February 2013 LSAT Study Group Forum

[TheThriller]

165 in PT 55 today, worst score since May.

I feel like I have to brush it off as a statistical outlier.

[alpha kenny body]

Checking in. Just finished up my third time through each question type of LR in PT 29-38. Straight killing it. Finishing up MRC and each passage in 29-38 by week's end. Doing games timed from 29-38. When that's complete it's onto timed sections of LR and RC from 39-48, with re-drilling of Games in 29-38. Finally, fully timed preptests from 49-66 with experimental sections alternating RC and LG in 29-48. If any re-takers here think I should be doing something different or any tips holler.

[griffin.811]

PT 32 yesterday:

LR: -7
RC: -15
LG: -8
LR: -7
Score: 154

If I run out of time on a section (which happened for all but the 2 LR sections) I guess C for all the remaining questions. Without those, I scored a 152.

I really need to wear a wrist watch to keep better track of time, all the omitted questions really hurt.

Anyway, I'm starting a 3-4 day PT cycle with drilling of problem Q types in between.

PT 33 Wed or Thurs, stay tuned...

[180wanabe]

Checking in. Just finished up my third time through each question type of LR in PT 29-38. Straight killing it. Finishing up MRC and each passage in 29-38 by week's end. Doing games timed from 29-38. When that's complete it's onto timed sections of LR and RC from 39-48, with re-drilling of Games in 29-38. Finally, fully timed preptests from 49-66 with experimental sections alternating RC and LG in 29-48. If any re-takers here think I should be doing something different or any tips holler.

Hey I have a quick question. When you do logic games where do you go to find explanations for the games? Thanks.

[lebasy]

Has anyone considered making lifestyle changes to try to improve your LSAT score? I'm considering finally taking care of my low B12 levels and maybe starting to exercise so that I won't have to rely on caffeine to be energized throughout the test. Better my diet to increase focus. I'm typically too busy/lazy to worry about diet and exercise, but anything to maximize test day results, right?

Amazing what things like that do for mental focus.

But you should do it because it will make you a better person overall, not for the LSAT...

I started running on a daily basis to cope with stress. But then I got really committed to exercising to the point where I overextended my calves. Needless to say, I've been a couch potato since then, but it definitely kept me off the caffeine.

In other news, the December LSAT is upon us! I know we're here for feb, but I read on TLS of some folks who went to scope out their center the test before to see what it's like etc.... Considering doing this since I have the time that day and maybe take a PT in the lib nearby...

Worth a shot, no?

[BlueJeanBaby]

Has anyone considered making lifestyle changes to try to improve your LSAT score? I'm considering finally taking care of my low B12 levels and maybe starting to exercise so that I won't have to rely on caffeine to be energized throughout the test. Better my diet to increase focus. I'm typically too busy/lazy to worry about diet and exercise, but anything to maximize test day results, right?

Amazing what things like that do for mental focus.

But you should do it because it will make you a better person overall, not for the LSAT...

I started running on a daily basis to cope with stress. But then I got really committed to exercising to the point where I overextended my calves. Needless to say, I've been a couch potato since then, but it definitely kept me off the caffeine.

In other news, the December LSAT is upon us! I know we're here for feb, but I read on TLS of some folks who went to scope out their center the test before to see what it's like etc.... Considering doing this since I have the time that day and maybe take a PT in the lib nearby...

Worth a shot, no?

Good idea!! I haven't chosen my test center yet because the one closest to me is in a place I try my best to avoid at all costs. The second closest is about an hour and a half away, but last time I took the LSAT I just got a hotel room next to the center and brought my best friend, chinese takeout, and chick flicks the night before and it turned out to be the most stress-free pre-LSAT night ever! Anyways, it would be great to see if the testing center is all broken down and gross like the rest of that area.

Running! I wish I could get in to running to the point I would actually enjoy doing it. I need to do something to get off the caffeine, though. I'm starting my B12 pills today to see how I react to them and I have a years supply of injections if it comes down to that. Hope it works!

Also, what day is the December LSAT?

[lebasy]

Checking in. Just finished up my third time through each question type of LR in PT 29-38. Straight killing it. Finishing up MRC and each passage in 29-38 by week's end. Doing games timed from 29-38. When that's complete it's onto timed sections of LR and RC from 39-48, with re-drilling of Games in 29-38. Finally, fully timed preptests from 49-66 with experimental sections alternating RC and LG in 29-48. If any re-takers here think I should be doing something different or any tips holler.

Hey I have a quick question. When you do logic games where do you go to find explanations for the games? Thanks.

Manhattan has some for LR but I haven't checked out the forums for LG. http://www.manhattanlsat.com/forums/log ... 9651579d3d

[lebasy]

165 in PT 55 today, worst score since May.

I feel like I have to brush it off as a statistical outlier.

Did you do anything different? i.e. place, sleep, eat

[TheThriller]

165 in PT 55 today, worst score since May.

I feel like I have to brush it off as a statistical outlier.

Did you do anything different? i.e. place, sleep, eat

Not really sure. I think it was lack of focus and apathy towards the ends of the sections where I kinda skimmed the sections. It was towards the end of the day (round midnight) when I finished so in retrospect I think it was me not wanting to spend anymore time on the darn test. I'm going to look back and see what score I got/questions I missed the first time I took it.

Also, anyone know where I can get my hands on Role, Flaw and Assumption questions for drilling? I may need to order another set of PT questions but I was wondering if they sold just those for Role, Flaw and Assumptions instead of buying a whole book.

[perplexedconfused]

Hi all! I'm in! I was registered for December but didn't feel ready by beginning of November, so here I am for February. I haven't really studied much for the month of November, but studied consistently from end of August-October. Highest score is a 159 (aiming for low 170's). After using LSATQA.com, I found my weakest results in flaw & must be true, so I am going to finish drilling those questions from Cambridge bundles and then work on RC. I plan to do practice sections and tests for December-February.

We got this!!

[lebasy]

165 in PT 55 today, worst score since May.

I feel like I have to brush it off as a statistical outlier.

Did you do anything different? i.e. place, sleep, eat

Not really sure. I think it was lack of focus and apathy towards the ends of the sections where I kinda skimmed the sections. It was towards the end of the day (round midnight) when I finished so in retrospect I think it was me not wanting to spend anymore time on the darn test. I'm going to look back and see what score I got/questions I missed the first time I took it.

Also, anyone know where I can get my hands on Role, Flaw and Assumption questions for drilling? I may need to order another set of PT questions but I was wondering if they sold just those for Role, Flaw and Assumptions instead of buying a whole book.

eeps if you got 'em wrong by the end then that was probably it! Also if you don't want to buy a book but you have all the tests, this may be tedious but just look at the question types: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 6&t=108425 and study from there.

but I really do recommend Manhattan LR book for Assumption/Flaw. It really opened up my eyes to Nec/Suff/Strengthen/Weaken/Flaw. It's kind of amazeballs!!!!!! They have about like 15 practice problems or something like that after each section. So it's worth buying the gigantic book for the first section + you get some role questions too.

[gobosox]

Checking in. Just finished up my third time through each question type of LR in PT 29-38. Straight killing it. Finishing up MRC and each passage in 29-38 by week's end. Doing games timed from 29-38. When that's complete it's onto timed sections of LR and RC from 39-48, with re-drilling of Games in 29-38. Finally, fully timed preptests from 49-66 with experimental sections alternating RC and LG in 29-48. If any re-takers here think I should be doing something different or any tips holler.

Hey I have a quick question. When you do logic games where do you go to find explanations for the games? Thanks.

Manhattan has some for LR but I haven't checked out the forums for LG. http://www.manhattanlsat.com/forums/log ... 9651579d3d

http://7sage.com/logic-game-explanations/

Not the best way to do things IMO, but helps you review.

[griffin.811]

Checking in. Just finished up my third time through each question type of LR in PT 29-38. Straight killing it. Finishing up MRC and each passage in 29-38 by week's end. Doing games timed from 29-38. When that's complete it's onto timed sections of LR and RC from 39-48, with re-drilling of Games in 29-38. Finally, fully timed preptests from 49-66 with experimental sections alternating RC and LG in 29-48. If any re-takers here think I should be doing something different or any tips holler.

Hey I have a quick question. When you do logic games where do you go to find explanations for the games? Thanks.

Manhattan has some for LR but I haven't checked out the forums for LG. http://www.manhattanlsat.com/forums/log ... 9651579d3d

7sage.com has pretty good video explanations for all games sections after PT19, free. I use this primarily, but also MLSAT forum.

[griffin.811]

PT 33 tonight. About to go on "break" for lunch, but I'll be reviewing LR mistakes I've made on sections since the last test. Really need to figure these out, I go -7 almost everytime smh!

[BlueJeanBaby]

Took my second PT test: PT 59

Section 1 LG: (-3) -5. I guessed on that last 2, and happened to get them right.

Section 2 LR: -2

Section 3 LR: -6

Section 4 RC: -5

168 if I count the two I guessed on.

167 otherwise.

This is a huge jump from the first PT I took (162) and I am excited that just with one week of studying my score jumped a decent amount. I went from bombing RC and acing LG to an even spread. Anyways, I'm hoping this isn't a one time spike and I can continue to get scores in this range! Definitely good to have some sort of hope since my applications are all getting waitlisted!!

[riee]

Starting my official preparation on Tuesday. Anyone retaking from a lower or mid 160s that wants to partner up? I tend to stay on track better when I have someone helping me enforce deadlines haha.

I would like to.
Our score ranges overlap, and we seem to have similar study needs.

[lebasy]

Took my second PT test: PT 59

Section 1 LG: (-3) -5. I guessed on that last 2, and happened to get them right.

Section 2 LR: -2

Section 3 LR: -6

Section 4 RC: -5

168 if I count the two I guessed on.

167 otherwise.

This is a huge jump from the first PT I took (162) and I am excited that just with one week of studying my score jumped a decent amount. I went from bombing RC and acing LG to an even spread. Anyways, I'm hoping this isn't a one time spike and I can continue to get scores in this range! Definitely good to have some sort of hope since my applications are all getting waitlisted!!

I never responded but the LSAT is this Saturday Dec 1. I was supposed to take it but I backed out. This is my second time doing so (my original date was October). Congrats on the score!! So you've applied this time around and taking in Feb to get off the list?

[lebasy]

Just finished reviewing PT 31:
LG: -9
LR: -4
LR: -2
RC: -5

81/101 and 165.

I'm a little disappointed with my LG performance considering that I think its my strong suit. OBVS NOT. I have been focusing on LR these past weeks that I should hop back onto LG and now drill some LR on the side for now... As for my RC, i tried to do the no marking thing but it drove me insane especially since I'm the type of reader that marks A LOT. but I put it to a minimum because if I mark too much it becomes completely distracting.

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS ya'll

[BlueJeanBaby]

I never responded but the LSAT is this Saturday Dec 1. I was supposed to take it but I backed out. This is my second time doing so (my original date was October). Congrats on the score!! So you've applied this time around and taking in Feb to get off the list?

Yep! I wasn't planning on a retake until someone literally talked me into it. I talked to the schools I am applying to and they told me they would go ahead and consider my application as it is, then update with my retake.. so I figured there is really no downfall. I'm hoping it will help to move me off some waitlists and increase my chances at $$!

[lawsat]

I am in for Feb test, aiming at 170+

My worst part is reading (not a native English speaker), I guess I will concentrate on that part first. Any good suggestions?

[lebasy]

I am in for Feb test, aiming at 170+

My worst part is reading (not a native English speaker), I guess I will concentrate on that part first. Any good suggestions?

There's a really good guide here for RC:
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... voyager+RC

Just search on TLS with keyword RC and you'll find some stuff. The more recent RC questions are like LR questions - not just inference and tone but also role, parallel, Main Point (of the whole thing). It has become more difficult and many can attest to that being crap shoot of the 3 categories since it's harder to improve.

My friend also struggled with it cause she is not a native English speaker.... She got a Manhattan guide and also I found some flashcards on an app for my phone that had useful LSAT vocab words that you should know!

Hope that helps!

[BlueJeanBaby]

Is anyone else really paranoid about taking the February test? Someone posted that graph that February test takers score significantly lower, on average, than other months. I know there are a ton of reasons this could be.. but I'm paranoid none-the-less.

[griffin.811]

Took my second PT test: PT 59

Section 1 LG: (-3) -5. I guessed on that last 2, and happened to get them right.

Section 2 LR: -2

Section 3 LR: -6

Section 4 RC: -5

168 if I count the two I guessed on.

167 otherwise.

This is a huge jump from the first PT I took (162) and I am excited that just with one week of studying my score jumped a decent amount. I went from bombing RC and acing LG to an even spread. Anyways, I'm hoping this isn't a one time spike and I can continue to get scores in this range! Definitely good to have some sort of hope since my applications are all getting waitlisted!!

Have you taken the LSAT before, or will this be your first time? That is a crazy jump for only having taken 2 tests!! With the 2 months we have left you should be able to really put a dent in this thing. not sure what your goal is, but I'd aim very high!

Congrats!

[BlueJeanBaby]

Took my second PT test: PT 59

Section 1 LG: (-3) -5. I guessed on that last 2, and happened to get them right.

Section 2 LR: -2

Section 3 LR: -6

Section 4 RC: -5

168 if I count the two I guessed on.

167 otherwise.

This is a huge jump from the first PT I took (162) and I am excited that just with one week of studying my score jumped a decent amount. I went from bombing RC and acing LG to an even spread. Anyways, I'm hoping this isn't a one time spike and I can continue to get scores in this range! Definitely good to have some sort of hope since my applications are all getting waitlisted!!

Have you taken the LSAT before, or will this be your first time? That is a crazy jump for only having taken 2 tests!! With the 2 months we have left you should be able to really put a dent in this thing. not sure what your goal is, but I'd aim very high!

Congrats!

Yes! I took the LSAT 3 years ago and scored in the low 160s. I took 2 PTs prior to taking the LSAT then (but I didn't actually review them) so all the study materials are brand new to me. I took my first PT this time around without studying to get my 162-- seeing what my starting base was. I studied the books and my wrong answers for a week before getting the 167/168. I'll find out tomorrow if this is a trend and not just a random score because I'm taking another PT test

[BlueJeanBaby]

Wahhh!!!!!!!

I've been studying LR religiously the past few days from the Manhattan book. I tried to utilize what I've learned in this PT test. The DEVASTATING RESULT:

Section 1 (LR): -7
Section 2 (RC): -7
Section 3 (LR): -8
Section 4 (LG): -0

Scored: 161

I always bomb RC and I usually do well on LG, so those haven't changed. I can't believe that trying really hard to improve on a section made me do significantly worse on that section. It discourages me from reading those books more, and just rather spending time PTing and learning from my mistakes like I was before. Any thoughts?