic test after some time of from December was a 156/ 162 BR'ed . MY LR IS ATROCIOUS!!! RC I went -0 and LG -5 need I say more about how bad my LR is! Really looking for help on what steps to take to review before digging more into J.Y.'s materials. Also looking for ways to increase my logical reasoning section in general. Thanks!

PT83

I really need some advice because I’m completely lost and on the struggle bus. So I have taken the LSAT twice and got the exact same score both times. My score is way to low to apply to any schools I’m relatively interested in. I’m in the middle of my year off but I feel like I might be in for another. I want to go ahead and apply to a school that I know I can get into and then transfer but I don’t want to risk not getting into my dream school UT. I also want to be able to get a decent scholarship going into law school versus getting a ridiculous amount of student loans. At the same time, i just turned 23 and feel way too old to not be in school and progressing. What do you guys think about transferring? Am I over thinking this whole situation? Could someone give me another perspective or some advice please?