Just a positive statement for all those having a bad day of studying. Even though it seems like you're not getting "it," you will. Rome was not built in 1 day!

To all those having a good day, utilize it and keep pushing forward. Revisit topics you feel week on. You are your biggest weakness if you do not address them!

Now lets all go score some 180s.

Does the connection need to be VERY strong between "the experience" and "why law school"? My road to wanting to be a lawyer is long and boring/somewhat cliche. My experience living and working in San Francisco for a year and some of the things that I dealt with during that time is so much more interesting and is personal in the way that I think it should be. I have a deep connection to my PS, I cried while I was writing it, my sister cried when I read it to her, my mom cried. My goal isn't for it to be sad, they had a deeper connection with it than an admissions person would, so I don't think it's sappy. It says what I want them to know about me and describes an important time in my life, but the connection to law isn't incredibly obvious. Suggestions?

One app specifically says that they already know I want to be a lawyer, and that I really shouldn't try to convince them how serious I am about that. Others seem to want a "why law school" PS. Anybody want to read it and let me know if you can see the "why law school" connection?

Let's admit it: studying sucks. What do you do to get hype and stay motivated? For me it's a trifecta: I put on my favorite hoodie from my dream school that I picked up on a visit last month, chew Orbit peppermint gum to keep me awake and listen to Bach in the background. What about you? :-)

Hey all,

So I went through my LinkedIn notifications this week and one notification I got was,

"Your profile has been viewed by people who work at the following companies:

Duke University Law School

Duke University

Stanford University"

Now I'm not saying these law schools are snooping my/our social media presence, but I'm also not saying they aren't.

There is some evidence that this is a regular practice:

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/law-schools-facebook-google-find-dirt.html

https://dailynorthwestern.com/2011/10/30/campus/campusarchived/law-school-admissions-use-facebook-google-to-screen-applicants-study-finds/

http://www.dailycal.org/2011/10/26/law-schools-check-digital-trail-of-applicants-more-than-other-colleges/

Just be careful!

Carving out time for LSAT studies is getting to be pretty specious. It is definitely plausible balancing work with studying on its face...however, it's so much harder in practice. I'd like to hear from anyone that has been successfully been able to manage both aspects and has the results to prove it.

If you want to tell me about working out, doing yoga/meditation, eating right, and all that good stuff--I've been doing all of it and then some.

Thanks!

Redacted

Does it matter what pt is use to foolproof and timed full test and sections ? I did pt36 as my first set of games to foolproof and I got 3 games out of 4 down after repeating each 3x. But wen I went to fool proof one of the game that was super hard JP mention if I haven’t done a lot of games I should skip it..

Hi,

So I made a typo in my PS. I know it's completely my fault and it is stupid.

I already submitted my apps to my top choices ( about 6). Should I email them edited version?! HELP!!

I've taken two LSAT practice tests, and both times I've scored in the upper 150s. I'm hoping to get at least 170 in February 2018. My issue is that once I know a question is wrong, I can get the right answer without any kind of explanation (i.e. I see that my answer is red on 7Sage's score/review so I go back to the question without seeing the green, correct choice). It seems like most of my mistakes are from carelessness (perhaps reading too quickly or feeling short on time). I haven't actually run out of time on either practice test, though, so I'm wondering if I should slow down and focus on accuracy before timing myself?

LR is my weakest subject, but I can't pinpoint an exact question type that I need to drill more. I tried drilling specific question types for improvement (mainly flaw, NA, and SA) using 7Sage videos, but I typically get over 90% correct when it's only practicing one kind of question. Since I also only have two months left for improvement, it feels tedious reviewing every LR question type.

Does anyone have suggestions for improving my score? My LG is nearly perfect, RC is iffy (-5 and -7), and LR is the worst. I'm tempted to just do 3-4 practice tests every week to better pace and familiarize myself with seeing a bunch of different LR questions at once. I know most people recommend 2 practice tests max per week, though, with drilling in between, so I'm not sure what to do.

Any advice is much appreciated!

7Sagers,

On Tuesday, December 5, at 9 p.m. ET, I’ll host an admissions webinar with brand new material. I’ll start with last-minute application tips, and then a few other editors will join me for live lightning consultations.

What’s a lightning consultation? We’ll call on you one at a time and try to be as helpful as possible in five minutes or less. We can brainstorm personal statement topics, strategize about addenda, discuss LORs, or answer general admissions questions.

:cookie: After the webinar, we’ll give one attendee a free critique of a personal statement or résumé.

:warning: You’ll have to register for this webinar in advance.

→ Please register for the webinar (Dec 5, 2017 @ 9:00 p.m. ET) here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8894474411153176835

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

We hope to see you there!

Hello everyone. I have finished the trial portion of 7Sage. However, I am still confused on how to do Blind Review. Here is my understanding of how to do it:

First off, are we taking the test twice (once time and then untimed)? When I input my answers into the grader after blind review, do I only enter answers that I am 100% sure about? If so, then some answers would be blank. Or should there be no unanswered questions after you do blind review? Should we circle questions we are unsure about when we do the test timed?

Let me know your thoughts.

-Amanda

LSAC released a report on accommodated test-taking trends:

https://www.lsac.org/docs/default-source/research-(lsac-resources)/tr-17-03.pdf

"This report examined trends and performance of accommodated test takers for the June 2012 through February 2017 LSAT administrations. Trends with regard to the request for and approval of testing accommodations, types of accommodations approved, and the demographic makeup of the accommodated test takers, were examined. The overall performance of the accommodated test takers was examined and compared to the performance of the Nonaccommodated group, and the performance of Accommodated/Extra Time test takers who repeated the test a second time was also studied. In general, it was observed that the number of accommodation requests submitted by test takers with documented disabilities and both the number and percentage of accommodations approved greatly increased over the current report years. These increases reflect policy changes dictated by the Consent Decree beginning with the June 2014 LSAT administration. However, the proportion of those who received approval for an accommodation and who then went on to take an accommodated LSAT remained fairly steady at 65–77%.

With regard to the distribution of accommodated test takers across various demographic subgroups, these subgroups were in some ways similar to, and in some ways different from, those in the Nonaccommodated subgroup. Male accommodated test takers were more prevalent among the Accommodated group compared to the Nonaccommodated group. While the representations of Native American and Hispanic/Latino test takers in the Accommodated group were similar to those found in the Nonaccommodated group, the African American and Asian test-taking subgroups were underrepresented and the Caucasian/White test-taking subgroup was overrepresented in the Accommodated group compared to the Nonaccommodated group. Trends with regard to LSAT performance for accommodated test takers have changed during the current report years, with those in the Accommodated/Extra Time subgroup scoring higher than those in the Nonaccommodated group in 18 of the 20 administrations and those testing in the Accommodated/Standard Time subgroup scoring higher than those in the Nonaccommodated group in 12 of the 20 LSAT administrations. Score gains for Accommodated/Extra Time repeat test takers were almost the same as those observed for the Nonaccommodated group but higher for those who first tested under nonaccommodated conditions and then switched to accommodated/extra-time testing conditions. The trends presented in this report are purely descriptive in nature. While trends with regard to the Accommodated group have been described and compared to trends in the Nonaccommodated group, explanation of the underlying causes of any differences observed is beyond the scope of this report. More specifically, those included in the sample of accommodated test takers being analyzed are, in several respects, selfselected. These test takers chose to take the LSAT and to request accommodated testing conditions, and then self-reported their subgroup membership with regard to such factors as gender, race/ethnicity, and age"

It also released a report on the predictive validity of accommodated test-taking with respect to first year law school grades:

https://www.lsac.org/docs/default-source/research-(lsac-resources)/tr-17-04.pdf

"Predictive validity of LSAT score, undergraduate grade point average (UGPA), and Index score (which includes both LSAT score and UGPA combined) was assessed using first-year average (FYA) as the criterion. Results from this study suggest that LSAT scores, UGPAs, and Index scores for Accommodated/Extra Time test takers tend to overpredict FYAs. Additionally, results indicate that LSAT scores, UGPAs, and Index scores predict FYAs relatively well when accommodations unrelated to timing were given."

Conclusion:

"Results from this study suggest that LSAT scores obtained under accommodated/extra-time testing conditions are not comparable to LSAT scores obtained under nonaccommodated testing conditions. In particular, LSAT scores among test takers in the Accommodated/Extra Time subgroup tend to overpredict law school performance as measured by FYAs. This finding of overprediction is consistent with prior findings for LSAT scores and scores on other large-scale standardized tests (e.g., Braun et al., 1986a, 1986b). In addition, relative to others in their entering class, the ranked standing of these test takers with regard to their first-year performance tended to be substantially lower than their ranked standing with regard to their LSAT score. A similar result was found for their Index score, but this phenomenon was not as evident for their entering-class UGPA ranked standing. In contrast, no substantial evidence was found to suggest that LSAT scores obtained by test takers in the Accommodated/Standard Time subgroup are not comparable to those for the Nonaccommodated group. "

I've been steadily and consistently studying for about two years for the LSAT, and I've managed to score in the low 170s a total of about ten times (a little less than this). With this, however, come the occasional hiccups (e.g. a 164 on my most recent test), though I think these somewhat infrequent though dramatic drops in my score reflect the stupid mistakes I make more so than anything else.

This stated, I'm getting awfully tired of scoring in the low 170s for a few tests with a bad test that follows. I've fallen into a frustrating repetition despite feeling like I know more about the test than I did when I was first scoring in the 170s, which was as long as a year go.

As noted in my header, I want to see anyone's input on where I should go from here. With more 170s than not, I'm confident I have a good grasp of the material, especially of LG sections. RC sections fluctuate for me, though consistent practice seems to solve the problem nicely. My LR is usually good, though my last test was severely marred by miss after miss in LR. Has anyone been in this situation? If so, did simply PTing and BR-ing solve this for you, or did you have to go back to study material and possibly drill by question type?

Note: When I refer to BR-ing, I mean my personal process of circling questions I do not feel super confident about, though I BR the entire test anyway.

I just took the Dec. 2017 exam in Staten Island and there was basically every possible distraction you could think of, the worst one being a music/theatre practice taking place in the classroom DIRECTLY above. There were people singing OPERA and playing the piano during an entire LG section (no one thought to go upstairs and ask them to stop). The proctors also had full conversations/giggled throughout various sections and since I was sitting right in front of them it was incredibly distracting. On top of this, the heater began making really loud banging noises non-stop for almost an entire LR section.

I don't want to cancel my score, but all these disturbances definitely made it harder to focus which significantly slowed me down. If I complain could I get my next exam free? Advice?

So, I am close to being done drilling LRs from 1-20 (21-30 going to save), then going to start doing LR sections individually timed from 30-50 (not all going to save some for drilling and full PT).

At the same time I am fool-proofing Games 1-35 (6-10 games; 1-3 sections), as well as 1-2 un-timed RC sections a day.

I am studying FT until the Feb exam, my concern is on the new LSATs I have read there are some differences, such as rule substitution on games, and with RC i have not yet ran into comparison passages.

Essentially, if anyone could suggest when these changes occur and what PTs i should have as "must-do" to study at least a few weeks before the exam, so i can start to get a feel for them.

my goal is 2 PTs a week for January combined with drilling, fool-proofing, BR.

update: i just found some information on this in the CC buried between PTs. Any advice would still be welcomed.

Hii :)

I've been studying for 4 months now, and planning to take the feb test.

I only recently started doing Blind Review for LR (starting from PT 20), and I realized that my score before and after blind review has a huge difference. I think the main reason is that I can't ever finish the LR section on time. On average I miss about 4-5 Q's, sometimes more... and of course get things wrong along the way... So i would end up getting 7-10 wrong per section

But when I do Blind Review, I get most of the questions right (which surprised me!) .. missing 5 to nothing. So it seems like I can get through the reasoning with enough time...

I'm planning to continue to BR maybe for a month and see if I improve on time as well.

Does anyone have a "success" story of blind review?? If I continue to Blind Review, would I get faster?? I know the answer may be obvious but I would love to hear how other people improved on LR...!

Thanks so much..!!

I graduated from undergrad this past May, did a fulfilling internship abroad, then came home to start studying for my LSAT. I thought I would take it in Dec but my PS course didn't adequately prepare me and I found 7sage too late. Planning to take in Feb, but even considering taking it in June if my scores aren't consistently in the 170s by the Feb date.

I can't help but feel embarrassed that I've taken time off to come home study for this exam while my impressive, high achieving friends are off with their shiny new post-grad jobs. I decided to take time off/study at home because I know personally that I'm pretty anxious with standardized exams and wanted to feel fully prepped. My diagnostic was also much lower than I wanted it to be. I feel lesser telling them "I'm studying for the LSAT."

Now I can't help but feel even more embarrassed with the thought of pushing the date back and them knowing/judging me, etc.

Has anyone been in a similar situation with friends? How did you deal with it? I feel dumb for even typing this out, but it's getting to the point where I think it's affecting my studying bc I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

Hey guys! We've got a fellow 7Sager who's looking to 1) improve herself and 2) pay it forward to this awesome community. We suggested that she offer to tutor for free.

Her average of her 6 most recent PTs is 166. These were all PTs from the 70's.

She wants to work with you to BR your LR or RC sections from your PTs. If you're PTing in the low 160s (or lower), consider this opportunity. She's usually free from 7pm EST onward.

If you're interested, let me know by commenting here and I'll put her in touch with you.

It's a great opportunity!

Hey 7Sagers! I had a student ask for some pointers and tips regarding applications with a February LSAT and a low previous score and I immediately thought of our wonderful community.

Do you guys have any tips or pointers to share?

When I took the October Digital LSAT, my prelaw advisor told me that one of the perks of taking the pilot was that you would get reimbursed for a future real LSAT test. I already took the real December LSAT and was wondering how to get reimbursed for this? Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks!

Redacted

Did everyone get asked to fill out a questionnaire via email? I got sent one today and went back to check if I got one for September but I didn't... Just thought it was weird.

Proctors: The proctors were very friendly, super professional, meticulous and systematic in their duties (checking IDs, handing out materials,addressing concerns). They went out of their way to ensure a positive testing experience. The head proctor in my testing room wrote start and end times on the white board, and gently cleared her throat before each 5 minute announcement (which made it less startling).

Facilities: Engineering Teaching and Learning Center on U of A Campus

What kind of room: Medium sized lecture hall with tiered seating rows

How many in the room: I will guess around 80 in my room, test takers were divided into a few rooms alphabetically by last name.

Desks: The desks were long tables, and we were adequately spaced with a seat between each test taker. Chairs were comfortable, but not adjustable in any way.

Left-handed accommodation: not applicable due to seating style.

Noise levels: Very quiet, I think the entire building was dedicated to the LSAT during the testing time.

Parking: Weekend parking is free on street, but not terribly close. Parkade was cheap and close to testing center.

Time elapsed from arrival to test: I arrived just after 8am, check in was no later than 8:30. I was seated by 8:15 and we started the first section around 9:30

Irregularities or mishaps: none.

Other comments: The ladies washroom had plenty of stalls, but the line up was still ridiculous on break, and I was thankful to have finished some sections early instead of spending my break in line for the bathroom.

Would you take the test here again? Yes, but I am hopeful to be done with the LSAT for the rest of eternity.

Date[s] of Exam[s]: Dec 2, 2017

I am having a hard time understanding what the questions in the LR section is asking. But once I understand what the question is asking I can answer with no problem. I spend so much time going back to the CC to figure out what the question is asking so I wanted to see if anyone has flash cards about question type of a method to understanding what is being asked.

I am good with MBT, MP,WEAKENING STRENGTH, PARALLEL and MSS. Everything else I spend hours trying to figure out what test makers are asking.

Hello all! I can't find that list of suggested tutors. I'm looking for either a Portland, OR based tutor, or an online tutor, who focuses on Logical Reasoning and the hard questions. Thanks for any/all help!