Leelisee - thinking of the "anti-conclusion" really helps clarify my thinking. Thank-you. I've also started reading the answer choices backwards for weakening questions: from E to A. I figure the LSAT writers must have a deliberate reason for the order they choose.

Hi Travis

I feel lucky that I've always been a fast reader and I too, have an extensive vocabulary and can absorb and retain a lot of information. But I sure had to check my ego at the door when I found myself missing Main Point RC questions in my baseline test. I found JY's 1st two lessons on Introduction to Arguments, and Grammar, very grounding (despite my inner voice asking: "Really? You've gotten this far in life and need a grammar review?"). I set aside asking myself if I would be capable of writing this test successfully, and have relied on knowing that I am capable of _learning_, and I have learned through hard work- my scores have gone up ~25 points since I began.

As for your question regarding a "solution", I have found two keys: the first is learning and practising the necessary skill sets related to active reading and understanding the LSAT question and answer types; the second is recognizing and accommodating both your strengths and your weaknesses. I happen to see "big picture" and relationships as easily as I breath, but miss detail when there is too much clutter. I've learned what is "too much" for me, and what is necessary to me, through practise. I suggest that you trust your own needs while testing and practising what you're learning. You can find an optimal solution for yourself.

I used other materials before finding 7Sage. What bothered me about other LSAT prep was that a lot seemed to be based on "tricks" and memorization of rules, and not a lot on core understanding. I felt like I wasn't able to bring a lot of my strengths to the process as taught elsewhere.

What I love about 7Sage is that I am learning a disciplined way of thinking that will serve me in my future career; it is not merely a means to an end. I now easily recognize types of valid and invalid arguments in conversations and reading; when premises may be weak for the conclusions drawn; when assumptions are made for the conclusion to logically follow; and I see the unsupported gaps; all in a clearer and more disciplined way than I had previous to studying for the LSAT.

A lot of people talk about what kind of reading to do to prep; my choice is case law. I read from all court levels and I love finding a supreme court decision and then following it through application. A well written judicial decision (and many of them are), is amazing to read. I also read and think about legislation and how a complex law links together as well as how it may intersect with other legislation. With some law, I've gone back to senate hearings and reports and Parliamentary debates to understand the thinking that went into the legislation. I find this reading both fascinating and fun. I think I was meant to be a lawyer!

"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."

It sounds like your mental "state" may be overriding your learning. I read "The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It." by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D. In one chapter McGonigal talks about meditation and how meditating, even "badly", for 5 minutes can have a positive effect on your ability to focus. Her's is the only technique I've ever used and I find it extremely helpful when my thoughts (and pulse) start racing.

Somewhere JY writes about a test routine he developed for himself. Think like an athlete: right now starting your watch is like a runner hearing a starting pistol and going into adrenaline panic. Athletes overcome this reaction, and so can you. Best wishes -