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joegotbored149
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Saturday, Sep 27 2014

joegotbored149

September Curve

Speculators... come one come all. What do we think, hope, pray that the curve (170) will be?

For historical purposes... and because I find myself with an abundance of time now that I am done with the beast... here are the last few curves.

PT 68 -11

PT 69 -11

PT 70 -11

PT 71 -13

PT 72 -12

I felt very strong on everything but games ( my trouble spot from the start ) but I feel they were perfectly normal. Nothing crazy as in recent past exams, I just suck at games. That said, I thought the other sections were quite normal too, maybe even a little softer, so I'm going to go with -10 as my guess. That said, I would very much relived if it turns out to be a -12 or -13...who wouldn't?

For perspective, the averages for my 5 most recent, 10 most recent, and 35 most recent PTs, were all within 1 point of each other. My individual scores were all over the board... but my averages for those groups were pretty uniform and if my guess on the curve is right, I'll do about 2 points better than my "average" thanks to strength in my non-LG sections.

Anyone else care to share?

****PLEASE DO NOT TALK ABOUT SPECIFIC QUESTIONS****

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joegotbored149
Monday, Jan 26 2015

So JY's method is more from memory, so you don't have to make those marks. Some people report having tons of time left over at the end of RC (I'm not one of them!) so marking wouldn't matter for them. But for some of us, marking can take up a lot of time. Have you tried to limit what you actually mark to see if that makes a difference?

I ask because most RC errors for me came from rushing or panicking when I was clueless and sucking up a bunch of time...which led to more rushing!

If your BR score is much higher than your timed, then it's clearly a timing/confidence issue. If BR is lower too, then focusing on your comprehension and structure will definitely help.

Also, make sure you look at the types of questions you get wrong to see if there are any patterns. The RC question types are really no different than the rest of the test, so you can drill them too.

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joegotbored149
Monday, Jan 26 2015

Might be worth pushing to June or later if you don't feel prepared. Never take the test if you feel you are not ready. If it's nerves, then no biggie, happens to us all. If it's fundamentals, then it may be worth reconsidering.

Did you do ok on BR of those PTs?

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Saturday, Oct 25 2014

joegotbored149

PT 73 Game 3 Rules and Boards

So as part of my penance for letting the games hurt me in September (PT 73), I'm forcing myself to be super formal in my review as preparation for my December retake. For no particularly good reason, I started with Game 3. I'm working on the others and might post them too. For those who can't wait for JY's far superior explanations and clever quips, here ya go:

http://imgur.com/md1YLAi

I'm pretty sure this doesn't violate copyright since I'm not including the game stimulus or questions or answers. If I am, please delete. :)

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joegotbored149
Tuesday, Feb 24 2015

@ You da real MVP! Love the 7Sagers here, part of the reason I keep coming back even though I've already taken the test. The takers before me helped me so much after their test by posting on the boards that I feel like paying it forward when I can.

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Wednesday, Jul 23 2014

joegotbored149

Logical Reasoning Explanations Page

7Sage Website Gods,

I love being able to take the PT1-35 LG sections timed and then easily check answers after BRing them by clicking on Resources > Logic Game Explanations.

I would love to be able to do the same thing as I work on LR sections from those same tests. I have the questions already, but to find answers, I have to "score" a PT for the relevant test, then find the question explanation links, then afterwards delete the "scored" PT from my history so it doesn't throw off my analytics.

Any chance you could add a page that would only be visible based on your membership level, and that is formatted like the LG Explanations page, but for LR questions?

If such a resource already exists, or there is an easier way than my current solution, and I just haven't found it, could you point me in the right direction?

Many thanks,

-Joe

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joegotbored149
Monday, Feb 23 2015

@ I studied for about 10 months ( I work full time, so needed a little longer to reach my goal score). I started in a similar score range as your diagnostic and reached your goal range after hovering in the high 160s for a few months. On the outcomes side of things, I'm in at several T14 schools this cycle so yes, your goal is reachable.

Keep at it, and don't stop taking PTs. If you need to retake, so be it. I took EVERY PT I had before my first take and did a retake after studying older material I had already seen. I still improved both on my BR and on my actual retake. I wouldn't worry about holding material in reserve once you've finished the course completely and you're into the PT world.

You can do it!!!

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joegotbored149
Thursday, Jan 22 2015

My Why X? addenda were nearly 2 pages. I think if you're worried about it, try keeping it to 1.25 or 1.5 pages as a compromise. Just remember to keep it double spaced, 12 point font, 1 inch margin. If you're 2 pages single spaced or with smaller margins, they will not be happy!

Also, as a reader, I don't mind length when it's meaningful. I read lots of applications for executive level positions as part of some volunteer work I do and nothing is worse than a useless cover letter. Your DS should read like a story, be well-written, and be explicitly related to your interest in the study of law. If that puts you to nearly 2 pages, so be it. But, if you write something that comes off as unrelated, out of sequence, bitter, or just a restatement of your CV, it won't be of benefit to your app.

If you keep those things in mind, 2 pages is fine. If you can only keep those standards for a page and little more...then that's where you stop. If you're super worried, you could always email the admissions team and ask if submitting a 2 page DS is appropriate. They're usually super nice folks and are quick to respond.

Remember, these places need diversity! Don't be bashful if you have a good story to tell about yourself.

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joegotbored149
Thursday, Jan 22 2015

@ - They do, but they're part of the paid service. Only the games are available for free.

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joegotbored149
Wednesday, Jan 21 2015

@ Holy cow...I didn't even think about a backup. I had one and it worked fine, but wow...thinking back, I guess I was lucky. I used that watch for 10 months before the test and never changed the battery.

Great idea!

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joegotbored149
Wednesday, Jan 21 2015

So, sub/unsub direct loans are capped at 20,500 a year. Grad Plus loans are capped at the budget created by your school for full cost of attendance minus any outside funding you receive and minus any scholarships.

The smaller cap has about 6% interest, the unlimited grad plus loan is at over 8%.

Best advice for law school loans is don't do it if you can avoid it! Study your tail off here at 7Sage and watch those scholarships roll in :) Also, keep cost of living in mind because even a full ride won't cover it. The difference between Los Angeles and Middlenowhere, USA is a big one in terms of loans.

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joegotbored149
Wednesday, Jan 21 2015

I did 3 hours a day but didn't really allocate that time in any specific way. Whatever I was struggling with is where I put my time. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. I do think you'll be fine up front doing this, but when you start your PTs, be flexible when arranging your schedule for the next week and put the time in where you have most room to improve. Don't throw too much at an area where you're already strong until your other sections are up to par.

Good luck!

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joegotbored149
Wednesday, Jan 21 2015

If you're going to do this, do it right. 7Sage and at least 6 months of serious prep, 9 months if you can wait that long. I did the highest end package and didn't regret it. A few hundred bucks here could save you a quarter million later.

Also, in re to Jdawg's comment about really knowing you want to do this, I suggest viewing the following two pages to fully understand why he said what he said:

http://www.lstscorereports.com/schools/seattle/costs/2013/

http://www.lstscorereports.com/schools/seattle/jobs/2013/

You really have to know you want to do this because the statistics are not strongly in our favor right now.

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joegotbored149
Monday, Feb 16 2015

Wow, you all are super organized. I literally just stacked it all up as I went along. I have a stack of paper about 16 inches tall of worksheets, explanations, problem sets, games, and PTs. I don't feel I missed anything for lack of organization, but maybe that's just me.

Anytime I wanted to go back and "review" a game or a worksheet, I just re-printed and did the whole thing again. I used the 7Sage analytics to track progress.

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joegotbored149
Monday, Feb 16 2015

Also, yes, you can see your calculated "universal" GPA in your transcript report once they've received and analyzed all your transcripts.

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joegotbored149
Monday, Feb 16 2015

Applications typically "open" the first day they're available via LSAC online. Typically This is either August 1, August 15, or September 1, depending on the school.

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joegotbored149
Wednesday, Jan 14 2015

Bought :)

PrepTests ·
PT142.S4.Q18
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joegotbored149
Wednesday, Jan 14 2015

Your explanation for D was great. Very helpful. This question threw me off on game day because I couldn't wrap my head around D to figure out what it meant.

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joegotbored149
Wednesday, Feb 11 2015

After the LSAT I dropped into the essays. Now that I'm done with that stuff...I'm trying to work off the weight I gained over the last year while studying.

...and I still do logic games....and sometimes a bit of LR. Can't shake it.

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joegotbored149
Wednesday, Feb 11 2015

@ I was asked to interview at WUSTL. The opening question was Tell us a bit about yourself, followed by Why Law? and then Why WUSTL?

I asked about the area around WUSTL, how it would be without a car, what summer spots might be available to someone like me (very unusual type of PI work), and how I might fit in as an older student.

The interviewer was super friendly and answered all my questions. He knew the area really well and shared that knowledge with me.

I'm told they're usually making sure you can interact properly (read social cues, etc.) without dominating a conversation. The other thing they're looking for is to make sure your enthusiasm for law school, and theirs in particular, is authentic.

I had my application in front of me to calm my nerves in case I started to freeze and needed a bit of help, but I didn't need it.

You'll be fine!

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joegotbored149
Friday, Apr 10 2015

@ I know you already registered, but for others who have not: I suggest testing at a law school if at all possible. You'll be just about guaranteed a wide desk area to spread out which is really important during games and RC. I tested at American's law school and it was excellent. Remember the ABA accrediting teams require a certain quality of facility...the exact same quality you want for your testing environment. If you go to any non-law school testing center, you may end up at a desk chair...which is not roomy and sometimes may not be enough room to have your test open and your answer sheet next to it on the table. (you should practice this just in case)

Also, stalk your testing center!!! Go there at least a week early on a Saturday to see what traffic/parking/construction/activities are like. Go inside and check out the classrooms if you can and look at the desks and sit in the chairs. Listen for noises...if you hear any, go on youtube and find an audio clip of that noise and play it in the background on your next few PTs (Construction/traffic/pedestrians/etc.).

Choosing a test center is important. A good one means one less thing to distract you when you're in the zone after months of prep.

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joegotbored149
Friday, Apr 10 2015

I also bought my watch from 35minutes (I did the 4x8.5 with 3 red at the end). I used it every day several times a day for nearly 8 months. No problems. I loved it. Worked like a champ on test day too. For those of you who are nervous about the resetting aspect between sections, I had no trouble there either. After each practice section I would reset it so I was quite proficient come test day. Also, because the watch was segmented into 8 minute sections, I got a feel for my rhythm in the different sections and usually ended up with spare time as a result which let me reset without pressure.

DO NOT WAIT to buy a watch for your test. You need to use a watch or your zen inner clock technique on every PT you take before test day to get used to it.

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joegotbored149
Monday, Feb 09 2015

I'm leaning in this direction. With so much emphasis placed on 1L finals, I'm interested in learning about the testing style and how to study efficiently. A close friend said the format caught him off guard and hurt his scores which are used during OCI for 1L summer positions/internships.

I've not decided yet, but I think it's likely given my success with 7Sage so far.

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Thursday, Sep 04 2014

joegotbored149

Game Video Time Markers

I just noticed this go live in the last few minutes as I was checking two questions from PT 57, Game 4. I can now check the board, and then fast forward directly to the question I need.

THIS IS BRILLIANT. One more reason to love 7Sage.

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joegotbored149
Tuesday, Feb 03 2015

I'm with @ and @ - game theory would suggest leaving the shortest passages (judged by # of questions) for last and tackling the longer passages (by # of questions) up front.

My personal strategy was to go in order for the first two passages, and then do the longer (by # of questions) of the remaining two passages third. It worked out for me and I usually had a minute or two to go back over tougher questions.

With all this said, if you plan to take the test Saturday, I don't think you should change your methods now. It might do more harm than good.

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joegotbored149
Tuesday, Feb 03 2015

Wow, Nilesh! Congrats on Georgetown. You'll love it in DC, great town.

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Saturday, Jan 03 2015

joegotbored149

Finally reviewed my errors from PT 74

So far... got every "wrong" question right within seconds of scanning the answers. Had I had the same luck on test day, my score would have been low 170s... instead, high 160s. Bummed, but don't feel like sitting a 3rd time. Bah humbug.

And for anyone who remembers me raging about Han purple.. turns out I went perfect in that LR section. WORLD MAKES NO SENSE!!! ::facepalm::

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joegotbored149
Monday, Feb 02 2015

You'll also be spending less time on this as you improve. Certain questions won't be worth your time because they'll be super easy for you. I was spending way longer than 90 minutes BRing when I started and more like 45 minutes toward the end. You'll get the feel for it as you go along.

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joegotbored149
Monday, Feb 02 2015

I have to say that scoring in the 170 range seems to be a golden ticket this cycle as long as your GPA is reasonably good (3.5+). If you put in 100 hour weeks now, you could end up with really BIG scholarships when you apply. It's worth putting in the effort.

Congrats on seeing the big number! Remember 173 is HYS territory...keep up the good work! That's only 2 or 3 more credited questions per test. You can do it!

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joegotbored149
Monday, Feb 02 2015

Aw shucks! You guys rock :) Really excited to share my results at the end of my cycle in April. Early indications are really strong and I know I couldn't have done it without 7Sage lessons and these forums.

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