My plan is to blanket the T14 schools with no expectations of acceptance. As far as I can tell, my best shot is University of Austin Texas (or #14). According to the LSAC GPA/LSAT browser, applicants with my GPA and LSAT had between a 54% and 64% chance of getting accepted into Austin in 2016. The same people only had between 27% and 40% chance of getting into Cornell, which #13.

If I get accepted into any one of them, I'll go. If not, I'll take the LSAT again in June 2018 and hopefully beef up my resume along the way.

My personal issue is that I don't actually know the national reach of a lower T14 school; this is especially a concern for Austin. I don't know where I want to practice, and I haven't evaluated any job markets yet.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

So after a brief discussion with an amazing tutor from 7Sage (Not going to tag him because I probably annoy him too much haha)

it's clear that where I'm having the most issues with this test is not the fundamentals but rather the execution.

After receiving my 163 I went back over the test to see where I had gone wrong. I couldn't really find one spot...I blind reviewed fairly easily to a 180. So how is it possible that I went -13 in LR and -7 in RC?

I'd have to say it was nerves, rushing and panic...

So now I need to figure out how to address these issues. I WILL NOT STOP working on the fundamentals. Obviously every single person will always do well to continue to entrench these into their thought process. What I need advice on is;

Skipping strategies that I would be comfortable with

Strategies to keep my mind focused on the argument and task

Strategies to not panic during the test

Ways to improve on speed/confidence/accuracy and the like.

Anyone have any good starting points for stuff like this?

I have a 3.7 GPA and scored a 163 in September when I took it for the first time. My highest PT score was a 170. Georgetown has been my dream school for years. I am aiming for a 167/168 in December. Is a 4-5 point increase attainable in two months?

I took around 10 fully timed PTs before my September exam. My test was the makeup Irma test, so it is undisclosed, but I feel like I did the worst on LG. I let my nerves get the best of me and guessed on about 6 questions.

Does anyone have any advice on where to go from here?

Thank you all so much in advance. 7sage has really been vital to my LSAT prep.

My priority school is UW.

My GPA is quite mediocre (3.57cumul/3.7 degree)

I’m aiming for 165-167. Am I not doing myself any favors with that expectation for that school?

Hey guys,

Assumption questions happen to be my achilles heel. I've begun practice testing and was wondering if anyone has any advice to offer to help me combat these guys

Nothing prepared me for the disappointment I felt when I opened my LSAT email from June. I had been feeling confident about the test and thought I would at least hit 170. I am a splitter applicant; I've always known that to be competitive I needed a stellar LSAT score. After a lot of studying (and a lot of dollars spent on the Ultimate package on 7Sage), I had managed to get my PT average to 171. My score came back 6 points lower, lower than any of my previous 15 practice tests. I realized then that a 165 is an objectively great score, but I was disappointed nonetheless.

I imagine there are many people here who feel the same. We set goals, we come up short, and deep down we know we can do better. I felt dejected. A huge part of me wanted to just call it a day and never take an LSAT prep-test again. But ultimately I pushed forward, took a few more practice tests, re-took some of the recent ones, and gave it one more shot in September. When I got my score yesterday (a 174), I literally fell out of my seat. I closed and re-opened the email 5 different times to make sure I hadn't misplaced the 7 and 4 in my head. I refreshed the page for the next hour, just waiting for LSAC to send a "We meant to send that to someone else..." I woke up panting from a nightmare last night that it had all been a dream.

Now I look back and I consider myself lucky to have scored 6 points below my average and not, say, 4, because any higher a score and I likely would've settled and said goodbye to the LSAT once and for all. In a way, thanks to scoring 6 points below my average, I had the chance to come back with a vengeance and score 3 points above.

The crazy thing about both of these tests: I left feeling just as confident (and unconfident) after each. The fact is sometimes a test plays to your strengths (and you get lucky), and sometimes a test screws you like a power tool.

Whether your goal is 170 or 150, if you feel like your September score does not demonstrate your potential, hold your head up high. You are not alone!

This exam is beatable. Most likely, the next one won't have judges with quite as high a degree of candor.

You can always take it again, and you can always do better.

Winter is coming, but winter will pass (hopefully; Game of Thrones S8 hasn't been released yet, so I can't say for sure).

SN: Thank you to 7Sage for all the help throughout this process. You guys easily offer the best course on the market. Eternally grateful, and plan to pass it forward to others in the future.

Hello, I recently paid for the LSAT stater to test out the course. But Im not sure how to use it. It seems like its jumping from different sections of the test. Do I need to use it will Im studying with my power score books and go to the section that match where I am at in the book? or do I start from the top? ...... please let me know how you all study using the course, it doesnt just have to bethe LSAT Starter. I just want to create a firm plan of how to study. I am planing on taking the Feb 2018 test.

Those of you who have gone 9 or more points up using 7sage, doesn't matter if it was from your raw score or not, how many times did you go through the core curriculum? or which parts in particular did you go through multiple times?

Hi, I haven't taken the exam yet, (my first time will be December), so please take this post with a grain of salt.

I know that many of the September takers under-performed. Although I haven't taken the LSAT myself, I know that my PT scores used to drop dramatically when I get nervous. I've been developing strategies for a while now to address this universal question: how can one be nervous/anxious/feel pressured and still perform well?

I think there are many outside resources, like meditation, exercising, positive thinking. But these are to set up one's mindset for the test day; but what if something goes wrong during the actual exam? What if meditating for 10 seconds during the exam doesn't help?

So I developed some strategies that I can fall back on.

Let's first think about what happens when we get nervous. From the fight or flight perspective, if we are in the "fight" mode, I think we develop an urge to move as fast as we can, to CONTROL the situation as quickly and much as we can. This is absolutely detrimental to performing well, especially for the LSAT, because LSAT rewards picking up on subtleties that can only be noticed when we are completely engaged and immersed with the text. Engaging, and not controlling, is the key. Similarly, if we are in the "flight" mode, we are probably panicking, not knowing what the next step should be. This is also detrimental, because LSAT tests what we can infer out amidst of uncertainty.

Regardless of whether we are in the "fight" or "flight" mode, we stop engaging with the text, which I think is the biggest reason for under-performing.

So the question becomes how to engage with the text when we are nervous. I think this is such a crucial question to performing well, but no one really discusses about it. The key is to internalize a consistent process that would force us to engage, so there is no room for your urge for control (or panic) to take over. The urge or panic will be there when we are nervous; This is out of our control. What is within our control is how we respond.

I'm sure that many of us normally engage with the writer, but lose the focus when we get nervous, because being nervous means that the attention is shifted back to us ( and how we are feeling). Below strategies help me to do shift my attention back to the author on a consistent basis.

For LR:

For example, if it is a scientist speaking, I take a moment to imagine a scientist talking about some study and hypothesis. If it is a mayor, it is probably something about a city policy and its effects. This is a part of prepping myself to listen and immerse with the speaker. This is helpful because as I am reading the stimulus, I can quickly identify and predict the function of the sentences. Oh, here is the study. So where is the hypothesis? So on and so forth.

When I start a new LR question, I slow down, doing the following:

Doing this might be counter-intuitive in the beginning, but with practice, this becomes second-nature. I can usually do all four in a couple of seconds (it's really more like a spark of thought), as they are not really a separate task. It's literally just stopping for a moment to orient myself. These strategies help me because I force myself to focus on the author and engage with the text and prepare my mind to be that way for every single question. I imagine a scene that the author created for me, give a personal response, think about why s/he wrote it, and capture it in my mind. The strategies also help me to manage the stimulus. I am not trying to control it; I am trying to break down the complicated information and sort it out into manageable pieces.

That way, I don't answer 10 questions mindlessly only to realize too late that I was going too fast.

I have similar strategies for RC and LG as well, but the philosophy is the same. It is finding the way to consistently engage with the text, so that the immersion beats and prevents nervousness.

The above strategy is just an example of what works for me. I am sure that everyone's strategies look different.

But I am writing this because I think we are overlooking that the half of the battle is psychological, and finding a way to be present and engage with the writer is probably the solution.

Also, please share any insights you have, too!

Thanks :)

hey guys,

I want to give myself the best chance of maximizing my score by knocking out the easy ones first. I know the first 10 are generally known as the easiest, but after that... how should I conquer and divide?

Hi guys,

I got my September Exam score back and although I'm relieved I improved, (1 point), I would still like to improve a couple more points to get more scholarship money and have a better chance at my reach schools. My diagnostic was a 140 and my highest official score is a 161. I already took the exam four times so I'm a bit worried about potentially having a fifth take. Which tutor would you guys recommend for improving in RC and LR in particular? If possible, I would prefer a tutor who started from a similar diagnostic as me. I dropped the ball in LR, (minus 8 in section 1 and minus 6 in section 4), even though I usually get around minus 3 and minus 4 for each LR section.

Also, would I still be able to negotiate higher financial aid offers if I sent in my applications before my retake in December? I was planning to send out applications to my target schools prior to the retake.

I'm ~~~lucky~~~ enough to be returning to studying for December post an oh-shucks-you're-better-that September performance.

I need to work on LG timing. When I do untimed LG sections or BR, I almost always get every question right. BUT when I'm confined to the all too claustrophobic 35 minutes, I find myself unable to finish - I barely even get through the 3rd game.

I've been foolproofing, and trying a game for the second go round definitely gets my time down, but I'm still too slow on first time games.

Advice?!?

Thank you to everyone who was kind to me today and showed me a lot of support. I noticed that for those of us who underperformed on September we have a lot of questions about what to do from here.

To help with that I have invited @"Cant Get Right" to answer any and all questions this Friday 7 pm EST. I honestly can't think of a better person to help answer these questions. He is someone who has scored in low160's twice, almost gave up on LSAT, but then decided to not let LSAT beat him. He worked hard and scored a 170 and eventually a 176. I think it would be tremendously helpful to be able to ask one on one questions directly to someone who has been there.

So this Friday evening, lets drop everything and figure out our problems :).

I hope this is something that will be helpful to a lot of you.

To attend the call, please click below the link at the scheduled time and we will see you there.

Hugs,

Sami

September LSAT Support Group

Fri, Oct 13, 2017 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

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

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/892650637

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (224) 501-3412

Access Code: 892-650-637

Joining from a video-conferencing room or system?

Dial: 67.217.95.2##892650637

Cisco devices: 892650637@67.217.95.2

First GoToMeeting? Let's do a quick system check: https://link.gotomeeting.com/system-check

@thisissparta @LSATcantwin @LCMama2017 @"Lucas Carter" @sillllyxo @goldmist @akistotle @elisajelley @TheMikey @"Testing..." @tcookPHL @deansr @"Arthur K." @mcglz_64 @BumbleJD1624

..and everyone else who I forgot to tag but would like to join -You are all welcome to come.

I've been trying for a month to get an LOR submitted. The professor is saying that they keep following the link and submitting it but it doesn't even show that it's acknowledged on LSAC. Has anyone had this problem before?

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to thank you all for the great time I've had on 7Sage. I really enjoyed my time here and you all made learning the LSAT sooo much more bearable.

I took the September test and was happy to get 2 points higher than my average PT range before test day. I've been reading some of the forum comments from others who were disappointed with marks, and some who scored a lot lower than their average range from PTs. I'm not big on preaching advice, but if I could offer one parting piece of it, I will just say there is no way I would have performed well on test day if it wasn't for my long time meditation practice and martial arts practice, which have all been training to keep me focused and centered no matter what is happening around me. I've really come to believe that 50% of this test is your skills and competence (which is super important!) and 50% is your psychological mindset, especially on test day. For those re-taking or just starting to study, if you can find some form of meditation practice and start doing it consistently, I don't think you will regret it.

With that I will just say again how grateful I am to have met you all and wish you nothing but the best with your future law careers!

I'm having issues with Chrome on my Mac OS. It seems to be buggy every time I try to print the tests, I have cleared cache and history multiple times but each time it still gets buggy and prevents me from making out where and how to print. Please advise on how to fix the issue, thank you.

I took the LSAT for the first time in June 2017 while I was abroad. I don't even want to mention what my score was (157), but I think there were a lot of contributing factors to that, as I consistently tested in the 165-170 range on practices. I really want to go to NYU for a variety of reasons. While I am not technically a URM, I am a former ward of the state/ foster child and I have a powerful backstory and personal statement as well as an interest in practicing public interest law. I have a 3.7 GPA, and I think that if I can score on the actual test within the range I mentioned earlier, I should have a real shot at NYU. Thoughts?

Hey I was a really high scorer headed into Sept averaging 175, but was really disappointed when I received my 167. I worked all summer on LR after going -9 in June, and was shocked to see -9 once again in Sept. For reference over 20 PT's in the summer I never did worse than -6 on LR combined and my range was -0 to -4 combined. I got the test back and could see that lack of sleep and nerves got to me as I missed my first ever MC question in any test ever and a few others that were insanely easy, but I can't lie there are a couple that have me completely stumped which is really rare for me.

Also holy hell, some of those RC questions were ridiculous. Anyone able to figure out why #7 and #18 were right in those sections? I wanted to see if we could discuss some of the questions on this test because it's killing me lol.

Would anyone at 7sage be willing to settle the debate about whether the curve on older PT's (0-30's) really is easier than new PT's(70's-80's). This gets brought up in forums constantly. You guy's have all the data necessary to determine this. Do users tend to score higher on older tests vs newer tests?

Hey, guys! I'm having trouble understanding why B is incorrect. My reasoning for selecting B was that if the diseased male grouse were treated with antibiotics their sacs would show that they were infected and this strengthened the hypothesis because the females would see this on their sacs and would not select them because they were unhealthy. It looks like I've made some assumptions somewhere or am I even on the right path with my logic? I read two explanations that aren't close to mine.

https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-25-section-4-question-06/

Anyone’s marker turn grey yet?

Hi All! I joined 7sage about a month ago and am currently near 40% through the CC of the starter pack. I'm taking it in December for the second time after taking a Testmasters course for the June exam (cancelled score because got nervous). I feel like i'm understanding everything so much better already, but I'm afraid I won't have enough time for real practice tests after I finish it all since the exam is coming up soon. I remember timing was an issue for me. What should I list as my "end" date for my study schedule? I can only study max 3-4 hrs a day since I work full-time unfortunately.

Thank you!!

Apparently if you start a fee waiver application it puts your account on hold until you finish it which means that you don't get your score until it is resolved. I got the hold removed today around 2pm PST, is it possible my score comes in today by 5? Or am I going to get it tomorrow?

I feel like the guy who came to the party-before-Armageddon on the day after.

I would love to do a joint degree program. Specifically I'd like to either obtain a J.D. M.P.P or J.D. PhD in government. What sucks is that I'll have to study for my GRE right after I take my LSAT (crap :() But anyway I wanted to see if anyone is thinking on a similar line? Is anyone else interested in joint degree programs? If so where? Also do you think it would aid in my wanting to delve into either International Relations or NGO or Immigration work (I wish there was a job that encompassed all three haha. I'm indecisive)? Are these joint degree programs a waste of time/money? Any and all thoughts welcome.

Hi all,

I am in a bit of a quandary: I had a ugrad gpa of 3.84 from a top 30 undergrad (graduated with many national honors), currently am working full time and doing my MEd in ed policy and leadership (grad gpa 3.9), on the board of a local non-profit and other strong soft markers, but my lsat was 158, aka WAY LOWER than reflects my ability but was where I was testing during practice. I have never been good at non-subject based standardized tests so I know it doesn't reflect my inherent academic aptitude. I don't have the time in my schedule to take it again so I really just don't know where to move forward. I think I'm just going to apply to my school list anyway and hope for the value of a holistic review. Anybody know of any success of people in similar positions?