The Official October 2015 Study Group Forum

appind · Post by **appind** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 2:29 pm

mornincounselor wrote:Had a setback today with PT 70.

I struggled hard with timing on RC. I spent too much time on passages 1 and 3 by returning to the passage without a great idea of where I would find the answers. The 5-minute warning came as I was bubbling in my answers to the third passage. I used the Manhattan 5-minute method of reading the first paragraph and then the first and last sentence of the other paragraphs, got 4/5 of the 5 questions I got to but didn't have time to bubble anything in for the last 2 questions.

I can come up with excuses for it: I went back-to-back RC sections, I didn't eat or drink coffee before the test, first 9am PT, etc. But, instead I'll take this as a sign to step up the work load and start training with 32-minute RC sections.

Between my first and second real test I had a month and I improved my RC from -8 to -3 by drilling straight RC sections. This time I don't have the benefit of fresh RC sections to drill with so I may try to look into disclosed foreign tests.

PT 70 -- 168

LR1: -4
RC: EXP
RC: -7
LG: -0
LR2: -3

-7 on LR really shocks me. I'll know more once I blind review.

i somehow have never been able to stick to the strict time limit of 32 or 30 min.
is this is a fresh pt that you hadn't seen before?
-3 rc on the game day is good. as you went from -8 to -3 on the real deal, did you focus on improving accuracy in rc or the timing?
what is the five-minute method?

PatriotP74 · Post by **PatriotP74** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 2:29 pm

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PoopNpants · Post by **PoopNpants** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 2:38 pm

6 WEEKS FROM THE DAY AHHHHHHH

seashell.economy · Post by **seashell.economy** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 2:45 pm

PoopNpants wrote:6 WEEKS FROM THE DAY AHHHHHHH

I've been counting down since last week...

MrBalloons · Post by **MrBalloons** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 2:45 pm

PoopNpants wrote:6 WEEKS FROM THE DAY AHHHHHHH

Crucify me, but I wish it were way sooner. I've done my best work over the last week and my amount of time that I can put toward studying will be dropping soon

LSAC just needs to get with the times and offer it year round like the GRE.

ariaaaa · Post by **ariaaaa** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 2:57 pm

PoopNpants wrote:6 WEEKS FROM THE DAY AHHHHHHH

6 weeks to kick my score up 6 points

PoopNpants · Post by **PoopNpants** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 3:01 pm

MrBalloons wrote:
PoopNpants wrote:6 WEEKS FROM THE DAY AHHHHHHH
Crucify me, but I wish it were way sooner. I've done my best work over the last week and my amount of time that I can put toward studying will be dropping soon

LSAC just needs to get with the times and offer it year round like the GRE.

Yeah I was thinking the same til an hour ago. I did the game section of PT 36 and that bus game really screwed me up horribly and ususally I'm solid on games. I remember that one being tough, I did that PT about 8 months ago but goddamn that shit was ridiculous

ggnobbq · Post by **ggnobbq** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 4:18 pm

seashell.economy · Post by **seashell.economy** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 5:18 pm

rembrandt1 wrote:I had a few questions about my current prep and figured the answers might be helpful for some of the other retakers out there. Long story short I have been "flirting" with the LSAT for about a year now. I took a prep course last fall, bought the LSAT Trainer, took the 7sage course, canceled my feb score, and then grossly underperformed in June (164). That leaves me studying for October with my 3rd and final LSAT try with the high hopes of getting into a top 5 law school. I have taken pretty much every recent LSAT (2000 and up) and score on my PTS generally range anywhere from 171-177. With 6 weeks left I was wondering if you guys have any suggestions on what to do to be in peak performance for October 3rd. I also am curious what sort of time you think I should be putting in on a daily or weekly basis to avoid burnout but still improve my skills and stay fresh. My current plan was to review the 7sage course and the LSAT Trainer, train flash cards, do a couple of sections with BR every day, and take a PT on Saturdays. I was also thinking about taking sections and tests with a 30 or 32 minutes time frame in order to challenge myself. I also have considered taking 2PTs back to back to build stamina. Any thoughts?

First off, your "grossly underperformed" is many people's dream scores. So, chin up a bit on that. Seeing as your PT's are in the 170s, why do you think you got a lower score on your June exam? Was the room distracting? Any other outside pressures? Did you leave the exam feeling confident, or feeling like you underperformed? If you have already taken every PT you have nothing fresh left to PT before October. Try incorporating earlier exams into your PT routine. I honestly think the differences between older exams and newer exams are overinflated. I would modify your study plan to two PTs a week (if you have the time) and I'd include the Bibles. I don't think doing two PTs back to back would be a benefit, it might even burn you out right before the October exam. Good luck.

Dexter97 · Post by **Dexter97** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 6:49 pm

Just took PT 58 and got a 168.

My highest PT so far is a 173 but my last five have all been below a 170.

PatriotP74 · Post by **PatriotP74** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 7:30 pm

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The Abyss · Post by **The Abyss** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:15 pm

PatriotP74 wrote:What's everyone's key to the LSAT mindset? For example when I first started a LR section this morning it took about 10-15 questions before I was really in the mindset. I know just doing a section or some questions is the best way to warm up but I was curious as to what specifically people did. Like a full section, 10 LR 2 games 1 RC passage etc

I have a very specific ritual. 2 eggs over medium with 2 coconut flour pancakes, and 3 homemade sausage links. Then I run and do some light lifting. For warm up I do 10 LR, 1 game and 1 passage. It may sound corny, but while I am running I think about what 173+ score can do for my admission chances and how it will change my life. When I'm done I'm sort of pumped for the test.

MrBalloons · Post by **MrBalloons** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:02 pm

The Abyss wrote:
PatriotP74 wrote:What's everyone's key to the LSAT mindset? For example when I first started a LR section this morning it took about 10-15 questions before I was really in the mindset. I know just doing a section or some questions is the best way to warm up but I was curious as to what specifically people did. Like a full section, 10 LR 2 games 1 RC passage etc
I have a very specific ritual. 2 eggs over medium with 2 coconut flour pancakes, and 3 homemade sausage links. Then I run and do some light lifting. For warm up I do 10 LR, 1 game and 1 passage. It may sound corny, but while I am running I think about what 173+ score can do for my admission chances and how it will change my life. When I'm done I'm sort of pumped for the test.

Unlike Rocky Balboa here, I haven't found a thing that "helps get me going." A couple of pieces of toast, maybe? Soothes the stomach. I've done that and I think it helps.

My highest PT was on a morning that I did zero warmup, though, so I have no idea.

The Abyss · Post by **The Abyss** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:08 pm

MrBalloons wrote:
The Abyss wrote:
PatriotP74 wrote:What's everyone's key to the LSAT mindset? For example when I first started a LR section this morning it took about 10-15 questions before I was really in the mindset. I know just doing a section or some questions is the best way to warm up but I was curious as to what specifically people did. Like a full section, 10 LR 2 games 1 RC passage etc
I have a very specific ritual. 2 eggs over medium with 2 coconut flour pancakes, and 3 homemade sausage links. Then I run and do some light lifting. For warm up I do 10 LR, 1 game and 1 passage. It may sound corny, but while I am running I think about what 173+ score can do for my admission chances and how it will change my life. When I'm done I'm sort of pumped for the test.
Unlike Rocky Balboa here, I haven't found a thing that "helps get me going." A couple of pieces of toast, maybe? Soothes the stomach. I've done that and I think it helps.

My highest PT was on a morning that I did zero warmup, though, so I have no idea.

It's pretty much my normal morning, except I have pancakes instead of roasted cabbage.

In addition I limit myself to 1 coffee.

ETA: like Rocky I do consume raw eggs a couple of times a week. Although I use them in smoothies.

gamerish · Post by **gamerish** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:31 pm

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The Abyss · Post by **The Abyss** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:39 pm

gamerish wrote:
ariaaaa wrote:
PoopNpants wrote:6 WEEKS FROM THE DAY AHHHHHHH
6 weeks to kick my score up 6 points
Amen

What has been your highest PT?

gamerish · Post by **gamerish** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:40 pm

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The Abyss · Post by **The Abyss** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:43 pm

gamerish wrote:
The Abyss wrote:
gamerish wrote:
ariaaaa wrote:
PoopNpants wrote:6 WEEKS FROM THE DAY AHHHHHHH
6 weeks to kick my score up 6 points
Amen
What has been your highest PT?
168, twice. Before my PT this week, they were my previous two takes. Went down to 166 this week. Looking for a 170.

I went 167, 169, but 168 before breaking I to the 170s with a 173 and a 170. You'll get there. Blind review the 166, find out what went wrong and fix it. I know that sounds simplistic but you're capable of it.

gamerish · Post by **gamerish** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:45 pm

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The Abyss · Post by **The Abyss** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:49 pm

gamerish wrote:
The Abyss wrote:I went 167, 169, but 168 before breaking I to the 170s with a 173 and a 170. You'll get there.
Not trying to be a downer on myself but I'm not sure I can even call those scores legit since I continued bubbling answers in after time was called on each one (I didn't actually work on anymore questions though, just bubbling in the last few questions I hadn't transferred over yet and filling in B for the ones I skipped).

I bubble after every answer to avoid this. For LR and RC use a dull pencil, it will fill the bubble faster.

gamerish · Post by **gamerish** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:53 pm

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ariaaaa · Post by **ariaaaa** » Sun Aug 23, 2015 1:19 pm

gamerish wrote:
The Abyss wrote:
gamerish wrote:
The Abyss wrote:I went 167, 169, but 168 before breaking I to the 170s with a 173 and a 170. You'll get there.
Not trying to be a downer on myself but I'm not sure I can even call those scores legit since I continued bubbling answers in after time was called on each one (I didn't actually work on anymore questions though, just bubbling in the last few questions I hadn't transferred over yet and filling in B for the ones I skipped).
I bubble after every answer to avoid this. For LR and RC use a dull pencil, it will fill the bubble faster.
Thanks, I'll try both on Monday for my next PT.

Good call, i'm in the same boat as you--my last three have been 168, 169, 169, so there's that.

PatriotP74 · Post by **PatriotP74** » Sun Aug 23, 2015 4:02 pm

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ariaaaa · Post by **ariaaaa** » Sun Aug 23, 2015 4:39 pm

Just had my lowest score on a PT since my diagnostic, so that was super fun. Not sure what was going on, and with October around the corner...yikes

alpha kenny body · Post by **alpha kenny body** » Sun Aug 23, 2015 7:30 pm

PT 62 - only four sections but I did them back to back

RC -7
LR1 -6
LG - 8 (stupid stained glass and game 3; I had to guess all eight of them due to time)
LR2 -1

80/102 - 165

A lot of the issue with this preptest I believe was due to time constraints, which leads me to believe I need to do more drilling with full sections. LG/RC were blah and so was LR1. Although, I believe that I am in a good place.