The Official September 2016 Study Group - WAKE ME UP WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS Forum

[20170322]

Howdy all...Almost exactly 3 months from the September LSAT.

OK time to get to work! Today I am going to drill more 3D ordering and relative ordering and hope I see some serious improvements. Goal is to be doing grouping games by sometime next week.

Good luck today everyone

UGH, 3 months? That's sooooo longggggg

Good! I need it And believe me, by then you'll be pulling 180s straight. You're only going to get better, the only thing you have to fear is burnout!

It does seem like a long time when you're scoring as high as you though, so I understand how it must feel. Could be worse though, haha

Yeah, I was in the high 160's this time last month, so I'm definitely glad I didn't sit for the June test. I just wish there was something between June and September! Haha, I'm going to have to decide which law schools to apply to within 48 hours of receiving my score if I want to truly be an early applicant.

Yeah, something in like Late July/Early August would work for ya. I wish they gave the LSAT every month!

Ahh this is true. I definitely need to make my mind up on where to apply. I am toying with the idea of "safety schools" but I am pretty set on going to a T14 in NY or H. So I'll need to apply like you, very, very shortly after we get our LSAT scores back. I better request my LOR asap. I'm worried because I'm states away from my UG and can't meet with them in person.

My thought is to have every PS and LOR ready to coat the T14 (sans NU, GT, and Berk) by the time the scores come out. Then, depending on how high my LSAT is, cut out schools I'm less interested in (Cornell, Mich, Penn). If it's below my goal (172), I'll either add some safety schools like WUSTL and Vandy, or (more likely) just retake and delay a year.

Same plan of attack! I think if I don't score where I want, I'm going too try to retake in December and see if I can snag something. I know it will be on the late side, and certainly not early, but I'm hoping I can snag a T14 in NY.

But, yeah, chances are if I don't get into my top choices I'll also wait another year and retake.

I'm currently in UG, and if I apply to law schools this Fall I'll be graduating in 3 years. My scholarship covers 4 years, so I figure staying a 4th year is a pretty good option should this cycle not go well. Now, if the NEXT cycle doesn't go well, that's when I'd have to worry.

[Alexandros]

The plan for the next few weeks:

- 2 full LR sections a day (minimum). Started a spreadsheet to keep track of each section, my score, and the types I got wrong and why - hopefully that will be of some use.

- at least 1 RC section a day (probably 2-ish in the next couple of days), for as long as it's sustainable.

- Keep drilling LG - focusing on problem areas but doing a variety. Today - Advanced Linear, review the difficult Grouping games. Tomorrow and (possibly) Saturday - Pure Sequencing.


Realized I'm going to have done every LG from PTs 1 - 38 (and a few more) pretty soon, don't have the 40s, and am saving 53 onwards for full PTs, so that's a bit worrisome. When I get to that point, I'll photocopy all of the ones I've done, randomly separate them into packs, and do a few packs a day, combining with set-up drills and whatnot. Hopefully that will keep me from getting too rusty.

If you want 41-50, Manhattan sells those in a book organized by type. It is like $40ish on Amazon last time I checked.

sick! didn't know that, thanks! I figure I'll probably need to expand into them at some point so that's great to know.

[Pozzo]

.

[20170322]

I'm currently in UG, and if I apply to law schools this Fall I'll be graduating in 3 years. My scholarship covers 4 years, so I figure staying a 4th year is a pretty good option should this cycle not go well. Now, if the NEXT cycle doesn't go well, that's when I'd have to worry.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand, I feel old. Thanks, Tort.

Haha, I wish I were older! Sucks applying as a K-JD.

On the bright side, I eat enough for 3 people but have yet to see my metabolism slow. So, ya win some ya lose some.

[PhiladelphiaCollins]

How was the Powerscore course? I am set to begin mine on the 5th of July...

Pretty solid. I actually sat for the first time in June 2015 after going through the Powerscore books (I had NO business doing this) so going into the course I had a decent grasp of the fundamentals and stuff. Mine was 3x a week for 5 hours a night (I think). I don't know exactly how much I gained from the class room stuff, but learning a few extra pointers that you hadn't thought of before is something that I found pretty valuable. Sometimes someone vocalizing something helps it click as well.

More than anything I benefited most form the dearth of material that came with the course, so it kept me on the ball.

That's great to hear. I've had 3 friends take the Powerscore coure, and now they're all at Georgetown and UT. They're sharp kids who probably just needed the course for reinforcement as you mentioned, but still had great things to say about the course.

My course will be similar to yours, 2-3 days a week, for 4 hours/day. If you don't mind me asking, did you see significant improvements with your scores? I know they give about 3-4 PT's.

I scored a 151 on June 2015. Once I started the class and they administered the PTs I think I went 148->158->162->162 so I'd say that's a decent improvement, but probably normal for what studying for 2 months would be.

[Pozzo]

.

[Doubting Law]

How would ya'll gauge the diagnostic validity of a practice test done under timed conditions, but with significant breaks between each section? For instance, this morning I did section 1, took 2 hour break, did section 2, took an hour break, and so forth.

[proteinshake]

How would ya'll gauge the diagnostic validity of a practice test done under timed conditions, but with significant breaks between each section? For instance, this morning I did section 1, took 2 hour break, did section 2, took an hour break, and so forth.

it probably gave you a couple points boost but I wouldn't retake a diagnostic just cause you took breaks. if it's not an accurate gauge, it's close to it!

[Doubting Law]

How would ya'll gauge the diagnostic validity of a practice test done under timed conditions, but with significant breaks between each section? For instance, this morning I did section 1, took 2 hour break, did section 2, took an hour break, and so forth.

it probably gave you a couple points boost but I wouldn't retake a diagnostic just cause you took breaks. if it's not an accurate gauge, it's close to it!

Gotcha, thanks. I already took a cold diagnostic about 3ish weeks ago. Just trying to see where I've improved since then. LR is up ~10% so that's encouraging!

[34iplaw]

How would ya'll gauge the diagnostic validity of a practice test done under timed conditions, but with significant breaks between each section? For instance, this morning I did section 1, took 2 hour break, did section 2, took an hour break, and so forth.

it probably gave you a couple points boost but I wouldn't retake a diagnostic just cause you took breaks. if it's not an accurate gauge, it's close to it!

That is indubitable.

Yeah - agree. Don't sweat it too much, but, in the future, definitely take it in a sitting. I think it could have a more drastic impact than one would think, but I think that would resolve itself over time as you familiarize yourself with the test. For the next PT, I suggest, if possible, throwing in a fifth section that isn't scored as well. Just did my first true diagnostic, and that definitely impacted my train of thought.

[20170322]

Thinking of PTing tomorrow morning. Worried about burnout, but that's probably me just being lazy.



Also, binge watching "The League".

[34iplaw]

Thinking of PTing tomorrow morning. Worried about burnout, but that's probably me just being lazy.



Also, binge watching "The League".

Best scenes from that show:

Anything pocket dogs.

Ruxin & Rafi Ballsy Guard RIP Whitney Houston. [I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life as when I first heard that. I don't really know why. Just perfection.]

Rafi & Dirty Randy Hotline Line in the One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest spoof.

[CoGar]

Anyone have experience with Testmasters. Signed up the other day based on hearing good things from a few friends. I'm definetly someone who needs some structure...have only been getting in about 2 hours a day since June 1 because class, work, and researching with my prof have all gotten in the way... Need to up this to about 4 hrs and get out of the LSAT Trainer (my only study resource along with some PTs)

[34iplaw]

Anyone have experience with Testmasters. Signed up the other day based on hearing good things from a few friends. I'm definetly someone who needs some structure...have only been getting in about 2 hours a day since June 1 because class, work, and researching with my prof have all gotten in the way... Need to up this to about 4 hrs and get out of the LSAT Trainer (my only study resource along with some PTs)

Just started it. I have fairly good confidence in it so far. Hopefully, you had a friend hook you up with a referral code! I think it is really good if you need the structure, and that is the main reason I am doing it. If you feel unsure of a lecture, you can watch the founder give the lecture. I've only had two classes [one lesson and one diagnostic so far], but they definitely keep to a certain script.

So, I don't have much experience, but all of my friends who took it found the course helpful [both ended up at CLS].

[34iplaw]

For anyone interested in blueprint, use WEB400 to get $400 for the next hour or so only they stated [in person only]

I wouldn't really suggest watching it, but you can watch it here: https://app.webinarjam.net/replay/27821 ... 0/38183436

Nothing too revolutionary but could help remind you that LSAT is not the only factor [although it is the predominant one!]

Blueprint Admissions Webinar #1

6/23/16

Learn to craft a winning law school application before taking the LSAT

w/ Brendan Frankel

Law School Application Flowchart



CAS – Allocates parts of application and sends them to law school; calculate their own GPA

Letters of Recommendations – Professors, Mentors, Employers, etc.

Timelines

Complete application
Rolling admissions – apply early

"Early" timeline



"Typical" timeline



"Late" Timeline



Giving up two months of the rolling admissions process.
High score in December is still better than high score in October

Application Elements

Personal Statement

• Most important aspect of application [other than GPA and LSAT, obviously]
• Law School personal statement is different from college personal statement
• Most will be open ended and are vague

Two step process for a unique and compelling PS

• What’s special about you
• How does that relate to law school
• It’s about you, not your uncle, not your inspiration, etc.
• They’ve heard it all before…it’s not going to be new…you can make it interesting

Tips

• Write two pages that are general and elaborate for each school.
• Write the amount asked for – follow the rules
• Show your strengths
• What is good about you
• Weaknesses go in explanatory essays
• No laundry lists

Letters of Recommendation

• The things you can’t say (1st vs. 3rd person)
• How to
• ask in person
• bring resume, personal statement, and classwork
• ask for what you want, give details, feel it out (if reluctant, find someone else)

Tips

• Ask for recommendations 4-6 weeks before you need it into LSAC
• Two academic and one other, business references
• Someone that knows that you well
• Admissions officers know whether you check the waive your right to see it box, so you want to check it

The Resume

• Purpose: Verify your claims
• Nothing from high school on resume
• Don’t need to list GPA or LSAT
• Don’t need objective

The Explanatory Essay (important)

• Explain away weaknesses
• If you don’t meet all of these requirements, don’t write one.
• There is a problem.
• There is an explanation.
• It ends before law school.
• Do not sound whiny

Admit grid



Unlikely – presumptive reject; other application parts won’t really matter

Likely – presumptive admit; other application parts won’t really matter

Fair – other application parts will matter

[PhiladelphiaCollins]

Anyone have any tips on LG rule substitution questions? Obviously their at the very end of a game, but I feel like I'm just throwing a dart with them more often than not and move on to the next game. I'm at like -4 or -3 right now on games so getting this loose end tied up would be huge.

[Barack O'Drama]

For anyone interested in blueprint, use WEB400 to get $400 for the next hour or so only they stated [in person only]

I wouldn't really suggest watching it, but you can watch it here: https://app.webinarjam.net/replay/27821 ... 0/38183436

Nothing too revolutionary but could help remind you that LSAT is not the only factor [although it is the predominant one!]

Blueprint Admissions Webinar #1

6/23/16

Learn to craft a winning law school application before taking the LSAT

w/ Brendan Frankel

Law School Application Flowchart



CAS – Allocates parts of application and sends them to law school; calculate their own GPA

Letters of Recommendations – Professors, Mentors, Employers, etc.

Timelines

Complete application
Rolling admissions – apply early

"Early" timeline



"Typical" timeline



"Late" Timeline



Giving up two months of the rolling admissions process.
High score in December is still better than high score in October

Application Elements

Personal Statement

• Most important aspect of application [other than GPA and LSAT, obviously]
• Law School personal statement is different from college personal statement
• Most will be open ended and are vague

Two step process for a unique and compelling PS

• What’s special about you
• How does that relate to law school
• It’s about you, not your uncle, not your inspiration, etc.
• They’ve heard it all before…it’s not going to be new…you can make it interesting

Tips

• Write two pages that are general and elaborate for each school.
• Write the amount asked for – follow the rules
• Show your strengths
• What is good about you
• Weaknesses go in explanatory essays
• No laundry lists

Letters of Recommendation

• The things you can’t say (1st vs. 3rd person)
• How to
• ask in person
• bring resume, personal statement, and classwork
• ask for what you want, give details, feel it out (if reluctant, find someone else)

Tips

• Ask for recommendations 4-6 weeks before you need it into LSAC
• Two academic and one other, business references
• Someone that knows that you well
• Admissions officers know whether you check the waive your right to see it box, so you want to check it

The Resume

• Purpose: Verify your claims
• Nothing from high school on resume
• Don’t need to list GPA or LSAT
• Don’t need objective

The Explanatory Essay (important)

• Explain away weaknesses
• If you don’t meet all of these requirements, don’t write one.
• There is a problem.
• There is an explanation.
• It ends before law school.
• Do not sound whiny

Admit grid



Unlikely – presumptive reject; other application parts won’t really matter

Likely – presumptive admit; other application parts won’t really matter

Fair – other application parts will matter

Interesting and awesome! Thank you, iplaw

[34iplaw]

Good morning everyone. @BarackODrama, no problem. It wasn't anything that revolutionary, but it did sort of reinforce some of my general thoughts on personal statements. I need to get back to working on mine occasionally. I've been too busy proof reading other peoples'.

Anyone have any tips on LG rule substitution questions? Obviously their at the very end of a game, but I feel like I'm just throwing a dart with them more often than not and move on to the next game. I'm at like -4 or -3 right now on games so getting this loose end tied up would be huge.

They're kind of a pain at times. Usually, I try to apply three tests

1] Is it relevant? [does it have any impact on the variables of the previous rule?]

2] Does it go too far? [is it too restrictive? does it eliminate frames/scenarios/etc.]

3] Does it not go far enough? [is it not restrictive enough? does it allow for new frames/scenarios/etc.]

This will get you down to two choices pretty effectively and quickly from my experience.

Manhattan LG said [IIRC] that there are three answer types that I'm somewhat blanking on. They are something like the following...

1] Simple restatement; unusual but they have them; instead of M follows O they show O precedes M...likely to be with a more complicated rule. Maybe a but not both kind of deal.

2] Inference based; more common; let's take M follows O again. However, we will add two additional rules that say M is immediately before S and S is immediately before R [MSR chunk]. Instead of saying O precedes M, one of the answer choices will instead say O is before S or, perhaps, O is not before S.

I'll try to update this, but I think the Manhattan Guide gave a good approach for them. Another idea I've heard of is testing the rule backwards and forwards, but I need to refresh myself on that. I think the third [uncommon too IIRC] is either something in between 1 and 2, otherwise it is inference on steroids [i.e. it will be a chain of inferences that gives you the correct answer]. I'm leaning towards the third.

[20170322]

About to take a 5-section PT. BRING IT ON!!!

[New_Spice180]

Strangely enough I'm starting to love the test as a challenge...so weird. Before I was like "ermagerhd lsat why you do this?"...now it's like "ah hah, I know this trick nice try!" Reading comp is my last real hill before I transition into full out PTing. Any of you guys have tips on how to get over that fatigue you get (especially on the last passage)?

[Mikey]

About to take a 5-section PT. BRING IT ON!!!

Aw shittt. 180 post approaching!

[Barack O'Drama]

About to take a 5-section PT. BRING IT ON!!!

Aw shittt. 180 post approaching!

I feel like Mikey is right! Could be 180 time

Good luck Tort!

[Barack O'Drama]

Good morning everyone. @BarackODrama, no problem. It wasn't anything that revolutionary, but it did sort of reinforce some of my general thoughts on personal statements. I need to get back to working on mine occasionally. I've been too busy proof reading other peoples'.

Anyone have any tips on LG rule substitution questions? Obviously their at the very end of a game, but I feel like I'm just throwing a dart with them more often than not and move on to the next game. I'm at like -4 or -3 right now on games so getting this loose end tied up would be huge.

They're kind of a pain at times. Usually, I try to apply three tests

1] Is it relevant? [does it have any impact on the variables of the previous rule?]

2] Does it go too far? [is it too restrictive? does it eliminate frames/scenarios/etc.]

3] Does it not go far enough? [is it not restrictive enough? does it allow for new frames/scenarios/etc.]

This will get you down to two choices pretty effectively and quickly from my experience.

Manhattan LG said [IIRC] that there are three answer types that I'm somewhat blanking on. They are something like the following...

1] Simple restatement; unusual but they have them; instead of M follows O they show O precedes M...likely to be with a more complicated rule. Maybe a but not both kind of deal.

2] Inference based; more common; let's take M follows O again. However, we will add two additional rules that say M is immediately before S and S is immediately before R [MSR chunk]. Instead of saying O precedes M, one of the answer choices will instead say O is before S or, perhaps, O is not before S.

I'll try to update this, but I think the Manhattan Guide gave a good approach for them. Another idea I've heard of is testing the rule backwards and forwards, but I need to refresh myself on that. I think the third [uncommon too IIRC] is either something in between 1 and 2, otherwise it is inference on steroids [i.e. it will be a chain of inferences that gives you the correct answer]. I'm leaning towards the third.

Well I greatly appreciated it...

[proteinshake]

right now I want to get to a point where I know I just won't score below a 170. I think this would mean consistently scoring above a 173.

[cgra1916]

How was the Powerscore course? I am set to begin mine on the 5th of July...

Pretty solid. I actually sat for the first time in June 2015 after going through the Powerscore books (I had NO business doing this) so going into the course I had a decent grasp of the fundamentals and stuff. Mine was 3x a week for 5 hours a night (I think). I don't know exactly how much I gained from the class room stuff, but learning a few extra pointers that you hadn't thought of before is something that I found pretty valuable. Sometimes someone vocalizing something helps it click as well.

More than anything I benefited most form the dearth of material that came with the course, so it kept me on the ball.

That's great to hear. I've had 3 friends take the Powerscore coure, and now they're all at Georgetown and UT. They're sharp kids who probably just needed the course for reinforcement as you mentioned, but still had great things to say about the course.

My course will be similar to yours, 2-3 days a week, for 4 hours/day. If you don't mind me asking, did you see significant improvements with your scores? I know they give about 3-4 PT's.

I scored a 151 on June 2015. Once I started the class and they administered the PTs I think I went 148->158->162->162 so I'd say that's a decent improvement, but probably normal for what studying for 2 months would be.

That's awesome. My diagnostic was a 141 :/ my goal is anything beyond a 160 to be honest with myself. Not trying to set my standards too low, but I'm also trying to be realistic with myself haha.

Thanks again for your help, best of luck!