I am not looking for any scholly money...my priority is to get admission from ANY t14 law schools so that I can start school in Fall 2017. I am taking both December and February exams and I was wondering if I have little chance for those schools with February score even if I have median LSAT and 75% GPA? I am also an international (but have Undergraduate degree from a top US university. I heard it's harder for international applicants to get admitted.

Hello All–

I'm working on an addendum to include with a few of my applications about a decent difference (6 points, 10 percentile) in scores between 2 consecutive takes. Any feedback would be appreciated, here's what I have so far:

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During the June 2016 LSAT administration, I experienced several compounding issues that resulted in a score I feel is unrepresentative of my ability. Due to a large number of test-takers, the check-in, seating, and test material distribution processes took a significant amount of time. There was an approximate two-hour period of time between entering the testing room and commencing the first section of the exam, during this period I was unable to drink water or use the restroom. Although I was able to access my water during the break, I was already experiencing physical symptoms of dehydration that only worsened during the second half of the exam. As my physical condition worsened, my performance on the exam was significantly affected; notably in the final section of the exam, where I missed more questions than the first three scored sections combined.

Just finished my first timed practice LSAT after having finished core curriculum. I never did the diagnostic one timed so this really was the first ever long testing, timed, sit down session I had with the LSAT, so throw in some factors of some mid-test stress about time and what to do, whether to skip or not etc. I got a 157, and then got a 166 after blind review (did this all in one day). Realistically, am I going to get better with both scores? Do people learn to navigate the time better and the timed test scores increase? Or am I going to lurk in the general area of what I just got in regards to the timed test? What are your experiences

Hi guys,

I am currently in the section of 2nd RC section within the lecture. And just this weekend, I went back to LR again just to take a look, I felt less confident about my ability to handle these questions.

As such, I was wondering how you can do drills about them while in for instance, this week RC and next week LG.

I suppose reading prep book such as the one from Manhattan in the meantime maybe a good idea?

Thoughts?

I understand. You're going to take an important test. It's not the most important test though. That one is called the February LSAT.

Just kidding. This is likely the last LSAT you'll ever take.

I'm only trying to remind you that for something this important, there are second chances. That's not true for a lot of other important things in life, so that's something to feel good about.

For most of you, you already know what score you'll get. Take your last three recent properly administered LSAT PrepTests (e.g., 77, 78, 79) and average your scores. You'll get plus or minus 3 points of that average.

There is nothing separating you from that score except the mere passing of a few day's time.

You are as prepared as you can be. You have already seen everything those crafty LSAT writers will throw at you and you've amply demonstrated your ability to respond with craftiness of your own.

Saturday will be just another PT day and the December 2016 LSAT will be just another PT. PrepTest 80, in fact, when the LSAC releases it a month from now. And how different could that be from PT 79 and PT 78 and PT 77 and on and on and on.

You are ready.

Even for those few insanely difficult curve breaker questions. Every LSAT has them. Every student who has ever taken the LSAT before you has encountered them. You have encountered them on your PTs and you will encounter them again on Saturday. Do what you've always done: skip. Keep moving.

Good luck!

If you happen to be in NYC, come grab a drink and something to eat on us:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7sage-post-december-lsat-celebration-tickets-29407211762

The December 2016 LSAT is gonna be https://media.giphy.com/media/YmiL1QKb89fPi/giphy.gif

Despite that jawesomeness, there's always a little anxiety before test day. And it's okay to be a little nervous, but it really isn't warranted. If it's test day, that means all the work is already done. At this point, you're not starting the LSAT, you're finishing it. The LSAT doesn't happen in a test room on test day. The real LSAT happens in the months and sometimes years leading up to test day; it happens in libraries and on desks and breakfast tables, in coffee shops and on trains, and in the curriculum and drills and PTs and BRs and seemingly endless reviews. All of your points have already been earned, and what's left now is simply a formality. We'll all see each other on the other side to try and determine which sections were experimental, but first, let's meet up and see each other off right!

Wednesday, November 30, 7pm EST

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/370060317

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States +1 (646) 749-3112

Access Code: 370-060-317

First GoToMeeting? Try a test session: http://help.citrix.com/getready

If you need a break from studying, or you're trying to remember why you're doing this in the first place, Slate's Working podcast just released a great episode on what an immigration lawyer actually does all day:

https://player.fm/series/slate-magazine-daily-podcast/working-the-how-does-an-immigration-lawyer-work-edition

I took the OCT 2015 lsats for the first time and I did absolutely horrible . I only received at most 3 1/2 hrs of sleep and went to do the exam on an empty stomach . Within the second section I just wanted the test to be over with ; I also guessed on a majority of the LG games . I ended up scoring a 139. I started studying again and decided to take in September 2016 . I felt like I was better prepared ; I took a full time Power Score course , studied from 4-7 hrs a day and the whole nine yards . I made sure I got a good night rest the day before and ate before taking the test. I ended up scoring a 140. I don't know what else to do , I really need assistance smh .

Hey,

This might not be appropriate to ask here but...

How to explain to them if you want to take another test/extend the test?

I have already postpone my June, September test actually and I explained to them all of the advice here and I also explained the score remains for 5 yrs and how important the score is etc.

But it seems like I cannot convince them anymore about postpone so I am kind of pushed to take the test.

I told them that if I cannot get the score that I want, I want to work&study for another take, but they said it is impossible.

I understand what they say too and because they are not as young as my friends' parents, I also feel like maybe I should give up if I do not get a decent score on December and support them instead of pursuing my selfish dream.

I am going to take the December test but...if possible I hope I can take 2nd or even 3rd test if the score is not good. In that case how should I explain to them? Saying nothing is actually not an option because we share our stories basically.

I feel really bad since they have supported me a lot so far...and not sure what to do now.

The best is to get a decent score on December test, but from my PT scores...especially the one on PT79, I'm not sure...

What would do/say?

Sorry for the unorganized sentences...appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks

Hello,

I just finished my personal statement.. and it's kind of late but anyone willing to read it and give feedback?

my draft has about 600 words and i have to trim it down to 500..

Guys honestly I'm doing pretty well in LR-3-5 and -2LG thanks J.Y....but I just can't get my RC Down to at least -7 or even -8 ... I've tried speed reading doesn't work I've tried notes doesn't work.... I realize it's like a super slow developing skill active reading that is but any concrete tips would really help I'm going to experiment this week before the test... please any thing solid would be appreciated!

Thanks for all the great answers!

Hey everyone,

I think we all face during our LSAT prep a particular dislike for a certain question type or a section. For me it was Necessary Assumption questions. I was doing a couple of Necessary Assumption questions today and I realized how much I have come to enjoy them. So I decided I want to share my journey with you all in the hope that it might help someone as well.

So quick background story. I am sure you guys guessed I hated Necessary Assumption questions and I had a good reason to hate them. They took me forever to do and I usually got them wrong. If you take a look at my Analytics, NA questions are the big red dot on my graph whose color and huge size was neither changing nor decreasing in shape!!!

I first decided to re-do the core-curriculum on NA questions. I did that probably 3 times, I think more; with little benefit. I felt like I got what was being said but somehow I just wasn't able to apply. I now know I got the concept but not the method to achieve it. But back then I didn't know, moreover because I had done those questions so many times, I felt like I had the answers memorized, so each time I was learning less and less. Combined with the factor that I was getting them wrong so much on the practice tests, I just hated seeing NA questions on a PT. I would skip them, come back at the end, and still struggle with them. I was at a point where I just dreaded seeing the NA question stem.

Then, I decided to approach a few mentors. I used their office hours and each time I brought up how to do NA questions, took notes. I also messaged them with any further questions I had. I think asking different mentors the same thing is fine, sometimes depending on where you are, one of them might say something that helps more than the others. When I finally felt like I knew what steps I had to take, I realized I still hated doing the question.

So instead of doing a full drill, I decided each morning to do about 5 NA questions and that's it. This is because I wanted to associate NA questions with something positive. So I only did NA questions when I drank coffee and I put extra marshamllows in it to make the experience even better, and yes I like marshmallows in my coffee :DDD . I think this was important to associate something very positive for me -coffee and marshamallows- with Neccessary Assumption questions.

After two weeks of doing this I have come to realize I have come to enjoy Necessary Assumption questions. I understand them better because of all the help I got and I got rid of the negative feelings I had associated with the question types. Now every morning I can't wait to put a hot steaming cup of coffee with marshmallows on my desk pick up my NA packet and do 5 questions. This honestly brings a smile to my face.

I think the lesson I learned from my experience is to not overdo something you are bad at or hate. We tend to really focus on drilling out our mistakes and we end up overdoing it. Sometimes our mind just needs a bit of time and some help, like marshmallows, to undo all the negative feelings it has.

I think the key to LSAT and life is to enjoy whatever we end up doing. So give yourself time and a little bit of help to learn to enjoy something you don't normally associate with fun.

I hope this helps some of you in future. <3 <3

I have noticed that when I try and switch question types a bunch..i.e. take a practice test, that I do much worse than if i can do 2 or three of the same type then move to the next question type, like in the lesson. Has anyone tried to mark the question types first? I know it would be a time sink though..

PS I timed myself marking the question type and it took me 2:30.

Hello!

I'm taking the Dec 3rd LSAT, and want to ensure I don't make any avoidable mistakes with my Scantron.

More specifically, when practicing PTs I like to put a little dash next to the question number (in the white space between section columns) on the Scantron to indicate the questions I'd like come back to. That being said, will these type of marks impact the scoring of the Scantron? Any insights are greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

-nick

Hey guys,

I'm Muslim, so I observe the 5 daily prayers. I'm concerned that the LSAT next Saturday will interfere with the midday prayer (Dhuhr), and I can't miss it. The window to pray opens at around 12:15 PM and ends at like 2:00 PM. Do you guys think I'll have time to pray after the exam, assuming it starts at like 9:00 AM, and if not, how would I go about praying during the break? It only takes like 5-7 minutes to pray, but it'll be hard to find a location to pray during the break. Should I just ask one of the proctors to take me somewhere in the building so I don't get in trouble for leaving the vicinity of test area? Has anyone else had a similar concern/experience? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi!

Will all the explanations for PT 79 be available on this website sometime this week (i.e. before December 3rd)? Unfortunately I missed the BR session with JY.

Thanks

Hi everyone,

Upcoming Dec test taker here. A question about stray marks on the answer sheet has troubled me recently.

If I fill in the whole circle, and broader than the circle itself (so it covers the bubble entirely), but not to the extend that the mark touches the edge of bubbles of other answer choices, would that count as a stray mark and thus not admitted?

I originally thought that they only scan answers within the circle and thus as long as no other answers have anything in it, while one answer has everything filled, it will be fine; but I recently read an example of stray mark that worried me. (If someone hand score it, it may appear apparent which answer the test taker chose)

For example, on the right, question 7 and 25, if there is only 1 answer, the one on the right, filled for each question, will it still be a correct mark?

http://www.iitianspace.com/images/OMR-filling-guidline.pdf

Can someone explain the science of OMR and how are machines processed?

Much appreciated!

I read the following (I think on one of the Manhattan prep forums) about weakening questions.

On weakening questions, when the argument posits a causal relationship, we seek an answer choice that does one of the following three things.

1. Provides an alternative cause

2. Provides an example of the presumed cause without the presumed effect

3. Provides an example of the presumed effect without the presumed cause.

I don't understand why/how 3 would weaken the argument, unless we are also assuming that if A causes B, then A is the ONLY thing that would cause B (i.e. A is necessary for B)

Can someone elaborate on this?

Also, on "most seriously weaken" questions, is it correct to think there will really be only one answer choice that weakens the argument? I am asking because of questions 21, section 1, on PT 79. Both answer choice A and E weaken the argumnet (According to the above), but E is clearly better.

I keep doing poorly on the logical reasoning section, especially with weakening questions. What should I do this week to try and help my score? I did really well with the problem sets during the course so I can't figure out why I can't get them right when doing timed practice tests. Any ideas? Thanks!

Silly question, but I'm fairly addicted to caffeine, and was wondering what the best strategy for caffeine intake on test day is. My concern about drinking a large amount of coffee during breakfast is that I'll have to go to the restroom before the built-in break, or that holding it in will literally distract me from the exam. Are you allowed to bring caffeine pills/5 hour energy type drinks into the exam room (in your ziplock bag)? I was thinking that could be a half-way solution.

Thanks for your thoughts.

example; PT79S4Q5

So they are disagreeing each other about what value means: property value vs. value itself has (not necessarily property value)

Is this correct?

I thought it's so rare that they start to ask those questions again...at some point I think they stopped to ask a vocab question.

Do you think they start to incorporate old questions again?

Hi 7sagers

I'm writing this Dec and possibly Feb from how things have been shaped.

I need some advice from those who have overcome similar problems as mine...

I have been battling LR for the past month or so and I have consistently been only getting around 14-16 right. I speed up to 23 questions, I get 7-8 wrong, I slow down to 18 Q's and still make around 3 mistakes. My goal is to hit atleast 20 on LR and I need some advice on how to get more accurate. As this road block has been keeping me back for sometime! I know one week might not be enough, but still I need a game plan; not just for this week but probably also after Dec for Feb.

Any help would be appreciated...

Hello,

I was wondering which is better in terms of:

-sleep well

-no anxiety on the test day

Is it better to stay in a hotel close to the test center for a day or two, or commute from home?

What are you going to do?

Thanks,