I have taken 10 practice tests with scores ranging from 166 to 180 since completing the course. There is no trend, just random fluctuations. The 180 would tend to show that I have somewhat mastered the material, and I would expect that if the tests were the same difficulty every year, I should settle down in the low-170s...is anyone else having this problem? It seems like some years the test is super easy and other years the questions are much more difficult.

I don't really have anyone knowledgeable in my life to talk to about this, so I am hoping for some of y'alls advice regarding withdrawing from the Dec LSAT and waiting a year to apply.

To begin, I had my heart set on going to law school during Fall 2018. I made this decision this May, however, which gave me only 4ish months to study for the September LSAT. I took it and got a 161, which was below my PT averages by about 5-6 points. I am set on attending a top 20 school, but I know with my score chances are slim (my GPA is 3.8), especially since I need scholarship considerations. Between September and now I didn't have too much time to study because of busy season with my job, and so I don't feel prepared enough to get a 170+ and conquer this next test. I don't feel that I have reached my full potential at all. A part of me wants to say "YOLO" and take the test on Saturday and hope for the best, but the more rational side says its probably not a good idea. If I wait, I would take the test in June. It feels very far away. Also, I feel like just having two test scores is better than 3 if I took it and did poorly on Saturday. I could also just settle and go to a non-top 20 school, but I don't really want to do that.

After writing this above paragraph it seems pretty obvious that I should wait a year lol.

However, some of my other considerations are that if I wait until next year to apply, I'm going to be 29 when I graduate!! That seems like such an awkward/old age? Not young enough to be a fresh grad but not old enough to have a ton of experience, so it it feels like a bad age for hiring prospects. It also feels like my whole life is being delayed even longer, which is one of my bigger issues. I would have to figure out what I'm going to do until Fall 2019, but at this moment it feels like over a year and a half of waiting until I get to go to school.

Another question I have is regarding my recommendation letters. I already obtained the two I was planning on using for applications, but can I just keep them on hold until October of next year? That's basically letting them sit for 10 months... Do I have to ask my professors to re-write the letters?

I also received a substantial number of fee waivers for applications. I understand that these will "expire," but will schools offer these to me again in the next cycle, with my June score? I am not so affluent and these are very important to me.

Sorry for the long post and tons of questions. I think deep down I just want someone to tell me it's gonna be ok T_T Also I need to make this huge decision by Friday in order to withdraw.

TL;DR: Don't feel prepared to take LSAT on Saturday, is it ok to wait a year even though it feels like delaying my life? + other questions

Hello fellow December test-takers! I'm brushing up on PSA questions for this Saturday, and I came across a question that I think is an excellent learning opportunity in regards to domains and precision within the wider scope of tackling LSAT arguments that deal with assumptions. Below I offer my explanation of the question, PT68 S3 Q02, (link to JY's explanation: https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-68-section-3-question-12/) and a link to another question with a similar layout of argument and trap answer choices.

I’ve noticed that PSA questions that are “curvebreaker” level difficulty often have a very tempting trap answer that exactly mimics what you would formulate as your pre-phrase, and the right answer uses more veiled or sideways language that requires you to stop and think about the argument for a second. An analogous PSA question is PT 67 S4Q08, regarding burden of policy changes and salt on roads. Link: https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-67-section-4-question-08/

For the parsley question, a general pre-phrase would go something along the lines of,

“If you have two varieties (V) of a cooking ingredient, and one is LESS GOOD on two particular qualities (T and H), NEVER use the worse variety.”

Note that the reasoning never tells us what variety we SHOULD use, only what we should not; and that it’s a comparative statement, not absolute.

But here’s where the curvebreaker feature of a PSA question comes in: PRECISION. Especially, precision in relation to which domain of item the argument is referring to. The trap answer will use all the keywords that sound appealing to you, so if you aren’t reading carefully, you might just think you lucked out on prephrasing the answer, choose it quickly, and move on.

But WAIT: D is a trap because it is out of the proper domain of the argument, so it’s useless to justify our conclusion. D tells us that we shouldn’t use V that have no T and H. But that doesn’t apply to dried parsley: all we know is that it has LESS T and H than fresh parsley. It’s an unwarranted assumption to say that it has no T and H at all.

B, on the other hand, seems at first to not be substantial enough to justify the argument, and it doesn't use all of the matching keywords from the argument; but remember, we’re laying out a sufficient condition (Pseudo SUFFICIENT assumption), so if an AC points the precise premise to the precise conclusion in a pretty much airtight way, then we have a winner. And B definitely does this, because it correctly references the COMPARATIVE quality of the argument, and tells us to not use the lesser T & H Variety.

My takeaway: be concise when figuring out what the conclusion of the argument is, and make sure on PSAs that your correct answer is connecting the premises to THAT conclusion, and not just repeating words from the stimulus. With a clearer understanding of what the conclusion of the argument is, you'll be able to solve all assumption questions more quickly and with increased confidence.

Does anyone know of any other Logic Games that are similar to this one? These parrern like games always ruin my LG score.

http://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-72-section-4-game-4/

Fellow 7Sagers, I need your advice. I took the Sept LSAT and scored a 149. I haven't been able to put very much time into studying since then because we had a newborn (in addition to our toddler) a week after the test, and I was coaching cross country until mid October. I am also a high school Spanish teacher, so I have been trying to keep up with my work, all while helping at home as much as possible. My point is that I have at most, 1-2 hours a day that I can even attempt to study uninterrupted.

I am applying to schools this cycle. I should get into my first choice but I would still like to take the February LSAT to improve my score and have a better opportunity for scholarships. Things have started slowing down again but I'm not sure what would be the best way to get the most out of my study time. I'm struggling to get back into the groove and I'm feeling kind of lost because it has been so long since I actually studied.

Before I took the Sept LSAT my last 3 PTs were 146/152/149. My BRs were 159/164/159. My Sept LSAT breakdown was as follows:

Sect. 1 LR +11/-14

Sect. 2 LG +16/-7

Sect. 4 LR +13/-13

Sect. 5 RC +17/-10

Has anyone found themselves in a similar situation or have any suggestions on how to proceed? I have the LG and LR Powerscore Bibles and I've been through the 7sage CC, so I could review those. Also, I haven't really used the Powercore Bibles, but would it be a waste of time at this point? Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

I know this is odd to ask but is there any rules against wearing say a coat during the lsat in the winters? I'm planning on just wearing a long sleeve and hoping the centre isnt cold.

I uploaded a picture when I registered that I had, which I felt was mostly acceptable but had intentions on replacing it with a better, more suitable photo. By the time I took it and when to upload it, I had missed the deadline and now I'm freaking out that my original photo isn't as acceptable as I thought at first. I emailed LSAC support and they basically said it is up to the test center supervisor. I know that if I am denied entry to taking the test, I forfeit my registration and am ineligible for a refund. This is stressing me out on top of the regular already anxious about the test jitters I already have.

Does anyone have any advice? My plan currently is to just show up and look as much like that photo as I can (I am wearing my glasses but I usually wear my contacts so I will have my glasses on). I mean worst case scenario, I don't get in, I have to register for the next LSAT, etc. but I really just want to take this exam already and call it a day.

i started doing my foolproof for LG but for some reason i notice i am having a lot of problems after a new rule is added in. my question is , after a new rule is added in do i follow that rule for the rest of the questions after it or do i ignore that rule and use my master set up for those questions?

Hi All,

I really want to add another element of my personality/background to one of my applications. I want the admissions officers to know that their school is genuinely at the top of my list and to express the reasons why, but their application does not offer to many opportunities for expression (meaning they don't offer optional essays or ask for a "Why School X" reason). I vaguely mention in my personal statement why this school appeals to me, but it barely scratches the surface. I'm hesitant to add a Why School X essay as "supplemental information" because that is typically intended for addenda/diversity statements. What do you all think?

Thanks in advance!

I read the question twice before the answers. Anybody else do this? It seems to be the way my brain absorbs things..

Hi everyone,

Should I be BR-ing my experimental section of my PTs? My experimental sections are sections from older PT's.

Thanks!

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

Joining from a video-conferencing room or system?

Dial: 67.217.95.2##167076229

Cisco devices: 167076229@67.217.95.2

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

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!!