What are some examples of how you start to prepare to study for the LSAT? Do you go over a lot of questions with the hopes of eventually getting them right? Do you use some of the strategies that you were taught from LSAT review courses? I'm trying to get some direction on the best way to start? Any suggestions?

Hey folks,

We’ve had some nice intimate BR sessions during the daytime on Fridays, but it’s possible that people are missing the discussion posts. The brilliant @nessa.k13.0 reminded me that the also brilliant and newly-minted Sage @"Cant Get Right” used to tag all those interested in BR group every time he posted a forum discussion blast. So if you have any interest in the daytime group and would like to be tagged when I post a discussion, just go ahead and let me know in the comment section. That way, you won’t miss anything. Thanks and have a great weekend!

Hello Everyone! Before I start, I want to say sorry to all of you who have scored below your target. I have not taken my exam yet but I've read some posts of people scoring WAY BELOW their PTs and BRs scores. Like almost 10 points. It's very discouraging reading some posts about how hard people have worked, only to still fall short. What do you guys think?

I understand nerves and anxiety on test day can impact your score, but a 10 point impact? I know there's a 5 point range, and that's what you should expect. Can it also be that during certain months the tests are harder than others? Or maybe a new question that LSAC has tried? What are your thoughts?

Sorry for the dramatic title. I wasn't going to post this because I don't want to scare any future test takers, but I really need some help. I was averaging 169 consistently for the final month and a half before the September LSAT. Well, I got a 150. This is 8 points lower than my cold diagnostic. I have no idea what happened. I told myself that I wouldn't let this number define me, but I'm absolutely crushed. Between full-time school, work, and a special needs child I don't have time to study for the December LSAT, but I'm planning on retaking it in February.

Here is my average previous to the September LSAT:

LR: -3

LG: -2

RC: -3

Here was my actual score breakdown:

LR: -11

RC: -15

LG: -9

LR: -11

Looking over the test and my answers (briefly, it was very painful), I can clearly see the mistakes that I made. I struggled in EVERY section, which is strange because it did not feel very difficult. I'm not sure what caused this drop, nerves possibly? I don't know. I'm considering taking an actual in-classroom course, but I just don't have the money and I would have to take out a student loan to do it. I also let my subscription here lapse because I was confident that I was ready. Ugh! I feel like I'm in a nightmare.

What should I do? I could really use some clarity about this situation.

Is it more beneficial to your lsat score to guess on a question you're struggling with or leave blank?

All the best to the NEW SAGES:)

This better be the most kick-ass story of why to make the most of your lives NOW with No Regrets!!

I still have the sales receipt from Aug 2014 for a Kaplan LSAT book. My twin daughters were Junior’s in high school and because of many transitions in their lives, I was dedicated to be available when they needed me in their last years at home before leaving for college.

Always a dream of going to Law School, I thought that I would take the LSAT. Hmmm, dumb-ass, not recognizing the full aspects of the test, I made every prep mistake known – and then I found 7Sage. Then, I found another way to screw up by casually going thru the curriculum the 1st time through. If anyone needs a testament for their parents to understand that it takes time to understand the test, I am happy to send them a note:)

After almost 2 years of intermittent prep and many hours being a part of 7Sage, I un-officially dubbed myself the historian of knowledge of those that came before us. JY created an amazing curriculum but his investment into the community to me is what makes 7Sage very special. The gift from everyone in the last cycle and all they did to create opportunities for the current students really changed the landscape at 7Sage to achieve not only their personal goals but also to give back sharing strategies for future test takers. The current cycle of test takers are embracing JY and the community to continue to help everyone take their studies to an even higher level.

If there was a time in our home when my girls had an issue, they would beg me to study because they knew it was a deflection from my attention towards them. Smart, huh! Whenever I was a witch with anyone on this site, I hope they understood that it was because I cared and knew that they were capable of so much more. The friendships that I have built mean the world to me and I am behind you every step that you take. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life.

While respectable, my score is not going to cut it for me to pursue Law School. I love how life works and 2 things happened in the last 24 hours before receiving my score showed me that I have other things in my life that need me more than Law School.

I wouldn’t give anything to change my life and where I am today. 7Sage has given me a “safe” place to be while I transitioned to being an “empty nester” and I am so thankful. While the LSAT test itself has aged me beyond my years, the community has kept me young at heart:)

Love,

T

Are there any downsides to scoring lower on your retake and then applying with those two scores? Do you need to write an addendum if it happens?

Also.. How do law schools look at multiple LSAT scores? There seem to be conflicting views online. Thank you in advance!

I have a clear top choice for law school, and while I would love to apply Early Decision, I will likely need some scholarship money. Obviously, Early Decision reduces that chance of receiving money you would receive otherwise. But is it still standard for a law school to dish out money to an Early Decision applicant? My application for this particular school will likely benefit from an LSAT score at the median or 75th percentile but a GPA at the 25th percentile.

Thanks in advance.

Does anyone have any comments about Blueprint RC, The LSAT Trainer or Fox Logical Reasoning books? How many books do we have to buy for prep to score high? There are a lot of LSAT books and study courses on the market. What is the best approach to prepare for this exam?

First off, congratulations on your score for the September LSAT!

I have seen a lot of rejoice and I have seen a lot of heartbreak today. For those of you who scored at or above your desired score, the stress is over, you are going to law school! For those of you who scored below, take a deep breath and relax. Some of you may have been aiming for the 160's and ended up in the 150's but guess what? This isn't a death blow! There are PLENTY of schools that take students in the 155, 3.0 range and those are good schools! Remember, this isn't considered to be a very strong year for applications. Unless, you scored in the 140's, you will find a place somewhere. Also, do you know why the T14 is so romanticized? The perceived benefit mainly revolves around the alumni base these schools have but guess what? Every school has alumni that are well off. Learning to network is key and graduating in the t10 at a 2nd or 3rd tier school will attract some of the best firms around. Take your future into your own hands, you will be okay! Remember that there is more to life than this exam! Once again, congratulations to all!

I got a 160 on the September LSAT. I was PTing at 160-163 range, so it’s about what I expected to get.

My one and only dream school is/was Univeristy of Washington, Seattle that has the median LSAT of 164. Benefits of attending UW are in-state tuition, familiarity with the environment (I went to undergraduate there), and the fact that it’s the most renowned law school in the Pacific NW.

I feel so out of shape due to the 3 week break and I feel like I do not have enough strength/motivation left of me to study further for the December retake and get that median 164.. I’m registered for it though…

Is it worth it to go to law school with a 160 LSAT score, presumably paying out-out-state tuition at a 40-50th law school? Should I go to 111th law school in my region with some scholarships? Can I even get a job securely with that option?

If it helps I have a decent GPA of 3.75 and I’m not a URM.

It’s just so damn stressful to even think about getting back to studying at this point..... I simply despise the LSAT right now.. But if you guys suggest that retaking is truly a more valuable option, I will probably try.. Only 40ish days left until the December test.. OMG…. HELP ME PLEASE..

A must-read for anyone writing a PS about—or simply interested in—the problems baked into our conviction system.

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/24/an-ex-cops-remorse

I had been doing practice tests consistently prior to finishing the core curriculum. My diagnostic was "150". Since then, I have scored 155, 157, 154, and 157. Today, after finally finishing the core curriculum I took my first practice test and scored a measly 152. However, my blind review score was 163. While Logical reasoning is typically my strongest section(-4/-5), this time I performed very weakly as there was a bunch of questions in which the timer went off before I was able to answer. I personally think its because for a couple of weeks I hadn't been looking at any of the logical reasoning stuff as I was focusing on logic games which is typically my weakest section. I actually performed better on logical games that I usually do missing ten questions. While this is overall very low, it is an improvement for me. Is this a case of working to improve on my strength which is logical reasoning? I have roughly two months until I take the lsat in december. I have access to every lsat prep test ever made. What study routine do you think could help me achieve optimal performance?

Sorry if it's too soon and you're still drinking heavily! I am really really confused about Section 1 Logical Reasoning Q21, the one about Alzheimers. Can anyone explain why it's E? I put D in both the actual LSAT and in my retaking and in my BR so I'm stumped.

Also, for Q10 on the passage of sunlight in Earth's atmosphere, I thought D would work since it blocks the possibility that there is an alternate heat source which would render ice and snow reflecting heat ineffective, thus stengthening the argument. But the answer is C, which I considered but eventually chose D. Any thoughts?

Anyone going to the law school forum in Houston today? I'd love to meet some 7Sagers!

Date of exam: 9/24/16

Proctors:

I think I drew the short straw and had to sit in the front row where the proctors were pacing back and forth -- it was extremely distracting. I'm pretty certain that they were not pacing through the other rows behind me because there wasn't enough space between rows. There was also another proctor sitting on the Professors desk at the front swinging her legs, like she was really bored to be there, extremely annoying and distracting.

They did a good job keeping time. There was also a big clock in the room that you could go by.

Facilities:

Modern building downtown. You had to go up elevators to get to the classrooms. Toilets located just opposite the rooms.

What kind of room:

Large, tiered-row seating. Looked like it could seat about 50. Each row was divided into three sections, one larger middle section and two smaller wings. Seats were adjustable which was very helpful! Bright, well lit room.

How many in the room:

I think every person in Texas decided to take their lsat at A&M, there were three classes with about 30 people in each class, and there were 3 different classrooms. There was one space between you and the person next to you, I felt like it could've been a little more, but it was enough as to not be distracted.

Desks:

Tables were the long joined ones and you were seated with one space between you and the other test taker.

Left-handed accommodation:

Yes.

Noise levels:

Quiet. (Except for the person with the cold who wouldn't stop sniffling).

Parking:

Plenty. Right across from the school there were huge parking lots. And also available on the street.

Time elapsed from arrival to test:

Too long in my opinion. It was almost an hour from check in until we received instructions. Part of that would've been because there were so many people that they needed to process. I do think they still let people in after 8:30AM. We were left in the room with awkward silence waiting for what felt like an eternity for everyone to come in.

Irregularities or mishaps:

Felt as though they took way too long to get started on the exam. The proctors were very thorough with the check-in process, really looked through your ziplock bag and made sure there was nothing that shouldn't have been in there -- that may have added to the delay.

Would you take the test here again?

Not sure. I'm really tempted to try another test center, there is one in Arlington which is about 20 minutes away. However, I think their facilities are a little more outdated. The adjustable chairs are a big factor for me -- you didn't need to be too far hunched over if you're taller.

And I'm really banking on not being seated right at the front. That was extremely distracting for me with the proctors pacing and looking down at you constantly. And the other proctor sitting at the front swinging her legs like she was really bored to be there.

Hey guys! This is my first time posting here I've been watching the game videos for awhile now but just signed up for the course. So happy I did! This community is amazing! So have few questions. 1. I've been studying on and off now for good few months now and I'm planning on taking December my first diagnostic I got a 149 and since then my top score has been a 157 that was about 2-3 months ago. When I do untimed LR I usually 1-2 wrong timed like 4-6 . My LG is where i was lacking a lot been drilling that a lot and definitely getting better (especially bec of the videos) and my RC untimed usually pretty good but timed I'm in trouble. So my question is how should I go about studying the next month and a half. And specifically how should I be studying for the LG and also how does the BR work for the LG. Thanks so much!!

My reach schools were Columbia/NYU

My target schools were Michigan/Berkeley/Duke/Austin

I'd apply Mid November.

I'm already registered for the December retake.

My softs are okay & work experience

My last 10 PT average was ~169 with two low 160's days before the test. I definitely suffered from nervousness as over half the questions I missed were in the first 10 of each section.

I'm leaning towards waiting another year to save on app money. I'd use that saved money to purchase the admissions package for PS writing.

I appreciate any advice or insight. Thank you.

Hey everyone, pretty new to the application process and thought you all could help with my question. I am currently towards the GPA 25th percentile (3.45) and the median LSAT (164) for my target/reach schools. I have been working for a few years now, and I think I have time to study hard for the December LSAT to boost my score a few more points. However, I know applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and would prefer to submit my application as soon as possible.

Is it recommended to apply after I have received my December scores, before I receive my December scores or just go with what I currently have?

Any input would be a huge help, thanks!

Looking for some advice. I was averaging about a 168 with a high of 172 and BR scores around 175 in the PT 30-40's. When I started on the 70's about a month before the September test my average and BR dropped to about a 162 and 170 respectively. I just received my score and was disappointed to learn that I got a 159. I am set on applying this cycle and have been studying since March (diagnostic of 151 if it matters) of last year. I am looking for advice about what my game plan should be between now and December in order to ensure that I am not disappointed next time around. In addition, is it worth applying with a 159 even with a note that I'm retaking?

My sincerest thanks to YJ, the mentors and the general 7 Sage community. I hit my target score of 170 and hope that everyone else did as well or better than they had hoped. Goodbye forever!

I got one point above my highest PT score, so I am actually really happy! However, I am 2 points away from being in my top school's 75th percentile. With my GPA I am currently in between 50-75 percentile. I honestly do not want to retake, but I would also like in state tuition for this school. Will 2 points be a big deciding factor?

So I am retaking my LSAT in December and I just need to improve my LR. I am going through powerscore books and re-learning each question type because I didn't really study LR by question type last time. So I am reading the chapter for example right now on Must be True/Most Strongly Supported which I think some people call inference questions, and then practicing a ton of questions in that category, then once I am answering with good accuracy I will move on to next question type. Then I plan to take a practice test. My worst section is technically reading comp so I every day I will do one practice passage to try and improve that and mix in logic games here and there but thats my best section. Does this sound like a solid plan/does anyone have further advice for improving LR? Bear in mind that I can't afford any more books or programs, I wish I could because I would def do 7sage but that retake cost killed me.

Before you get the score you are satisfied?

Not sure how to attach the poll...

Hi folks:

Here's a long question but it seems like a lot of smart people weigh in here and I wanted to provide the data.

I took the Sept LSAT. Got a 167. I took despite all warnings re: "wait until you're -0 or -1 on LGs, wait until you've peaked on PTs" - I needed to have something concrete in front of me to keep working on this decision. I self-studied from the Trainer, the PS LR bible, and the 7sage LG videos. This was up 10 pts from my diagnostic and to be honest I only really studied from early August on so a short (but very intense) run. I went -6 LR overall, -3 RC (that Mesolithic one really got me; I've been PTing a steady -0), -6 LG (ran out of time/the viruses got me). Of the LR I missed, 2 were MSS, 2 were RA, two were "what does this piece do in this argument" (one comparative, one on its own). Clearly, there are some fundamentals to be polished. I was PTing around 170 and doing more like -1 or -2 on LR for timed sections and it was the MSS/RAs giving me the most trouble along with being slow on games.

I am leaning towards retake because I am frustrated at these errors and frustrated that I am so close to being eligible for these top schools but not quite there. I am excited by the flexibility, options, and access they get me (like everyone else). I worry that if I cram for December I won't see the gains I would if I wait for February or June and do this all next year. I also worry that waiting for a December LSAT and applying then makes me too late w/my GPA and that I wouldn't see a big enough increase - but then conversely, Everyone Says that if that increased score is a 170+, it is ok to be late. I'm an older student with an Interesting History, a splitter (3.63 LSAC), and I get the impression that I will be taken as a little bit of an anomaly generally speaking.

Given this, what do you think? I am in a moment where I actually have the time to study 20-25 hours/week or so and there are so many reasons this is the moment for a big change in my life but I am 100% buying the romance of "your whole life will be different at HYCCCN" and would hate to close doors just because I am impatient. Wait? Cram? Sit it in December and if the score isn't there, chill out a minute and plan for June?

Thanks a million in advance.