All posts

New post

214 posts in the last 30 days

So about RC, the memory method is definitely helping my understanding of passages. Retention is better. I don’t get bogged down with every single detail. I’m currently working on “more RC;” which is the section just before “Intro to Logic Games”; so still lots of lessons to do before moving on PT's. My problem is I, for the most part still require more time than what JY prescribes; both for reading the passage and for doing the questions) Of course sometimes there are passages where I do finish in time. But on average maybe a minute or two more than what JY prescribes?

So I want to ask the veterans who had to deal with this reading speed issue- does it improve over time? How did you come to read faster? Can you retrace some of the steps you took that helped improve your speed?

From what I’ve gleaned, I’m aware of a couple things that should help.

1. Just having better developed reasoning skills (which I reckon and hope will come in time, by doing the lessons)

2. The habit of moving on quickly from one question to the next when you’re really sure of an answer and skipping ones you know that’s gonna be more time consuming.

Are there other things that should help? Thoughts? Advices?

0
User Avatar

Last comment thursday, dec 03 2015

Suff nec in this quote?

Just making sure "sufficient" follows "the only" below and is "true wisdom"? How you diagram this with contrapositive?

"The only true wisdom is in knowning you know nothing "--Socrates

0
User Avatar

Last comment wednesday, dec 02 2015

PT/BR Strategy

I'm trying to figure out the best way to prepare for the LSAT between now and December. Now, I feel as if I'm doing BR wrong. My BR scores and my PT scores are very close. On the last test I did, there was a difference of just one point (for reference I'm PTing in the low/mid-170s).

But one thing that the BR process has taught me is that I make a lot of confidence errors due to misreading and timing pressure. I'm considering BRing the entire test to address this, but my gut tells me that that would be a poor use of time because it seems like I would be better off actively practicing to improve timing instead of going over 20+ questions to find that I missed one due to forgetting that it included the word "except." The only thing I seem to be learning is that I need to read more carefully?

With that said, though, I do BR the LG section in its entirety, because I'm not -0 in LG. I'm getting there but...

Also, since December is rapidly approaching, I feel as if I should emphasize going through more PTs instead of BR, but going through PTs quickly seems to be looked down upon by the LSAT experts here, so before I went through with my atypical plan of quickly progressing through PTs while continuing to BR as I already am, I thought I would double check with all of the wise people here.

0

I'm taking the December test this weekend and I'm not feeling up to my full potential. Even though I've had the flu this week, I still feel like I'll do moderately well, but not as well as I know I can do. If I apply for schools with my December test and end up doing better on my February test, will law schools still take my Feb LSAT into account? Are there any disadvantages to this in terms of scholarship money, likelihood of getting accepted, etc? Or should I wait to apply to schools until I have taken the Feb LSAT?

0

Hi everyone,

So, I'm currently studying for the LSAT (obvs). I originally planned on taking it in October, then pushed it back to December. And now I've pushed it back to (hopefully) February. I've been studying mostly on material comprehension and less on timing. I've taken three *untimed* practice tests so far and I've received a 164/165 on each of them.

Here's my problem: so with just a little over 2 months until the February LSAT, will I be able to both

A) hit my 173 target score? I want to be scoring 3 points above my target score, and I dont want to score anything less than a 170

and B) train myself on timing?

I quit my job to study for the LSAT/work on applications. So I'm currently unemployed and have a lot of time to devote to this. There's been too much distraction at home for me (family of 8 in a tiny apartment) and so I'm moving in with a friend where I can have peace and quiet these next two months to just study.

Has anyone who has been able to bring their score up from the 164/165 range to the 171/173 range comment on the difficulty/amount of time/strategies it took for you to get there? Did you do this timed or untimed? Am I hopeless, and should I push this back to June? I don't completely mind the unemployment aspect, but would rather not delay having to work until June if you get what I'm saying.

Any sort of guidance anyone has to offer would be greatly appreciated! I would also love to do study groups/BR even with someone else, if anyone is interested. Thanks!

0
User Avatar

Last comment wednesday, dec 02 2015

Nervous about the December LSAT?

Of course you are. You're about to take an important test. It's not the most important test though. That one is called the February LSAT.

Just kidding. This is likely the last LSAT you'll ever take.

I'm only trying to remind you that for something this important, there are second chances. That's not true for a lot of other important things in life, so that's something to feel good about.

For most of you, you already know what score you'll get. Take your last three recent properly administered LSAT PrepTests (e.g., 74, 75, 76) and average your scores. You'll get plus or minus 3 points of that average.

There is nothing separating you from that score except the mere passing of a few day's time.

You are as prepared as you can be. You have already seen everything those crafty LSAT writers will throw at you and you've amply demonstrated your ability to respond with craftiness of your own.

Saturday will be just another PT day and the December 2015 LSAT will be just another PT. PrepTest 77, in fact, when the LSAC releases it. And how different could that be from PT 76 and PT 75 and PT 74 and on and on and on.

You're ready.

That's not to say, of course, that you won't encounter a few insanely difficult curve breaker questions. Every LSAT has them. Every student who has ever taken the LSAT before you has encountered them. You will encounter them (again) on Saturday. I am telling you this now, so you will be prepared. Skip them. Keep moving. Maintain your rhythm.

You got this.

14

Forget Al Gore, Philip Emeagwali is the father of the internet!

Come to Group BR tonight to talk about him!

Wednesday, December 2nd at 8PM ET: PT58

DON’T FORGET TO CLICK THIS LINK: https://join.skype.com/w7McAagFN3pf

IF YOU DON’T CLICK THIS LINK YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE BR GROUP

Note:

  • For the newbies: Add me on Skype, using handle dmlevine76 and PM your email for Google Hangout.
  • For the regulars: If for some reason you're not in the group conversation[s] already, just message me on Skype.
  • For everyone: take the PT under timed conditions; BR as you are able; 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.” Use your reasoning to win the argument.
  • 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 Skype and intellectually slaughter each test.
  • 0
    User Avatar

    Last comment wednesday, dec 02 2015

    February Test Takers...

    I've finally gotten slightly closer to my goal and I've been PTing in the 158-162 range, my goal being a 165 but I have yet to take any of the most recent LSATs (PT. 73-76). After reading everyone's comments about the increased difficulty I wouldn't want to bomb some of those exams and get discouraged. Anyone have any advice when I should be taking these?

    Thanks!

    0
    User Avatar

    Last comment wednesday, dec 02 2015

    What is happening?!

    Hi all, so I'm taking the test Saturday. In the past 5 PTs I've done, I've scored in the 160-163 range which I'm not thrilled about but I'm not hating it either because an LSAT score in that range plus my GPA would get me into my target schools. BUT Sunday and today I PTd again and scored a 158 and 154 respectively. 154!!!! Someone please tell me this is just my nerves getting to me.

    0
    User Avatar

    Last comment wednesday, dec 02 2015

    Any new tricks on PT76?

    Did LSAC do anything weird on PT76 like a new type of game or different type of RC/LR questions? PT76 is the only recent PT I haven't done and I'm just wondering if I'm missing out if I skip it.

    0
    User Avatar

    Last comment wednesday, dec 02 2015

    76.lr2.21

    Is there a clear reason about why B doesn't weaken for 76.lr2.21?

    It can weaken by suggesting that those who completed the program were better to begin with but perhaps i am missing something. the credited choice only refers to "many" may not necessarily undermine the argument which uses most children as evidence. My only issue with C is with the phrasing of "many children".

    It's because those "some/many children" may not be the part of the support in the argument which was only based on "most children" and these two are compatible. An observation about some/many people shouldn't weaken an argument that is based on "most" children.

    0

    Good luck to some on Saturday!!

    I just withdrew from the upcoming test and I decided to apply next cycle (I did not hit my target score and decided to fold). I'm looking to work with and interact with LSAT go-getters and ultimately improve with one another. I'm also looking to construct a study plan with someone's experienced insight. I can provide all the necessary details of my lsat adventures to someone that extends a hand.

    For the Saturday writers: Stay strong! Stay focused! You got this! Believe in yourself!

    0

    I was going to apply for this cycle, but I realized that I want to finish up my master's degree and have more time to perfect my LSAT. So I am applying next year and I have another whole year to study for the LSAT!

    I took this year's Oct exam and I cancelled. I know what you guys are thinking.

    But, no, I didn't cancel because I felt weary after the test. I was having a mental breakdown during the exam period and I think I literally guessed 15 questions on one of the sections because I couldn't focus. Bad idea to have taken the test.

    So I have been studying since late May and right now I am scoring in the low 160s with an average BR score of 171-175.

    I eventually want to score 170+.

    Currently, I have exhausted most of my PTs and have 10 fresh ones left.

    I want to be taking my LSAT when I feel ready. (Dec? probably not. Maybe Feb or June)

    What do you guys suggest that I do in terms of study plan?

    Retake the PTs? Drill more questions from pre PT 39? or Review the curriculum?

    Thanks and sorry for the long post!!!

    0

    Hi everyone. Like all 7Sagers, I will be crushing the test on Saturday. :) However, I was wondering if, under the scenario that I am waitlisted with my December score and then take the February exam and score a few points higher, it would be a significant boost in my waitlist odds? In other words, is it worth it to study a little more and retake in February if I suspect I could still boost my score some? I am definitely applying for this cycle. Thanks!

    0

    17.4.2 #15 The author is primarily concerned with…

    So this is what I got from the passage.

    Paragraph 1 presents as intro about the law’s completeness or its lack thereof when it comes to had cases.

    Paragraph 2 details Hart’s model.

    Paragraph 3 is about Dworkin’s view that’s contrary to Hart’s.

    Paragraph 4 refutes Dworkin’s views and reiterates why hart’s theory of hard cases is still the most persuasive.

    After hearing JY’s explanation, it’s become quite clear why the answer is E; my guess is the point of the whole passage is to convince the reader that Hart’s model is still worthy of respect and refute an argument(dworkin’s) that attacks it; “It would be a mistake, though, to dispute Hart’s

    theory of hard cases on this basis alone.”

    So, where I went wrong it seems was with the way I understood the question stem. How do you tend to interpret :”The author is primarily concerned with?” For the sake of simplicity, could we rephrase it and understand it as “what is the purpose of the author writing this passage? Why did he/she write it?” “what is his/her objective or goal?” “what is he/she trying to convince us of?”

    For this question, I chose D. When I looked at E- I did want to choose it because I got the author’s position; siding with Hart and not Dworkin. I went with D because, the amount of “real estate” -if you will- occupying the passage is bigger for Hart. (silly reason, I know. It reflects my difficulty in distinguishing the way I go about doing main point/idea questions from this kind of question) I also figured “ critiquing” means to evaluate objectively in this context and not necessarily to take a critical stance on a view. By mentioning Dworkin’s views, could we say the author technically does (D) but it’s not what he’s primarily concerned with? That is, he does (D) in order to do (E)? Also, does he in fact do (D) ?

    Thanks.

    0

    How can we be sure (for answer D) that a farm consists of a single CMC? Because if there is more than 1 CMC, Whatley's recommendation would not necessarily be violated.

    Thanks in advance.

    0

    This is it!!!!! Let’s do this!

    Tuesday, Dec. 1st at 8PM ET: PT 76

    Click here to join this conversation: https://join.skype.com/qzGIJoSAyLJT

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

    Note:

  • For the newbies: Add me on Skype, using handle dmlevine76 and PM your email for Google Hangout.
  • For the regulars: If for some reason you're not in the group conversation[s] already, just message me on Skype.
  • For everyone: take the PT under timed conditions; BR as you are able; 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.” 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 Skype and intellectually slaughter each test.
  • 0

    I feel like I'm psyching myself out for Saturday by looking at all these trends that show the RC having gotten harder over the years. I'm worried that I'm scoring well on most PTs because they were administered while the section was easier, and having taken more recent tests does support that. Does anyone have any advice to combat this mental block? I'm trying to go into this all "c'mere, RC, let me slam the everloving shit outta you," but I can't stop thinking about my RC going from -4 on older tests to -7 on the newer ones.

    Help.

    1

    Confirm action

    Are you sure?