So regardless if I take a timed or untimed test, I only get half of the logical reasoning questions right. The first 10-12 I get right and then it goes downhill. Does this mean that my foundation and understanding for logical reasoning is not good enough? Problem is I feel confident about a lot of my answers
. Please help me in how I can improve my poor logical reasoning scores!
Comments
And that's awesome. Here's why: you can improve. Really make sure you are mastering each lesson before moving on to the next. Perhaps start taking untimed test and writing down why each of the four answers you didn't pick aren't right. This will let you go back when you're done and see where you messed up.
Nothing is wrong with YOU. You can improve. The test is hard. This site wouldn't exist if it wasn't. Study hard and kick the LSAT's ass.
I 100% promise you that nothing is wrong with you if you are having a bit of a bumpy start to logical reasoning. I also had a really rough start to LR and was missed about -10 on each section of my diagnostic. So I totally get how much is sucks...
It probably does mean that you need a bit more work on the fundamentals, that is all. So no need to worry. Find a good resource in which you can review all the logical reasoning types in earnest and build yourself a solid base of knowledge. My favorite thing about LR is that once I really learn a question type, I feel like it is ingrained in my mind forever. Whereas with LG/RC I get rusty without content practice.
What prep material/course are you currently using? Also, how long have you been working on LR? This may help me guide you in the right direction as to what your next move should be.
@"Alex Divine" I took a course (HarvardReady - I live in Canada) from March to May (which consisted of 100 hours of instruction) but did only 50% of the assigned homework since I was in university full time. I stopped studying after May because of my full time work schedule, but I restarted in July. I have been doing about15-20 hours a week, which I know is not enough considering I'm taking the September LSAT. My diagnostic in March was an embarrasing 140; in July it was a sad 147 (thanks to my lack of doing homework and working and studying full time year round). With my revamped study schedule (studying for at least 25 hours a week) and using the Powerscore books, I'm aiming for a 160. I should add, my 147 consisted of me missing 10-12 questions per section.
Do you think this is reasonable?13 points in less than 2 months might seem significant, however I know I have the skills and foundations somewhere in my head and now I just need to keep practicing and refining them. Thank you for your help.
First, this is definitely a good thing. If you really did have a solid foundation for LR and were still scoring -10 or more, then that would mean the test is random and can’t be improved on. That’s not the case. If you’re consistently scoring -10, that is an accurate reflection of your level of understanding.
Second, you need to stop taking PTs and return to the basics. There is a finite number of tests, and you can only take a test fresh the first time. There’s a lot of value in retakes, but there is definitely diminishing returns. So go back to the basics, nail down your fundamentals, and save your tests for when you’re ready.
Third, and most importantly, if your only resource has been the Powerscore books, I’d highly recommend getting the Trainer or, even better, a 7Sage starter. Powerscore is great for teaching you little tricks with clever, trademarked names; but that’s really all you're going to get. The bibles don’t teach the deep level of understanding that the LSAT is designed to test. I too am a former Powerscore student, and there’s just only so far it can take you.
Fourth, to say that 13 points in less than 2 months is significant is an understatement. 13 points is an astronomical leap in understanding and ability. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it’s about as close to it as it gets. Commit to your score, not to your test date. If you’re serious about breaking into the 160’s you really need to withdraw from the September test date.
Best of luck!
First, figure out why you aren't getting your LR questions correct. For some people, it's not understanding the stimulus (lack of concentration, hard vocabulary, or whatever the reason may be). For others, it may be difficulties in understanding the answer choices.
LSAT is a mental test. I've realized, if I zone out for one bit, I can get a question wrong. I come back after BR and go, why did I even choose that answer choice (obviously timing plays a part).
Like many other have said: LSAT is a marathon. Focus on turning that -10 into a -9 then -8 then -7, etc. Don't try to go from point A to Z without going through all the other letters in the alphabet. First step to getting better in LR is understanding your mistakes. Figure out why you're getting things wrong. Second step is to learn from your mistakes and improve your understanding of basic question types. Third step is to execute during timed sections. Everyone has a problem with this. If this wasn't a problem, everyone would do well on the LSAT (relatively and probably).
Be motivated, stay strong, we're all in the same position (as in we all have our weaknesses and strengths). Don't give up, find the root of your problem and move from there step by step. I know you can do it! If you don't understand why you got a question wrong, you can always post in the comments and the people who were once in your position may help you understand it much better.
Well, best of luck on your studies and thanks again
I actually found the lessons on here about LR to be really helpful, but I read the LSAT Trainer prior to taking the course. I really liked that book and the study schedule that went along with it! Best of luck!
I also really love The LSAT Trainer. I think like 7Sage it works by teaching you how to think about the test. A lot of other books tend to just give you tips and tricks without a comprehensive approach.
So what is your next step? Applying this year?
I'm not sure when I'm applying yet, but hopefully sometime next year. I really want to make sure I kill this LSAT, and I am pretty sure that is going to take 6-9 months of proper prep. So I'm hoping to apply next cycle