Hellooooo. I need some advice.

Sadly, I did not do well on the LSAT this December. I got a 155. I started studying in May, but I didn't start with 7Sage and I had zero idea what I was doing or the best method to study. I found 7Sage in August, but I took a trip to England at the end of August, so I didn't really start studying for real until September. Needless to say, I only really started improving towards the end, so I think I started improving when it was too late. I took the test anyways and decided not to cancel.

I don't think I'll get in for this cycle. But I'm looking at my options. I live in Canada.

My GPA isn't the best. I struggled in my first two years with what I wanted to do with my life, so I went the Science route and took some pretty tough courses. I thought I wanted to go into Medicine. Regardless, it's around a 3.58 for the U of A (they take your last 20 courses and + if it cuts a year in half) and about a 3.3/3.4 for U of BC and U of Vic. I can take courses additional to my degree, but doing so would mean I was working full time, taking courses, studying for the LSAT, ect.

My Mom and I both think that trying to achieve the best possible LSAT score would be better than trying to increase my GPA. Just because I would have to get really great marks AND studying for the LSAT at the same time. What do you guys think?

People can be admitted at the schools of my choice with the GPA that I indicated, although it's not the best. I know I have LSAT potential, but I'm scared of "putting all my eggs in one basket" and writing the LSAT next June or next October to get no further ahead and to regret not taking additional courses.

Addditionally, I thought that if I brought a stronger application that might help. I am going to be teaching people in my community english once a week and my sister and I are going to go to Italy to teach children english next October (after the LSAT).

What do you think I should do? Thanks :)

Hi all,

Flipping through the threads on the 7sage site helped me see that I am not the only one who ever had a "fear" of this test and then found every possible way to psych themselves out or make it feel so much worse than it really is.

If any of you know your abilities are in the high scorer range (170+) but you find yourself feeling angsty worrying about time while taking the test (a sure focus killer) - just try this.

Relax. Sit down to take a section and practice questions for that section for a few hrs. Snack for a quick 15 min break, then sit down to complete a section. Instead of setting the timer for 35 min, set a stop watch. Move at a comfortably fast pace through the section, but diligently apply yourself to each question. Find your rhythm. Upon completing the last question in the section, hit the lap button on your stopwatch, and then take a quick look back at the handful of questions you were iffy on. This should also be at a comfortably fast pace. Once finished with the second glance, hit the stop button on your stopwatch.

Both times might be revealing, and hopefully reassuring if you've just been psyching yourself out thinking about how much time is left on the clock when you should be answering questions.

There are so many things in life you might have thought would be a huge deal to actually achieve, and then after the fact you realize it really wasn't as bad as you were making it out to be. I hope this helps!

Best,

C.

I am a non-traditional student, meaning nearly 40. I am retired, so working is not a big deal with a pension. I took my first LSAT and did not score what I wanted to due to a major injury the day before. I did not score high enough to make the lowest score accepted from last year's pickings of the preferred school I need to get in to (I have small school aged kids that need to stay put). Anyway, does it hurt to submit an application with strong softs (military, big resume, PS, LOR's, etc) and retake the LSAT later this year as a contingency? If I am refused to the preferred school this year, would the school use the refusal against me next year if I reapply with a higher LSAT?

Hi everyone!

I usually don't post on here (I read a majority of them, however) but I am feeling a little down and out lately, and was hoping to get some advice. Please excuse the long post as well.

I started 7sage last May. After seeing my diagnostic, I knew that I was going to need a lot of work in order to achieve my goals, which I was okay with. The course was phenomenal. I enjoyed learning about the strategies and methodology that was necessary to getting the questions correct (believe it or not). It explained everything so simply and so clearly. I felt my score was slowly but surely increasing each day because I was learning how to conquer this test. After studying as often as I could with school and internships, I was able to complete the curriculum in December. I took my next test after the semester was over and my score wasn't as high as I had hoped. I got a 149 and a 159 after BR. I was a little surprised but I kept pushing and did four more practice tests. Needless to say, I haven't got above 153 on the timed section or above 161 BR. I even did one untimed and only got a 158 and 159 after BR. I feel so depressed and I honestly don't know what to do. I did every single part of the curriculum and took meticulous notes on all of it. I didn't do that bad on all of the quizzes and got roughly 8/10 on all of them. The only significant improvement that I have seen is that I am consistently getting -1 or -2 on LG after BR, which is much better than my previous -10 or worse. However on LR I'm going -17 after BR or worse combined. RC is usually -7 after BR. I know I should be getting in the 170s after BR but I honestly don't even know how

The worst part is when I sit down to take a practice test, I instantly go into panic mode as soon as I start my watch. It's like every single strategy I learned goes right out the window. I just might as well close my eyes and guess. This is particularly troublesome on RC because if I spend too long reading a passage (which I always do) I just pretty much guess at the questions and go on to the next passage. I get such bad anxiety under timed constraints that it significantly hinders any progress. Not only that when I BR those LR questions, I seem to justify my answer, which is only making matters worse. I've been completely Blind Reviewing the entire test and redoing every single game and RC passage, which has been very helpful on these two sections. Nonetheless, LR is still killing me.

Everyone seems to say that this is a learnable test but I feel like I am physically incapable of doing better. I mean, I am smart kid (3.7+ GPA, dean's list, honors, yada yada yada), but this seems to be an insurmountable hurtle. Quite frankly, it sucks because if it truly is a numbers game, this is the only thing holding me back from getting into a top tier law school. I study for at least 35 hours a week and to see such little progress is just gut-wrenching. The only thing keeping me sane is that I started working out 3-4 times a week in order to completely clear my mind.

I just started going through the LSAT Trainer. In addition, I was considering getting the Cambridge LR drill set PT 1-38 in order to try and make some progress. I've spent so much time trying to understand the test and how to solve each question type that I think it may be better to start do problems. The fool proof review, for example, is really helped me on LG and just doing games over and over again. But is it helpful to employ a similar strategy on LR such that you do the same questions over and over until you fully understand what you need to do get it right? I think one of the BR videos, JY says something about it being not beneficial to just to problem after problem of the same type. So would not be beneficial to do the drill set then? Not only that, my concern with this is that I don't know where to go to get explanations if I do poorly. Also, because I can only finish 3/4 passages under timed conditions (never mind getting them right), should I purchase the RC package also? I ask because I literally have no idea what to do from here. I constantly think about just giving up because the returns are diminishing and I don't know even know if I am capable of doing well. I was originally going to take it in September, then February, and now June (thanks for charging me to reschedule...), but the June testing locations are all pretty far from my house.

I honestly don't even know what to do anymore. Any help anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Hey there. I decided to take the December test with not all that much preparation (~10 PT's). Average PT score was around ~159 but ended up with a 152. In my PT's and actual test my LR/RC were approx. -6 with LG closer to ~ -9-11. I'm senior Finance major and could get an internship this summer and prep for the June test more seriously. With 7Sage's resources how are the chances given my situation (low LG sections) to get up around 165+? Thanks for your help.

Hi everyone.

My brain tends to go on shutdown during the latter half of the Reading Comprehension sections, and the last quarter of the LR sections.

No matter how many times I read, I get tired.

Will this go away during test day due to adrenaline, perhaps? I'm just so tired of taking practice tests and thinking to myself "screw this."

In my last LSAT Prep Test I missed EVERY QUESTION for the last reading passage, my brain just says "screw this" and starts day dreaming. Even with this mentality I've been scoring in the low 160s.. I really think if I can fix this problem I'll score in the 164-170 range.

Hello, everyone!

I'd like to congratulate everyone who got through 7Sage course and took the LSAT. It was a very stressful semester! I would like some different perspectives on my current situation and thought of no better place to ask for such advice.

I started studying for the December exam in mid August. I was spending hours upon hours everyday along with school full time and my part-time job. I had scored a 147 on my first practice exam, and while I was disappointed I knew there was nowhere to go but up. In the middle of the semester though (around the same time as midterms), my father needed surgery and I needed to contribute a lot more to the household operations, which killed about a months worth of study time (I studied, but not as much as I needed to).

Fast forwarding to when I got back on track, I really started to nail down my LG. Getting maybe 5 wrong, then 2 wrong, then 3 wrong. I wouldn't say I mastered that section, but it did a lot for my score. Two weeks before the December exam I took PTs #40 (June 2003), #68 (Dec. 2012), #69 (June 2013), and #70 (Oct. 2013). With these 4 tests I score three 156s and one 157. I felt I was prepared for the test, and that these four test really reflected where I was and how I would perform on the exam.

I got my score yesterday and it was a 147. My heart dropped. I wanted to cry, but held back the tears because I was in front of others. I'm still applying to the schools I planned on applying to (their low end was 151 last year), and I'm hoping that everything else on my application nudges me over (strong GPA, PS [LS admissions officer personally told me my resume and PS were strong], and letters of recommendation.) However, I'm still skeptical that I'll even be able to make it in, and it's so depressing that after a full semester of school, work, and LSAT I dropped the ball on test day, because that score is not really indicative of where I truly am.

I have some options. I could take the Feb. LSAT but I felt that would be rushed and not very productive (it's already decently late in the application cycle for next fall.) So my aim is June/October 2015, assuming I don't make it into the schools I want. Of course in this off year I would try to find a full time job and hopefully have a better score at that point.

I know this is a lengthy read, but I appreciate it if you made it this far. I wanted to know what some of you guys think and what you would do in my position. It also felt good to air it out. Also, if you're in my position, at least you know you're not alone! :'(

hi, I just got my LSAT score and am trying to figure out where to apply/what my chances are at different schools. Does anyone know what are the best/most accurate sites that tell you this?

Thanks so much!!

Thanks for the great material at a great price.

Hello all,

I was disappointed to say the least with my December LSAT score of 157. I was PTing at 161 average and had scored a 165 a few days before the test. With my 3.2 GPA, I needed a higher score.

My plan was to always go straight through to law school from undergrad, but with these numbers, I might get into some schools, but with no scholarship. I really want to attend the University of Wisconsin law school (currently undergrad there) and think I may have a shot (probably will get waitlisted).

Should I retake and apply next cycle or apply to UW and attend if I get in? I have been distressed the last 24 hours and have a thousand thoughts running through my head. Your input is appreciated.

Hi all,

As we all already know our scores from the December LSAT, I thought I would put this out there and get some opinions. The December test was my second time taking the LSAT as I took it in June. I scored 7 points higher than my first LSAT but unfortunately 4 points lower than my average has been on my timed practice tests from 7sage. As far as applying for schools should I just take that as test day jitters and send out my applications or maybe take the test in February. Also would it look bad to take the test 3 times to some schools? Im kind of confused as to what I should do right now, so any input would be appreciated.

Hi all,

In the December LSAT, I had an experimental LR section so only one RC section (section 4). I remember clearly two of the articles were on perfume and stealing thunder. In the LSAC's Disclosure Book uploaded RC section, neither of these articles were included. Anyone else notice this issue?

Peter

Good luck everyone!!

Hello guys,

As we all know, the December LSAT scores came out on yesterday. This was my first time taking the test and I was deeply disappointed by my score. I scored an 139. I was in complete shock because when I would take practice tests, I scored a 151. Upon reviewing my answer key and etc, I found that the answers I changed were actually correct. Second guessing and timing are my biggest downfalls. I think another issue that I suffered from was the fact that I was so fixated on numbers rather than accuracy. I wish I would have known about 7sage earlier on. I used the powerscore bibles to prepare and wanted to join a 7sage prep course. However, due to me being unemployed, I could not afford to pay for a class. My score got to me at first but I had to realize that nothing in life that we truly want comes easily. It takes hard work, determination, persistence, and good faith! With that being said, I will be retaking the exam in February and wanted to get you guys opinion on how I can increase my score and become more confident. My desired score is a 150 or above. I know that I can do it because law school is my destiny. Thank you 7sage community for your support!!

So, I've been accepted to two great schools one in the 20s and one in the 30s in the rankings. However, I am trying to get into a top 5 school. I have a 161 now, but am seriously thinking about retaking in February. Can retaking hurt my chances at all? I also have a 3.87 GPA and very strong softs on my resume.

Hey guys, anyone know if the release date for the Dec '14 exam is the same for unpublished test centers?

Hi guys,

Just wanted your take on this. For the past three tests now i have seen my blind review score go up. 158-165, but my actual score is not increasing as much and there is still a 10 point gap. What would you recommend to fix the problem, if there is one? Let me know your thoughts.

Writing the Feb exam

done 9 PTs

good luck to everyone who took in Dec

I'm curious. Your answer could be long / short / funny / serious. A few entries will be selected for free stuff here on 7Sage.

Edit: Contest is over, please vote! Winners will be selected (hopefully) soon.

Hey you guys! I wanted to share with you all that I have a fee waiver for Georgia State University & University of Georgia Law. If anyone really needs this please let me know asap! I will not use them since they were given to me at a Law School Fair.

Get it. Read it. Live it.

Can I withdraw my already submited applications if Im not happy with Dec LSAT score?

If I do, would that mean Id have to check the applied before box if i apply the following cycle?

Hi all!

I am a professional writer with many publications under my belt. For years now I have helped many individuals gain acceptance to the undergraduate and graduate schools of their choice. If you are having issues with your personal statement, need editing, polishing, planning, or writing assistance, feel free to message me here on 7Sage with your name and email address. I have been very successful with this. Please note, I will NOT write a personal statement for you, but I can help you craft something that make you stand out.

Good Luck!

Looking for form an online or in person meet up LSAT prep group, anyone interested?

I ask this question because obviously on analysis questions you are supposed to analyze for the strength/validity of the argument and you can often find flaws with it. However certain other questions need you just to figure out the structure and describe or something like that. Whenever i do these questions, i still try to see the argument and try to figure out if it has any flaws and or how to make it a valid argument. Is that a good idea? or is it a waste of time since those kinds of questions would have "perfect" arguments.