Hi 7Sagers -

There have been a couple posts/discussions about forming study groups. To take a concrete step in that direction, I'm writing this post to inform the community that I will be holding blind review sessions on the following dates, for the following PT's, over google meets:

Tuesday 8/11 - PT 79

Saturday 8/15 - PT 80

Tuesday 8/18 - PT 88

Saturday 8/22 - PT 89

I'm taking the August flex - am averaging around 170 right now but really trying to get it consistently into the 172-174 range. Strongest section right now is LR, with really variable performance on RC and LG.

During my last swing at the LSAT 2 years ago I found group blind review tremendously helpful, as verbalizing rationale for correct/incorrect answer choices helped reinforce the right logical processes, while attempting to defend the wrong answers often allowed me to catch and self-correct my logical errors, or otherwise have them elucidated by other members.

The process for each session is one person will read out their selected answers to each question, any deviations among other members will be recorded, and each question with a deviation will be discussed. We'll also discuss any questions without deviations but that any one of the group members flagged with uncertainty.

Sessions will be at 3PM PDT. If you're interested, please send me a DM with your email address so I can add you to the calendar invite.

To keep the groups small enough to remain productive, I'll post here when any one of the sessions gets 3 sign-ups, at which point it will be closed. Accordingly, please only sign-up if you have a definite intention of joining.

Many thanks,

Hari

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge that I am extremely privileged to be able to have parents that supported me and allowed me to study so long. Id say Ive been studying for about 8 months full-time. I didn't take a diagnostic but started at a 156 on the 2007 test Post CC. This was around July 2019. After running my wheels and just taking a ton of PTs I realize I was approaching studying the wrong way. I contacted @"Habeas Porpoise" and I had a pretty good study schedule that I stuck to for a while. Eventually, (for better or worse) i stopped drilling. I literally started doing EVERY practice test starting from PT1. I worked my way up. It was pretty painstaking, but I figured that I couldn't go too wrong if I just started from PT1. I had a lot of time until my test date (which I planned for March back then). For me, this grindy style worked to an extent. After getting from 1-40, I'm positive I had the basics down and was able to consistently be in the mid 160s. Its hard to say because I was doing 2 sections a day and blind reviewing, as opposed to full practice tests. At this point, I was writing explanations account playable style for maybe half the questions in every practice test (they are on the explanation videos) if u ever wanna see. I was doing this ESPECIALLY for RC, because I found that it was my worst section. Now, at this point, I was in the mid 160s, and RC was my worst section. I was going -1 or -2 on games, maybe -4-6 in LR, but like -7 to -8 in RC.

Here, I contacted @"Cant Get Right". He helped me with RC strategies, and surprisingly, we found out that if I read faster and was more rigorous, I would probably score higher. This doesn't work for everyone, but Im guessing my background as a collegiate debater ingrained in me the ability to read faster. At this point, I was determined to get a high score. My goal at this point was still a 168 on test day. So for the next 3 or 4 months until March (it was December at this point) I took 2 sections a day and alternated with full practice tests. It was at this point (i think if you cross reference the times on the explanation videos) that i took RC REALLY SERIOUSLY. After practice test 45, up to like 70, i think i wrote an explanation for EVERY RC question in every test. I would write why the right answer is right, and also why every single other answer choice is wrong. Honestly, its hard to tell if it helped lol. Id like to think so because RC ended up being my best section, starting at -8 to -10, to -0 to -3. On harder sections (like the token section) I scored -2. On candor I scored --4 (whole section).

At this point, I was hitting 169-172 on PTs and was ready for March. The test was cancelled. Idk i was pretty sad because I felt ready and I was quickly running out of PTs. Until they announced the Flex, I just retook old practice tests, because I didnt really want to commit to taking new tests until I knew when the next test was.

They announced the May Flex, and I moved up from the 70s. At this point, my study schedule was pretty intense. Id take a practice test, and write an explanation for EVERY question, including all LR and RC questions, and post on the forums. Id post an explanation PRE knowing the answer, and if I got it wrong, would post an explanation saying why I got what I got wrong and why the right answer is right.

Did this help? I would like to think so. At the 170 level, I dont think its necessary to spend 10 minutes reviewing a one star question in LR. But I like to be better safe than sorry, and reinforce my reasoning even for the easiest questions. i was doing 2 sections of games a day as well. i was also reading the Economist or the Atlantic for an extra 30 minutes - 1 hour everyday.

Then comes the May Flex. I cant say too much about the test, but nerves got me and I choked on LG. 168. Had a ton of time on the last game, misread a rule, and it was over lol. Couldnt think straight, and in 3 minutes, wasnt able to even do one question on the last game. At this point, I wasn't really sure what to do. I was happy and grateful for my score, but I felt I left so much on the table. I felt I worked so hard and I ended up scoring a bit below my average. I was scared to retake, because I didnt think I could work any harder (nor do I think that its smarter to just do more) and I didn't want to be disappointed again.

From May till July, i had about 15 PTs left. I think I did 10 of them. Same thing, posted an explanation for every single question. If you go from the 70s to the 80s youll find my explanations for almost every question. I wanted to make sure I knew the test inside out. At this point, I was consistently scoring around -1 to -3 in RC. -0 or -1 in LG. And LR was the decider. Sometimes -0, sometimes -7 lol. So I worked on LR for 2 months. I peaked with a 177 PT, and was averaging 173-174 ish.

All the time, starting from when I bought 7sage, I made sure to follow J.Y.s advice. Didn't really party or drink, took sleep seriously, and made sure I had a healthy mindset with exercise and diet. I recognize I'm very privileged to be able to do that. I got a full decked out home gym the moment corona hit, and I think that helped. I woulda gone crazy if it wasn't for that, as I've always been big into fitness.

So, coming into July, I was really really confident. From time to time, I had time problems. the 35 minute sections seemed brutal at times. But it would never cause a disaster for me. On PTs id always get at least a 170 at this point. The test was ok. i do think I rolled p unlucky. I know the curve balances out but with LR being my weakest section and rolling what I perceive to be the hardest LR section, it was brutal. Still, got a 172. Not gunna retake because I think 1-2 below PT average is fine. Its not worth it to retake for me. Also, I only have 5 fresh PTs left, and I want to save them for tutoring/teaching purposes.

Throughout this whole time, It really put a smile on my face whenever someone commented my explanations helped them. It was a goal of mine to be an approved sage, and I'm glad it finally happened! For the next year, Ill be taking on students part time while enjoying my life before law school.

If you wanna learn more about me and what I can offer tutoring wise, visit this page, im at the very bottom.

https://classic.7sage.com/discussion/#/discussion/4760/7sages-approved-tutors/p1

If you can learn anything from me, its that I literally brute forced my way to a 172 lol. If anyone wants any specific tips or more details on my journey feel free to PM me!

I’m taking the test in October and I feel a working with a tutor might help me break my plateau in LR. Can anyone recommend a 7sage approved sage tutor who they have worked with in the past? I have a budget of around 40$ per hour.

I have taken 5 timed PTs.

By the third and fourth sections my mental exhaustion is so severe I get slow and stupid.

It is debilitating to the point where the easiest LG takes forever to complete.

Mental exhaustion prevents me from finishing sections.

I quit drinking liquor a long time ago.

I excercise 5 days a week.

I take Seroquel and Lithium for bipolar disorder at night.

I drink coffee every morning.

When I BR I structure my time to match a timed PT.

I take 1 PT a week.

I have taken 5 timed PTs.

Hi all - Was wondering if I'm crazy or not...

In my time studying for the LSAT, I from time to time come across people who claim to have scored 170+ on a diagnostic, and in this case, today I stumbled on a website that offers different advice to people who score 170+ on it.

I majored in Philosophy, graduated summa cum laude, and came into the LSAT with an understanding of logic and argument structure. I aim for 170+ as well but in my diagnostic I had never seen anything like the AR section and didn't finish a single section in time scoring a 155. Even scoring in the 160's without understanding the element of timing and the content of the exam seems extremely difficult.

Am I assuming incorrectly that other people are taking their diagnostics before studying anything?

Am I gullible for believing that people are just walking in off the street and scoring in the top 2%?

Another part of me feels like there is NO WAY someone can just sit down with 0 preexisting knowledge about the LSAT and crank out a 170+. But it is apparently common? Furthermore I see people claiming to score consistently above 170 within a few weeks of studying. I feel like its the equivalent of someone just deciding to take up basketball and making it into the NBA just showing up to a tryout without ever practicing.

If anyone here has been able to do this, how do you think it was possible? High caliber IQ? familiarity with content or time constraints?

Pretty much what the title says. Not really the date of the applications because I know they probably vary, but do they open at midnight or just some arbitrary time that is set?

Hi everyone, first of all thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.

I'm a 23-year-old international student; just got my bachelors degree this year. I've always had my mind on going to law school but wasn't so sure about it, but during my current internship it became clear that I really do want to go to law school.

However, the thing is that I think I want to apply for a new internship that could turn into a full-time job (in management consulting) in the hopes of 1) gaining financial independence 2) obtaining industry knowledge and/or practice critical thinking in the real world. I am thinking of having a full-time job (hopefully this job that I'm applying for🙏) for about 1-2 years before I go to law school, but the application process of this new internship requires that I write about my career goals. Do you think it would be ok if I tell them honestly that I'm planning to go to law school?

hey everyone, I'm scoring right around 170 and was planning on taking the August LSAT. I'm shooting for a 175, and feel like I could get there by the October test. I'm worried I would lose a month of the rolling admissions cycle. Basically, I'm wondering what weighs more - better score or earlier app.

Thanks!

Crying as I write this because anyone who's been in the LSAT boat knows the damn STRUGGLE and how hard we work at this shit every day. Just sending some encouragement to anyone feeling discouraged right now.. you CAN do it!!!!

Hello 7sagers,

Follow my analogy here- (hope it’s clear enough). If the corona virus is among the most common ills, doesn’t that mean that most people have it? The argument tells me if I take aspirin, I would be in better health but that’s not true because while I could be covid free from taking an aspirin, it doesn’t mean I’m in better health if my diarrhea is still persisting.

I chose C because preventing or reducing the severity of covid has nothing to do with the flu or blood pressure, all of which are common.

7sagers, Let’s discuss:

I don’t understand B over C because the fact that the corona virus is common would mean that millions of people in the US alone have it. The explanation video helped me under B but I'm still struggling with why C is wrong.

That's is how I attacked the question. Well not necessarily attacked, considering I got it wrong.

I’d would love to hear how you interpreted it. If the stimulus is saying it’s among the most common ills, won’t that mean that most people have it?

Hey guys! I've been studying for the LSAT for about a year, and am planning to take in August. A month ago, I began averaging near my goal score. I scored 6 PTs in a row at about that range, and then suddenly, I saw a 4 point drop. I thought it may be a fluke at first, but I have now scored 5 tests in a row below my average from last month. I don't feel burnt out, I haven't changed my approach at all, and so I'm not sure how to diagnose/resolve this issue.

Has anyone had a similar experience? If so, please let me know what approach worked for you.

Has anyone had any success with any of the reading comprehension guides? In particular manhattans, blueprint, or the trainer? I’m pretty confident in my Lr and lg abilities, the only thing holding me back right now is RC. I’ve practiced a ton with thorough blind review but my scores are wildly inconsistent. I just wanted to see what the general opinion was on here about any of those. Thanks!

Hey guys, the highlight function isn’t working on my Mac using law hub, has anyone taken the flex on a Mac and been able to highlight?

Hey all, I'm new to 7sage and I noticed theres a whole bunch to do before we even touch on real practice tests. Should I really be waiting that long or should I sprinkle some in here and there before then?? Let me know what worked for you guys!

Hey Guys. Can anyone PTing in the late 160s and 170s take a look at my analytics and recommend a method of study. I plateaued at 158-161 and have been unable to improve for a month.

Hi I'd like to meet with someone scoring around same as me (about 170-171) to study together. My schedule is pretty limited I have 7-8am EDT, sometimes 10-11am and some nights around 730pm.

The areas I'm working on are RC, flaw questions, NA, and testing with confidence.

Please DM if interested :)

Hello All,

Has anyone struggled in RC especially when answering questions correctly and accurately. Any tips for overcoming this or strategies? Would appreciate any help, I'm starting timing but noticing around 2-3 wrong per passage. I'm taking the August-Flex Test.

After the Tuesday quarantine hangouts I've been keeping an eye out for the YouTube videos to be uploaded. Just wanted to share with those who may not have been aware of this resource or maybe forgot about it! Posting the link that brings you to the first lesson!

Answer choice C: "it is compatible either with accepting the conclusion or denying it"

I have seen this answer choice in other AP questions and want to make sure I understand what it means. From my understanding, this answer choice is an indirect way of stating that the part of the argument that we find in the question stem is the conclusion. Is this correct?

Also, I had a really hard time trying to determine whether or not the first sentence in the stimulus was the main conclusion. Is the last sentence in the stimulus a sub-conclusion? For me, that last sentence is more of a summary of the first sentence. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! I'm taking the LSAT for the first time on August 29. I'm kind of confused about the timeline of the LSAT and the writing section. LSAC says that the writing section "will be available in your online account eight days prior to every test administration." Does that mean that I must complete the writing section within that time frame? I'm confused about this because the website also says "Beginning with the August LSAT-Flex, all test takers must have a completed writing sample on file before they will receive their score or have their score released to law schools." Could someone please clarify this for me? I'm planning on applying to schools this October, so I'm assuming I can complete the writing any time before then? Thanks in advance!!

CRINGE

Not sure if this was a coincidence but I feel that the change was too drastic not to be... I've been averaging around -7 the past few weeks in RC and have had little success improving this until a PT today when I got -1 for the first time ever (have been studying for ~8 months).

Literally the only thing that I have changed in my study routine is reading a novel for fun the past few days in my "downtime." Not sure if anyone else has had a similar jump after adding some extra reading material to their daily regimen but here's to hoping that this tip can help others!

3 tests within a week and it's the same score. All 3 had me performing high on one sections while the other 2 sections alternatively dipped. I've taken every PT up to 69. I'm drilling like a machine everyday for 10-12 hours. Is there something I'm doing wrong? Should I scale back and read more on strategies (I find those painfully boring and would rather review my mistakes). This exam is making me want to take an IQ test and ask questions about how I was able to go through undergrad. The caffein in my body can feed a town for an entire year. 12 hours per day and I'm still stuck in mid 150s. How does one even get the same score all three times? I'm literally crying.

Hi everyone. I know this is quite a basic question but its somewhat essential for me. I have been seeing improvement everywhere except LG. I am constantly getting 10 plus wrong mostly because of timing and accuracy issues. How do I improve? I know I need drill and fool proof but I am not really seeing massive improvements with such methods and I can really only get through 1-2 sections a day with these methods. What specifically do I drill and how do I effectively drill? If I master this section I will see great improvement but can't manage to substantially increase. Thanks!

How do we represent "Many," when we come across it in a passage or AC that uses other quantifiers like Most and Some. Do we write it out like Some? I just came across Many in PT A; Q. 14, AC D and I didn't know if I should represent Many as Some in this instance or not. It kind of threw me off. I know Many implies Some but Some doesn't imply Many. I didn't see that there is an explanation video for this specific question, so I'm asking/discussing here. Thanks in advance!

#Help