The Official February 2015 Study Group Forum

[Big Red]

ok wow I feel a lot better. I know logically that this takes time and I'm still making my way through the BP lessons so there are plenty of question types yet to be covered, but thank you for putting it in perspective. I clearly over think/spend too much time on TLS reading about geniuses

The LSAT is super learnable. Seriously. TLS people certainly aren't geniuses; we're just more neurotic and dedicated than the general LSAT population. Don't judge yourself against a very unrepresentative sample, but use it to motivate you. It's very easy to give up and resign yourself to defeat, but don't let that be the case.
Keep it up and we'll be here for you.

shhhh (s)he's flattering us

[Donashimen]

Hello everyone,
I wasn't able to read every post on this thread yet,since it is 88 pages. So other people might have already asked these questions.
I have already taken the September 2014 LSAT, however, I am thinking about retaking it again in February because I know I can increase my score. I am also planning on sending my applications this week. I am very worried that my application won't get reviewed by each school until the February scores are released. Which most definitely would put me at a disadvantage since most of the seats would have been filled. Does anyone know if that actually does occur? Or do they review and consider your application prior to receiving the February LSAT?

My second question is regarding a study plan for the LSAT. I have taken every prep-test, accept the December 2014 LSAT, several times and I am out of study material. Any suggestions on other ways to getting study material?

Thank you so much! This is an awesome thread!!

[JackelJ]

Anyone have tips on diagramming "only" statements quickly? I know only introduces a necessary condition, sometimes it just takes me longer to diagram it properly and then I usually end up second guessing myself if it isn't a straight forward one.

[nlee10]

Anyone have tips on diagramming "only" statements quickly? I know only introduces a necessary condition, sometimes it just takes me longer to diagram it properly and then I usually end up second guessing myself if it isn't a straight forward one.

As far as I know, "THE ONLY" introduces the sufficient and pretty much the other only variations introduce the necessary (like only when or only if).

[stray]

Anyone have tips on diagramming "only" statements quickly? I know only introduces a necessary condition, sometimes it just takes me longer to diagram it properly and then I usually end up second guessing myself if it isn't a straight forward one.

Do you have an example of one where it takes you long to diagram?


I Just put it straight next to the arrow (in the necessary position) whenever I read "only" - including only if, only when, etc.

"the only" is an exemption- whenever you see "the only" it is put in the sufficient position.

Also "if and only if" - biconditional, so arrows go both ways.

If the conditional indicators are there, I kind of got to the point where I dont even try thinking about it to make sure it makes sense (which I'm assuming you are doing since you say its takes too long). I just trust that the indicators did what they are supposed to do, and I never had a real issue of this failing me.

[stray]

Hello everyone,
I wasn't able to read every post on this thread yet,since it is 88 pages. So other people might have already asked these questions.
I have already taken the September 2014 LSAT, however, I am thinking about retaking it again in February because I know I can increase my score. I am also planning on sending my applications this week. I am very worried that my application won't get reviewed by each school until the February scores are released. Which most definitely would put me at a disadvantage since most of the seats would have been filled. Does anyone know if that actually does occur? Or do they review and consider your application prior to receiving the February LSAT?

My second question is regarding a study plan for the LSAT. I have taken every prep-test, accept the December 2014 LSAT, several times and I am out of study material. Any suggestions on other ways to getting study material?

Thank you so much! This is an awesome thread!!

Hey.

Sorry, I cant help with the first part too much, since I'll be applying for 2016.
But I'm also retaking and have exhausted my prep materials. I know there are some fake prep tests out there (kaplan and Princeton review) but I decided I'm just going to review the PT's I have already taken since I feel pretty comfortable with where I am right now already. Maybe you can take some of the older PT's you took a while ago and just make sure you review throughly each question you arent absolutley positive on. Where are you PTing right now?

[JackelJ]

Anyone have tips on diagramming "only" statements quickly? I know only introduces a necessary condition, sometimes it just takes me longer to diagram it properly and then I usually end up second guessing myself if it isn't a straight forward one.

Do you have an example of one where it takes you long to diagram?


I Just put it straight next to the arrow (in the necessary position) whenever I read "only" - including only if, only when, etc.

"the only" is an exemption- whenever you see "the only" it is put in the sufficient position.

Also "if and only if" - biconditional, so arrows go both ways.


I kind of got to the point where I dont even try thinking about it to make sure it makes sense (which I'm assuming you mean when you say its takes long) if the conditional indicators are there. I never had an issue of it failing me.

I don't think you can always just put whatever comes after only right next to the arrow because it can be before or after the necessary condition. For example "Only dogs bark" and "the only thing that barks is a dog" are diagrammed the same way (Barks --> Dog) even though what follows only is different in each sentence. I was just doing PT2 S2 Q2 and I got the right answer but I initially eliminated it because I diagrammed it backwards. Maybe I just looked at it too quickly.

[stray]

I don't think you can always just put whatever comes after only right next to the arrow because it can be before or after the necessary condition. For example "Only dogs bark" and "the only thing that barks is a dog" are diagrammed the same way even though (Barks --> Dog) what follows only is different in each sentence. I was just doing PT2 S2 Q2 and I got the right answer but I initially eliminated it because I diagrammed it backwards. Maybe I just looked at it too quickly.

"Only dogs bark".

B --> D

After the word only (think about it as the word that "only" is referring to) is dogs. So thats necessary.

----

"the only thing that barks is a dog"

B --> D

The reason why this one is different is because "the only" is the exception. So you have to do sufficient for that one. "The only" is always sufficient. "The only" is referring to things that bark. SO thats sufficient.


Idk, i try to be as mechanical about it as possible. I used to overthink and try to figure out if the conditional diagrams I was writing down made any sense, but that just ended screwing me over. Just circle the word "only" if you need to, see what it is referring to (rather than seeing what "only" is followed by), and place it in the necessary (AS LONG AS YOU REMEMBER TO DO THE OPPOSITE WITH "THE ONLY".

[Big Red]

Hello everyone,
I have already taken the September 2014 LSAT, however, I am thinking about retaking it again in February because I know I can increase my score. I am also planning on sending my applications this week. I am very worried that my application won't get reviewed by each school until the February scores are released. Which most definitely would put me at a disadvantage since most of the seats would have been filled. Does anyone know if that actually does occur? Or do they review and consider your application prior to receiving the February LSAT?

Some schools are going to see you're sitting in Feb and choose to wait to review your application, others will not - if you'd like them to do one or the other, you can send an email to admissions.

I would recommend that you go to LSN and set the month parameter "march-march" for the last two or three cycles, which will show you the outcomes of people applying with that Feb score.

I'm going to asking that they hold for my retake, because where my profile stands right now the best I could hope for is sticker at most of my target schools.

[Donashimen]

Hello everyone,
I wasn't able to read every post on this thread yet,since it is 88 pages. So other people might have already asked these questions.
I have already taken the September 2014 LSAT, however, I am thinking about retaking it again in February because I know I can increase my score. I am also planning on sending my applications this week. I am very worried that my application won't get reviewed by each school until the February scores are released. Which most definitely would put me at a disadvantage since most of the seats would have been filled. Does anyone know if that actually does occur? Or do they review and consider your application prior to receiving the February LSAT?

My second question is regarding a study plan for the LSAT. I have taken every prep-test, accept the December 2014 LSAT, several times and I am out of study material. Any suggestions on other ways to getting study material?

Thank you so much! This is an awesome thread!!

Hey.

Sorry, I cant help with the first part too much, since I'll be applying for 2016.
But I'm also retaking and have exhausted my prep materials. I know there are some fake prep tests out there (kaplan and Princeton review) but I decided I'm just going to review the PT's I have already taken since I feel pretty comfortable with where I am right now already. Maybe you can take some of the older PT's you took a while ago and just make sure you review throughly each question you arent absolutley positive on. Where are you PTing right now?

Well I have just been taking all the old LSAT tests. So #1-72 I think? But I've taken most of them like 3-5 times each. I counted and there are like 15 that I haven't looked at in like 6 months but I honestly don't know how effective they would be at this point.

[stray]

Well I have just been taking all the old LSAT tests. So #1-72 I think? But I've taken most of them like 3-5 times each. I counted and there are like 15 that I haven't looked at in like 6 months but I honestly don't know how effective they would be at this point.

When you redo the PT's are you getting near perfect scores? If you have done each 3-5 times (which is incredible btw), you should be getting 180s on them. If you arent, it seems like you arent understanding why the correct answer is correct and the wrong answers are wrong. If this is the case, and you are not getting at least 170, you need to work on fundamentals I think. Even if you want to take fake PT's, I dont see it helping if you are just doing PT's and not throughly reviewing them and making sure you understand each question.

[Donashimen]

Hello everyone,
I have already taken the September 2014 LSAT, however, I am thinking about retaking it again in February because I know I can increase my score. I am also planning on sending my applications this week. I am very worried that my application won't get reviewed by each school until the February scores are released. Which most definitely would put me at a disadvantage since most of the seats would have been filled. Does anyone know if that actually does occur? Or do they review and consider your application prior to receiving the February LSAT?

Some schools are going to see you're sitting in Feb and choose to wait to review your application, others will not - if you'd like them to do one or the other, you can send an email to admissions.

I would recommend that you go to LSN and set the month parameter "march-march" for the last two or three cycles, which will show you the outcomes of people applying with that Feb score.

I'm going to asking that they hold for my retake, because where my profile stands right now the best I could hope for is sticker at most of my target schools.

I'm trying to figure out how to change the month parameter on LSN but I can't seem to do it. Is it under a specific place that I just can't seem me to find?..I feel really stupid I'm sorry lol

[JackelJ]

Idk, i try to be as mechanical about it as possible. I used to overthink and try to figure out if the conditional diagrams I was writing down made any sense, but that just ended screwing me over. Just circle the word "only" if you need to, see what it is referring to (rather than seeing what "only" is followed by), and place it in the necessary (AS LONG AS YOU REMEMBER TO DO THE OPPOSITE WITH "THE ONLY".

Thanks Columbia. I also try to do it as mechanically as possible by just seeing what the only is referring to. But it helps to see other views on how to approach them. I am probably just way overthinking it haha. Or maybe I should just learn to read better haha, I make the dumbest mistakes sometimes

[nlee10]

Idk, i try to be as mechanical about it as possible. I used to overthink and try to figure out if the conditional diagrams I was writing down made any sense, but that just ended screwing me over. Just circle the word "only" if you need to, see what it is referring to (rather than seeing what "only" is followed by), and place it in the necessary (AS LONG AS YOU REMEMBER TO DO THE OPPOSITE WITH "THE ONLY".

Thanks Columbia. I also try to do it as mechanically as possible by just seeing what the only is referring to. But it helps to see other views on how to approach them. I am probably just way overthinking it haha. Or maybe I should just learn to read better haha, I make the dumbest mistakes sometimes

I swear that is my problem....especially on LR.

[stray]

Idk, i try to be as mechanical about it as possible. I used to overthink and try to figure out if the conditional diagrams I was writing down made any sense, but that just ended screwing me over. Just circle the word "only" if you need to, see what it is referring to (rather than seeing what "only" is followed by), and place it in the necessary (AS LONG AS YOU REMEMBER TO DO THE OPPOSITE WITH "THE ONLY".

Thanks Columbia. I also try to do it as mechanically as possible by just seeing what the only is referring to. But it helps to see other views on how to approach them. I am probably just way overthinking it haha. Or maybe I should just learn to read better haha, I make the dumbest mistakes sometimes

Do you have 7sage? There was so many conditional drills. It was basically like several tests where there are 20 conditional statements and you diagram. Yo do them, then watch the videos of him explaining how to do it. Then move on to the next set of statements.
No arguments or that superfluous bullshit, just basic conditional sentences (just like the ones you provided). I personally skipped these lessons, since I started 7sage very late in my prep and was pretty comfortable with diagramming already but If you have 7sage its worth a look.

[20170322]

Idk, i try to be as mechanical about it as possible. I used to overthink and try to figure out if the conditional diagrams I was writing down made any sense, but that just ended screwing me over. Just circle the word "only" if you need to, see what it is referring to (rather than seeing what "only" is followed by), and place it in the necessary (AS LONG AS YOU REMEMBER TO DO THE OPPOSITE WITH "THE ONLY".

Thanks Columbia. I also try to do it as mechanically as possible by just seeing what the only is referring to. But it helps to see other views on how to approach them. I am probably just way overthinking it haha. Or maybe I should just learn to read better haha, I make the dumbest mistakes sometimes

Do you have 7sage? There was so many conditional drills. It was basically like several tests where there are 20 conditional statements and you diagram. Yo do them, then watch the videos of him explaining how to do it. Then move on to the next set of statements.
No arguments or that superfluous bullshit, just basic conditional sentences (just like the ones you provided). I personally skipped these lessons, since I started 7sage very late in my prep and was pretty comfortable with diagramming already but If you have 7sage its worth a look.

Any tips for not making stupid errors (missing rules, forgetting things you've diagrammed) other than to drill and pay attention?

[JackelJ]

Do you have 7sage? There was so many conditional drills. It was basically like several tests where there are 20 conditional statements and you diagram. Yo do them, then watch the videos of him explaining how to do it. Then move on to the next set of statements.
No arguments or that superfluous bullshit, just basic conditional sentences (just like the ones you provided). I personally skipped these lessons, since I started 7sage very late in my prep and was pretty comfortable with diagramming already but If you have 7sage its worth a look.

I do not have 7sage. I took a BP course and learned the fundamentals from them. They actually do exactly what you described, and they also give so many conditional drills (I was working on them actually which prompted my question). So, I know how to diagram everything and its really only the "only" (haha) statements that take me longer. I was just wondering if anyone had a fool proof way of doing it that they use that saves time.

[stray]

Any tips for not making stupid errors (missing rules, forgetting things you've diagrammed) other than to drill and pay attention?

There are def people in this thread who are much better at games than me. I cant exactly recall who mentioned it, but people who can finish game with 10-15 mins to spare. They are def a better person to ask. I usually have a serious issue with finishing games. But what has helped me is being really organized. I used 7sage to learn the games (im starting to feel like to feel like a friggin mouthpiece for this website, sorry) and essentially the same process is repeated for every game (carefully read, number/write each rule down, make inferences upfront). The first question (rule orientation is it called?) when you go through each rule and try to eliminate an answer choice should help make sure you didnt miss a rule.

[JackelJ]

Any tips for not making stupid errors (missing rules, forgetting things you've diagrammed) other than to drill and pay attention?

For games I put a slash or check next to a rule after I read and add it to my setup so I don't miss any. I also try to be somewhat organized and diagram all my things for a question in one place (not perfectly because of timing but mostly in the same general area). But I am the worst at making stupid errors. I may or may not have said 2x3=5 on a calc test once

[nlee10]

Any tips for not making stupid errors (missing rules, forgetting things you've diagrammed) other than to drill and pay attention?

There are def people in this thread who are much better at games than me. I cant exactly recall who mentioned it, but people who can finish game with 10-15 mins to spare. They are def a better person to ask. I usually have a serious issue with finishing games. But what has helped me is being really organized. I used 7sage to learn the games (im starting to feel like to feel like a friggin mouthpiece for this website, sorry) and essentially the same process is repeated for every game (carefully read, number/write each rule down, make inferences upfront). The first question (rule orientation is it called?) when you go through each rule and try to eliminate an answer choice should help make sure you didnt miss a rule.

Calling out Mist for you.

[nlee10]

Today was a LG day. Did 10 grouping games....

[I<3ScholarlySweets!]

Rate the prestige of my lsat prep material

http://i.imgur.com/HQqaKPf.jpg

[Big Red]

Rate the prestige of my lsat prep material

http://i.imgur.com/HQqaKPf.jpg

So just a couple of thoughts of here:

-progress on the LSAT can't be made of destroyed in a single day; I do not know Socrates to have ever written the test
-I thought 8 mile was a poor movie; I do not know Eminiem to have ever written the test
-those aren't black tics
-I really hope you aren't shaving with that thing

So what's your plan on drilling? Do you have all those PTs in four-sections?

163/180

[stray]

ticonderogas or gtfo. (i can budge on the fact if they are black or yellow but id ask they be sharpened)

I dont think i'm seeing PT 72 & 73? BRO ARE YOU EVEN TRYING? come on...

But I'll give you a solid 172/180 for the sole fact that you rounded everything up (including your hype music and inspirational quote) for a filtered instagram style setup pic.

[Smallville]

Rate the prestige of my lsat prep material

http://i.imgur.com/HQqaKPf.jpg

So just a couple of thoughts of here:

-progress on the LSAT can't be made of destroyed in a single day; I do not know Socrates to have ever written the test
-I thought 8 mile was a poor movie; I do not know Eminiem to have ever written the test
-those aren't black tics
-I really hope you aren't shaving with that thing

So what's your plan on drilling? Do you have all those PTs in four-sections?

163/180

180 response