Hi

I've been studying for logic games for about 2 weeks or so, trying out the fool proof method.

As I was covering the games from Pt18~28, I was averaging about -3 or -1 in the earlier ones.

But I got completely destroy by Pt 27 then scored perfect on Pt 28 on time. (BTW I did both on thr same day)

I'm not sure how confident I should feel with the game section.

To think that the score can fluctuate so much between 2 Pts was a bit shocking.

Does unorthodox games also become more predictable after continuous practice?

I took a cold diagnostic last month the day before Christmas eve and ended up with a 146. But after going through a whole curriculum with the online Testmasters course for about one month, I took another PT(21) just to see what my weaknesses and strengths were and got a 161 (BR 167). The breakdown was -8 LG -4 LR1 -7 LR2 -6 RC. I was generally happy with the improvement, albeit some of the logical reasoning questions were ones I've already seen before. I don't want to lose hope because initially I thought I was incapable of pursuing this task of defeating this ridiculously difficult standardized test. But I'm determined to try my best so I've signed up to take the real test in June. If my scores are not up to the range where I want it to be (preferably +170) then I'm willing to postpone. Some things I already know I have to work on are LG by doing the fool proof method from PT1-35 (recommended by 7sagers) which I'm currently in the process of doing. For LR, I'm not sure whether I should refer back to the fundamentals or simply hard core review the ones I've missed. All the questions I've missed are from #15 and onwards. Also timing is an issue for me for some reason. For RC, I definitely had time left to spare and I was sure about all my answers, but they turned out to be wrong unfortunately. I won't take another PT until I've fully gone through every single question I've missed as well as the ones I was unsure about and also I'm done with the LG fool proof method which will take me another 2 weeks I think. Any advice from any of the 7sagers will be much appreciated! I've been perusing through the discussion forums and everyone seems so friendly and almost all the advice I've seen are top-notch! Long story short, I'm happy to be part of this community!

P.S. I would also be willing to join in BR calls in the future if that's helpful as well.

So what are your thoughts? Have I really set myself back for getting from my official 159 to a 165 retake by using so many PTs?

Well! I have to say that I was pretty happy with my independent improvement from first PT (146) in August to official LSAT (159) in December. However, towards the end I was scoring mostly low160s and even a 165 so I really believe I am capable of a 163+ score. The fact that RC is my strongest section and that I studied without a proper curriculum to this point only strengthen my belief.

But now I am in, what feels like, an unideal position: I've drilled with or taken almost every PT from 52 through 75.

In the opening lessons of 7Sage core curriculum, JY says burning through PTs like that can do "irreparable damage". That language scares the crap out of me! I know that there are PLENTY of questions in those PTs which I have not yet mastered and there are lots of test taking strategies which I've yet to master as well, but I can't help but feel that having used so many PTs will only add to the difficulty of improving my score.

I'm hoping that someone might be willing to check my thinking/analysis before I go to the explanation. It has been suggested that if we write out an explanation for our thought process that it helps to solidify our learning. This is my attempt to follow that suggestion. Also, could someone tell me if it's advisable or not to attempt to do what I've done prior to viewing the video explanation, or am I complicating things too much? Should I just skip all this work and go right to the video explanation first?

PT 38.1.19

Answer selected during test: (E)

Answer selected during BR: (A)

Correct answer: (C)

Notes:

Since it has been a few days since I took the test and performed my BR, my original thinking is somewhat fuzzy. However, I think the reason I selected E on the test was because I thought that if people only deserve happiness according to the happiness the provide others, then a truly bad person couldn’t deserve happiness because they don’t bring happiness to others.

I think I selected answer choice A on the BR because I was thinking there was a disconnect between the idea that we only value the happiness that is deserved and that we only deserve happiness according to the happiness we provide to others.

Now, how did I miss answer choice C? I think the reason that I missed the correct answer and selected wrong answers twice is because I wasn’t appropriately identifying with the argument. In the first place, I wasn’t looking for a conclusion. I was just looking for a statement that “fit”. I see now that the word “therefore” indicated that I was to be looking for a logical conclusion that appropriately rested on the premises. Also, the question stem indicates that I need to complete the “argument”. Since an argument is a premise + conclusion, and since there is no conclusion in the stimulus, I needed to identify the proper conclusion. I think I wasn’t appropriately identifying the premises in the argument; all of the extraneous statements boggled me a bit. So without the proper understanding of the premises, it’s understandable that I wouldn’t be able to identify the conclusion. I’m still struggling to clearly identify the premise (in fact, I think there is only one), but here’s what I think it is:

P: The happiness people deserve is determined by the amount of happiness they bring to others.

Which would then couple with the proper conclusion:

C: The judgment that a person deserves to be happy is itself to be understood in terms of happiness.

So, if I understand this problem now, the reason I selected the two wrong answers is the same reason I missed the right answer: I didn’t properly identify the premise in the argument.

https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-38-section-1-question-19/

I am taking the February lsat and am scoring in the 159-163 range (one 159, one 160, and 2 163's). It's an improvement of 10-12 over my diagnostic so I am happy. Sad because I am convinced I could hit a 170 but alas.

Anyway, what is the average drop off that you guys have seen come test day? I will be pretty happy with a 160 to 165 since that will get me in to basically all schools in Texas outside of UT. I also want to be realistic come test day.

I have been testing with fairly standard conditions and have had some issues with timing on LG (I average around -6 whether I go over or under). I assume that opens the possibility of missing 2-3 questions come test day.

I am timing well on LR and averaging -5. RC is anywhere between -6 to -8.

So, I was recently accepted into a school with a decent amount of scholarship money. I scheduled a tour to see the school. I was just notified that I also will have a one on one with the admissions director. To meet and address any concerns I may have. What are some questions I should ask?

AHH, nervous!

I'm sure this is on the website and has been answered before, but I'm the worst incarnate so:

Are the practice questions in the curriculum taken from older LSATs (1-40) or newer?

I don't want to ruin my PTs by pre-exposure as I have a ballin' memory with answers in multiple choice...if only my brain powers were in concepts and not memorization.

Hello,

So if we want to talk about interviews we had, speakers in a meeting etc, do we have to reveal their real names in PS?

In fact I forgot some of their names...

If I just say "a guest speaker" would it look weak?

Also, how gramatically strict PS should be?

I read some PS but some sound poetic like fiction novels, not like the tone of academic research paper...

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I'm taking the LSAT on Feb 19 and I'm start to panic a bit. For each practise LSAT I've taken my Logical Reasoning scores hover around 65%. Comparatively my Logic Games are around 95% and my Reading Comprehension is around 85%. I'm completing all the sections comfortable timewise. I really need to improve the LR sections but I've got no clue how to.

I've gone about halfway through the powerscore bible. Do I keep going through that even though it seems I haven't grasped basic concepts? Do I buy another book? Do I just practise a lot?

Help!

Hi y'all,

I am looking to hire a personal tutor, and yes I've saved up for it because I know it'll be pricey, but does anyone have any ideas on reliable websites to use to find tutors in your area? Or does everyone who gets a tutor just kinda use craigslist lol?

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone!

I got an email yesterday with an invite to interview at one of the law schools' I applied at.

Has anyone ever been to a law school interview?? What should I prepare? I'm guessing they will ask about weaknesses in my application, and maybe try to get to know me a little better??

Dumb question, but I can't seem to find which prep-tests are used in the core curriculum. I'm trying to buy them and just want to double check so I'm not buying the wrong thing. I believe its 1-35 but I'm not 100% sure. Thanks in advance!

I'm confused why the arrow splits for PT 22 GAME 4 RULE 4 and the arrow doesn't split for PT 31 GAME 2 RULE 4 even though they both contain the words NEITHER NOR.

I thought the arrow can't be split for NEITHER NOR statements.

Hi all,

I've been finding that the "anticipation" part of active reading for RC has been a challenge and doesn't come naturally for me. This act of asking myself why the author is telling me x has been an arduous, non-intuitive process. However during a break I took today, I watched a fascinating but morbid series on Netflix called "Historia de un clan," that is filled with suspense, crime, and dramatic moments. I started realizing that for many of the new faces and/or objects I saw the main characters interact with, I would think to myself why we are being given this detail by the show's creators. For example in one scene I asked myself, why is one of the supporting characters, a cold murderer, giving his half-eaten sandwich to a random panhandler? Is this panhandler going to be the next victim or is this a moment of genuine kindness? I think this act of anticipating is a way to prevent myself from being caught by surprise and not keel over from suspense. I hate scary surprises lol.

I know RC passages aren't as interesting and filled with suspense as crime series but this comparison clicked for me. I'm going to try and extend my desperate need/urgency to anticipate in suspenseful tv shows to reading RC passages. I find that adding an element of excitement in this way makes my reading engagement and my active reading more natural.

Is there generally a drop in the score of the actual test when compared to the prep tests? By how many points is this drop?

Hey, quick question. Can one go from

(X ---> Y) ---> Z

~Z ---> ~(X ---> Y)

To

Z & X ---> Y?

Intuitively I feel I can, but I don't recall that exact translation being in the CC. I recall that I could go from (X ---> Y) ---> Z to X & Y ---> Z, but not the one above. If i can make this inference, how and why?

Thanks!!

Hey, gang! I use a lot of different sources for explanations because I do not have them all here. I use the Kaplan explanations and I wanted to know if anyone knows where I can find all of the explanations? I haven't been able to find them all in one location. I always google something like, "Kaplan LSAT Explanation Prep Test xx," and I'll get the pdf for that PT. Does anyone know which ones are available, or where I can find all? I haven't been able to find some here and there and there isn't much to google other than what I provided above. I tried dl.keywin.org but didn't get anything. TIA

When you don't have the will to keep going, remember all the reasons why you're pursuing that JD. First, we take on the LSAT.

Happy MLK Day!

June'17 Study Group | PT C2

Sat, Jan 21, 2017 8:00 PM EST

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

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/468421821

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (224) 501-3412

Access Code: 468-421-821

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" @etphonehome @"subi rami" @cetienn2 @zyahya @Connor180 @Walliums @canadalegalbiz @jeremybentham @HennaC15 @helentang02 @imekahel @sacksj18 @Mattglandry @trxdsd91 @jknauf @hernandk @far_k_hd @BenjiM123 @morganclarke @phelanj75 @d_villa @5everLSATing @mo.sheikh @zyahya @cetienn2 @"subi rami" @etphonehome @rachaels @"Michelle Juma" @rpffj1213

Hi everyone,

At some point I will find a study buddy, but I have a question...

Has anyone studied with a partner that is not familiar with the LSAT? I going to have my husband help me to review flashcards, and I've talked to him about some of the LR concepts. It was helpful to discuss it with him even though I was still shaky on my explanations and understanding of the concepts. He's interested in helping me and it's a nice way to spend time together so that I am not ignoring him while I study every night. Has anyone else tried studying like this? Does anyone have any suggestions on how this could be useful and not a waste of precious study time?

Thanks.

Hello!

I'm going to take the February LSAT in a few weeks and obviously I'm freaking out. I have 6 Fresh PTs left (the most recent ones) but I just don't know how to space them out.

Problem is I was hitting an average of 171~3 on my timed PTs but devastatingly, today my score dropped to 167 (I bombed one LR section - 7 wrong, I usually get -2, -3 and Reading was little more difficult than usual). That's almost close to my starting score (165) and I now fear that I haven't been studying the right way. My target score is around a 175, which so far I've only managed to get with BRs.

Should I space out my 6 remaining tests so that I do about 2 tests per week till February, or save most of them till the last week before the test and hope for a jump in my score?? ANY ADVICE WOULD BE INCREDIBLY HELPFUL! Thanks!!

Hello all, long time lurker here. I am a non-traditional student finishing up my applications for Fall 2017.

I thought a thread dealing with problems faced by OWLS (older, wiser law students/applicants) might be useful.

Here are some questions I have. Some are specific to OWLS; others might apply to everyone.

1) I did OK on my first LSAT but thought I could do much better because I was PTing much higher. With more practice I took the LSAT again in December but got sick with a virus on test day. Even though I was sick I went through with the test. Score went DOWN five whole points. Ugh, I guess I should have cancelled. I would like to take again (maybe I will, in June) but due to family situation and finances I absolutely have to go ahead and apply now for 2017 admission or I probably can't go to law school. So I am faced with a decision. Some of my schools say that even though they take the highest LSAT, in the case of multiple LSAT scores one should write an addendum if a score change is "significant." I think a 5 point drop is significant; but what does everyone else say? How would you deal with this?

2) How are you OWLS handling the employment section on applications? I've worked in many jobs going back several decades. Applications say to list all employment but do they really mean jobs like 2 weeks in a mini-golf back in the summer of 1986, which is now out of business and the owner is probably dead? Is there a limit to how many jobs can be listed in this section? (I haven't started entering mine yet, so any advice is appreciated.)

3) What about the Activities section on the same page with Employment... it says to rank your activities in order of what they mean to you. But seriously at this point in my life was my membership in the state champion Women's College Glee Club in 1988 more or less important than my volunteer work at a local church nine years ago? It's like comparing ancient apples and oranges, plus these things are on my resume anyway.

4) Resume -- how many pages? One admission dean I spoke with said that for someone my age he wants to see me take as many pages as I need and list pretty much everything (I ended up with three pages) but what do you all think?

Please fellow OWLS, throw out more questions and answers. Let's help each other. Thanks in advance, and to any admissions pros who reply too!

Do you guys remember the last game on Dec 2016's PT? The one with real state companies and interchangeable buildings. I am searching for games similar to that for extra practice. Please let me know which PTs/games have similar scenario! I totally froze on that game because it was so out of my comfort zone and it felt quite open ended in the way the rules were interacting with one another (in a sense that I could not divide the game in to sub-game boards). Thanks!

Hi all, I need some impartial, non-attorney advice.

I've had my personal statement proofread by 3 individuals (two are attorneys and one is my husband (non-attorney, but works at a law firm) and they love the statement but have trouble with the phrase "civil twilight" at the beginning of my statement.

My PS begins as follows:

"It was the beginning of civil twilight when my eyes opened and without much thought I made a very simple decision. I was barely 16 years old when I walked out and decided that I was never coming back. I recall looking down at the clear vials with different color tops littering the elevator floor worrying about the unlocked door, but not much else. As I disappeared down --------- Avenue on that quiet morning, there was no one to witness the beginning of my metaphorical descent into my life."

One person did not know what it meant and did not bother to look up and wondered why didn't I use just twilight. Another person had to look up and said that if it comes natural then use it, but if I'm using the phrase to sound good, the use "just before dawn" or something like it. The third person said it sounded like I was trying too hard.

The use civil twilight is not unusual to me because I'm a lit major and I read a lot (I mean really read a lot!). I'm tempted to just go with it...but I also don't want to be stubborn about it and not heed advice. I'm also relunctant to change it because it ties in with my last line of my essay: ("However, I have never taken the worn path and I have never minded the possibility of an unruly dusk.")

What do you guys think?

Hello all,

After a less than stellar December sitting I'm going to start going through the curriculum again from the ground up .

It'd be really cool to find someone to study with on a reg basis.

Are there any montrealers on the forum who want to meet up to study on a reg basis ?

Thanks

I am studying to take the LSAT this February, approximately three weeks away. I am taking three practice test per week to prep me the for the real thing. As of now, I just got to LSAT PT61. Therefore, I will only be able to get to LSAT PT70.

Should I skip the 60's PT LSATs and go to the 70's PT LSATs, or it does not make a difference?????

I ask this because I am thinking that maybe I need to be more familiar with the latest trends.

Please let me know, thank you.