Discussions

All posts

New post

498 posts in the last 30 days

Hey everyone! Just thought I would give some input on what seems to have worked for me for the LR, hope it helps someone. I cannot stress enough how important skipping questions really is! I am always stubborn with trying new strategies, but I implemented something new with my LR and it has really helped I think!

I use to do questions 1-14 then skip to 22-end and then return to 15-21. I would usually score around an 18 and 17 on both LRs. I found that I would end up guessing on 4-5 questions each section with this strategy.

I found that skipping in this manner really messed with my mind. I found that I would skip to 22 and then read 22 not understand it, freak out, and then loss time.

Now I just go straight through the section question 1-end. I find that there is usually 2-3 questions in each LR that I honestly begin to read, do not understand the wording, and know that even after 5 minutes I still wouldn't. I use to honestly try and figure it but now if I begin one of these "hard" questions I circle it and skip it. I find that I skip around 3 questions, reach the end of the test, and then usually have to guess on these three questions because time is out. The last practice test I took I got a 21 on each section and I know for sure that it is because of this strategy.

In the end, I think skipping around like I use to messed with my mind, now I just go straight through and skip any questions in which I do not understand the wording, structure, or topic.

This strategy may seem simple and has probably already been discussed in length but I really support it. I usually score anywhere from a 159-162 and on my last PT I got a 166, and I think this had a huge role in it. Just don't freak out, skip anything you don't get and move on!

Now for LG. I think the LG is a section that is easy to improve upon. The most important thing that I do is to thrash through the easier/basic linear games. This gives you so much more time to attack the harder games in the section. If the linear game does not really limit the possibilities (say we have 7 slots and only know where really 1 variable can go), the first thing I do is quickly write out 3-4 possible solutions to the linear game. It is important to try and vary the leading and ending variable if you can. With this I am able, most of the time, to knock out 75% of the questions in under 3 minutes. Also the second thing I recommend is if there is a early global question (like which of the following CANNOT be true?) I skip it and come back to it later. I find that the relative questions (If A is first, then where can C be?) can usually help you answer that global question because by the end of the section you have usually done at least 3-4 more possible solutions next the questions. I usually get either -1 or -0 on LG.

I am not an LSAT expert (far from it) I usually PT in the lower 160s (RC is my weakness), but I thought I would give my two cents on what works for me for the average test taker. Good luck and tell me what you guys think!!

4

Hey guys,

I've been stuck around the low 160s for a while now, but got a 167 and 169 on PT 55 and 56. Though I am really happy, I was wondering how much of this could have been due to the level of difficulty of these particular tests. Anyone know of any rankings of the tests or experience something similar?

Thanks!

1

http://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-56-section-3-question-20/

The argument first states a general claim about people taking Vitamin C is, on average, healthier and then proceeds to show how he arrived at that conclusion by citing a study about heart disease. I picked (B) over the correct answer (D) without hesitation. The question stem asks "which one of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument in the newspaper article?"

I felt (D), the claim that Vitamin C supplements tend to reduce one's resistance to certain common infectious diseases weakens the conclusion but does not weaken the argument---one that derives the benefits of Vitamin C from the fact that studies have shown it lowers the risk of heart disease.

While (B) isn't an ideal answer, I felt it fit more because it weakens the argument rather than the premise or the conclusion by implying that Vitamin C may not be responsible for the reduction in the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, the question stem asks for "most weaken" rather than "which of the following would weaken" which I read as the answer does not necessarily have to fit perfectly but only needs to be slightly better than the best alternative.

Could someone explain why (D) would be superior to (B) given the question stem?

Thanks!

0

According to your score calculation platform, I've gotten a 159 and a 162 on two of my recent practice tests.

On the first one, I got 76/100 questions right. On the second one, I got 81/101 right.

According to your chart on this link (http://classic.7sage.com/lsat-score-percentile-conversion/), those ratios are good for a 161 and 164, respectively.

Please tell me what to believe, because I can't take the confusion D:

0

So as we all know, the LSAT can only be taken 3 times in 2 years.

I was wondering..

If, hypothetically speaking, I were to take the exam and cancel my score in time, would that still be considered as an attempt? Meaning, would I still have 3 chances for 2 years?

Also, would law schools be able to see that I canceled my score?

Thank you in advance for your inputs!

0

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know that StrategyPrep in DC offers free in-person live proctored LSATs on select Saturdays in Washington, DC. It is limited to 1 free test per person, but seems like a good idea for your last or 2nd to last PT before the real LSAT. You get to choose any test from PT39 to the present, and it's a 5-section test.

http://strategyprep.com/tools/practice-lsat.php

However, in my humble opinion, they have NOTHING on 7Sage in terms of LSAT prep! Seriously, who does?

A live proctored test could be a good freebie though. I'll report back if I try it.

0

Hey guys,

Just wondering what people think about the final 2 week stretch. How much should someone study during this time? I definitely want to get in a couple PTs over thanksgiving break. My latest and highest score was 165, I've slowly been creeping up through the 160s and I'd like to keep going (goal is 170). But I also don't want to break the trend and then get nerves. Suggestions?

0

Hi guys,

So I know that for example A ---> B (--|--) C leads to the inference A (--|--) C, whereas A (--|--) B ---- > C leads to no useful inference. What about the double arrow? i.e.

1) A (---) B ---> C

2) A ---> B (---) C

my gut tells me in both cases its just A --- > C but I'm not 100%. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Cheers

0

I seem to be having a glitch with my proctor app on iphone. About 10 minutes through my 15 minute break, the app shuts off and when I turn it back on it's at the beginning again. Anyone else experience the same thing?

0

I cannot mark any answers on PT reviews with a star anymore. On my iPad and PC/Chrome, when I click a Star during a PT review, it turns yellow for one second and then goes back to being clear. As its happening on multiple devices that used to be able to star answers, it leads me to believe that it has something to do with the site. Thanks.

0

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

33

I am still trying to get the timing right. Recognize that there will be questions that I will have to skip and come back to if I have time at the end. Would really benefit hearing from those of you who finish all the questions within the 35 min and still maintain good accuracy on how you pace yourself and what are the benchmarks you stick to when doing timed PTs. By all means they are meant to be flexible.

From what I have read:

LR- First 10 in 10 min or less (and if possible first 15 in 15 min)

LG- Easy games under 5 min (someone wrote doing the first two games within 15 min)

RC- Easy passages under 7 and hard passages under 9 (aim to finish the first two passages within 15 min)

2

Hi all,

Please excuse if my post is not suppose to be here as I am new.

I recently took Powerscore's class and although it was somewhat helpful in introducing the concepts to me - I haven't fully grasped everything. I initially signed up for this coming December LSAT with the intention that the material would be fresh in my head, but now I am having second thoughts. My diagnostic score was a 142 cold. Ideally, I want to do better but if I am not grasping the material now well...

After the December test I was going to continue to study using 7sage materials for the June test. Any thoughts or advice on this? I currently work 40 hours a week as a paralegal, so I can only study when I am home and on weekends. It's quite exhausting, but I know I need to stick with a better schedule.

My weakness is the logic games portion. I realize once the questions get more complex, I lose it. Should I wait until February or June? Thanks.

0

Hi all,

I wrote my October LSAT and found that I was so nervous that finishing sections seemed to be much harder than when I did my own practice tests (I always finished with time to spare usually). Needless to say I scored my worst score yet - 149, whereas I was scoring high 150s in my practice tests. I am trying for a new tactic in December- finishing 20 of 25 questions say on the LR and RC so that I achieve higher accuracy as opposed to rushing through to finish but getting 16/17 right on a section. Does anyone do anything similar? Or have any other suggestions as to how I can improve? My goal is a 158-160. Thanks!

0

I graduated a couple years ago and am having trouble with letters of rec. I briefly held a part time job and then opened a tourism company with a business partner directly after. I also did not have strong relationships with professors while in college due to the sheer volume of students in each class. Any suggestions on where I should be looking for recs? Thanks!

2

Confirm action

Are you sure?