Hey guys, just running by a study idea I am having. I did a course previous to this one, and when doing some of the earlier PTs, I'm noticing a lot of questions that are familiar. I was thinking of using a system such as every time that I recognise a question, taking off a minute of time, or something like that, to obtain a more accurate PT score. Does anyone else do anything like this? I'm recognising about 3-5 questions in a LR question, so I'm thinking of cutting my time down to 30 minutes a section. Anyone else do this? Cheers.

This time last year, I was nervously awaiting the posting of December test scores. It could be any day now (Actually, it will almost certainly be 1-3 days before the official release date, so chill y'all!) and since I was committed to applying to that cycle, it would be time to send my applications--like my score or not. I wasn't sure how I'd done, but I felt that if just a couple of things went my way I had a very real chance. I'm writing this post because I feel like while there is a lot of anxiety around every score release, the end of year release carries the additional weight of feeling like a last chance. It certainly felt that way for me. When I got the notification on my phone that my scores were in, I went to a nearby park and I did a few laps around the track before I worked up to opening it. When I did, I was crushed. Not only did I fall short of my target score, I actually fell a point from my October score. I was prepared for less improvement than hoped for, but dropping a point was devastating.

Amidst this emotional shock, I also had an important decision to make. Now that I had fallen so short, I'd have to decide whether to stick to the plan or change course and delay. Obviously, I ended up delaying and, as many of you know, that delay really payed off. But at the time I was making this decision, I did not have that information. I didn't know I'd score a 170, so the choice was not between a 170 a year from now or decent Tier 2 numbers now. It's tempting to conclude that, based on my results, I made the correct decision. That's just not right though. Because I didn't have that information, the correctness of my decision was independent of the outcome. That's a difficult concept, but that's the situation.

So what did I know? What was the information that informed my decision?

While I had fallen far short of my goal score, I had a score that would leave me with some excellent options. I wouldn't be going to any T14 schools, but I could have gone Tier 2 on scholarship. By no means was it a terrible situation. There are lots of schools outside the T14 that lack in prestige but that offer great programs and opportunities. Ultimately, I was in pretty good shape.

On the other hand, I felt like the LSAT had beaten me. And that really was the biggest hold up. If I applied then, it'd mean that I'd accepted that result while I still had one more chance to change it. Of course, I knew what a better score could mean, but I was content with my options. It was just really difficult for me to concede defeat.

And essentially, that was my debate. I think that before committing to a delay, it was important for me to identify how I was going to improve. For anyone contemplating a delay, I think this point is crucial. You need to be able to answer, in concrete terms, how you're planning to do better. For me, that meant signing up at the website with the guy from the LG videos, and it meant living off of my savings for as long as I could so that I could study full time. That was how I'd be able to prepare to a higher level. That was how I was able to answer that question.

Again, it all payed off for me, but there were no guarantees of that happenening. It was possible I could have delayed a year only to find myself in the same situation. I had to be aware of and at peace with that contingency. And so do you if you decide to delay. If you find yourself struggling with the decision to delay or apply, I hope my experience can serve as an example. It is anecdotal, and I'm sure for every success story that gets shared, there are numerous counter examples of things going the other way that people are less eager to talk about. I may have lost a year, but I gained the opportunity to achieve my potential. And that's how you have look at it. By delaying a year you only create an opportunity--one more shot, with zero guarantees, to make it happen.

As an additional bonus, I also benefitted from being able to apply with a much greater knowledge of the application process rather than as an end of cycle noob.

The main takeaway is that if you consider delaying, realize that the correctness of that decision is independent of the results. Even if things hadn't turned out the way they did for me, delaying would still have been the right call. And whatever you decide for yourself will be right or wrong too no matter how it turns out. It's a hard decision, so take some time, think it through, make the call, and don't look back.

I love the proctor app! I generally opt for relatively high background noise and distraction settings (7 out of 10). I don't mind the distractions at 10 but the grainy, white background noise at 10 drives me crazy. It sounds so unnatural.

Is it fair to say I'm fine PTing at 7? There are other natural distractions around - people, TV, the lawn mower, my cat.

What setting do you use?

Folks who already have taken the test, how did the settings match up with test day?

I am wondering how others mark time while in the exams? If you are just using one watch, do you familiarize yourself with/memorize where the minute hand should be during each set? What I have been doing in my practice sets is using white-board marker "tick" marks on the face of my watch to denote 7 minute sections, and I've found this to be helpful, but am not sure if this is allowable on exam day, unless I erase the marks I made pre-exam and spend the first minute using my highlighter to write on 7 minute chunks (unless tick marks on watches are allowable). (Have also considered using fine black glue just to slightly darken the lines in the 7 minute chunks so that the ticks appear less noticeable). I am using my watch less and less, though, so perhaps this will be completely redundant, but just wanted to hear what others were doing! (This became more of a concern for me after I heard using multiple watches was not permitted on test day).

Is there a list anywhere of challenging logic games (of all types) that are important to know inside and out, as part of LG prep?

Or is there a way to sort 7Sage's LG explanations by the difficulty column? Apologies if I'm missing it.

What were the sort of trends you were seeing with your scores after completing the core curriculum and what sort of trends can I expect to see? Is the score that I'm getting after studying the CC technically the score I can expect on the actual LSAT?

Thank you :)

I'm taking the LSAT inFenruary 2017. When is the earliest that I can start with my applications and start law school?

Will I have to take a year gap because I'm taking the test in Feb?

At the moment I have severe writers block. I can't seem to put my thoughts to paper. I want to lead off with the fact that I grew up in a somewhat broken home with an abusive father and I how I had to overcome that. I wanted to lead off with a statistic but finding these statistics have proven to be difficult. My mind then gravitated towards the idea of using a quote as an attention grabber. I am a huge fan of Stephen King and I found a quote of his that is very intriguing. “Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.” I have two different ideas about how I would proceed from there. 1.) I would go into my experiences of my childhood (abuse, etc). 2.) The next line could read "that was certainly true for my father and , in some cases my mother." Let me know what you think!

Hey guys,

I'm probably freaking out over nothing, but after getting my CAS report my GPA dropped from a 3.55 to a 3.39. This is what happened:

I was originally going to do a major that required calculus 1 & 2. Math has never been my strong suit (my only grades below a B EVER were all in math). However, in order to graduate on time for financial aid reasons I switched my major to a brand new (was in the first class to ever be able to graduate with this major) related major that didn't require calculus 2. Previously though, I took calc 2 and failed, and re-took it and got a C. My undergrad did grade forgiveness where the F didn't count and was replaced with a C.

My questions are...

1. Does this sound correct?? Is it possible to drop down from a 3.55 to a 3.39 just from 1 F?

2. Should I write an addendum explaining this? I feel that it is unfair that it dropped so much, and also that my GPA is being compared to a bunch of people who didn't even have to take many of the difficult (to me) classes that I took.

Any advice, experiences, words of encouragement, etc. are appreciated because I'm kind of freaking out :(

Whats up team sage.

Question for those of you in a similar position. I've studied like crazy this past year and have managed to raise my score from the low 150s to where Im consistently PT'ing between 165-168. However, I can't seem to get over the final threshold to hit 170. I don't have any issues in particular that stick out with LR, and I go -2.7 on games. RC is the true problem where I average around -7 per section. Were any of you in a similar situation and have any recommendations on what I should focus on for the next month? I feel like it may be a little late in the game for a drastic change to my RC approach, but if there are any particulars some of you think I could consider within that section I'd really appreciate the input! That being said, I guess the next step is to master the substitute/equivalency question on LG for another point, but any other advice is also greatly appreciated!

Last BR session of 2016!

PT 53| June'17 Study Group

Sat, Dec 31, 2016 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/405612189

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (571) 317-3122

Access Code: 405-612-189

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.

Tentative study schedule

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=aWw1aWEzYTRkbWdoaDZsa3U3YjBsaDBlZDBAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ

@dml277 @BinghamtonDave @"Alex Divine" @ScooterMinion @aimhigher @leannasamson @Omed_OvO @cm214998 @nanchito @"Lauren L" @Emely.Moreta @"el chucho" @jgsisco @Sharmetz @877blessed @mnrahall @jennagould60 @Citygirl @aaronmorris222 @bswise2 @KWoulf13 @mckenzieleanne10 @hhhiser_06 @DinnerAtSix @couchifer @poohbear @SherryS1 @smartaone2 @red_ambrosia @crp9ce @DiligenFxy0628 @karen.sov @spbarry @cfield.3 @JustDoIt @lawgikal @TheMikey @justicedst @bbutler @Mitzyyyy @AlexandriaD @"Burt Macklin" @"adore-no" @twssmith @gaandrsn @RafaelBernard @CinnamonTea @TheMikey @sheridan9194 @jimmyrivera201 @meg321go @carlistics @draj0623 @jcorine26 @caitieadams @ppcoelho1 @Gladiator_2015 @sunnyvictoria0610 @yamameerzada484 @bruingirl1205 @emilyxiong315 @lawschoolstuff16 @joneselisabethpenn @gaandrsn @tsan220 @Grace... @dantlee14 @dannyshaw @"Not Ralph Nader" @Alex.C2017 @sacksj18

@Mattglandry

I find abstract FL AC's to be quite a hassle on the LSAT. Usually I POE it down to one answer, which feels right, but I don't work through the FL if I feel it'd be a super time sink. So I BR and work it out then (now). I'm talking about AC B here, "No migraine sufferers with heart disease will take the new medication except under careful medical supervision." The no makes it a not both relationship: IF MIG sufferer w/ HD -> NOT take medication. The "except" gets translated to an IF NOT, which now becomes a joint sufficient condition: IF NOT under supervision.

SO, in total:

IF MIG sufferer w/ HD

+ -> NOT take medication

IF NOT under supervision

How is my methodology?

https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-21-section-2-question-03/

Hey everyone! This website and forum are amazing and have been very encouraging. So here's my story: I have been very slow at studying for the LSAT. I completed university (BA and MA), worked in social services for two years and dropped everything to study LSAT. I gave myself from August - December to do the Dec LSAT, during which I read the Powerscore books once, studied awfully without Blind Review until I came across 7sage in early November and by that time, burnout began to kick in. I have now fully gotten into the 7sage way of studying but I became burned out before the December test and didn't prepare as thoroughly as I could have. My diagnostic was at a 147 (low, I know) and I have only recently gotten into the mid-high 150s. I applied to Ontario law schools for September 2017 and am thinking of taking the February LSAT. Logic Games is my worst section followed by Logical Reasoning, I'm surprisingly decent at Reading Comprehension and am typically -5 (still room for improvement though). Is it worth it to take the February LSAT and take it in June if I don't do well? I am hoping to get at least low 160s. Or should I just get a refund and take the June LSAT to give myself more time. I just feel very rushed right now and know I can improve drastically after learning how to BR properly and after doing the fool-proof method for the LG section. I know these problems are insignificant but I just need some advice lol

According to the state of Wisconsin's bar, in order to practice law, graduates of Wisconsin law schools no longer have to pass the bar to practice in that state. Do you think this trend will continue to grow?

So, unless I just totally crushed it in December and scored 5 points higher than my average score (not anticipating this outcome) I'm going to be retaking the LSAT. That said, I have long completed the CC and have taken about 25 PT. However, I am still failing miserably at LG. I usually can complete 2 and on my best days 3, but I've never completed all 4 games during a timed PT. I had one of my better days during the December test completing 2.5 games, but that's beside the point.

So, obviously I'm focusing on LG. Starting in a week, I'm going to use the fool-proof method on every LG from 1-39. My question is, should I still be taking one full PT every week and BR so that I don't regress on the other sections? Or, should I just focus on LG and start taking full PT again after completing the FPM on games 1-39?

Hey everyone!

As I am closing in on getting my application finished 100%, I am hung up on one of my apps' Character and Fitness section. So this is what I'm dealing with:

"Have you EVER IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE been arrested, charged, convicted, warned, taken into custody, or accused, formally or informally, of the violation of a law for any offense, including, without limitation all traffic offenses {e.g. DUI/DWI offenses, speeding, improper equipment, expired registration or inspection tags, failure to maintain proof of insurance, failure to wear a seat belt, etc.}? You may NOT omit offenses that were dropped, dismissed or reduced. But you may omit (i) offenses that were either expunged or sealed and (ii) parking violations. Even if you perceive a matter to have been minor or to have happened a long time ago, you MUST disclose the information."

So I had a minor speeding ticket over three years ago for which I went to court and it was reduced to defective equipment and I paid a small fee for everything. I received my DMV driving record yesterday and this isn't even on there anymore (VA records). The section asks to disclose everything (in writing), including official copies of both original charge or citation (don't have that anymore) including any reduced charges or lesser included offenses.....

I am so confused. Should I go ahead and just mention the speeding ticket that was reduced to defective equipment sometimes early 2013, and also mention that this is no longer on my record and I therefore have no paperwork to show except for my certified driving record. Or somehow try to obtain that original charge (where do I even start????) and some kind of court documents from the day I went to court??

Thanks for helping me through this mess!!

Looks like state bars are warming up to the internet:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/business/dealbook/when-finding-the-right-lawyer-seems-daunting-crowdsource-one.html?_r=0

None of the law schools I am applying to seem to have formatting requirements

I was just curious to know if I am the only one having this issue. Right now when i search for questions in the question bank it is not separating questions out in terms of sections. so for example you will just see Q01 Q01 but it does not separate out the questions from each section for logical reasoning

I know this discussion comes from nowhere but I'm curious to understand how some of you think. While prepping for the LSAT, I've looked into various strategies and techniques on how to become a "better" reader. Becoming a "better" reader in the LSAT sense of could mean a lot of things and seems very subjective, but, to me, "better" is just synonymous with "increased understanding." Now, I forget where and when, but somewhere along my journey I remember coming across an article that suggested I should train myself to learn how to read without listening to my own voice. I think I was searching for ways to become a faster reader, I'm not sure, but the premise of the article was somewhere along the lines of "don't read the words aloud in your head because it slows down your reading."

Personally, I have no clue how to read without listening to own voice. The idea doesn't even make sense to me! I've always listened to my own voice when reading. With the LSAT, I literally have conversations with myself during the process of reading a stimulus or RC passage. It helps me digest whatever bullshit argument or scenario the LSAT is throwing at me.

My questions: when you are reading LSAT material, is there a "right" way to read? Is there a "better" way that I don't know about? What is the balance I should be trying to obtain between speed and proper understanding?

Does any of this even make sense to any of you?

As part of my LSAT preparation, I am taking sporadic prep tests to gauge my strengths, weaknesses, and overall progress/improvement. If any of you do the same (take sporadic prep tests while studying), how frequently do you take them? Do you take them randomly or whenever you feel like it? Do you take them after a certain amount of time since your last prep test?

Cheers,

Aidan N.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Recommender will obviously make the final decision to send it herself.

Is it considered "narcissistic" to edit and change an LOR?

The LOR sounds pretty good but any improvements are a plus.

The more I talk to people, the more I realize that the ABA is quite active in its investigations into bar applicants. How far are they willing to dig? Will they scrutinize every tidbit of information? Will they care about my padded resume? If so, it seems a bit much.

After a grueling study regime, writing 30 drafts of my personal statement, and sitting the LSAT twice, I cannot bring myself to complete my freaking applications. I've sent in most of them but NYU's scholarship essays are killing me -.- I've been staring at my LSAC screen for two weeks now willing myself to write the extra scholarship essays :'(