I finally got my GPA according to LSAC today. I had a slightly non-traditional undergraduate experience. I went to a large and highly respected community college for most of my general courses (about 2.5 years) and spent another 2.5 years at NC State University and I graduated from NCSU. According to LSAC, I have a 2.54 Degree GPA and a 3.0 Cumulative GPA. I know T14 schools are out of the question but I'm working my butt off to make sure my LSAT is good enough to attempt to get into T25-50. But I'm worried about my GPA. When it comes time to submit applications, does anyone know on degree or cumulative GPA, will one have more bearing over the other? I think I can write an addendum for the semesters that brought my GPA down. So that may help some. While on that note, does anyone know how mental illness addenda are viewed in law school applications? Furthermore, is community college viewed negatively? Should I write an addendum for it? Lastly, do law schools look at the classes at all or just the GPA? It would be nice if my semester of paralegal courses that made me want to be a lawyer were considered. I did well in them.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hello,

I have what I feel is a silly question. I'm about a month into my 7Sage course; I'm on the Logic curriculum and I finished MSS questions last night. I'm prepping for a retake, so I know MSS questions have been a problem in the past. One thing I love about 7Sage is they get straight to the point. Thanks to the simplicity, I'm more accurate on MSS questions than I was. However, I'm not where I want to be in terms of accuracy or timing. And I feel like a similar pattern will emerge with other question types as I move along. I need more problem sets and drills. I have the premium course but I am planning on upgrading to Ultimate today. I have PTs 36-74. But to get more drills I've either got to delve into more PTs or the Cambridge packets. I've learned that is cheaper to purchase the books with the sets of PTs from LSAC/Amazon than it is get a Cambridge bundle for all LR question types. I guess what I am getting at is what are the benefits of question type training? Are there any other benefits to using Cambridge? I could probably to a certain extent classify the questions myself if I went with the PTs but I'm worried of the daunting task that would be. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hello. I took the LSAT in September. I was confident after I took it but was not impressed by my score. I used PowerScore for my prep and didn't improve much from the prep test I took when I first started. It was on the low end of all my prep tests average. I got a 145. Yeah it sucks. My undergrad GPA isn't that great either. But I can write an addendum to help with my GPA (I had a major illness one semester). Anyway, I've been wishy washy since I got my LSAT score about whether or not law school is for me. Right this minute, I am leaning towards registering for a 7sage prep course and retaking the LSAT in probably June. And moving foward with law school. But my thoughts could be different this afternoon. If I decide law school is the answer, I need to get my LSAT score up no less than 10 points and preferably 20 points. My mother is not very encouraging or understanding of my ideas of Law school. So I wanted to know if anyone has any advice or encouragement for me. And also I wanted to know if my goal of getting my score up 20 points is even possible. Thanks for your time.

Hi everyone,

I posted a while back about how I was feeling down and wasn't motivated to do LSAT work. It got better for a couple of weeks but then it got way worse. It's a long story but I'm on the road to recovery. Anyway, I have been out of the loop on all LSAT prep for another few weeks trying to focus on getting my mind in the right place. But now I've been feeling like I'm ready to slowly ease myself back in. I've already accepted the fact that I think I will have to push back to December and may even have to push back law school another year (which I really don't want to do). However, I feel like I need a good review before delving semi-randomly into a question type. I have a decent base of knowledge from being a retaker but this time I've been working through the Ultimate course and I have The Trainer, Manhattan LR guide, and the PowerScore Bibles. I'm thinking it will just be more efficient to just review using my various materials and notes. But there's a part of me that thinks it would be better to just start over. Any thoughts?

Hey everyone,

Some of you may remember my story. I took the LSAT in September 2014, highly disappointed with a 145 but I have no one to blame but myself. I started prep in January for a retake by registering for an Ultimate course but I am going snails pace. I work full-time in a call-center (including commute 50-55 hours a week). I'm up to about the mid 150s guessing. I have zero family and very little friends support. It's really difficult to keep moving forward. I've done a lot of soul searching to determine that this is what I want to do. But its a uphill battle even at my best but I'm working on making that less steep. I have a 3.0 GPA but I can write an addendum that describes the semester that really brought it down. So maybe that will help. My LSAT goal is high 160s-low 170s. But of course the sky's the limit (180). I'm doing better at keeping motivated but I'm worried about the time. At this rate, it will be late spring/summer before I finish the course if I work my butt off. When I start PTs, I will probably only have the time to complete one a week. I'm thinking it may be beneficial for me to wait until December. My only concern is that I may have to rush to get in my applications in for starting school August 2016, but I don't think its too late. I know T14 is unlikely. My instinct says if I feel ready in September take the LSAT in October if not wait until December. But I like to plan things. Anyone have any thoughts?

Hi everyone,

I'm at a bit of a standstill in my prep. Burnout is a bitch. But after a lot of thought I made the decision to purchase the Manhattan Prep LR book. The selling point was looking at the table of contents and seeing that 90% (totally out of the blue figure but it is a lot) of the book is on my problem areas. I need a good review before delving back in but that's beside the point. I also have a copy of The Trainer and the PowerScore Bibles that I use rarely. But I am primarily using my 7Sage course. I'm having success using The Trainer with 7Sage. But has anyone had any success using Manhattan and 7Sage together? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Hello everyone,

I took the LSAT in September 27, 2014. I got a 145. It was a confidence killer, but I picked myself back up and I have started my prep for a retake in June or October. I'm trying my best to forget what I learned the first time around and start from scratch on my prep work. I registered for the 7Sage Starter Course so I could start the lessons. I plan on upgrading to Premium this week. I took the June 2007 PT this weekend. I got a 149 timed and a 155 BR. I see it as progress.

Furthermore, I am a non-traditional student. I turn 30 next week. I've been out of school a couple of years. And I've been working on and off in customer service. I was unemployed the first time I was preparing for the LSAT. But I went back to work October 6, 2014. I work full-time (M-F 8:30-5PM) and I have a long commute through heavy traffic. By time I get home, I want to crash and have other things to take care of to live life. I work in a small call center and I can usually do the lessons and quizzes in between calls or on a slow day. But the problem is with the PTs. The only time I have a 3-4 hour block of time to devote to a PT is on the weekends. Unless I was to time each section individually instead the test as a whole then maybe I could do some through the week, but I would imagine splitting timed sections for a full PT would not be advised. I suppose BR could be split but not the timed PT. So, what I did with the June 2007 test was I took the fully timed 4 section PT Saturday, took a break, did my BR that evening (probably rushed a bit) and I reviewed and watched explanations Sunday and I'll continue through the week.

I'm trying not to rush through my 7Sage course but I am also trying to finish it with plenty of time. But I am also trying to take as many PTs as possible. I have 30-something weeks if I take October. I'm trying to figure out how many PTs I should take and when I should start based off my tight schedule. I have about 40 PTs and the three February ones in SuperPrep. Of course, I logically cannot take all 40 and can use some of them for 5 section practice runs. I'm thinking maybe I could start taking PTs earlier than on the study schedule and it can help me gauge my progress but I'm also worried about starting too soon and using up PTs too quickly. If it matters my biggest reasoning issues are in LR. LG and RC are mainly timing issues and I think extensive practice will help the logic issues there. I apologize that this was long but any advice would be appreciated.

Hey Everyone,

A couple of weeks ago I posted how I was down and having trouble getting back to studying. I was out for almost 3 weeks. Well, I started back this week, baby steps, and it feels good. I was behind before my downtime and now I'm really behind. According to the study schedule and @emli1000 :-) I should be finishing up the course by now. But I'm ashamed to admit I'm only about 15% through it. I'm glad I'm prepping for a retake in October instead of June I know I wouldn't be able to do it. Or at least wouldn't reach my full potential. Regardless, I was originally planning on starting PTs by now and thought about taking one this weekend. But looking at my course schedule, I think it may be more beneficial to spend that time reviewing material, getting through the course, and drilling. I don't want to cram but I do want to get through the basics. I think it may be better than wasting a PT. Any thoughts on moving forward? Thanks.

Hello all,

Me again. I'm starting PTs excessively early. I'm Blind Reviewing but not reviewing too intensively yet on incorrect questions. I'm a retaker so I have a base of knowledge and know my problem areas on the entirety of the LSAT but I'm not too far into my 7Sage course. I'm looking at October for a retake which is what I think will be honestly more than enough time to get to my target score of 170+. I work full-time and I know it will be very difficult for me to do 2-3 PTs a week when it gets close to game day. I took the June 2007 PT last month scored a 149 timed and 155 Blind review. I took PT 44-October 2004 this weekend. I got a 153 timed and 160 Blind Review. Now, that is higher than any of the PTs I took for preparing my first "real" LSAT in September and the September score was a 145 about average to what I was doing on PTs at the time. I never dreamed of seeing a 160 this early in my prep, even on BR. And I'm having a difficult time giving myself credit for improvement. Admittedly, its not huge but its an improvement nonetheless. Essentially what I am getting at is I've heard the older tests are easier and how indicative of improvement are the older tests? And furthermore, its just two tests that are better, should I consider consistency? I know I need more improvement but to see improvement is good I think, but I worry about giving myself any sense of false confidence. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hello,

I took the LSAT in September 2014, got a 145. From taking PTs, I knew before I took it that I wasn't going to do well but it was disappointing to say the least. It was lower than expected. For prep, I used primarily self-study with the PowerScore Bibles. I also used The LSAT Trainer sparingly. At the time, I thought PowerScore was geared towards my detail-oriented mind that tends to over-complicate things. But it turns out I learned that there is a point where it is too detailed and too complex even for me. I actually slacked off a lot the first time and I wasn't able to finish any of the books which I think further contributed to my score but I don't feel I understood the material well either. The experience was enough to realize I need simplicity. I registered for the 7Sage Starter course and started my prep work. I plan on upgrading in the near future to the 7Sage Ultimate course. I've been reading some in The LSAT Trainer as well. I just read the introduction and I'm already seeing things more clearly. And I'm thinking about digging into my PowerScore books and getting some of the Cambridge problem sets. My question is can I and should I use other prep companies or will that over complicate things?

Hello,

Me again with my questions on drilling. I know that generally speaking the LR sections get more difficult as you go along. Based off this information, I have determined that I am generally missing more difficult questions. The ones I'm missing or struggling with are questions that originally appeared as questions 19-26. I've determined that my problem mostly on these questions is that they have a more complex logical structure or simply a more complex topic/language. I bought a set of one question type of the Cambridge packets but I realize I need to invest in the rest of them. My initial thinking was to start with difficult questions and work down. But after I did a 13 question set last night and the only ones I got right were ones I had attempted before recently and I remembered the answer. Confidence killer. I think now that I need to work from the beginning and work my way up to more difficult questions. I think also a stronger understanding of the 7Sage Logic Curriculum will help. Does anyone have any other ideas about this problem?

Hello everyone,

I guess let me start with a brief overview of my story. I originally made the decision to pursue law school about a year ago. I prepped (and slacked off) all summer and took the September 2014 LSAT. Not surprisingly I blew it; I got a 145. But I tried to stay confident. I took a few months off to collect my thoughts and relax. I purchased the 7Sage course and the Cambridge packets with my Christmas bonus and started prep. I went pretty hard for a few months then I hit a standstill. I tried getting back into studying, but my brain was not focused enough for the LSAT. I felt guilty for not studying and I felt hopeless. I made the realization that I would have to put off school another year mainly due to financial woes, which was discouraging. When I first made the decision on pursuing law school, I wanted to start fall 2015. I turned 30 this year, I'm ready to get life going. I also had a lot of stressors in my life between work, school, and family. By Easter, I was in a deep depression (again). And I very nearly admitted myself to the hospital (again). So, I took a step back and said a big "screw you" to the LSAT. I got my meds adjusted, started one-on-one therapy, attempted to eat healthier, and increased my involvement in group therapy. I knew I had to get healthy before I could even attempt LSAT prep. So, for two months I haven't done anything related to the LSAT. I'm not all the way there but I feel like I am ready to start slowly welcoming the LSAT into my life. I know I am basically going to have to start from scratch but I feel better about that now. I feel like I can finally read about the LSAT and not feel despair.

I guess today I just wanted to share my story and see if anyone had any advice for my situation. I feel like I need to start slow perhaps do some logic games (my favorite and strongest section) to get back into LSAT "fun." I work full-time so I am fully aware of the stress this puts on me especially after what I've been through the last few months. I feel like that if I am just able to study an hour a day at first that is a step in the right direction. Of course I want to do more but I also don't want to wind up where I've been. Time management has been an issue. I also need to make sure I take the LSAT and my issues very seriously.

But I am looking at hopefully December for a retake. At this point, I'm definitely not taking it until I feel ready. I'll probably see how I feel in November if I'm not ready plan on February, if I'm not ready in January, wait until June so on and so forth. I'm hoping for a retake no later than June 2016 but we will see. My GPA is not too great so I need to score in the very high 160s to low 170s at least. And based off my BR scores in the past I think that is possible. Timing is the biggest issue on LG and some on RC, on LR practice will hopefully make perfect.

What I am thinking is maybe this weekend if I have the time take a timed diagnostic and BR it just to see what taking months off has done to me. I've taken the June 2007 PT so many times so I'll probably use some other random PT I've never taken. And then start back prepping slowly Monday.

I guess I'm just mainly rambling, but if anyone has any advice it would be appreciated.

Hello everyone,

I'm struggling. I registered for the 7Sage Ultimate course and started prep for my retake in January . I work full-time in a small call center and I feel like I've been sick all winter but I am chugging along slow and steady. But sometime around the last week I hit a road block. Honestly, I'm a little depressed. Right now, I want nothing to do with the LSAT. I haven't completed any drills or games. I was doing a game/drill set a night. I haven't completed a lesson in about a week. I've been concerned with my future over the last few weeks. I'm financially not in the best place. It will be some better when I start law school (most of my credit cards will be paid off) but I will be relying heavily on loans while in school. I'm looking at a long distance move and I'm slightly worried about the financial implications of this goal. I turned 30 in January. I've already put off my law school plans for so long. I was going to go for this year when I originally started preparing but I had to put it off to retake the LSAT. I really don't want to put it off another year. I've been feeling a little down about my situation and wondering if its even worth it. I guess what I'm getting at I was wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom for me. Or anything that motivates them. Or maybe just e-hugs. Hugs are good too. Thanks.

Hello again. Me and my drilling questions. I'm preparing for an October retake, but may postpone until December. I have been working through the Ultimate course and I am moving along quite nicely. I'm about 25% through the ultimate course. I'm reviewing PowerScore and The Trainer as needed, which is sparingly. I'm considering purchasing the Manhattan LR guide but we'll see. Anyway, at the current rate I'm expecting to finish the course around mid-May but I am hoping for end of April. My question involves the Cambridge packets. I have the LR bundle organized by question type and the RC packets and the LG bundle through the Ultimate course. I feel like this is a stupid question. Should I be working on the packets as I work through the course or should I wait until the PT stage when I have a firmer handle on my problem areas? Should I do them during both PT and Course stages? I'm working on the practice sets for question types throughout the curriculum but I'm not sure if and how much I should be adding. I'm also concerned with my memory. I have a tendency to remember answer choices for some questions and then the good reason I am getting the correct answer is lost. I'm not reviewing heavily right now for the reason if I have to revisit it later I won't remember the correct answer. PT 73 Section 2 Question 8 I remember the answer but have no memory of what type of question it is, why the answer is right, or the topic but I remember the multiple choice answer. That was my first time I took the LSAT and time ran out as I arrived at the right answer, did not have time to change it. I remember answers of other questions that I have reviewed thoroughly. I would hate to work through an entire question set now and still have issues at the PT stage, need to review question types but remember the answer but not remember why the correct answer is right. I feel like doing them now may waste precious practice questions. On the other hand, I also have PTs to work through that will help get my skill set in the right place. I'm a little lost on how and when to incorporate the Cambridge packets into my studies. Thanks for any advice you can give.