real The Official December 2016 Waiters Group - Patience is a Virtue Forum

[Instrumental]

I was thinking more the Comedy Central show "Crank Yankers."

[dj9i27]

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[Mikey]

Did 2 LG sections straight through (59:04)

-2 on the first
-1 on the second

[Mikey]

John Marshall law school sent me a mint candy with other stuff. Was hesitant to eat the mint candy but i did, and i'm convinced it's poison

[JessiCAL]

Hi everyone,

I need some advice... I've been really focusing on LR lately (tbh, even at the complete expense of RC, and my RC score has suffered for it...). I've been doing timed sections, and also drilling flaw/assumption/strengthen/weaken questions since they all require the same skill set and comprise a significant chunk of LR. However, I can not for the life of me seem to improve my LR score!! I consistently score -3 to -5 per section and on most sections, I can't even finish in 35 minutes (generally omit 1 question - usually a time consuming parallel type question). Even after a section or a full PT, I BR the entire LR section and try to prephrase the flaw, and I also try to categorize the flaw as one of the 3 simplified types from The Trainer. (I figured this would help to ID patterns...)

I've scored 171 once (and was very excited about my score), and since then, my score has just fluctuated all over the 160's. I recognize the importance of nailing down LR since it's 50% of the exam. I realize that it's not as easily learnable as LG, but I know that it still is learnable. With the December test looming, I'm getting very nervous, especially about my LR abilities (or apparent lack thereof).

Do you guys have any advice? Please help TLSers! Thanks!!

[Rupert Pupkin]

Even though Im not taking December, I really need to get on my grind with studying again. Grad school has been crazy busy, but I think now is a good time to casually restart over thanksgiving break and then start full-on crushing come winter break.

[dj9i27]

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[dj9i27]

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[SunDevil14]

if December was my 3rd instead of 2nd take I'd do September just because that would be like 1.8 years of studying for this test and I should be a master by then lol.

jobs kind of interfere with studying but school did more imo

Yeah I guess. I'm just basing it off of the fact that with 5 classes, I still manage to get a good amount of LSAT prep in. Most likely will be sept tho

yeah you'll be good man, the longer I'm in this game the more I realize that they're all pretty much the same.
please God December be an abnormally easy exam

Echo^ that, the more you take the practice exams the more you realize that luck plays a big role in hitting the top of your scoring range. The passages/games chosen along with the distribution of LR question types can cause some decent size swings in either direction. I just hope the December exam plays to my strengths and not my weaknesses.

Although one is not scored, I pray there are not 2 reading sections. 2 LG sections would be an early Christmas present as far as I am concerned.

3LR would be the dream. I had RC-LR-RC-LG-LR (in that order) last time and it was probably the worst possible combo/order for my skills. Hoping for a LR-RC-LR-LR-LG order this go around.

Man I just want a double games section for once. I got LR first time and LR the second. I want LG to happen for me.

i feel like 3 lr wouldn't be horrid or 2 LG. I really don't care so long as it isn't 2 RC, Satan laughs every time it's 2 RC

RC is a Bane of my existence right now, RC can go to Hell. I was reading Dostoevsky in high school for personal enjoyment, along with Plato's dialogue in college, and now the most mundane crap about a person or thing no one cares about is giving me trouble.

[batlaw]

Guys --- are we allowed to have fun between now and Dec 3... or are we on lockdown? I just can't decide!

I spent 9 hours today going through the first fourth of LSAT Trainer* and am just having internal conflict on whether or not I should be shutting out all external life. I mean at least I'm home and worked out and cooked dinner, but I don't think I can go out or drink because I want to be up tomorrow by 8 am so I can keep my rhythm and schedule. My friends hate me right now. I did go to a social event at an art museum last night though so I'm not totally crazy.

Anyone have any life habits they are starting soon or between now and test day? For example: no going out, no caffeine, no alcohol, waking up before X, changing what you eat?, etc.

*I had an inner panic that I really hadn't officially devoted myself to strategy and so started the LSAT Trainer today and am hoping it will provide benefits over just PTing and BRing. I feel nervous though and am paranoid I'm not maximizing my efficiency. #Panic.

[dj9i27]

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[SunDevil14]

I'm debating doing a dual PT tomorrow... rock like a four section - 15 minute break - four section.

I've done it in the past, you are in for a long day haha. I only studied for an hour today, maybe I will take the plunge with you.

Timing didn't work out. Not the end of the world, as some of this test content was vaguely familiar...possible some was supplemental sections. Going to find a totally fresh PT and do the another after it tomorrow or Sunday.

I took the plunge today. The break in the middle was tad over 20 minutes as opposed to 15, though the extra 5 minutes or so is negligible when you are hammering out 8 sections as opposed to 5.

PT 73: 169
RC: -6 (got slaughtered)
LR: -4
LG: -1
LR II: -3

PT 72: 174
RC: -2
LR: -1
LR II: -3
LG: -2 (The last game is pretty tough)

I over did the caffeine this morning, I was pretty spacey and foggy for the 1st test. The 20 minutes of break and some nicotine really helped calmed the nerves. Although I had seen the test 72 a few months back, I was still pleased with my 174 performances coming after completing a 4 section test with no breaks. 169 on 73 was decent giving that I was to spacey for the first half and really crashing on the second, plus I did 4 sections all at once.

I noticed a big difference when attempting the final section of each test. I definitely felt the mental fatigue, I had to fight much more to focus and concentrate as opposed 3 sections followed by a break.

Special Note on LG: The most recent PT's (70+) are definitely more difficult in the games department. Though the games follow the same general patterns, the rules and game board set up are in general less formulaic and therefore not easy to quickly set up and represent. Additionally, the choice of questions tend to also be more time consuming. I think the test makers are compensating for the plethora of existing prep material available for previous games.

[batlaw]

Guys --- are we allowed to have fun between now and Dec 3... or are we on lockdown? I just can't decide!

I spent 9 hours today going through the first fourth of LSAT Trainer* and am just having internal conflict on whether or not I should be shutting out all external life. I mean at least I'm home and worked out and cooked dinner, but I don't think I can go out or drink because I want to be up tomorrow by 8 am so I can keep my rhythm and schedule. My friends hate me right now. I did go to a social event at an art museum last night though so I'm not totally crazy.

Anyone have any life habits they are starting soon or between now and test day? For example: no going out, no caffeine, no alcohol, waking up before X, changing what you eat?, etc.

*I had an inner panic that I really hadn't officially devoted myself to strategy and so started the LSAT Trainer today and am hoping it will provide benefits over just PTing and BRing. I feel nervous though and am paranoid I'm not maximizing my efficiency. #Panic.

Homie I shut out my personal life in June lol, that is probably why I wished this test was last week. The no going out and alcohol thing I have already been doing, diets on point right now because BB and tomorrow I told myself to wake up at 8 and do a PT since all I did today was exercise for 4 hours lol. Hopefully the sacrifice is worth it, we can only wish for a kind test at this point.

Ha, I hear you! I mean I haven't really been going out or drinking in a while lately either. It's just that I would go socialize right now, except it seems my friends mainly socialize too late and it normally involves alcohol -- neither of which really fit my protocol right now. I'd be totally down to go get sushi or check out some other restaurant and discuss whatever though. I guess I'm just a little sad that my social desires don't fit with what my current friends' plans are. So here's to watching the latest Westworld and then reading and sleeping and waking up early to PT and do this all again =). You are totally right about reminding myself that it is worth it though!

[dj9i27]

[.

[Instrumental]

Guys --- are we allowed to have fun between now and Dec 3... or are we on lockdown? I just can't decide!

I spent 9 hours today going through the first fourth of LSAT Trainer* and am just having internal conflict on whether or not I should be shutting out all external life. I mean at least I'm home and worked out and cooked dinner, but I don't think I can go out or drink because I want to be up tomorrow by 8 am so I can keep my rhythm and schedule. My friends hate me right now. I did go to a social event at an art museum last night though so I'm not totally crazy.

Anyone have any life habits they are starting soon or between now and test day? For example: no going out, no caffeine, no alcohol, waking up before X, changing what you eat?, etc.

*I had an inner panic that I really hadn't officially devoted myself to strategy and so started the LSAT Trainer today and am hoping it will provide benefits over just PTing and BRing. I feel nervous though and am paranoid I'm not maximizing my efficiency. #Panic.

I've been performing better taking it easy than I did when I was going hard in the paint with PTs 4 times a week and studying hours every day prior to the Sept. test. Just came back from a skate sesh. feels good man. Part of me thinks my improved performance is from the long break of studying I had. After taking the September test, I didn't do anything LSAT related for about a month. I think it may have let concepts sink or something.

[dj9i27]

[

[dj9i27]

,

[34iplaw]

I'm debating doing a dual PT tomorrow... rock like a four section - 15 minute break - four section.

I've done it in the past, you are in for a long day haha. I only studied for an hour today, maybe I will take the plunge with you.

Timing didn't work out. Not the end of the world, as some of this test content was vaguely familiar...possible some was supplemental sections. Going to find a totally fresh PT and do the another after it tomorrow or Sunday.

I took the plunge today. The break in the middle was tad over 20 minutes as opposed to 15, though the extra 5 minutes or so is negligible when you are hammering out 8 sections as opposed to 5.

PT 73: 169
RC: -6 (got slaughtered)
LR: -4
LG: -1
LR II: -3

PT 72: 174
RC: -2
LR: -1
LR II: -3
LG: -2 (The last game is pretty tough)

I over did the caffeine this morning, I was pretty spacey and foggy for the 1st test. The 20 minutes of break and some nicotine really helped calmed the nerves. Although I had seen the test 72 a few months back, I was still pleased with my 174 performances coming after completing a 4 section test with no breaks. 169 on 73 was decent giving that I was to spacey for the first half and really crashing on the second, plus I did 4 sections all at once.

I noticed a big difference when attempting the final section of each test. I definitely felt the mental fatigue, I had to fight much more to focus and concentrate as opposed 3 sections followed by a break.

Special Note on LG: The most recent PT's (70+) are definitely more difficult in the games department. Though the games follow the same general patterns, the rules and game board set up are in general less formulaic and therefore not easy to quickly set up and represent. Additionally, the choice of questions tend to also be more time consuming. I think the test makers are compensating for the plethora of existing prep material available for previous games.

The rumor going around is that the free 7Sage explanations made people too good at normal type games so they started throwing these hellraisers in. There is quite a few of them in the upper 70s that don't have one, I can only hope at this point but be prepared.

I think they tend to test you in a way that requires a more conceptual and abstract approach...virus was all one inference kind of like that passing game that everyone was pissed off about. That passing game I nailed in like 4 minutes flat.

I did PT 52(?) today. Some seemed familiar (ironically, questions I got wrong). Went -3 on RC which was nice for a 177(I think) will check when home. I definitely had seen the fourth game before, but I handled it so much better.

[34iplaw]

Guys --- are we allowed to have fun between now and Dec 3... or are we on lockdown? I just can't decide!

I spent 9 hours today going through the first fourth of LSAT Trainer* and am just having internal conflict on whether or not I should be shutting out all external life. I mean at least I'm home and worked out and cooked dinner, but I don't think I can go out or drink because I want to be up tomorrow by 8 am so I can keep my rhythm and schedule. My friends hate me right now. I did go to a social event at an art museum last night though so I'm not totally crazy.

Anyone have any life habits they are starting soon or between now and test day? For example: no going out, no caffeine, no alcohol, waking up before X, changing what you eat?, etc.

*I had an inner panic that I really hadn't officially devoted myself to strategy and so started the LSAT Trainer today and am hoping it will provide benefits over just PTing and BRing. I feel nervous though and am paranoid I'm not maximizing my efficiency. #Panic.

I've been performing better taking it easy than I did when I was going hard in the paint with PTs 4 times a week and studying hours every day prior to the Sept. test. Just came back from a skate sesh. feels good man. Part of me thinks my improved performance is from the long break of studying I had. After taking the September test, I didn't do anything LSAT related for about a month. I think it may have let concepts sink or something.

Same deal. TBH, I'm feeling pretty damned good.

[dj9i27]

[.

[Greenteachurro]

Hi everyone,

I need some advice... I've been really focusing on LR lately (tbh, even at the complete expense of RC, and my RC score has suffered for it...). I've been doing timed sections, and also drilling flaw/assumption/strengthen/weaken questions since they all require the same skill set and comprise a significant chunk of LR. However, I can not for the life of me seem to improve my LR score!! I consistently score -3 to -5 per section and on most sections, I can't even finish in 35 minutes (generally omit 1 question - usually a time consuming parallel type question). Even after a section or a full PT, I BR the entire LR section and try to prephrase the flaw, and I also try to categorize the flaw as one of the 3 simplified types from The Trainer. (I figured this would help to ID patterns...)

I've scored 171 once (and was very excited about my score), and since then, my score has just fluctuated all over the 160's. I recognize the importance of nailing down LR since it's 50% of the exam. I realize that it's not as easily learnable as LG, but I know that it still is learnable. With the December test looming, I'm getting very nervous, especially about my LR abilities (or apparent lack thereof).

Do you guys have any advice? Please help TLSers! Thanks!!

Untimed LR; people call this stupid and ask, "what's the point" but, it helped me develop an eye for the wrong answers and narrow it down to 2 choices each time. Timing is something that will come with practice imo, but don't be me where you try to blow through the section in record time (cough september cough). Parallel questions become ridiculously easy when you do enough of them.

TL;DR: Do untimed sections and continue drilling by QT and you should see a timing improvement on PTs. Doing this also helped me with RC

100% this untimed LR and RC are highly underrated on this site. I think doing one every now and again can really help. The key for doing it untimed is trying as hard as you possibly can to get every single question right. Even if that means writing out a couple of questions and writing out why certain answers are wrong. Doing something untimed has to be done right and can help break through plateaus.

[harveybirdman502]

Does anyone have particular methods for approaching Required Assumption questions? Still sinking a lot of time into these. I need some real advice from high scorers.

dj9i27: PT 73 wasn't all that different from the tests in the 50s. Noticed more RA, MBT/MSS and Resolve questions in LR though. Obviously more comparative passages in RC as well. Second LR section was very difficult or I was completely burned out by then.

Did alright on LG. Need to up my game on sequencing diagrams though. That wasn't nearly as important on older games I've noticed.

Took the day off to walk to the theater and see Arrival. Pretty good movie. Wasn't as good as Contact though

[34iplaw]

Does anyone have particular methods for approaching Required Assumption questions? Still sinking a lot of time into these. I need some real advice from high scorers.

dj9i27: PT 73 wasn't all that different from the tests in the 50s. Noticed more RA, MBT/MSS and Resolve questions in LR though. Obviously more comparative passages in RC as well. Second LR section was very difficult or I was completely burned out by then.

Did alright on LG. Need to up my game on sequencing diagrams though. That wasn't nearly as important on older games I've noticed.

Well, just remember there are two types of sequencing games. Relative ordering ones are literally impossible to do efficiently (AFAIK) without a proper diagram [or two for the rare 'harder' ones]

Diagramming is really useful for all games, but many games have one or two killer inferences that most questions hinge upon...those are the ones you can sort of divine your way out of if that is your jam.

As for required assumption (I'm assuming this is necessary assumptions), the go to method is to negate the answer choice. If you negate the answer choice, the argument simply doesn't work. Proper negation is key thought. If you have a specific example of one that trips you up, it may help. Is it the question type in general, when they use flowery language, when it isn't based in heavy conditional logic, or when it is based in heavy conditional logic?

Generally speaking, broader answer choices are better for necessary assumption questions, as the negation eliminates more whereas very specific ones are often wrong because it's like, 'Oh, okay...fine...well, what if it was one more?' I forget if it is Manhattan or the LSAT trainer, but they have this bit on sweater prices that is *really* good for illustrating this idea.

Feel free to post or PM some specific questions that you find particularly hard.

[JessiCAL]

Hey 34ip!
Can I volunteer for an NA question?
Can we give 76, LR1, Q18 or Q24 a try? (Take your pick, both are "fun"!)
I generally can handle most NA questions, but I'm finding that ones with wordy stimuli make it difficult to pick out the core...

As for required assumption (I'm assuming this is necessary assumptions), the go to method is to negate the answer choice. If you negate the answer choice, the argument simply doesn't work. Proper negation is key thought. If you have a specific example of one that trips you up, it may help. Is it the question type in general, when they use flowery language, when it isn't based in heavy conditional logic, or when it is based in heavy conditional logic?

Generally speaking, broader answer choices are better for necessary assumption questions, as the negation eliminates more whereas very specific ones are often wrong because it's like, 'Oh, okay...fine...well, what if it was one more?' I forget if it is Manhattan or the LSAT trainer, but they have this bit on sweater prices that is *really* good for illustrating this idea.

Feel free to post or PM some specific questions that you find particularly hard.

[VMars]

Last RC passage in PT 75 (liquid glass).... Missed 3!! Which is annoying because I had extra time at the end and was referring back to the passage way more than I should have needed to looking for evidence for answer choices. Think that was probably my mistake though -- didn't spend enough time reading through carefully upfront and it definitely tripped me up. Ah well, live and learn.

167 overall with some meh games performance.