Many of us dive into PSA mode as soon as our eyes scan the words "Most Helps to Justify". That is, hunting for the answer choice stating: If premise then conclusion. This is efficient and works a large majority of the time, however, I have noticed that recent tests have thrown a wrinkle into this strategy. The trick lies in the wording of the stem.

For example, the full stem looks like: "Which of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify the reasoning in the argument?"

Let's break this down. We are going to be given an argument: Premise + Conclusion. The answer choices will provide us 5 principles. We are to assume each one is valid or true. It is our job to identify the answer choice or principle which would most help to justify the reasoning. By reasoning it is meant how the premise supports the conclusion. In other words, we need a principle that most helps the premise be considered good evidence to reach the conclusion.

I bolded the word "most" twice because it means that we need the best answer choice in relative terms. An answer choice which creates or comes close to creating a valid argument is great, but, it is not necessary! An answer choice which lightly strengthens and requires less assumptions than all other answer choices also fits the task required of us by the stem.

Interestingly enough, when LSAC uses the "Most Helps to Justify" stem, the credited answer choice usually makes the argument close to validity. That is why the stem is commonly classified by 7sage analytics as a PSA question.

But remember, the wording of the stem does not necessitate reaching near validity. All we need is an answer choice that most helps the argument get closer to validity.

On the past few tests I have noticed that there will be a "Most Helps to Justify" stem whose credited answer choice is not the traditional "if premise then conclusion". Instead, it lightly strengthens the argument, while the other answer choices are irrelevant. Because the answer choices did not match my pre phrase, I panicked. Consequently, I eliminated all answer choices and had to skip the question. But, if I kept in mind that "Most Helps to Justify" does not require near validity, I would have been fine and saved lots of time and stress!

Takeaway/TLDR; "Most Helps to Justify" is a PSA question 95% of the time, but, the wording of the stem does not rule out that these types of questions are just light strengthening questions, which is the case the other 5% of the time. Be flexible and do not panic if your "If premise then conclusion" pre phrase is not found.

I’m confused and worried. I just received an e-mail from LSAC apologizing for my “test center issues” (I had none) and offering me an option to retake Dec 8th or January. Anyone in the know want to fill me in on what this means? I feel like I performed very well on the Nov exam and will be extremely upset if this message means what I think it does...

I felt like I over performed on last week's test and I'm typically a horribly slow starter. I wanted to share what I did that worked well for me.

The morning of the test I went on a jog, had a hearty breakfast, went over 10 LR questions at home and didn't grade them, ate lunch then got to the testing center about 45 minutes early.

After I got my parking tag I did my warmup in the car which included 1 of each of the following: MSS, Main conclusion, SA, NA, PmoR, weaken, strengthen, descriptive flaw. I'd already done all the questions before and I knew the right processes I wanted to get my mind into. I did 1 double layer sequencing game and didn't have time to do my RC passage but by that time I felt warmed up.

My motivation to stay focused and not get nervous for the test is a bit silly but it really worked for me. I made a deal with myself that when I reach my target score I want to buy myself a nice watch so I went in with the mindset of "today I'm going to earn my watch!" This mindset helped me stay aggressive in LR and not freeze or start slow like I usually do because I was focused on my goal and not letting myself get nervous.

The carrot on the stick approach really worked well for me, hope this post is useful!

Hi. I bought LSAT Starter pack prior the announcement of after Nov. 15th , LG videos will be available for premium or higher .

If I buy the potential PT 89 explanations package which will be released by 7 Sage soon, will i able to get to see the LG explanations video of PT 89 by 7 Sage? or I will be only available to see PT 89's LR and RC video explanations?

I will be a non traditional law student who is interested in going into solo practice right out of law school. I have a 15 year background in sales, so I am quite comfortable generating my own leads and developing a base of clients on my own (which often gets described as the biggest barrier to solo practice). I have no desire to do biglaw because if I am to work 70--80 hours/week, it will be for myself. I live in a large city with several law schools (none of them T1) and a thriving legal market. I am asking that people share their thoughts on the importance of a law school's ranking if one plans to go into solo practice right out of law school. For background, my LSAT score above each local school's top 75%.

I have taken the November 2019 LSAT. I will say that it was everything I expected and more. I didn't see the need to complain and took the attitude, "Do your best and don't worry and don't complain". But "Press forward".

I didn't eat the Raisin Oat Bran like I had planned because I tried it the day before the test and took a couple of small spoonfuls. It was awful and tasted like cardboard. I want to try it as recommendation from other people online had that taken the LSAT. I wondered how could anyone eat this stuff. I threw it away. I opted for the McDonald breakfast menu with country buttermilk chicken biscuit sandwich with a hash brown and a large orange juice on test day. It hit the spot. I had studied my test strategy plan and stuck to it.

I am a person of faith and prayed that I would do my best to pass for 20 minutes on the test before I left for the test center and the ask G-d to be with me while i was testing and help me pass. I felt calm the whole way and wasn't bothered.I felt at peace even after the test.

I hugged and kissed my 6 year old nephew and 9 year old niece to tell them I was on my way to take the big test. I said I will see you later on this evening because I expected to get out the testing center around 5:30 pm. I said my goodbyes and headed to the testing center.

I took the Uber to the testing center and was calm the whole way to the testing center. I was not nervous nor was I anxious Once I arrived, I asked the front desk receptionist where the LSAT is and they told me where it was. I silenced my phone completely.I had my cell phone left at the front desk and got it back later on after I had finished with the test. I arrived the hotel where the testing was to take place at 10:50 am. I was lucky to take the exam by myself I was in a room by myself with no others. I started exactly at 11:30 am. I showed my accommodation letter because I am high functioning Autistic and with my admissions ticket was able to sign in at 11:00 am. I had my eyeglasses in the zip lock bag.

I had put all of my energy and everything into the test. I used a time management strategy that was built into my LSAT strategy and served me well during the test. I stayed calm because I remember that a leader has to have a head in a time of crisis. This is especially true of the LSAT.

If tablet broke, I didn't worry because the testing place had huge supply of them and didn't count against the time. I did have one tablet that got stuck after coming back from break. I didn't start the 4 section right away and was given a new tablet after the test administrator graciously gave me a new one after scanning code on the back of the tablet. I was able to continue on.

I didn't want to guess what was the experimental section because I went in with the attitude do well no matter what. I went to do a job that was the most important thing. I decided that remaining calm was most important. The way sections were laid out was not important to me. Just the goal was working the exam effectively and only working my plan by sticking to it. I didn't care about what my score might be. I went with a plan and stuck to it all the way. I was able to make couple passes after each section and had 10 minutes to spare for each one of the sections. I went over them with a blind review and corrected the mistakes along the way. After I was sure, I felt confident that I did well

The first section took me bit longer and was able to gain traction after question 8. I had skipped 2 questions and came back to them later on my second pass. I was able to think clearly and sharply about the answer and was able to. The first section was hard but I was able to get through it without worrying. I blind reviewed it and was able to untangle the section effectively. Skipping hard questions was a part of my overall plan and worked out well.

I had my break after the 3rd section and ate my granola bar and drank my orange juice. I went to the bathroom not worry nor

feeling horrible about my performance on the test.

After completing the final section and took a blind review to check my work on it and was satisfied after correcting a couple answers that need to be corrected and re-reading it my notes one last time. i finalized it and gave back the tablet. I proceed to get my phone at the front desk of the hotel for testing and took the Uber home around 4:15 pm. I felt a sense of relieve and felt illuminated. I was very tired and exhausted. I didn't go out anywhere and decided to crash at my brother's house where my niece and nephew are. I went to sleep for a while. I decided whatever the score is not worry good or bad. If it is bad, i will take it again. I won't worry nor fret over the questions while waiting for the score release. What is done is done. I felt that I stuck to my strategy to and stayed calm the whole time that it worked. That is what matters most.

So I’m honestly starting to believe that this test is impossible for me to even get into the high 160’s. I’ve been struggling with this exam since last May and haven’t gotten as far as I would have liked. I’ve taken a live prep course and invested a few hundred dollars in private tutoring but I still think the November exam was a dud. I don’t know what to do. If I delay, I feel like I’m gonna grow old before ever going to law school and if I don’t delay, that only leaves a little over a month before the next exam. I was planning on going to law school last year and have already delayed until now. I do not believe delaying another year is going to help, but I honestly don’t know what to do. Could someone provide some specific advice?

I am fortunate enough to be able to study for the LSAT full-time, but feel that I have not made the most out of my time. When I was going through the CC, I really enjoyed it because it provided me with structure. However, now that I am done with the CC and don't have that structure, I have really been struggling to make the most out of my study sessions. After reading some test prep articles online, I realized that I would benefit from creating a schedule for each of my study sessions. I want to develop a study schedule with specific time stamps and specific goals. I would love to hear from those of you who have found success with developing study schedules and possibly sharing a sample study schedule.

Some Background:

Diagnostic: 142

I would like to take the exam in February, but am okay with waiting a little longer if it means getting a higher score. I will definitely have to go back to work after February.

I have only taken three PTs because I quickly realized that I need more help with the basics. PT1:149 PT2:140. PT3:139

In oder to adresss the fact that I was struggling with the basics, I purchased The Loophole by Ellen Cassidy and used that to help me structure my study sessions. I was able to get through the book in a week and since then I have been drilling the specific LR question types that I have struggled with the most. I used the data analytics to help me determine which question types I needed to focus on, but I am nervous about devoting so much time to LR and neglecting LG and RC.

I have created my own LG bundle (binder with all games from PTs1-35), but have not gotten around to actually using it.

After doing the CC, I haven't addressed RC in my studying

I really appreciate any input. Thanks in advance!

It has taken me while to post this because I was extremely disappointed and partially in denial but I have to come to terms with the reality..... I bombed the October LSAT.

I scored the EXACT SAME THING (158) as I did in July. I have all of my application materials ready to go and was not even entertaining the thought of a retake but now... I'm reconsidering.

I would be happy to apply with at LEAST a 163 which I was hitting consistently weeks before the exam. Suddenly the week before, my scores dropped which resulted in me panicking and possibly over-drilling.

SO what I would like to know is

FULL DISCLOSURE: My first take I used Kaplan, second I used Kaplan & Powerscore (+7pt jump), 3rd Take I used SOME 7 Sage lessons but mostly used 7sage for help with blind review method & digital testing.

Being that the deadline to register to sit in January is next week, I would GREATLY appreciate it if I could receive some advice as sooooon as possible. Thank you all in advance!!

I have this problem with logic games and I hope someone can diagnose this and tell me what to do....I’ve done so many logic games without timing issues but for some reason, all the logic games on the real exams always seem completely different to me and I find that I cannot make inferences or diagram them effectively. But I can do difficult games outside of the test center; what is going on? This is really damaging my scores, so can someone tell me what is going on? I’m not even panicking when doing the real test

Hey all! I'm thinking about my chances at a T20 and reflecting on my undergraduate transcript. I graduated cum laude with a 3.6 from a top tier liberal arts college. I graduated early and also studied abroad for a full year. My study abroad grades are not factored into my undergraduate GPA and LSAC also does not factor them in. If they had been factored in, I would have received a 3.8 GPA.

How are top law schools going to look at this? Are they really going to see me as a 3.6 or will they consider that full year of study abroad? My study abroad accounts for about 1/3 of my undergraduate coursework so I'm not sure how schools look at this. Is this something I should address in an addendum?

Re my LSAT score, I'm really more towards the low 25% for these schools, so I would be a splitter.

I've been working hard since February this year going through the LSAT trainer, then Lawschooli's LR program, then I saw the light and did the CC here. Over the last 4 months I've seen an increase of about 4-5 points to a 159-160, but I know I can bank at least 5 more points by foolproofing more and shoring up my LR flaws (which are immense lol).

I plan on using Cantgetright's post CC guide (I'll post the link below) and hiring a tutor but can people in general go from -7-10 in LR and -7ish in RC to -2-3 between now and the April test? That's about 4 months for a 10 point improvement and easy points from foolproofing.

Cantgetright's excellent post CC video: https://classic.7sage.com/webinar/post-core-curriculum-study-strategies/

Hey guys!

I was just wondering if its realistic for my score to increase from a 148 to the 155-157 range in five weeks? I'm considering re-taking in January and I'm not sure if that's something that could possibly happen.

I just recently broke in to the 150's on my PT's and I'm in desperate need of advice!!

Thanks!!

Hey everyone,

I am really looking to you for advice.

Here is my situation:

I wrote in October, but there was a problem at my test centre, and I did not receive accommodations for my first section (I have an actual learning disability), and I was informed of this MID section 1, so I rushed through the last 10Qs in that section and feel like i ruined my score. I did not receive my score yet (I have the option to cancel, until December). I felt horrible after the exam. I know the first section for LR went badly, but I felt like the others were OK (I received accommodations after the first section). In October, my score was constant ~158, but the week before the exam it was 158-157-158-156-155-154-152-151 (no lie — i stopped at that point), mostly careless errors at that point from not reading properly, but I was hyper-alert during the exam. I tried to fix that for the exam. The only thing stopping me from cancelling is that the exam was “harder” than anticipated (at east according to my friends) and for some reason, whenever things are hard they work out for me.

I wrote again in November, and, surprise, i feel like garbage. I flagged like 20 questions. I found I got time-sucked on a couple of Qs. I was scoring more consistently the month of November, between 158-162 (my BR between 165-173). I felt pretty good about the games. I was eh about the LR, but the more I “read” and “think” about the “real LR” the worse I feel. On each practice PT I flag the same amount of questions.

My dilemma is that I do not know if I should cancel my October score, and take the free retake in January. Normally I would leave it, but the university I am aiming for averages scores. I have been studying since the end of may. And, in all honesty, I am EXHAUSTED and mentally drained and really do not want to write in January. I feel brain dead, and I’ve been having nightmares from this stupid exam.

I really do not want to drag this exam out. I am also going back to work full-time in January and I am likely going to have a hard time studying and working at the same time (and taking ‘time off’ is not an option since I have 0 financial support at home, besides free rent which will be gone if I do not go back to work).

I wanted advice because I do not really trust myself to make the right decisions at this point, since my confidence has dropped from 0 to -10, but I also really need to hit 160. I feel like a slave.

If you were in my shoes, what would you do? I would love to hear any advice you have to offer (for real — its been incredibly helpful thus far) and greatly appreciate the time you’ve taken to read this :)

For anybody writing a "Why X Law School" essay, is it necessary to state the exact type of law we plan on practicing? I'm going back and forth between two types of law that I'm interested in, and the school I'm writing the essay for has a great program for both fields of law.

However, I'm weary of sounding indecisive by mentioning both types of law. Is anybody in the same boat?

I'm in a bit of a quandary and was wondering if anyone has any advice.

I took the October LSAT and scored a 160. I was quite disappointed with that score because on my PTs I was getting 165-170. I think I just got really nervous and freaked myself out. So I am retaking in January and am confident I can score at least 2-3 points higher if not more.

The schools I'd like to apply to are #30-40 such as UF, UNC, Wake Forest etc. According the the predictor I have about a 50-60% chance of getting in with that LSAT and GPA. My LSAT falls slightly below the median. Should I wait to apply to those schools until I have a higher score or should I apply earlier with the score I have and take my chances? With the mid-January LSAT, the applications wouldn't get submitted until Feb.

Or, can I apply now with my score and then if I get rejected and/or waitlisted send in my higher score? Not sure how this works.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks.

I took 15 PTs all in my desired range. Test day was a blur., I have NO CLUE how I did. Are there any stats out there about PTs vs the real thing?? What is the statistical chances one would be WAYYYYYY off their PTs??

Hey 7Sagers! Did anyone else see this from Dave Killoran over at PowerScore?!

“Probably the strangest thing from this LSAT is multiple reports that a released LR section from PT67 (October 2012) was used as an experimental section for some students. If those reports are true, that should never happen.“

Did this happen to anyone? That’s crazy if it did! If true, for anyone that made a mistake on the LSAT: you’re not alone! Apparently even LSAC makes mistakes!

Does anyone know if the switch to administer 9 LSATs per year applies to the overseas Testing centers as well, specifically Asia?

Hey, friends. I'm deciding very soon which 7Sage admissions package to get, and if anyone out there is willing to discuss your experiences with it, I'd be so grateful! Please send me a message if you're willing to share briefly. Thanks :)

Apparently the LSAT Administration had equipment issues across North America so they had to cancel, but they never shared what they were. But then a later email sounded as if there weren't enough test proctors, so not sure what really happened but this threw my application process plan off a bit. Anyone else impacted by this? Has this happened before? Sometimes staying traditional with paper and pencil exams works best. I'm still waiting for my confirmation that I can take the January 2020 exam and I've been on hold for an hour with the LSAC line.

Hi,

I was wondering if I'm missing out on a lot by using these (relatively) older PTs as full length tests? I heard that the test has changed over the years, so would taking only these PTs put me at a significant disadvantage? When I purchased the Premium package I hadn't realized that this may be an issue.

Thanks!

When will PT 89 be available on 7Sage for practice? Thank you! #help

Same question for other submissions. Should I pdf before submitting? I don't see guidance anywhere on this..

thanks in advance!

Hey 7Sagers,

Here's the official November 2019 LSAT Discussion Thread.

**Please keep all discussions of the November 2019 LSAT here!**(/red)

Rules:

✅ You can identify experimental sections. 🙆‍♀️

You can say things such as the following:

❌ You can't discuss specific questions. 🙅‍♂️

You CANNOT say things such as the following: