All posts

New post

246 posts in the last 30 days

Hello everyone,

how do you draw out the logic for the following statement, and take the contrapositive.

Statement: The only way to stop the baby from crying is to give her some cold medication or a nip of wiskey, but not both.

0

Dear all,

LSAT has become my new drug now. And what JY had said, RC has become especially addictive. As such, I am more desperate to score high on this section. So here are my learning lessons for the 2nd week of learning. And please feel free to share your opinions.

1) Concentration. You must concentrate when you are reading the passage. The number of questions that you answer correctly will be a direct reflection of your concentration. Likewise, this concentration extends all the way to answer questions.

2) Interest. I find that most of the times, you don't have to be interest in the topic but the way that the author is composing his/her point. I have found a way for myself to generate interest by playing what I call a "game of inspectors", meaning that I am always trying to find MP, connections, strong terms, reference, examples....And in general, I believe that every passage is a carefully designed maze and it is game that I have to get good at.

3) Structure. When reading, always ask the question, why the author puts this here and now. There is always a reason. And rarely I find them do it because they intended to be confusing.

4) Reading notes. Don't write like crazy next to the passage. A word or two. I find the fact that you are pushing the brain to process the information actually does a better job for later paragraph recall.

5) But do put in arrows or numbers (link to pt 4). Often times, there is some logical relationship, like the one that I just did, of something that relates with serotine and carb craving. That passage is crazy about A cause B cause C cause D that sort of stuff and when this happens, draw the arrow on the passage and not write a reading note.

6) Track referential phrasing. When the author uses "it", "that"...you have to be able to mark it and track it back. This a fraction of a second thing helps to do 2 things: 1) keeps the structure in constant check, 2) more recall and brain processing

7) Answering. If it is a easier question and you can smell it, just circle it. Or else, do process and elimination. And when it comes the time when you are 2/5 and tries to make a final decision, just believe your gut feeling.

8) Keep learning the passage in the answer choice. I find this especially helpful when doing harder passages. The answer choices do helps you make a double check on your understandings. So you can revise your initial map. So let's say you are doing question 4 and now you find the map is wrong and the question 1 answer needs to be revised, then do it. The questions are just another more targeted "tool" for you.

9) Enjoy the process. Feel the process and actually enjoy. Once you are able to break all the things down, then you are able to feel how sophisticated that the writer is. And often times, these writings are highly sophisticated. This attitude will snowball and get you to the next passage and the next and the next. And then you get addicted like me and just want to do another RC.

While I am only 2nd week into RC, I am constantly meditating on this as RC is not about reading.

Please share with me of your learnings. I be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Panda

8

I read somewhere (TLS I think) that it was suggested to put your LSAC# on your resume for applications - is this a good idea? Would I just include it in my header? I could just delete my phone number and include my LSAC # instead.

I know I need a header with name, LSAC#, and title of essay for all the application essays, but I hadn't even thought of putting it on my resume. I hope it's not too big of a deal considering I have already submitted quite a few.

Any ideas either way?

0

Hi everyone,

Anecdotally I have heard that the LSAT standards for law school have already, or are currently slightly declining. My understanding is that this has something to do with fewer applicants, and thus colleges having a harder time keeping high LSAT numbers.

Does anyone know if this is supported by any data?

I had a quick look at UVA for an example, and a year or two ago their median LSAT did dip by 1 point, but then it went back up again the year after. UChicago's has stayed the same in the last few years as far as I could tell. I'm wondering if this 'declining standards' idea is just an urban myth? Maybe it's only true of some schools? Just curious if anyone has read anything in detail about this topic.

0

You can either try to get a deal spending Black Friday doing this:

https://i.makeagif.com/media/6-30-2015/BGd606.gif

Or get a great deal on LSAT doing BR group.

Friday, November 25 at 12PM ET: PT79

Click here to join this conversation: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/219480381

I’ll be there every Friday to discuss the 70s tests. Can’t wait to hear you there!

Please click the link and comment if you plan on participating.

You can also dial in to the BR call by using your phone.

United States +1 (571) 317-3112

Access Code: 219-480-381

The Full (and now REVISED) Schedule

And if you’d like to see the full schedule for upcoming reviews, here it is: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=h14k4idvt1lb4hp5ujds97qt7k@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York

Note:

  • For everyone: take the PT under timed conditions; BR as you are able on your own; then join us for all or part of the call—everyone is welcome.
  • Note: For the purposes of the call, we like to check our group blind review score together at the very end of the call :) So at least don't say ... "No guys, really, it's D, I checked it.” KEEP THE CORRECT ANSWER TO YOURSELF. Win the argument with your reasoning.
  • These groups work best when folks from ALL stages of prep and with all different goals join in! Not just for "super-preppers" and definitely not just for the casual LSATer (does such a person exist?).
  • The only expectation anyone has for these calls is for you to have fun and ask questions as you desire. We are just a bunch of LSAT lovers who gather via GoToMeeting and intellectually slaughter each test.
  • 3

    Holy smokes, did I get rekt on this RC. I normally average between -1 to -4 on RC sections, but this one was -7 and by far my worst PT in over a month. I did fine on blind review for the other sections, but I really struggled with time on this last passage and would love some help on the last question in particular.

    27: Which one of the following is most analogous to the process, described in the last paragraph, by which the spread of thistles can be curtailed?

    On the actual run-through, I was scrambling for time and guessed E - I eliminated C fairly quickly because none of the methods for combating thistle growth in the passage seemed remotely analogous to voter suppression. I eliminated D because similarly, I didn't see any part of the restoration method as similar to attacking the things supporting thistle growth (which I interpreted as, for example, heavy use of fertilizers). I didn't have time to work through the other choices, so I went with E because the two factions sounded somewhat similar to the two kinds of organisms mentioned in the last paragraph.

    On blind review, I figured that while the researchers did conclude a diversity of both kinds of organisms was effective in restoring the native species (and thereby curtailing the spread of thistles), a diversity of disease organisms and beneficial organisms did not necessarily indicate an antagonistic relationship - in fact, it seemed to be the opposite upon closer examination of the text. I eliminated E as well.

    At this point, I was trying to decide between A and B, and went with A because thought the last sentence of the passage, specifically "...if beneficial microorganisms are "sown" systematically into the soil along with a wide variety of native plant seeds" was somewhat analogous to tipping the balance of organisms from mostly "bad" to a perhaps more even balance of "good" organisms.

    Obviously, this was still incorrect. I think I'm probably misinterpreting which specific parts of the last paragraph are analogous to the voter scenarios mentioned, but I'm having a hard time reasoning out what the "candidates" are supposed to be vs. the "journalists."

    All in all, this just seemed like a really strange question, and I couldn't really remember seeing one like it in any prior PTs.

    As a side note, I think this might be my inaugural post, but I've been lurking on these forums for a bit over a month and a half (I'm taking the December exam) and have found everyone to be tremendously helpful and kind. Cheers!

    https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-65-section-3-passage-4-passage/

    https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-65-section-3-passage-4-questions/

    0

    Wednesday, November 23st at 7PM ET: PT 46

    Click here to join this conversation: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/219480381

    Please click the link and comment if you plan on participating.

    You can also dial in to the BR call by using your phone.

    United States +1 (571) 317-3112

    Access Code: 219-480-381

    Well folks, I'll still pop in from time to time, but my race is run and it's time for the next group of leaders to take it from here. I can already tell that I like the direction things are going. So for this week's picture/GIF, here's some of my favorite humans, in black and white, smiling:

    http://rollingstone.uol.com.br/media/images/large/2015/05/11/img-1031307-galeria-bob-marley.jpg

    http://www.hemingwaypreservationfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/ernest-hemingway-timeline-745x483.jpg

    http://www.indianspice.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Mohandas-Smiling.gif

    http://deism.com/images/Einstein_laughing.jpeg

    http://www.kreiranje-uspeha.com/images/bl/Rosa%20Parks.jpg

    http://www.xtec.cat/~aparra1/astronom/sagan.jpg

    Sorry this is so Euro/male-centric, lol. Feel free to add your own!

    The Full Schedule

    And if you’d like to see the full schedule for upcoming reviews, here it is: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=h14k4idvt1lb4hp5ujds97qt7k%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York

    Note:

  • For everyone: take the PT under timed conditions; BR as you are able on your own; then join us for all or part of the call—everyone is welcome.
  • Note: For the purposes of the call, we like to check our group blind review score together at the very end of the call :) So at least don't say ... "No guys, really, it's D, I checked it.” KEEP THE CORRECT ANSWER TO YOURSELF. Win the argument with your reasoning.
  • These groups work best when folks from ALL stages of prep and with all different goals join in! Not just for "super-preppers" and definitely not just for the casual LSATer (does such a person exist?).
  • The only expectation anyone has for these calls is for you to have fun and ask questions as you desire. We are just a bunch of LSAT lovers who gather via GoToMeeting and intellectually slaughter each test.
  • 0

    This is probably a dumb question - but I've been studying logic games by buying the LSAT preptests (usually in the 10 tests book form), photocopying them and doing the questions on the photo copied version. But I feel like there isn't a lot of space because I've seen some old 7Sage printouts (from the live commentary videos) that seem to have a ton of workspace. Is there a difference between how the 10 New Preptests books look compared to how the test looks day-of?

    0

    Does "A is always the Best Student" mean "A --> Best Student" or "Best Student --> A" ?

    Does "A is the only Best Student" mean "A --> Best Student" or "Best Student --> A" ?

    I get a bit confused when "is" or other referents are used in conjunction with Group 1 - 4 logical indicators. I know the convention is to follow the rule of the indicators, but when I think about what the sentence is saying instead of just blindly following the rule, I'm not always so sure.

    1

    I know the forums always gets inundated with frantic, nervous posts around this time, and I hate to add to them, but I need some advice on how to spend the next two weeks.

    Let me start off by saying that I'm not going to postpone, even though I know many of you will think that I should. I am taking advantage of an "early entry" program that my school (OU) offers to its undergraduates. I am pretty much already accepted unless I just completely blow it. The top 25 percent LSAT score at OU is a 159 and my current average is a 164. I would love to eventually get a 170 for scholarship reasons, but I've been told that if I retake in February, they will take that score into consideration as well. I just need an LSAT score now so that I can finish my application ASAP.

    Last week, I took 3 recent PT and scored 166 on two and 167 on one. Then, I took a proctored test under test conditions and scored a 163 mostly due to freaking out during LG which continues to be my worst section. If I am able to get through 3 games, I should have no problem getting a 166-167 or higher because I'm getting -2 to -3 in the other sections. I have never been able to get through an entire LG section during a timed test and they are just the bane of my existence.

    So, how do you guys think I should spend these last two weeks? Here are my current possible scenarios, but I'm open to other suggestions:

    1. Take 3 timed PT/BR this week (72, 77, 79 on MWF) and then retake a test I've already done (78) on Monday but timed per section then focus on drilling LG T-TH the week of the test.

    or

    2. Take 2 timed PT/BR this week (77 and 79) and otherwise focus on drilling LG until the Friday before the test.

    Maybe the differences are subtle but basically should I spend the majority of my time taking timed PT/BR or focusing on LG?

    0

    I'm trying, really trying to have interests in the passages but sometimes its really hard to keep concentrate on what it says.

    How do you stay focused and have interests in the passages?

    What is active reader anyway?

    0

    My LG scores were already so-so on the earlier tests (-6-7 per section), and dropped like a sack of bricks when I started doing preptests in the 70s (so far have done 70 and 71, 72 slated for tomorrow). I'm taking the December LSAT and it's pretty clear that the logic games are make or break for me. Thoughts for the next two weeks?

    0

    Hey guys, so I'm going to take the December LSAT and maybe retake in FEB if i need to but I'm just wondering what i should do the final week before the test? Im planning on taking PT 79 on Tuesday and attending the BR session that JY is going to have but then I'm not sure what to do for the final week to stay sharp. Should i just keep doing separate sections of LG,RC, LR, and just BR them afterwards just to stay sharp? What do you guys suggest? I was thinking about having PT 79 be the last practice test i take so i can take it semi easy the final week leading up to the test.

    0

    Here's the link to the question: https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-36-section-3-question-20/

    Okay. I'm confused why (A) is incorrect. Isn't the stimulus just an instance of us evaluating legislation... that is, aren't we determining whether or not legislation that would limit TV programs is more (or less) harmful than the consequences of us not doing so?

    Furthermore, in the stimulus, we definitely do consider the consequences of not passing the legislation...

    0

    Hi all, hope your studies are going well.

    Just looking for some tips. I only started studying 2 weeks ago :|

    I completed a 1000pg book-LG and a 1000pg book-LR that's it. Also reading The Economist out loud for exercise. I recommend it, some dense articles - different subjects tech/med/politics/economics etc. I performed my first PT 72 and got 140 last week Of course I was only able to complete 1/3 of the questons in allotted time the rest all D's.

    - My plan is -

    LR

    Focus on the question type and practice speed

    LG

    Practice realizing all available deductions and realizing shortcuts to answer questions, increase speed through repetition and teach my parents different game types over and over and over and over ....

    RC

    Practice actual PT RC sections, untimed, however speed up constantly until can complete them near 8-9 mins each.

    I have another 10 PT to complete 62-71, my plan is to do 5-10 within next two weeks.

    My goal is 160.

    Any tips or suggestions would really help out.

    Best of luck to you. :)

    0

    A long, strange LSAT journey Top-Law-Schools.com

    Postby fredfred » Fri Jul 03, 2015 2:21 pm

    This is my experience with the LSAT and it should be read by anyone who is looking for LSAT motivation.

    In college, I started thinking about the LSAT and law school. I went to a free kaplan session where there is a proctor (tutor) and he gives a full exam. I had not prepared at all and left with a 143. My head was spinning and I went to talk to an advisor of mine. He said if someone wants to go to law school, they should have started studying in high school. That was his serious advice. It takes 3-4 years to master the LSAT at a minimum (he went to HYS law and Princeton PHD so the dude is extremely smart himself). That did not help my confidence.

    Fast forward a year. Just graduated college, I was headed to graduate school. It is June 1st, 2014. It was the first time I seriously tried to study, aiming for the September exam. I was doing okay, never really breaking 160. Games was my worst section, going -15/-20 at a time. Having access to some family support, I reached out to a tutor to teach me games. Worth every penny and started going -10, then -5, then -1. Progress! Unfortunately reasoning wasn't progressing as I would have liked, but I was getting tutored on Skype as my graduate school was far away. I was doing what my tutor told me all the way up through the September exam and was pting mid 160s. Eventually September came and I received a high 150's score. I was devastated. 4 months of work, lots of money, and still not even breaking 160. I was distraught, a failure, a waste. This was all in the mist of graduate school and it was just awful.

    I take a month off of studying and decided to try again in December. I dumped my tutor (but LG was a massive improvement getting to -0) and decided instead of trying to learn everything just focus on LR. I had games down and just needed LR help. I buckled down for a few months and studied hard. December came, did great on games and not as great on LR, but a significant improvement. I had been pting from 164-174 on any given test. Come December, I went -6 on RC. Received a mid 160s score. Was devastated again, how could I possibly get into a t14? My dreams were over.

    I applied everywhere and had a good cycle. Got serious scholarship money from top 20 schools and wl at a few t14. I decided on one top 20 with a nice scholarship and my parents were proud, I was proud, it actually was all okay. But something was bugging me, it was the LSAT. I felt like twice it had won, twice it beat me yet I wanted to try again. My parents said no, why even go through this again?

    So I signed up for June. I threw out everything I knew about the LSAT and started at PT 1. I took EVERY SINGLE LSAT from 1-76 (or whatever it is) and then redid 60-76 again. I wasn't trying to beat the test or learn the test, rather I was just going through it systematically. If I got a RC question wrong, I spent 15 minutes breaking down every answer choice and trying to figure out where I went wrong and which one is more right. I did this for 4 months, on top of grad school.

    It now brings me to this moment. I received a mid 170s score in the 99th percentile in June. Within 12 hours of the score, I had received a call from a t14 I was rejected from offering me unsolicited admission along with 2 others just outside the t14. It looks like I will be sitting out a year and reapplying.

    What this is all about ultimately is I had around a 30 point increase from first pt to June 2015. It was a full year of studying with small breaks in between. You don't need a tutor. What he taught me I found the same on youtube for free. What matters is you determination to really work at it. Actually take every single PT ever given over and over. By my actual count, I have taken over 150 full pts this past year (obviously repeating each one at some point). My professor was wrong, you don't need 4 years of study. You need 1 and the determination to do it.

    tl;dr I started from the bottom (143) and now I am here (mid 170s). Good luck, you can do it.

    7

    If someone can explain to me why B is correct and C is wrong I would be most appreciative. My thought process is below:

    Although dissemination of national security and commercial information should be restricted/prohibited (based on the condition), the spread of scientific information should always be allowed.

    A) Yes, this country can distinguish potential competitors or enemies based on the stimulus.

    B) If technology is restricted, then the general public does not need that information on public policy issues.

    C) I said this one was not a necessary assumption because we have no idea about democratic vs. non democratic countries relative proportion of advancement.

    D) This has to be true as the stimulus requires a distinction of scientific information vs commercial and national security.

    E) This could be true if MNC uses technology but doesn't share it internationally.

    PLEASE HELP!!! I really cannot see why C is wrong and B is correct. Thank you in advance.

    0

    Hey Yall!

    We have a new study group geared for those of you who are planning on taking the June 2017 LSAT. This post is to gauge interest and to give you all a heads up about the new LSAT study group. Below I have posted a schedule that is very flexible. This is a new feature of the study group. This means that those of you who attend will get to help decide what PTs we take, what day and time you want to BR them, when we want to take breaks (we'll adjust the schedule for holidays), and what question types and LSAT sections we workshop with Sages etc. I really want this to be more than a Blind Review group, so it is to your advantage to be vocal during the study group session about what particular PTs we should switch in (provided we start with the lower number PTs and work in ascending order). You (the June2017 LSAT taker) should also speak up about what issues, question types, LSAT sections etc we should look into work-shopping when we meet.

    Comment below if you would like me to tag you for our first meeting on December 3rd at 5pm EST and complete the attached poll to provide feedback for the date that we will meet next, after the initial December 3rd meeting.

    Current tentative PT schedule -- https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=aWw1aWEzYTRkbWdoaDZsa3U3YjBsaDBlZDBAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ

    Note this is subject to change to reflect the needs of the group.

    I'm really looking forward to this and I can't wait to begin studying with you!

    P.S. theme gif requests welcome :)

    17

    Confirm action

    Are you sure?