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Hey 7Sagers,

Had someone email me with this question and thought you could help! Here it is:

I have completed my degree program in Strategic Communication and would like to read International Law. However, is it true that I would have read Law for degree and masters for five years ? Again, is it true that if I pass my LSAT exams very well I could read Law for three years ? Lastly, I desire to enroll at either Harvard or Yale University, how do I get admission and a full time scholarship?

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I've taken a look at the curriculum that 7Sage has to offer; I'm very impressed and ready to purchase the course but before I do so, I'm wondering if it's applicable for the Canadian LSAT. I'm not even sure if they're different, I just don't want to spend all that money and time for a poor score due to this over site. So, I guess my question is, does 7Sage prepare you for both the American and Canadian LSAT?

Thanks in advance!

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Do you read for specific details? Or do you just vaguely remember where details they are? I'm trying to cut down on my time in RC, but I'm having a problem quickly locating detail questions. How do you do it? For me, I can read a passage and understand the main point, the relationships between the paragraphs, and the author's attitude, but I take too much time on detail-oriented questions. It's either I look at a passage broadly, or in detail, but not both.

Thanks.

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Back in February I made the decision to write the LSAT in June. Currently still in my undergrad: I choose to drop 2 of the 5 courses I was registered in to take this past spring semester. I went out and purchased all the "PowerScore" prep books and used their 4-month study plan as a guide. I found myself studying non-stop balancing school and the LSAT was difficult, but I am a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic and was able to keep up the pace (for the most part). However I was stuck in my decision whether or not to write the LSAT in June, I'm currently 1.5-2 weeks behind that study schedule (PowerScores 4-month). If I were to follow through with that study plan it would require me to pretty much "rush" through prep-tests (waste valuable resources). So I’ve made the decision to hold off on writing until Oct. I believe that I can score so much better if I’m not rushing through materials and various prep tests (also I’m not where I want to be in terms of my score). It's not that I don't know the concepts. I've pretty much completed all of PowerScore’s publications (Bibles LR, RC,& LG), I know how to answer questions and don't struggle very much applying any of these concepts to LSAT problems whether it be games, reasoning (RC is a bit more challenging for me), however time is an issue (applying the concepts quickly becomes tricky) that is why I think I just need more time to solidify these concepts and then work on performing them quickly. However I don’t really know the proper approach for my studies going forward? I know "pretty much" all the principles (already been studying for 3 months) so starting with the basic's (Like every LSAT course/study plan does) would not suit me (or do I actually need to re-learn them if I’m not where I want to be) I don't believe I need to re-learn basic concepts (ex, sufficient and necessary, cause and effect etc…?). So my Question is what do I do going forward? Do I just use these next 5 months writing 1-2 prep tests a week and then take the time to go through it all week? Consistently do timed sections in LR and RC every couple of days and then review? Repeatedly bang out logic games? I'm just stuck and don't know how I should study for these next 5 months?

Some advice would be greatly appreciated thank you!

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Hi everyone, so I'm taking the test in October and I'm currently averaging 167 with BR at 173. While I do have a solid amount of time to study before the test, I'm feeling frustrated over a few things. Any advice on how to fix out some (all, any!) of my current problems would be *immensely* appreciated (thanks to all for your help/support thus far!) So here are my questions:

1. How do I increase my BR score?? What keeps happening is that I second-guess myself on questions I originally got right in LR and then get 2-4 questions wrong in BR (hence the 173).

2. I've scored 167 the last 4 PTs and I don't know how I can analyze my results better in order to address my problems. I usually get between -6 and -4 wrong in LR and between -4 and -1 in RC.

3. Most importantly, where do I go from here? What should I focus on? I've been taking 1PT a week and BRing thoroughly, but should I postpone taking any more PTs and focus on drilling RC and problem question types for LR or is BRing more important? As of last week I've been writing down explanations for every answer choice for every question in LR and RC, so maybe that's the way to go?

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Like many of you I read that NYTimes article featuring Jonathan and grew very concerned. Jonathan (and the other 7Sage mentors) represent a high bar: obviously smart, entrepreneurial, and graduates from great universities. I know that Jonathan clarified some of the article's mischaracterizations in an earlier post, but the point still sticks: now seems like a terrible time to go to law school. I'm considering pocketing my LSAT score for a few years till the market recovers. Thoughts?

article link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/27/business/dealbook/burdened-with-debt-law-school-graduates-struggle-in-job-market.html?src=xps

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Hello,

I downloaded all of the PDFs from the link that have subsequently been removed; however, I'm not sure if these still exist in the course contents list. All of those PDF files used to exist right beside the lessons. Is that still how it is? If not, how do we know when we should be incorporating the PDFs?

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Hey Guys,

I studied roughly 6 months for the February LSAT, took the test and scored relatively lower than my PT average. I had a pretty bad test day; they tried to kick me out off the bat et cetera. I scored a 159 while my general average was around a 164 or higher.

I am thinking about retaking the June LSAT. After taking a small break, I feel so much better looking at the test. Things just come to me naturally in a way that seemed so foreign before. HOWEVER

the problem is I only have roughly 3 PTs I have not taken. What should I do?

I took about a month and a half off, and when I look at old PTs I don't consciously remember any of the questions, however I am scoring oddly higher (167 range). I don't know if this is due to the break, or subconscious memory.

What do you guys think, can I learn with these 'old' PTs?

Should I reserve the untainted PTs to one a week?

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I'm at that point where I'm consistently scoring in the 168-172 range in Blind Review, but still trying to get the hang of completing sections in the allotted time. I've been told that setting the time to 40 minutes and slowly inching my way down to 35 minutes can help with timing. Is this true? I've been kind of wary of this because I feel like it's a waste of valuable preptests. Can any high scorers attest to this strategy?

Thanks.

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I have been a registered premium member of 7sage since Jan 2015. I raised the question if 7sage would remove all PDF files from the lectures (http://classic.7sage.com/discussion/#/discussion/comment/14447) in light of the policy change dated Apr 6, 2015 (you can search my username in the post). However, later on, due to work, I didn't get a chance to log into 7sage until today. Consequently, I missed to download all possible PDF files, posted on Apr 8, 2015, which are no longer available up to today when I just logged in and checked. I wasn't notify by 7sage at all that they had posted all PDFs that is available for downloading. The lectures without proper reference of the real & printable LSAT questions are useless, while the price for the preparation course remains as if the proper preparation materials are still being present.

I am pretty sure this would not be a problem for myself, and there are other users possibly experiencing the same. I was wondering if there are any other ways that could help solve the problem in an efficient way (other than purchase each of past LSAT tests for the questions that are referenced in the 7sage lectures).

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Hi everyone!

After fluctuations in PT scores (My most recent was a 158, BR 167 after a high of 166, BR 175-yikes!) I've pretty much decided that I will not be taking the June LSAT. With such a variance in my score range, it just doesn't seem stable enough. Plus, the closest testing center is all full anyway...

Anyway, I'm at the point where I'm wondering how to keep myself motivated and make sure my head is in the game. There is still plenty of time before the October LSAT but I'm not sure how to go about utilizing my time in the best way possible. I've started typing out my reasoning for eliminating LR answer choices but it seems to take forever and I'm not really sure that my reasoning is even correct (another question: how to best attack and eliminate wrong LR ACs?). I've gone through the fundamentals again and feel stronger with lawgic but lawgic isn't always the easiest way to approach an LR question.

I would like to have my apps in by Thanksgiving but that means working on personal statements while studying and working full-time. I'm just afraid I'm going to burn out! These past few weeks, I've been slacking on studying because I've resigned myself to not taking the June test and I'm worried that this will happen throughout the rest of the summer months as well. What are all of you October/December test-takers doing to stay motivated and how can I best utilize the remaining time to make sure that my score doesn't plummet down?

Thank you for your help :) I really feel comforted by the stories and questions I see in the 7Sage Discussion Forum!

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Hi so today's test was higher than last week's timed. I'm a bit bummed bc I missed br on a logic game ( 6 points )I thought I rocked .

My BR was only 10 pts higher on ones I circled. so I'm missing some basics. Today scored 154.

My goal is 160 in 6 weeks. Is that feasible ? I reviewed video and Manhattan for LR n comp. Also, I note several ones I missed I either misread or changed my answer during timed portion/ not br. Anything I should pay attention to?

Logic games are still my worse but it was june 2009 dinosaur game so I still have hope.

All suggestions are encouraged.

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Some background- I have been stuck around the same score (+/- 2 points) for quite a while. I took 57 recently and saw a drastic jump in my score. I really want to feel happy as this is the first time I've done this well. I've changed things up a bit in terms of the way I BR, drill, etc. I am, however, concerned that it was a fluke/serious outlier. Full disclosure: I won't be able to take another full PT for a few days and am eager to know if this legit! That's what led to this post.

It looks like one of the BR groups is taking the PT this week. If anyone is willing to share their general impressions of this PT, I would really appreciate it. Difficulty relative to other tests, section to section, etc. I've had a hard time nailing down (even in BR) what exactly I'm struggling with since the type varies quite a bit.

Thanks!

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Would anyone like to group BR tests starting in the 40s? I would be on track to BR test 40 starting on the evening of 4/29.

I did a group BR with #LSATurday, which was great!, but that BR group is moving on to PTs in the 60s, and because this is my second time around with the test I am really just taking tests in the 40s and early 50s (I have already taken the 60s).

If you're interested and want to do BRs in the 40s let me know, and we ccan set something up over skype.

Thanks!

Ben

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I just started scoring in the low 170s and noticed that I'm averaging a bit over 5:00 minutes left per section after having gone through all of the questions. This, of course, allows me to check over answers and even get a few right that I would not have otherwise. As exciting as this is for me, I'd like to know if this is something I can expect.

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A great video about the concept that knowledge does not equal understanding and establishes the fact that biases exist. A great follow-up after reading Jonathan's post on why knowledge is not enough -

http://classic.7sage.com/discussion/#/discussion/2584/why-knowledge-is-not-enough

I think this can most directly apply to our reading skills - sure we know how to read, but we need to switch from our version of reading - to LSAT RC reading - to LSAT LR reading - which is a difficult task. In particular, he says when learning to ride a backwards bike - he knew how, but still could not do it. Anyone else feel this way about the entire test? You've gone over all the material and know what to do - but for some reason still can't do it?

This video also helps to explain why some days everything clicks and others it's disastrous. It took this guy 8 months and practice everyday to get there - and I think it's the same for testing - always practicing. But DESPITE all of that practice and hard work:

@3:30 He says, "It's like I could fee some kind of pathway in my brain that was now unlocked...It's like there is this trail in my brain, but if I wasn't paying close enough attention to it - my brain would easily lose that neural path and jump back onto the old one it was more familiar with. Any small distractions at all...would instantly throw my brain back to the old control algorithm and I would wreck."

Which explains why handling distractions and mental preparation and mindset are so key to the LSAT.

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Hello all,

I am working full time while studying for LSAT, and I took a two months break due to my hectic work busy season. Now I am back and all the PDFs are gone! This is almost impossible to use this website training lessons without the PDFs.

Can anyone please email me the PDFs if possible?

[removed]

Thank you.

[Mod edit: Please do not send PDFs as they are against our TOS (http://classic.7sage.com/terms-of-service/) and LSAC's TOS (http://www.lsac.org/aboutlsac/policies/terms-and-conditions).]

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Hey 7Sage!

I am very excited to finally get started on my journey towards law school.

A little information about myself. Im starting 3rd year in September at a University in B.C., Canada and I'm double majoring in Finance and International Business. I thought I would post all of my results from the prep tests and problem sets as I go through so that future students could have something to compare too as I see many people asking questions about their baseline etc. Also if any current students have any advice or thoughts please share!

Cheers

T

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On 4-11-2015 I downloaded every pdf that was accessible to a middle tier 7sage member. Tonight I reached the point of my syllabus that involves inout LG's and I find that I am missing both problem sets (1&2) for not only inout but also inout with subcategories. All of my other pdf's are still there and I double checked before the deadline that i downloaded everything available to me. What the Hell? These are the hardest ones! Has anyone else had this problem?

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Saturday, Apr 25, 2015

igbodoe249

NA questions

NECESSARY ASSUMPTION QUESTIONS

HOW TO FIND NECESSARY ASSUMPTIONS Lesson 1 of 23

“I play basketball. Therefore, I am one of the best basketball players in the world.”

SA (declare argument valid) NA (subtle, it gets little done)

Wow the MVP 10 years in a row I know how to dribble

I’m a beast I am alive

SA**Almost perfect argument u could hope for. (You don’t need any of them)

NA*Crappy argument yet they are all necessary. (You need all of the above) u can have 100 NAs and still have a crappy argument. But if u throw one of them away your argument is screwed

HOW TO FIND NECESSARY ASSUMPTIONS 2 Lesson 2 of 23

P1 + P2 → C (Valid argument)

P1 + P2 - - - > C(not valid)

P1 + P2 + SA → C (valid)

[P1 + P2 + SA → C ] → NA (Valid argument (VA) → NA)

VA→ NA

/NA → /VA

HOW TO FIND NECESSARY ASSUMPTIONS 3 Lesson 3 of 23

VA→ NA

/NA → /VA

_____________________

Two test from these two

1. MBT

2. Negation- try to negate the answer choice, if you negate the right answer choice you will wreck your argument.

NA:

1. Blocking: protect something

2. Bridging: To get you from point A to point B

I know strategy. Therefore, I am one of the best generals I the world.

• Bridging: knowing strategy is somewhat relevant to being the best general in the world. Very subtle statements.

• Blocking: protect argument from wrecking balls coming in from all directions. Trying to knock down your argument.

o “Men that you command don’t respect you. You’re psychotic”

o To block u say you’re not psychotic, men do listen to you, you’re not crazy.

NA- STRENGTHEN-PSA-SA QUESTIONS Lesson 4 of 23

NA___________STRENGTHEN_____________________________PSA___________________SA

NA: prevents you from dying. Harding any support.

HOW TO APPROACH NECESSARY ASSUMPTIONS QUESTIONS Lesson 5 of 23

Necessary assumptions can wreck an argument.

First, let’s understand what a necessary assumption is. It’s an assumption (definition: unstated premise) that is necessary for the argument. “Necessary” here means the same thing it does when we talk about a “necessary condition” (as opposed to a “sufficient condition”). Let’s put the relationship between argument and necessary assumption in Lawgic and then run the contrapositive.

Argument (valid) –> Necessary Assumption (true)

/Necessary Assumption –> /Argument

• In English, this means that when we negate the necessary assumption, the argument falls apart. No necessary assumption, no argument.

• Necessary Assumption questions present you with an argument (premises + conclusion) where in order for the conclusion to be valid, there is a necessary (critical) assumption not stated in the argument. Without this particular assumption, the argument falls apart. Your job is to find this sucker, a necessary assumption, in the answer choice.

There are two types of Necessary Assumptions (NA).

• NA Question Type I: The Shield

Consider a simple argument:

As trees age, they grow rings. Therefore, counting the number of rings a tree has will tell us how old a tree is.

• Before we get into necessary assumptions, let’s establish a point of comparison with sufficient assumptions. What are some sufficient assumptions we can make this argument valid? How about trees grow 1 ring per year? That will make our argument valid. Given this new information, we can say that it must be true that counting the number of rings a tree has will tell us how old a tree is. Because we know that as trees age, they grow 1 ring per year.

• But is this sufficient assumption (that “trees grow 1 ring per year”) a necessary assumption? Well, is it necessary? Let’s negate it to see if it wrecks the argument: It’s not the case that trees grow 1 ring per year. Okay, so does this wreck our argument? Well, no. Because so what if trees don’t grow 1 ring per year. Maybe trees grow 3 rings a year, or .5 rings a year. Or whatever. As long as it’s a function of time, we can determine how old a tree is by counting its rings. So, I hope you see that while “trees grow 1 ring per year” is a sufficient assumption, it’s not a necessary assumption. Given the additional premise of trees grow 1 ring per year, our argument becomes valid. But, we can also say trees grow 4 rings a year, which would also be sufficient. For this argument there are plenty of sufficient, but not necessary assumptions.

• Let’s consider now a necessary assumption. Trees don’t skip its ring growth every once in a while. Is this necessary? Let’s see what happens when we negate it: trees do skip its ring growth every once in a while. Well, there goes our argument. How are we supposed to reach our conclusion from our premise if this negated statement is true? We can’t. Our argument is destroyed. It falls apart. If trees skip its growth rings every once in a while, there’s no way that we’ll be able to tell how old trees are by counting its rings. The assumption that trees don’t skip its ring growth every once in a while is necessary. What else is necessary? That trees don’t grow additional rings during years with lots of rain. Answers to shield type necessary assumption questions protect your argument from being wrecked.

NA Question Type II: The Bridge

• Just as the name suggests, these answer choices point out gaps in the logic of the argument. For example, the major premise of the argument might tell you: you edge out your fiercest competitor in a race. The conclusion then claims that you win the race.

• The argument has jumped from one idea (beating your fiercest competitor) to another (winning the race). Bridge questions trade on your inclination to conflate two different ideas. They’re assuming that your fiercest competitor was the only competitor that had a shot of beating you. What about all the other guys? Maybe the dark horse will be the one to win the race. The necessary assumption here may say something that edging out your fiercest competitor is in some way relevant to your winning the race.

• Think about building a bridge. The premises left you at one side of the river and the conclusion is way over on the other side. It’s your job to find this bridge in the answer choice that takes you from the premise to the conclusion.

Some sample Necessary Assumption question stems:

1. The argument makes which one of the following assumptions?

2. The argument assumes

3. Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument relies?

4. Which one of the following is an assumption that the fund-raiser’s argument depends on?

5. Which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument?

6. Which one of the following is an assumption made by the argument?

7. Which one of the following is an assumption necessary for the critic’s conclusion to be properly drawn?

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Has anybody here on 7Sage tried Lumosity in addition to LSAT prep? If you're not familiar with Lumosity, it's a website with brain games designed to help you improve things like attention, memory, flexibility, problem solving etc.

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