Hello everyone,

I was just wondering,

When is usually the last day when we receive notice from schools that we apply?

School starts on August, right?

Will we be able to find out all results by April?

Or can some results arrive on May and after?

Thank you!

what is an lsat score band and should i care?

I'm a non-URM and have average softs with 2-3 years of work experience.

If I don't mind paying a sticker, which T-14 schools should I apply? Do I even have a shot (especially at Michigan, UVA, Northwestern) with such low LSAT?

The very thing I was worried about happened yesterday.. T_T...

I got 3 points lower on the December retake than my initial September test. (160 -> 157)

What's going to happen now?

I have no intention of retaking the LSAT anymore..

Do I need to write an addendum for this drop or is it negligible?

Will I get a worse chance at schools that I'm applying to (T40-50ish schools) because of this drop?

Any words of encouragement will be appreciated...

December was my first LSAT attempt and although I did not meet my target score I'm pretty pumped about the fact that I have scored 0 wrong in the RC which has always been my worst section ever (scoring nearly 10-14 wrongs). I totally bombed my LG section which was to be expected given that I literally guessed last two of the four game sets but I'm still happy that I can improve on RC with practice!!!

I'm not done with my LSAT journey yet but would like to thank 7 Sage members for all their encouragement and support :) Love you guys and happy 2017!!

Just got my score back and im elated. Thanks 7 Sage for helping me exceed my target score on my retake. Paid subscription ends tomorrow, but I'll still be around.

Hi KS,

Perhaps you are taking the Feb LSAT, but given that the Dec test is only 3 weeks away, let me share my RC strategy. Not sure if you have the Trainer book yet, or if it's been helpful. If so, then great! Apologies for the extreme length of the below. I hope it's helpful.

The method I use/developed relies on 1) heavy annotation of the passage structure (the form) and 2) active abbreviation of main ideas as I read to reinforce and memorize relevant info (the content).

All RC Passages have the same deep, basic structure, in that they track a linear thought progression with claims and supporting examples. Avant-garde lyric poetry this is not.

The first paragraph of each RC passage is basically the "opening statement" for the passage and helps to introduce the general idea, argument or thesis. In fact, the passage itself is basically the central idea, argument or thesis come to life in a more expansive way. Generally, the opening statement of the passage begins by providing a tiny bit of context, then either a) states an Overarching Claim or Thesis To Be Supported, or b) showcases a Unique Perspective that Needs To Be Explored or Countered, or c) names The General Problem At Hand. Sometimes it skips the context and goes straight to the general idea. As soon as you encounter these elements, in the left-hand margin scribble down CTX for context next to context, then put a CIRCLE or BOX around the claim, problem or important viewpoint, then scribble "claim" or "prob" or "view" next to that and then draw a line to the circled claim/problem/viewpoint. If you find the Main Point, write MP next to it. You should ALWAYS box ALL authorial names and the term "some x" that denotes the perspective of some scientists, some historians, etc., and then draw a hanging arrow from the box leading out to the left hand margin, because the LSAT always comes back to the viewpoint of at least one of these groups or persons in its questions. That arrow and box will help you find these viewpoints right away.

After the passage's opening statement, the passage goes to into its big PROBLEM TO BE RESOLVED schtick. It names either a Problem (P), Issue (I) or Question (Q) that will be explored, resolved, supported or countered later in the passage. Typically, 2-4 additional P's, I's or Q's will also arise throughout the passage, in a linear fashion. In the left hand margin, if you encounter a question, write out Q1 in the left hand margin, if it's an issue, use I1, if a problem, use P1, etc. These concepts are very similar but not exactly equivalent, so it's up to you if you want to distinguish between them from passage to passage or just use one abbreviation for all of RC. Typically, each passage will stick to either Q's, P's or I's throughout; so try to use the same abbreviation every time. Anyhow, pretty much immediately after (or slightly after) a Q1, I1 or P1 is raised in the passage, you will find an Answer related to that Q, that I or that P. Next to that Answer, write A1. I make gratuitous use of circling and drawing lines from the notations of Q1 or A1 in the left-hand margin to the Question or Answer they refer to in the passage itself. With a connecting line, you can refer back to it later right away. It's basically just connect the dots. After you encounter and mark A1, you may then encounter additional support, evidence or examples that back up A1. Scribble "supp," "evi", or "ex" next to it and keep reading. Continuing to read, you will likely then come across a second question, issue or problem - mark that as Q2, I2 or P2 (whatever it is). Or, you may instead come across another answer to the first question that was raised - mark that as A2. Keep reading and marking. Every time you find a Q, P or I, and their corresponding A's, mark them as Q1, Q2, Q3, or A1, A2, A3, etc. and then draw a line from that notation to the Q or A it refers to. As stated above, scribble quick abbreviations for things like meth(od), evi(dence), supp(ort), tech(nique), ex(ample), counter whenever you find them. This technique outlines the structure of the argument right there on your left hand margin, and solidifies it in your mind. You will end up with something like "Q1, A1, supp, ex, Q2, A2, counter, Q3, A3, MP" right down the left side of the passage. So, so, so helpful for me. Also important: do NOT forget to write out the word COUNTER in the left-hand margin next to any counterarguments presented that counter or object to the passage's own argument(s). Also, do not neglect to read, understand and note the Honorable Mention of Further Suggestions for Research or Theoretical Inquiry that are usually laid out at the end of the passage. If that's not there, the end of the passage is probably a re-statement of the argument's conclusion or gives a grand teleogical justification for the argument's thesis. Just remember that the left hand column is reserved for an outline of your argument's FORM, and not it's content.

PART ONE OF THREE - KEEP GOING TO PART TWO

Hi Guys,

I am going through the parallel thing and I think I have to look at the advanced logic first in order to do them.

Do you guys felt the same thing?

Hi everyone,

I hope those of you who sat the Dec. LSAT killed it!!

I had applied to schools well before my Dec. Lsat with just a September score and had notified schools that I will be retaking in Dec. Now that my Dec. score is in and my LSAT score isn't pending anymore i'm wondering if I should nudge the admissions office to make my application complete. How fast or slow are they in updating files...does anyone have experience with this? My 2 options are to either ignore it and let them do their thing or notify them about my Dec LSAT and let them know that I don't intend to retake in February. Let me know what you guys think!

Thank you.

I need some hard LR sections to insert as 5th sections on upcoming PTs. Has anyone considered or know what the top 10 or 5 hardest LR sections might be? Haven't been able to find anything like this online, apart from individually ranked questions.

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).

Alright, so a fun topic here but do any of you guys have tattoos? A self promise I made was that I would get my first the moment I made it to law school, and my last when I graduated. Anyway, I assume that the law profession could care less about tattoos so long as you have them in places where they are hidden (back, shoulder, chest, etc). Is that standard practice? Do any of you guys have any that are not in places where they are perfectly hidden?

Also, you guys can get the mocking out of the way, I want to get the "justice is blind" tattoo either on my shoulder or back.

Hi guys,

Just got my LSAT score and I scored a 167, lesser than I expected and lesser than my last few tests average. I was planning on applying for fall 2018 anyway. Should I take the LSAT again? If I do, it will be my third attempt, in my first attempt I had scored a 157.

I am a little bummed out after receiving my December LSAT score. I got a 158 in September and a 154 in December (I was really looking foward to scoring a 160 or above; not sure what happened). So, I have two questions: how badly do you think this will effect my chances in getting into top tier law schools and scholarship opportunities? Do you think this drop requires an addendum?

I am an URM, if this helps.

Would love to hear some feedback.

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.

FML.

-7 LR

-3 LG

-10 RC

(crying inside)

So this was my 1st official LSAT and I already knew I would take it one more time. In the mean time I wanted to ask what do I do now? I know some of what to do but interested in what others have to say or maybe did after getting their first score, whether it was good enough for them or not.

To my fellow 7sagers and LSAT warriors,

I would like to share my story prior to scores being released with the hopes of encouraging anyone who scores below their target.

First, if you happen to get a low score don’t worry about it, it’s not the end of the world. Do not spend the day beating yourself up over it. This is an incredibly hard test. The LSAT is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever undertaken in my life.

I decided I wanted to become an attorney way back in 2011. I had zero academic skills or knowledge when I began my journey. I mean ZERO. I don’t even have a high school diploma. I’ve failed countless times since then however every time I failed I paused, figured out what I did wrong, fixed it and kept going. I now have a BA in PSCI.

If a stranger would have come up to me and tell me that in 17 years I would be a combat veteran with a degree and hopes for law school I would have laughed in their face and called them insane.

The point I am trying to make is that if you are unhappy with your score don’t get upset and don’t worry, it is not the end of the world.

If you decide that you must put off applying, do not let, that upset you too much. Any thing good in life takes time, hard work, and dedication. I am 33 yrs old, and am 90% sure that I’m going to have to retake. I doubt I will start l1 until I am 34.

I would like to share some advice given to my by my former plt. Commander who now owns his own firm and argued in front of the 9th circuit as a law student. He told me that I will face many obstacles and setbacks. However, when that happens I need to step back, do an AAR, figure out what I did wrong, learn from it, don’t dwell on it and move on.

I just thought I would do my best to encourage everyone here that no matter how hard or bad it gets, DON’T QUIT!! NEVER GIVE UP!

I sincerely hope all of you receive great news today or tomorrow. I have enjoyed reading all the posts here at 7sage. Thank you for reading my jumbled incoherent attempt at encouragement!

-Paul Pederson

(JY, Dillon, and the rest of 7sage staff, you all are amazing. I can not thank you enough for what you have done and continue to do with 7sage and LSAT prep. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.)

No news is good news! Good Luck

So, I just checked my application status for GW and it says my future lsat score has been received. Does this mean the scores are out for schools? I don't see anything on my LSAC acct; my application was on hold for my test scores.

So I am sure many of you are sitting in anxiety and fretting over the what ifs as much as I am right now waiting for the score to be released. My advisor is a wonderful professor and a lawyer himself. As he said, welcome to the profession; it's a lot of money to take tests and a lot waiting. Well, I guess there is a silver lining in all of this. I am very blessed to be graduating my university a semester early with a 3.8. My whole life I have been a good student. I never really had to study until college. Granted I would study prior to this, but I have a very good memory and a lot came naturally (except math and science). Alas, when I took the SAT that was not my thing. I have never been so wonderful at standardized tests. It just is something that is an internal battle for me. The test anxiety gets to me.

Now coming to the LSAT...my new enemy. I began studying with Kaplan and took a course last May. I studied for 5 weeks and in my eyes "bombed" the LSAT. I was devastated. I probably should have listened to my gut and put off until September like a good friend of mine did. There has never been something in my life that has been so challenging academically. I just don't understand how one test could mean so much and could be such a barrier for so many people. If you have enough determination and will to succeed, the law school process will be what you make of it. I have a few friends who did not do wonderfully on the LSAT (in the low 150s) and are doing wonderfully in law school and on the Dean''s List.

I know that once the LSAT is behind me I will be able to take the huge leap of faith and give it my all in law school. Although, right now I am feeling pretty defeated. I have been studying waiting for the December results just in case I need to take again in February as I am already signed up. Many people not in this position question my motives. They think I should just give up and not bother. They don't understand why I have to miss out on going to many events or study so much. Its because I have this fire inside of me to succeed and reach my goals. I am sure many of you have already stopped reading, bravo if you made it here lol, but I just know that we all have that same feeling. Friends of mine in the same boat see the gut wrenching fear that the LSAT process gives. The anxiety. The fear of both wanting to know and not wanting to see it pop up. The need to plan ten steps ahead before you can even get to step one. However, eventually, we will all get there. Thank you JY and 7Sage for helping us on this journey. And for some reason writing this word wall has been therapeutic. I'm done now. Good luck to all!

Hey guys,

To those who have been confused about the evaluation process around writing Dec (or previous LSAT) and potentially writing Feb (or future LSAT), I may have some answers for you.

Personally, I just wrote the December exam. But, I have indicated on OLSAS (Ontario Law School Application Service) that I will also be writing in Feb. I see it purely as another chance to improve my mark, whatever that may be, from the Dec. exam. If I am set on fall 2017 admissions, it won't hurt to try and get a higher mark, and let's face it, there is always room for a higher mark.

My dilemma was this: I would hate to be rejected on the basis of my Dec. score when I might be able to improve for Feb. I worried that schools may open my app prior to Feb, and base their decision solely on my Dec. score b/c my application would be considered complete. (Ottawa... you suck)

On the other hand, I would also hate to miss the opportunity to be accepted if my app is not evaluated until late Feb. That is, if the schools see that my application is "complete" but that I have indicated I will be writing in Feb, they may put my app on hold and therefore, not make any decision until early March.

WELL folks, if anyone was in this boat, which I know some of you were... I hope the following info on ONTARIO law schools helps. Here are the answers I obtained after calling the following schools:

1) Ottawa University - Application evaluated once opened. If there is a previous LSAT score on file, they will NOT consider future plans to re-write, even if indicated on OLSAS. (e.g. Feb. exam). ... BOO!

2) Western University - If you have a previous strong mark and they are happy with the rest of your app, they will not wait until Feb. Admission will be offered. If mark on file not strong, they will hold off and re-evaluate once Feb. mark comes in.

3) Osgoode Hall - Same as above. If you have a previous strong mark and they are happy with the rest of your app, they will not wait until Feb. Admission will be offered. If mark on file not strong, they will hold off and re-evaluate once Feb. mark comes in.

4) Queens - Left emails, voicemails. Away for holidays.

*Update* - "We will not decline applicants, based on LSAT, until after the February results. If a new score is posted that make you competitive, you will be considered then."

5) UofT - Left emails, voicemails. Away for holidays.

*Update* - Application put on HOLD if indicated on OLSAS that you are writing at a later date.

6) Windsor - Left email. --- *EDIT* @LSAT04164 has advised Windsor does not accept Feb scores. December last date accepted.

*Did not apply to Thunder Bay.

Hey Y'all!

I applied for admission into law school this past fall, and though I got in somewhere, I decided not to go and do TFA instead, as this was the most financially smart decision for me.

Well, anyways, I had two amazing LoR's from my college professors on my application and I was wondering if I my LSAC file will keep those letters for this year when I apply? or should i ask those writers to simply submit them again? My only issue with asking them again is I have tried to email both of my writers just to keep in touch, but I have not heard a response back...lol.. I am sure they are busy..

Thanks in advance!

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 :)

Hi, i am currently a student studying for the June LSAT 2017 in Asia (which is on 25th).

I studied my Lsats on 2014 June and took my first Lsat around September 2014.

Turns out I did not gain the score I wanted and I graduated college on 2015 May.

I started studying for the Lsats again last November and I was wondering if 6 months

is still okay time for studying the Lsats?

Also for personal reasons, I am forced to study the Lsats on night time (for 1hr 30 min ~ 2hrs)

Am I on the right track?

Any wise words would be fine thx