I want to know if there is a better #2 pencil I could use. If such a pencil exists, please post it here. If you say to use those Staples pencils, I will assume you're trolling.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ETA:
Here are some testimonials of people who were helped by this thread;
CR2012 wrote:My only regret during my LSAT prep was that I didn't take the time to purchase quality pencils for my first take. I only realized this after receiving my second score and putting two and two together.
Sorry for the testimonial, I just really appreciate the work that is being done ITT for future test takers.
deputydog wrote:
After taking my first LSAT with TTT pencils, I disappointedly scored in the low 160s. After switching to Ticonderogas for my second administration, I pleasantly saw a large jump. Going into my third take, I know that my advanced knowledge of pencils and pencil accoutrement will provide me with the confidence and know how to push past that 170+ barrier. I don't think there is anything as vital or controllable in LSAT prep than proper pencil equipment. The question isn't why should you do it, but rather, why wouldn't you do it?
-deputydog
Black Mirado Warriors, Dixon Ticonderogas, Helix Eraser Caps, Dixon Triconderogas.
ZGr88n wrote:
This is probably the most important thread ever posted on any TLS forum.
ManoftheHour wrote:This thread revealed the world of the Black Ticons and the Mirado Warriors to me. Both of which are superior to the TTT pencils that I used on my previous two LSATs.
SteelPenguin wrote:
Dre opened my eyes to a whole new world of pencils and LSAT prep.
mlansky wrote:Once I went Ticon black, I didn't go back.
Skill Game wrote:What an amazing thread
ZGr88n wrote:This thread motivated me into buying a new set of pencils, real talk.
haus wrote:When I sat down to try a initial diagnostic practice test, I had just read that wooden pencils were required for a the exam. I did not have any wooden pencils as I had not used one for years (probably 15 to 20 years since I regularly used them).
I stopped by a convience store and grabbed what they had on hand and a throw away plastic sharpener. The first signs of things being less than ideal was the discomfort I felt sharpening three of the pencils. Things went downhill from there, I found the marks made by pencils were unexpectedly light and inconsistent. I attempt to adjust by pressing harder, this lead to broken points (and more time with the crummy sharpener). I also discovered that the erasers on these pencils did a better job of smearing the lead marks than erasing them, when I used more elbow grease to force the issue, I ended up tearing holes in the paper I used as my scoring sheet. When I made it through the practice test, my hand was sore.
I realized that this was not the performance I wanted to repeat on the actual rest day. Hence I read some reviews on pencils, sharpeners, and erasers. I orderd a few or each that sounded promising. I set aside the fat barrel pens I used at the office to take notes, and started using wooden pencils for all of my daily writing task. This allowed me to find the combination of tools that I am most comfortable with.
No, I do not expect that this will lead to a dramatic diffrence in my score, but I do want to make an effort to reduce things that could be distractions. This may be more important to me than many others due to some nagging injuries I have with my writing hand left over from days when my work was more physically demanding than my current geek work.