I recently took PT 59.

I've been scoring in the low to mid-160s, but this time it dropped to 156. I suppose a 4ish point drop isn't that big of a deal, but let me explain why I'm panicking (and not just because the test is less than 30 days away)

On Sec 2 (LR), I got 6 answers wrong. Not my best, but I suppose it's not terrible either.

However, on Sec 3 (LR), I got 10 answers wrong -- #15 through #25.

Has this happened to anyone, getting this many consecutive answers wrong? If so, what do you think happened here?

I know usually questions get harder by the end of each section, but I didn't perform like this on Section 2. Maybe I was tired especially hitting Section 3 (but usually this doesn't happen to me). Maybe it was just a bad day and it's not indicative of my other PTs. But maybe not. I want to know if any of you have gotten this many consecutive answers wrong? Could you shed some light on what you think caused it and how you improved (both test-taking strategy and reviewing your answers)?

Thanks!

I've just gone through the "Grouping Games with a Chart" lessons, and for each of the four games -- two in the lessons and two in the problem set -- as an experiment I did NOT use a chart but instead used a "standard" grouping diagram that allows members to have multiple memberships. Multiple memberships is said to be the condition which dictates use of a chart. In none of the four did I have any more of a problem answering questions than JY did.

Furthermore, for a couple of the games the final question not only added a rule but removed one of the original ones. For these, JY abandoned his chart and started over with a new one. I didn't do this with my diagram, and am unclear as to why JY started over. In each case it seemed easy enough to see the implications of the rule change to my original diagram. JY's motivation for starting over seemed to be that he was afraid he would miss a required change to his original chart.

My challenge: can someone cite a game for which a chart definitely saves time?

Does anyone else find the games in the earlier PTs (35 and under) to be harder than the newer ones? In the 70s, the first 3 games are always so easy, and then there's just 1 really hard one at the end. But the earlier exams I feel are so much harder. No clue why.

during the timed test i got to the 4th game and froze. any similar games? i kept rereading the paragraph to understand the set up for it. what were your thoughts?

Hi everyone!

I just created my account today and I'm happy to join the 7sage community :) I am a second year university student in Canada and I have had my heart set on law school since grade 9. I've worked for a criminal defence attorney over the summer and I loved what he did (and I did) so much that I've just wanted to get into law school darn badly over these past few years haha! I do alright in school, I believe i'll finish with about a 3.8-3.86 GPA on the 4.0 scale (no higher or lower). So, I feel good about that...However, I wrote the June 2007 LSAT today because I wanted to see if I was any good at it and it went horrible and I know this sounds pretty weak but I'm feeling awful right now. I scored a 137 and it's just a brutal feeling because I want to go to law school so badly and already seeing this huge wall that I will have to somehow climb is super discouraging. Has anyone had any similar experiences? If so, did you end up finding your way to a score of 156+? That's my goal at this point lol

Thanks for taking the time to read this everyone!:)

Hello,

I am considering buying a 7sage prep course; the Ultimate package. I was wondering, for the drills/practice, which Prep tests are used for those drills? I was hoping to keep the more recent prep tests "fresh" for assessment purposes.

Also, I noticed that only PT's 36 and onwards have explanations in this package, what if I need explanations for the earlier prep tests?

Thanks!

Hey, guys! If you're in the USA, don't forget to VOTE in the upcoming election this Tuesday, Nov. 8th!

Get more information about how to vote at voteplz.org

Before you vote, please remember not to take pictures of your vote or share who you voted for on social media. This can get your vote nulled (especially taking a picture - it's illegal!)

In case you need some extra motivation to get out and vote, sales-aholic.com has some food freebies & deals you can score on Election Day (November 8th)!

• Free donut of your choice at Krispy Kreme with your “I Voted” sticker. View excluded locations here.

I began completing actual applications this week, and had a question regarding some common questions I've seen on apps. I've seen several optional sections/questions regarding your socio-economic background: parents' educations, household income, high school, zip code you lived in during high school, etc., with Berkeley probably having the most in-depth section.

The question is this: If the section is optional, and your responses would indicate a relatively privileged upbringing (private high school, parents with professional degrees, upper-middle class household income, etc.), is it better to just not complete the section?

Does omitting responses to this section cause the adcom to just assume both your parents are MDs, and have a household income over $1m, and you went to Philips Academy?

What are the types of logic games called in the 7sage syllabus...Sequence, Grouping, and what else?

For those of you on the PT 55 BR call -- sorry it took me so long to get this up, but below are my notes on Principle questions and subtypes. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions! Hope this helps.

Principle/SA Questions and Subtypes

Sufficient Assumption, Pseudo Sufficient Assumption, Conform to the Principle, and Principle Example are all closely interlinked question types. (And are also closely related to Strengthen questions). However, there are specific tasks demanded by each. The below descriptions are a loose guide to how each of these questions function on the LSAT.

1. Sufficient Assumption

-Supply additional premises/assumptions to make the argument valid. Will directly link up with some premise/assumption in the argument to make the argument “airtight.” The correct answer must always enable us to reach the conclusion given in the stimulus.

Question stem: “Which one of the following, if true, enables the economist’s conclusion to be properly drawn?”

Specific ——> Specific

Stimulus (specific situation):

Jamal will not go to the store if Greg buys apples today and the canned soup isn’t expired. The canned soup isn’t expired. Therefore, Jamal will not go to the store today.

Answer choice (specific premise):

At some point today, Greg will buy apples.

2. Pseudo Sufficient Assumption

-Typically given a concrete situation and are asked to supply a “blanket” principle that would allow the conclusion to be properly drawn (although maybe not as airtight as with SA)

-Sometimes, albeit rarely, PSA questions are more like a strengthen/PSA hybrid — we are asked to supply a blanket principle that “most strongly supports”

-As with sufficient assumption questions, the answer choice may be more expansive than it needs to be in order to properly arrive at the conclusion.

Question stem: “Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify the reasoning above?”

Specific ——-> Abstract

Stimulus (specific situation):

Sally knew that John wanted the last slice of cake, but she ate it anyway. Therefore, Sally’s action was morally wrong.

Answer choice (abstract principle):

A human action is morally wrong if that action denies any person of a desire that could have been fulfilled had the action not been taken.

3. Conform to the Principle

-Given specific situation in the stimulus and must choose a correct answer that states an abstract principle the information in the stimulus matches.

-Very similar to Parallel Reasoning question — you are given a situation and must “match” that situation to the abstract thinking that underlies its reasoning

-More so than with PSA questions, it’s very important for every element of the correct answer to be descriptively accurate. Why? With PSA/SA questions, you are trying to get to the conclusion by any means necessary — this means that they could, in theory, give you a correct answer choice that is way more generous than necessary to arrive at the conclusion. But in Conform to the Principle questions, you are trying to sketch out the speaker’s reasoning in exact, even if abstract, terms. Extraneous information that doesn’t match the speaker’s specific reasoning in the stimulus should be approached with caution.

-PT52, Section 3, Question 11 provides an apt example of this. Answer choice D) provides enough information to arrive at the conclusion set forth in the argument. However, it is incorrect because it does not do so by using the premises the speaker uses in her reasoning. Therefore, answer choice B) is a far more appealing answer choice.

Question stem: “The reasoning above most closely conforms to which one of the following principles?”

Specific ——> Abstract

Stimulus (specific situation):

Controlled burning of forests in the area may be beneficial for rejuvenating the soil and lessening the impact of natural fires. However, we still don’t know the consequences controlled burning might have on the wildlife in the area. Since we have an obligation to protect the wildlife in the area at all costs, we should not implement controlled burning at this time.

Answer (abstract principle):

If it is not known how a proposed action might effect something one is obligated to protect, then that course of action is impermissible.

4. Apply the Principle

-Given an abstract principle and must choose a correct answer choice that is a specific example of that principle

-This is basically an application of the principle — you must follow the conditional logic and/or reasoning of the principle exactly (again, similar to parallel reasoning questions in this regard).

Abstract —-> Specific

Question stem: “Of the following, which one most closely conforms to the principle that the passage illustrates?”

Stimulus (abstract principle):

A person is morally right only if their intentions are good and they do no harm.

Answer choice (specific situation):

Clarissa told Murat that his paper on the War of 1812 was factually inaccurate because she intended to help him improve the paper and receive a better grade. Despite these good intentions, Murat was hurt by her critique. Therefore, it cannot be said that Clarissa’s actions were morally right.

5. Violate the Principle

-Given an abstract principle and must choose a correct answer choice that is a specific violation of that principle (most often, violates the conditional logic given in the principle)

-Very important to know how to violate/contradict a conditional statement

Abstract ——-> Specific

Question stem: “Which one of the following actions most clearly violates the principle stated?”

Stimulus (abstract principle):

One should never lie to another person unless one thinks that doing so would be in the interest of that other person.

Answer choice (specific violation):

Carlos lied when he told Alex that he couldn’t come to his birthday party because he had to work that evening. However, Carlos had no opinion on whether this lie would advantageous to Alex; he simply lied because he needed an excuse.

I'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice as to what I can do, and what my chances are of success at this point. I wrote the September LSAT, and while awaiting my score I had a bad feeling that I didn't perform as well as my PTs. I emailed LSAC wondering if I registered for December in advance (to ensure a seat at the seating closest to where I live) if I could receive a full refund if I liked my September score (similar to what is happening for December/February takers). I was told no, but I can register late and request a refund for the late fee, and a refund request form was attached to the email. I got my score back and it was a 167, lower than any of my PTs and much lower than my average. Right away I registered for December LSAT, and a few days later requested a refund for the late registration fee (filled out the form, and explicitly asked in the email for a refund just for late registration portion). Just an hour ago I noticed that instead of refunding my late registration fee, they gave me a partial refund for registration and canceled my registration. I looked closer and apparently the form they sent me was only for asking for partial refunds (which I kind of already knew but since mine was an unusual refund request, I assumed they just didn't have a document for it, which is why I explicitly stated I wanted a refund for late fee). And so now I'm stuck not registered, and am wondering if I call tomorrow what my chances are that they rectify this problem. I want to apply for this admission cycle and know I can do much better than a 167, so I'd be devastated if I have to take a year off to allow me to rewrite LSAT. My dream is Harvard, so a 167 will likely not cut it in combination with my 3.85.

https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-55-section-1-question-06/

I had gone over this question during Saturday's BR call and I got some great feedback, but this isn't quite clicking with me yet. I just need help eliminating answer choice E.

So the argument is as follows:

CTX: Teaching students calc before they attend university may significantly benefit them.

P1: If students are taught calc before they are ready for the level of abstraction involved, they may abandon the study of math altogether.

C: If we are going to teach pre-university student calc, we must make sure they can handle the level of abstraction involved.

I chose A, but during my personal BR I changed it to E.

A says: "Only those who, without losing motivation, can meet the cognitive challenges that new intellectual work involves should be introduced to it."

At first, I second guessed this answer choice because I did not interpret the stimulus to say that the students need to "meet the cognitive challenges," only that they need to be able to handle calculus to a point where they don't lose motivation in mathematics. I thought it was possible for a student to take calculus, not do so well (and not meet the cognitive challenges), but still be able to "handle the level of abstraction" in the sense that they did not lose interest in math as a result of the level of abstraction. I interpreted "handle level of abstraction" to mean "not being psychologically deterred from math." I didn't take it to mean that they had to achieve a certain level of performance.

E says: "The level of abstraction involved in a topic should not be considered in determining whether that topic is appropriate for pre-university students."

I am really struggling with this answer choice. The premise says "before they are ready for the level of abstraction" and the conclusion says that we must "make sure they can handle the level of abstraction." In this entire argument, the actual level of abstraction is unchallenged. The only thing we are challenging is the student's capability of handling it. The conclusion is claiming that, if we are going to teach pre-university students calculus, we need to evaluate THEM and make sure THEY can handle it. I chose E because I don't see why the level of abstraction couldn't be what is considered before teaching them. Maybe the level of abstraction should be reduced for some students or maybe it should be reduced in general for all pre-university students. It could just be that the level of abstraction is just generally too high. Why couldn't the conclusion instead be "If we are going to teach pre-university students calculus, we must reduce the level of abstraction to meet their "handling capacity." E eliminates this alternate conclusion.

I was told that I am approaching this question like a sufficient assumption question and not a pseudo-sufficient assumption (which is why I lost faith in answer A-- I was focusing too closely on the logical structure of the argument to my detriment). That's most likely the case, but I still don't feel confident in eliminating option E. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

After the September LSAT and studying independently for three months I was extremely discouraged when I received my scores and knew I could not get into the schools I wanted with the performance I showed. However, I did notice after reviewing my exam that I completely tanked on Logical Reasoning (getting only 8-10 right in both sections). With Logical Reasoning counting for two of the sections on the exam I am hoping with being enrolled with 7Sage I will be ready to tackle Logical Reasoning that will significantly improve my score. Is this a pretty valid assumption or am I reaching for the stars on this one? Please help. Trying not to become too discouraged before the December exam since this is my last shot.

It is officially about 3 months away from the February LSAT and I am extremely stoked but still a little nervous. People have suggested three months as the best amount of time one should spend in studying. But I find that despite this effort, one might still fall short of one's intended goal due to a number of different factors. One factor which I believe is crucial for progress is the ability to study efficiently.

When it comes to standardized testing, I suck at studying efficiently. I sometimes find myself spending enormous amount of time studying but never breaking the "plateau". With that being said, I would like to get some insights on how you all study. Outside of the 7sage curriculum, how do you all fine tune the skills needed (e.g. speed etc). For example, as a philosophy major I try to spend time really understanding the subtleties embedded in arguments in the readings that I'm assigned as a helping tool. What else do you all recommend?

Also, I know it can be hard to study for the LSAT while one is still in school but this is a reality for many of us. In school, I work best when I follow a routine that I've set for myself, otherwise I'll procrastinate my whole life away. I've been thinking of ways to fuse these two into my schedule but I would also like to hear other thoughts as well.

Hey all- I have an organizational question on resumes. I got a bachelor's degree in 2004, then got an associate's degree in culinary arts in 2010, and over the last few years i've also taken some graduate level courses at two different schools for credit, though not as a degree-seeking student.

Should I list all of this education on my resume? I'm getting transcripts for everything, so it will definitely be on my law school report. And if i do list it all, in what order? I know usually you would list things in reverse chronological order, but in my case it seems strange, since that would mean the highest degree I've obtained would be listed last.

Any advice?

Thanks!

Hi,

I just received "final notice" about the photo...

Does this happen to you?

Is there some problem in my photo?

Why do I keep receiving the emails?

I deleted the background using the Photoshop, would this be bad?

I am 100% a believer in 7sage's effectiveness for LSAT prep, but now that that's out of the way, I was wondering how effective people have found the Admissions accounts. And if you did use them for your application, which level did you sign up for and how do you feel it helped you?

I've been working on my personal statement and all other application necessities on my own, but feel like it might be best to leave no stone unturned and enroll professional help. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

For everyone applying, I just read this article and thought it would be interesting to share =)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/581fcf1ee4b044f827a78fa2

Dear 7sagers

Is there any way of obtaining the September LSAT (paper copy or an electronic document)? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

Thanks,

Piotr

Was this LSAT never released?

So I have been doing a lot of timed problem sets and I noticed that I do better if I take longer than 1 min 20 seconds per question. At the same time, I want to be doing these questions as fast as possible. When doing these problem sets, should I sacrifice the speed in which I answer these questions in order to answer the questions more accurately?

I‘m currently preparing for Feb LSAT and application materials. I need 2 letters( one from my advisor).

Do you think that I should require one from my current boss(I work as a part-time in an immigration firm) or ask one from my previous college professors?

I was wondering if anyone could go over my resume before I send out my applications. I had issues putting everything together mainly because I don't have any law experience. I worked as a bartender and server for years to pay off debt as well as saving up for law school. I tried my best to list functions and responsibilities of my jobs that could relate to the characteristics needed to become a lawyer.

Hi everyone,

I need some help on a few LR questions:

52.3.7: I initially chose B for this question because I assumed moving the tongue related to motor control process, but I understand that isn't necessarily true. Why is A the correct answer?

53.3.8: I had a hard time choosing between A and C. What makes C wreck the argument?

53.3.13: I chose A because of the phrases "nearly perfectly engineered" and the other four choices had very similar reasoning to the stimuli. Why is the correct choice B?

54.4.9: I don't understand what the stimuli is arguing, but I understand that A helps support the point-reasoning relationship.

Hey there, folks! As I'm finally gearing up to send out my applications (fingers crossed!), I'd like some quick info on how to handle my social medias. Things like inappropriate pictures aren't a problem for me, but I was wondering about other small things which I ought to be showing/am better off leaving hidden or set to private.

Hopefully many 7sagers could benefit from this as well. For a couple specific questions to get things kicked off: I have a twitter, but I almost never tweet. When I do, it's almost always sports related as I'm a huge college football fan. There's no profanity or anything like that which would make it inappropriate, though. Keep it set to private? I'm about to graduate with my undergrad and I'm also engaged. Is this some info that I should display or am I better off having those things set to private? Does it matter?

So, assuming this hasn't been done before or there's no thread out there currently, what are some questions other people have and can anyone assist with some answers? What are some good tips? Really appreciate any and all discussion in advance!