Hey guys, so we are just under a week away from the December 2017 test and I know nerves are high! For many Sagers it is their first time taking the actual LSAT. There are also many Sagers who have taken the real test once, twice or even more times before. I wanted to start a thread where we could come together and ask questions and relieve some nerves before the test! Feel free to comment advice, tips, or questions so we can all help each other out and we have a useful thread to refer to!

Helpful Links;

1.) Photo requirements - https://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/day-of-test/photo-requirements

2.) Day of test information (what to bring) https://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/day-of-test

3.) Dates and deadlines (Including predicted score release) https://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/test-dates-deadlines/2017-2018/us-canada-dec

4.) List of common questions - https://www.lsac.org/jd/help/faqs-lsat

My Advice;

Understand that the test doesn’t start right at 8:30. Depending on the size of your testing center it will probably start closer to 9-9:30. You will have a bunch of time where you sit and wait. Followed by directions.

Be weary of talking to other test takers about the LSAT. You don’t know their level of preparedness and it might get you nervous if they say something you were not expecting.

Use the bathroom before the test.

Scout out the location before you go. My test center has one bathroom, and it’s small. The line, especially for girls, is HUGE.

Bring a snack! You might be hungry by the time the break comes.

Don't try "cheat drugs" - don't overload on caffeine - go to bed early!

Try not to change your routine at all.

Stay calm, don't get into your own head.

Listen to the proctors, follow the rules. Don't be the person who bubbles after time and gets flagged!!

Please feel free to add your own advice, questions or experiences guys!

Hey all,

I've been feeling anxious (as I'm sure many December test takers are) and was wondering whether I should avoid writing a PT today. If I take the PT, I risk burn out (which I'm slightly feeling at the moment) and also lack of confidence heading into the test (if I don't hit around my target score which is a 163).

At this point I've taken around 16 PTs and this will be my second write (I wrote last in September).. so I feel like I know what I know by now and really don't want to head into the test feeling mentally exhausted and deflated. But maybe simulating one more test would provide beneficial for the test on Saturday, I'm not sure!

Any advice would be appreciate :) Also, good luck to everyone writing on Saturday!

Hey all,

Has anyone ever tried the 3 watch method J.Y. mentions in the core curriculum? AKA - that you buy 3 (LSAT approved) watches, set each of them to 12:00, and turn each of them "on" at the beginning of each section? Then reset after the break.

Has anyone ever tried this? And has anyone gotten in trouble for it? I'm gonna do it this weekend.

I usually hate brags, but I just got my first 170 on BR, and I am ecstatic!!! I know its is still a ways off from getting that on my actual first go around (my average is 163), but I have never scored so high before timed or untimed. For once, I feel like it is possible I can get a great score. I am amazed at the progress I have made in the past 4 months with 7sage. The drills really helped me out, and the discussion boards also. No need to comment or complain, just wanted to share. That is all. :)

Hello everyone,

I have been studying for a month, and have been struggling to improve my LSAT score. I am stuck at an average of 144 in my last four LSAT prep tests. Should I just give up at this point?

I do well in the Logical reasoning (20/25 avg.), but struggle greatly with logic games and reading comprehension (struggle is an understatement). I was supposed to write my LSAT on Saturday, but withdrew (clearly, I am not ready).

It's a shame too, because my calculated uGPA was 4.01. :(

Please help.

Time to get pumped up December testers!

https://media0.giphy.com/media/qPKdzt3x44wy4/giphy.gif

Or maybe calmed down..

https://media1.giphy.com/media/xNrM4cGJ8u3ao/giphy.gif

Whatever you need, you're not alone. Your fellow testers are right there with you, and there's also many of us who've gone before and come out the other side (such as special guest @"Jonathan Wang" !). So whatever you're dealing with in these final days before the test, come hang out with us. We understand the build up to test day and can commiserate--maybe even help!

December LSAT Pep Rally

Thu, Nov 30, 2017 8:00 PM EST

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/167076229

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (646) 749-3122

Access Code: 167-076-229

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Hi I'm looking for a study buddy, maybe working together 1-2 times a week (more, if it works!). I'm sitting for the June 2018 LSAT. Preferably looking to study via Skype. Send me a DM with your studying so far, schedule, score goals, etc if you're interested.

One edit:

One edit of an essay or résumé.

You’ll get a comprehensive critique, detail-oriented suggestions, a language edit, and/or a proofread as necessary.

Unlimited edit:

Unlimited editing for a single essay or résumé.

Help with every stage of the writing process.

I'm confused how "one edit" would work...so I might be paying $184 and end up just getting a spellcheck?

Hello All,

I had a question regarding whether or not to negate "NO" in the translations section and how that works. Below, I have highlighted why I am unsure about this. I have recently started the course so if this is something that is touched on later, I have yet to reach that point.

Group 3 Translations 3 with Answers.

Question 4

"Without brown being present [BP], NO new large store can be attracted to the downtown area[NLSA}"

My answer

/BP--->NLSA

/NLSA--->BP

JY Answer

/BP--->/NLSA

NLSA--->BP

In JY's answer, he negated the sentence that included NO. However, in the previous section, he did not and I was confused as to whether that was a preference or following a rule.

Group 3 Translations 2 with Answers

“Until there is NO shred of doubt that nuclear dumps are safe (100% safe), it makes sense to situate them where they pose the least threat to the public (SLT)”

My Answer

100% safe—>SLT

/SLT—>/100%

JY’s Answer

/100% safe–>SLT

/SLT–>100% safe

For this question, it was explained to me by another Sager that you have to understand the context of when NO is used, which is why this was not negated.

Question 5

“Unless something is done about the alcohol problem at this university (DSA), I’ll have to transfer to a university where there are NO fraternities (TU)”

My Answer

/DSA—>/TU

TU—>DSA

JY’s Answer

/DSA—>TU

/TU—>DSA

For myself, if it was read as "I'll have to transfer to a university where there are fraternities (TU)," I can understand why it is not negated. But with the NO included, intuitively I assume it should be negated since you are stating the opposite. Semantics of course are crucial but is there any rule of thumb that can help with discerning when to negate or not?

Thank you in Advance

Personally, on Sunday I'm going to go chop off my hair! I haven't cut my hair in like 5 years, so I'm gonna go to a salon, get a nice shampoo, and then chop off all the stress from the past 6 months of studying. It sounds drastic, but it was either this or a tattoo!

What about y'all?

So in all the prep madness, I just now got around to printing my ticket. I now see that my photo is a little bit smaller than the requirement and shadows on my face. I took it with my phone. I'm freaking out. what should I do?

Hey!

I am having a strange problem on logical reasoning – I consistently predict the correct answer (I identify the precise gap for a SA for example), but then somehow choose the wrong answer choice. This keeps happening despite my attempts to be more careful. I’m curious if anyone else has had this problem, and if so how they were able to get past it?

Thanks!!

I took the LSAT in 2015. Before that I took 1 PT and did very little studying, virtually none other than reading the books about the LSAT that the LSAC sells. I am finally finished with undergrad. Have a very part-time job working from home. I am now able to dedicate a ton of time to studying. I'd like to take the Feb '18 LSAT. Still with little studying, yet, I took two PTs this week so far, and am at 142. Given my less than desirable GPA my LSAT score needs to be 150+ to get into a school in Ohio or Michigan. If I can dedicate 25+ hours per week over the next 10 weeks, is it humanly possible to raise 10 points? I'll purchase the starter, I did complete like 20% of the CC before but wasn't focusing as much as I should, I was still in UG. But now, I have the time to study and want to take advantage of it while I can. Any tips for studying over the next 10 weeks? Should I continue to take PTs for practice each week or wait until I finish the CC to take anymore?

Hey guys! I was just wondering if anyone has any tips for taking the lsat or how to approach test day. Saturday will be here before we know it so I’m just trying to get all the advice I can!!

So, way back in May when I first took my diagnostic, I got a 138. I remember seeing my score and feeling my heart completely drop. What made it even worse was way before I got on 7sage, I kept reading other forums about how it's practically impossible to raise your score up anything beyond 11 points in a short period of time.

I decided to just keep at it. Went at it full time. I dedicated at least 40 hours a week to it, if not more. I still felt like it was an impossible task though, but I figured I had to get the full 11 points, if I was going to try. Sometime in August, though, I stumbled upon the 7sage forum and it was seriously the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. Someone on the discussion page had mentioned that the test is really doable and you can definitely learn how to master it.

So, with the last bit of energy I had left, I sat in for the test in September and restrategized for the test in December. I was PT-ing at 151 before I sat in on the Sept test. Took it, then took a week off after. Knowing I hadn't reached my full potential, I went back to it a week after. I refused to cancel my score. I wanted to know how much test anxiety would affect me. I got a 149. Which, considering from where I started from, it wasn't too shabby.

I kept at it though. Got my third 160 today on my practice test. I still have room for improvement (especially with logic games), but I can't thank this site enough for all the energy and motivation it's given me.

I'm taking it on Saturday, but by then I'm going to push for another jump in my score. Someone kept telling me it was an impossible jump to hit 160, but I can't wait to prove them wrong.

If you're in my boat, keep chugging along. You get what you put into this test. If you aren't willing to learn from your mistakes, you're not trying hard enough. Every bit counts. I've given up a lot of social gatherings, so it's definitely been a struggle but go on more runs, do yoga, meditate and find a way to keep your mental health intact.

Sign up for the core classes, get yourself the powerscore books, and stay committed. If you work hard enough, you'll thank yourself when you get your acceptances. As someone once told me, "as long as you don't quit, you'll succeed".

Hope this helped ease some anxiety for Saturday!

7Sagers,

On Tuesday, December 5, at 9 p.m. ET, I’ll host an admissions webinar with brand new material. I’ll start with last-minute application tips, and then a few other editors will join me for live lightning consultations.

What’s a lightning consultation? We’ll call on you one at a time and try to be as helpful as possible in five minutes or less. We can brainstorm personal statement topics, strategize about addenda, discuss LORs, or answer general admissions questions.

:cookie: After the webinar, we’ll give one attendee a free critique of a personal statement or résumé.

:warning: You’ll have to register for this webinar in advance.

→ Please register for the webinar (Dec 5, 2017 @ 9:00 p.m. ET) here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8894474411153176835

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

We hope to see you there!

I have been seeking clarification on a frequent logic game rule. If the rule says A1---->B2, does that also mean if B is second A will be first?

Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well and that you are getting pumped for this LSAT.

My last LSAT did not go to plan....Stupid Hurricane Irma!

But the December test is upon us, and I was wondering if and how people change their study habits specifically for this week? I do study pretty much everyday (except Sundays), but this week seems to be extra special.

What do you focus on? How many PTs do you shoot for? If there is something you still struggle hardcore with do you go at it guns ablazin or just put a pin in it and sharpen the skills you are already strong in?

I am thinking of having two days of reviewing lessons with JY, doing two PTS, and two BRs. But I am just trying to see if people have any tactics that they feel help them so close to the actual day of the test.

Thank you so much in advance!

-dazedandconfused

Hi guys,

I need some advice before the exam on Saturday.

My scores are very inconsistent :(

On LR, one section i can do -4 and on another it can be as bad as -8 to -10 sometimes. Is this normal between the two sections??

Also for games, if I stay calm throughout the whole section, I can usually do -4. however on those miscellaneous games, I can't seem to do those for the most part. I went back and foolproofed all of the Cambridge packets for LG couple weeks ago. It was a good refresher!

I need to do good on LR and LG because there is really no hope of me improving on RC.

For RC it can be -7 to -15... I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING for RC. I have read thru LSAT trainer, printed cambridge packets (everything!) I either get the passages or I don't. I don't feel like wasting my time with RC.

I hope to score in the 157 to 160 range and I can PT around there but I don't know what else I should be doing at this point! I plan on taking a PT tomorrow. Is it a bad idea to review every single LR question type before the exam? Or should I just be doing timed sections? I took the entire week from work off, hoping to make the most of it by going to the library everyday till Thursday but I also don't want to burn myself out.

Well, it's official. I'm burnout in my final week.

Over the last 3.5 months, I've written an average of 4-6 PTs a week, with that number having increased towards the 6 figure over the past month. My PT average over the last 2 months has been ~175, but the last few weeks have been a real kick in the confidence. My last 7 PTs have been a 168/170/175/174/176/173/173. Eliminating the 168 outlier, they're objectively not that far off, but subjectively, they've been the worst exams I'm written in 2+ months. I'm having trouble focusing (both cognitively, but also in terms of vision) and I'm running out of time on sections that I was comfortably completing in 32-33 minutes a month ago. In past, my distribution of incorrect answers by section was relatively even, but recently it seems to manifest in a blowup on one section (-5/-6 + on one section).

The stress has been getting to me and I'm consistently waking up after ~2 hours of sleep and rarely able to get back to sleep after. All things considered, I'd say I've been averaging ~3 hours of sleep a night, and not for a lack of trying. I'm always waking up with dreams of logic games or a tough RC passage. The lack of sleep is definitely impacting my ability to "cope" with tough sections/questions and my nerves are shot.

I'm trying to determine the best way to get back on track. Priority # 1 is to get some sleep. Lots of sleep. And then some more sleep. There's a large part of me that's inclined to sit back and take the next four days off. Alternatively, I've considered 2 days off, a final PT on Thursday and then1 day off.

For those that have been burned out in past, how significantly did it impact your ability to focus? What kind of drop did you see in PTs? How did you manage it?

Hey y'all

I have been fool-proofing LG's Prep-test 1-20 and I have a really hard time with the games that the target time is 5 minutes. I'll get them perfect but I'll end up at 6 mins or 6:30 even after doing them loads of times. Is it worth it to keep pounding away at them or is it sucking up my time that I could be doing other games? It feels like the latter. As always I'm looking for efficiency in study method. Your two cents would be appreciated.

I have made this mistake more often than I should be. Working PT 28, Game 1; simple sequencing game. My only mistake was misinterpreting the rule: "N must be assigned to a higher numbered position than M." I paused because I have messed it up before but still did it wrong and put N-M. Cost me 2 questions.

My question is in sequencing games how to distinguish which number is higher. Let's use 7 spots numbered 1-7. I have had games where 1 is the highest and others like the one I did that 7 is. When 1 is the highest, I have noticed that the rule specifically states this instead of being as casual as the PT 28 was. Is this typically the case? Should I always assume 7 is highest unless specified otherwise?

Thanks in advance!

Hey guys, had a 7Sager message me with a question and I thought you could help out! Here it is:

Hi I had a question regarding the 5th question on Section 2 of preptest 78 (June 2016). you came to the conclusion that B is correct. but cant we also say that A (i.e. QS) is also true? I mean QS were also out so how do we differentiate in the end?

https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-78-section-2-game-1/

Hey everyone, I’m trying to figure out a good game plan for this week. I want to be adequately rested, I burned out my first time taking in February and I don’t want that to happen again.

Anyone who has good tips on how I should approach these last few days, I am all ears.

Can any one tell me what the last sentence of the stimulant? I smudged mine and couldn't do this one. Thank you!

https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-78-section-1-question-08/