The Official September 2014 Study Group Forum

[Louis1127]

Welcome back, Bill. Take a few days off my man. You're still well into the 160s and should be proud of your hard work to this point.

[BillPackets]

Welcome back, Bill. Take a few days off my man. You're still well into the 160s and should be proud of your hard work to this point.

It's good to be back Louis.

I'll take your advice.

[mmorrell94]

Hi everyone! Long time lurker but this is my first post here. I took Preptest A from LSAC's Superprep and my results were as follows:

LR1: -4
RC: -4
LG: -3
LR2: -6

For a final score of 164

I'm pretty happy with this as this is only my second PT ever, and on my first about a month ago with minimal prep I got a 159 (with an astounding -13 in LG). I'm not too worried about the games and I think with practice I should definitely be able to consistently get down to -0 or -1, but honestly I've made very little improvement on LR and RC. Every single RC section I've ever done has been between -6 and -4, and my LR sections have improved by a very meager 1 or 2 questions as well.

Does anyone have any success stories they'd like to share for encouragement of going from similar RC and LR scores to much better ones? I'm really extremely hopeful for a 171+ in September, so any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated

[BillPackets]

Checking into this thread. I had a 163 on the December 2011 test. Took a couple years off and worked.

Took my first PT today since I started studying again. PT 40

I scored a 166.
LR1: -4
LG: -2
LR2: -4
RC: -5

4 of the 8 LR I missed were sufficient assumption questions so I need to figure out what my issue is there. Hope everyone's studying is going well.

Way to go colonel. You're well on your way to a 172+. What's your uGPA?

[vracovino]

Took my second timed (4 section) PT today, PT 46.

RC: -4
LR: -3
LR: -3 (forgot to bubble one in -_-)
Lg: -2

Raw: 87
Scaled: 167

This is definetly indicative of the upper end of my potential right now. Really happy with this score- although this is a relatively tough curve, no? I was expecting to see a bit higher of a score here.

[Gray]

.

[gnomgnomuch]

Hey all,

Any advice on setting up the diagram for 3D Grouping games? They kill me every.single time. Once I realize how to draw the diagram I'll figure out the game pretty fast, the problem is I usually draw it wrong, take too long to figure it out. Tips?

[DaRascal]

What I find to be the most challenging thing about the LSAT is that you need to maintain your focus over a roughly 3 hour stretch of time. If you come in not really in the mood or with tremendous pressure on your shoulders, you're sunk- your adrenaline will speed up the exam even though you may not feel nervous and you'll start skimming and missing things and end up with a horrible score. If you come in with a clear mind, you'll go through the sections at your own pace and the test will slow down so that it reads a lot easier.

[CFC1524]

Hey all,

Any advice on setting up the diagram for 3D Grouping games? They kill me every.single time. Once I realize how to draw the diagram I'll figure out the game pretty fast, the problem is I usually draw it wrong, take too long to figure it out. Tips?

Can you clarify what you mean by "3D" / give an example?

Also, I've been drilling RC passages from PT's 1-38 the past couple days. I thought the common wisdom was that the older tests were essentially the same thing as the new ones, but I'm getting the feeling that these earlier RC's are easier than the later RC's. Anybody have a similar (or different) experience?

[gnomgnomuch]

Hey all,

Any advice on setting up the diagram for 3D Grouping games? They kill me every.single time. Once I realize how to draw the diagram I'll figure out the game pretty fast, the problem is I usually draw it wrong, take too long to figure it out. Tips?

Can you clarify what you mean by "3D" / give an example?

Also, I've been drilling RC passages from PT's 1-38 the past couple days. I thought the common wisdom was that the older tests were essentially the same thing as the new ones, but I'm getting the feeling that these earlier RC's are easier than the later RC's. Anybody have a similar (or different) experience?

PT 43 S4 G4. I just cant figure out how to set up the games when they're grouping multiple things. So this game has 3 Buildings (xyz) and 6 types of food (fhgipst) Each type of food is served at least one (but at most 3) of the buildings. I understand what the problem is saying, but for the life of me I cant figure out how to PLACE the damn diagram. And that's literally killing me. I went almost perfect on the previous 3 games (missed 2 questions), then I came to this question and BAM, completely fucked up.

Regarding RC: Earlier passages are considered slightly easier than newer ones. Also theres the addition of comparative passages. It was discussed ITT a while back I think.

[Learn_Live_Hope]

Hey all,

Any advice on setting up the diagram for 3D Grouping games? They kill me every.single time. Once I realize how to draw the diagram I'll figure out the game pretty fast, the problem is I usually draw it wrong, take too long to figure it out. Tips?

Can you clarify what you mean by "3D" / give an example?

Also, I've been drilling RC passages from PT's 1-38 the past couple days. I thought the common wisdom was that the older tests were essentially the same thing as the new ones, but I'm getting the feeling that these earlier RC's are easier than the later RC's. Anybody have a similar (or different) experience?

PT 43 S4 G4. I just cant figure out how to set up the games when they're grouping multiple things. So this game has 3 Buildings (xyz) and 6 types of food (fhgipst) Each type of food is served at least one (but at most 3) of the buildings. I understand what the problem is saying, but for the life of me I cant figure out how to PLACE the damn diagram. And that's literally killing me. I went almost perfect on the previous 3 games (missed 2 questions), then I came to this question and BAM, completely fucked up.

Regarding RC: Earlier passages are considered slightly easier than newer ones. Also theres the addition of comparative passages. It was discussed ITT a while back I think.

They are not more difficult? I've heard many say they are more difficult

[NotASpecialSnowflake]

I have only been studying sporadically due to family visiting/heavy workload/getting a terrible cold, so it's motivation to pick up the pace, I guess. But damn, it's frustrating!

I know the feeling. My family has started on a huge project and they want me to help out, but I have to find time to work on my LSATs too. It might be selfish, but this will be a huge part of my future. And don't worry about the plateau. It happens a lot but then you are able to move past it. Something might click, or maybe you'll just concentrate more.

My latest PT. I've taken this once before, but it was over 6 months ago and I didn't remember much. Considering the fact that I've been sick these past couple of days, I'd say it balanced out.

PT 70 October 2013 with a LR section from October 2000.

92/100, 172/180
LR 1 -2
RC -3
LG -1
LR 2 -3
Exp -1

This feels so good. I was stuck at 169 for two PTs and struggling with LR. I got it to a manageable level on a really difficult PT. I also did well on all five sections, which hasn't happened before. A lot of exciting progress.

[jmjm]

Also, I've been drilling RC passages from PT's 1-38 the past couple days. I thought the common wisdom was that the older tests were essentially the same thing as the new ones, but I'm getting the feeling that these earlier RC's are easier than the later RC's. Anybody have a similar (or different) experience?

I find the new RC from late 50s and 60s to be much harder than the older RC. I was -0/-2 on the old fresh RC but I don't recall doing better than -6 on the new fresh RC. Also retake of RC scores are rarely representative. If I retake an RC section even after a year, I feel there is some retention of a certain familiarity with the material that skews my retake score.
Can you share your breakdown on the real test? I practiced a lot on old RC but I question my approach now as the RC difficulty level has increased a lot recently.

[BillPackets]

Hey all,

Any advice on setting up the diagram for 3D Grouping games? They kill me every.single time. Once I realize how to draw the diagram I'll figure out the game pretty fast, the problem is I usually draw it wrong, take too long to figure it out. Tips?

Can you clarify what you mean by "3D" / give an example?

Also, I've been drilling RC passages from PT's 1-38 the past couple days. I thought the common wisdom was that the older tests were essentially the same thing as the new ones, but I'm getting the feeling that these earlier RC's are easier than the later RC's. Anybody have a similar (or different) experience?

PT 43 S4 G4. I just cant figure out how to set up the games when they're grouping multiple things. So this game has 3 Buildings (xyz) and 6 types of food (fhgipst) Each type of food is served at least one (but at most 3) of the buildings. I understand what the problem is saying, but for the life of me I cant figure out how to PLACE the damn diagram. And that's literally killing me. I went almost perfect on the previous 3 games (missed 2 questions), then I came to this question and BAM, completely fucked up.

Regarding RC: Earlier passages are considered slightly easier than newer ones. Also theres the addition of comparative passages. It was discussed ITT a while back I think.

I put X Y Z across the top and then distribute the pieces among them. If I recall correctly, F and two other pieces go under Y, and I and S both go to the X and Z. Then the other important rule is that F and P can't go together, but F must go twice. So the placement of F and P determine where the other will go.

I think that's what you're asking anyway.

[Gray]

.

[gnomgnomuch]

Hey all,

Any advice on setting up the diagram for 3D Grouping games? They kill me every.single time. Once I realize how to draw the diagram I'll figure out the game pretty fast, the problem is I usually draw it wrong, take too long to figure it out. Tips?

Can you clarify what you mean by "3D" / give an example?

Also, I've been drilling RC passages from PT's 1-38 the past couple days. I thought the common wisdom was that the older tests were essentially the same thing as the new ones, but I'm getting the feeling that these earlier RC's are easier than the later RC's. Anybody have a similar (or different) experience?

PT 43 S4 G4. I just cant figure out how to set up the games when they're grouping multiple things. So this game has 3 Buildings (xyz) and 6 types of food (fhgipst) Each type of food is served at least one (but at most 3) of the buildings. I understand what the problem is saying, but for the life of me I cant figure out how to PLACE the damn diagram. And that's literally killing me. I went almost perfect on the previous 3 games (missed 2 questions), then I came to this question and BAM, completely fucked up.

Regarding RC: Earlier passages are considered slightly easier than newer ones. Also theres the addition of comparative passages. It was discussed ITT a while back I think.

I put X Y Z across the top and then distribute the pieces among them. If I recall correctly, F and two other pieces go under Y, and I and S both go to the X and Z. Then the other important rule is that F and P can't go together, but F must go twice. So the placement of F and P determine where the other will go.

I think that's what you're asking anyway.

I'm not asking for specific help on a question, but on how to diagram the entire subset of questions. Is there a way you guys determine which group goes where (row/column)

[mornincounselor]

Post removed.

[gnomgnomuch]

I'm not asking for specific help on a question, but on how to diagram the entire subset of questions. Is there a way you guys determine which group goes where (row/column)

Just don't get stuck. It doesn't really matter which goes where. I mean sometimes it's easier one way then another but thats mostly based on the rules and you get better on deciding the more you practice.

I'll keep that in mind, thanks.
I always feel that I miss inferences because I'm inverting the way the diagram is supposed to be, and when I use the 7sage diagram, before looking over the answers/reasoning, I do the game again, and usually nail it.


I'm just frustrated. I flew by the ordering games section in Manhattan (and I have them down) and basic in/out games I have down as well. But complex ordering games just screw me.

I decided to take a break from LG for a bit, did section #2 in PT 43 for LR and went 22/25, so kinda happy about that.

[BillPackets]

I'm not asking for specific help on a question, but on how to diagram the entire subset of questions. Is there a way you guys determine which group goes where (row/column)

Just don't get stuck. It doesn't really matter which goes where. I mean sometimes it's easier one way then another but thats mostly based on the rules and you get better on deciding the more you practice.

I'll keep that in mind, thanks.
I always feel that I miss inferences because I'm inverting the way the diagram is supposed to be, and when I use the 7sage diagram, before looking over the answers/reasoning, I do the game again, and usually nail it.


I'm just frustrated. I flew by the ordering games section in Manhattan (and I have them down) and basic in/out games I have down as well. But complex ordering games just screw me.

I decided to take a break from LG for a bit, did section #2 in PT 43 for LR and went 22/25, so kinda happy about that.

I don't consider that a complex ordering game (assuming you're talking about complex ordering in the sense of how Cambridge divides up the games). Really, in those situation you're distributing one game piece to another piece--in this case it's what type of food which truck serves. As a general rule, you want to leave what is not being distributed (the food trucks) static, and make those your columns. Then you can assign the other pieces (in this case, the type of food truck) to the columns. Make sense?

X|Y|Z
-------
| |
| |
| |

That is what the game board ought to look like. This is a common type of game too, so knowing how to diagram that will be very helpful.

Edit: sorry the columns are off. But you get the picture.

[jmjm]

PT 43 S4 G4. I just cant figure out how to set up the games when they're grouping multiple things. So this game has 3 Buildings (xyz) and 6 types of food (fhgipst) Each type of food is served at least one (but at most 3) of the buildings. I understand what the problem is saying, but for the life of me I cant figure out how to PLACE the damn diagram. And that's literally killing me. I went almost perfect on the previous 3 games (missed 2 questions), then I came to this question and BAM, completely fucked up.

Math background here so I'll try to answer. It seems you understand the problem, so it should not be hard to make the diagram. You don't have to be religious to any particular approach espoused by books to make a clear diagram that works for you. In fact it looks like you have already a described a diagram in your post. There are 3 buildings, each of which will get served a set of food items chosen from 6 types of food. So just write it down and note any restrictions that food-type placement on buildings xyz that exists. You only have to write down a representation/diagram of the problem that you already understand such that the representation helps you solve the problem.

food items (fhgpst)

x____ y_____ z_____

[dasani13]

Hey all,

Any advice on setting up the diagram for 3D Grouping games? They kill me every.single time. Once I realize how to draw the diagram I'll figure out the game pretty fast, the problem is I usually draw it wrong, take too long to figure it out. Tips?

Can you clarify what you mean by "3D" / give an example?

Also, I've been drilling RC passages from PT's 1-38 the past couple days. I thought the common wisdom was that the older tests were essentially the same thing as the new ones, but I'm getting the feeling that these earlier RC's are easier than the later RC's. Anybody have a similar (or different) experience?

PT 43 S4 G4. I just cant figure out how to set up the games when they're grouping multiple things. So this game has 3 Buildings (xyz) and 6 types of food (fhgipst) Each type of food is served at least one (but at most 3) of the buildings. I understand what the problem is saying, but for the life of me I cant figure out how to PLACE the damn diagram. And that's literally killing me. I went almost perfect on the previous 3 games (missed 2 questions), then I came to this question and BAM, completely fucked up.

Regarding RC: Earlier passages are considered slightly easier than newer ones. Also theres the addition of comparative passages. It was discussed ITT a while back I think.

Do a lot of grouping games as practice and eventually you'll be able to recognize them easily. You could use the Cambridge packets (separated by types) or just go through old PTs and re-do only the grouping games.

[bondja]

PT44 was today. Last week I took 66 (I think) and scored a 162. I finished the Manhattan LSAT LG book which took me forever and I really struggled with, in a good way.

Background - Heat Advisory and I mowed two lawns with not a lot of water an no warm up. Not smart.

-7 RC, -5 LR (I noticed I needed water ASAP during the middle and I happened to miss 5 in a row when I felt this), -1 LG (Need to review this - didn't understand after a quick pass through), and I think -2 LR.

166 Total. That's a +4 from last week and I feel way more confident in my LG than I did last week! Review tomorrow!

[MtnGinger]

My weakest section is by far RC and this is keeping me from my goals. I usually go perfect on games and -2-4 on LR combined but anywhere from -3-10 on RC. I decided to buy the Cambridge packs to drill because the hard science terminology really trips me up but I spazzed out and accidentally got social science instead of natural. I've contemplated purchasing the difficult pack since it has a mix of all types but I wondering how helpful it is. To me difficult is very subjective and depends on the person. Wondering if anyone has any experience with the packets and advice on what I should get. I'm running out of money. I got a 166 on the June LSAT my 1st take and I went -8 RC so I need help

[Gray]

.

[ilikebaseball]

the ones about the minorities always get me. Like the chinese american authors or the japanese american scuptors, or the native american poets. Its never like a black baseball player or something actually remotely interesting.