The Official February 2015 Study Group Forum

[20170322]

Is it even worth working on mapping games, given that one hasn't appeared on an LSAT in so long?

[hillz]

Is it even worth working on mapping games, given that one hasn't appeared on an LSAT in so long?

Yes, definitely. Not just for the purpose of understanding how to do a mapping game, but because doing miscellaneous games beforehand will help you if there's any sort of curveball on your test day.

[20170322]

Is it even worth working on mapping games, given that one hasn't appeared on an LSAT in so long?

Yes, definitely. Not just for the purpose of understanding how to do a mapping game, but because doing miscellaneous games beforehand will help you if there's any sort of curveball on your test day.

KK, but should it worry me if I suck at them?

[nlee10]

Is it even worth working on mapping games, given that one hasn't appeared on an LSAT in so long?

Yes, definitely. Not just for the purpose of understanding how to do a mapping game, but because doing miscellaneous games beforehand will help you if there's any sort of curveball on your test day.

KK, but should it worry me if I suck at them?

Keep drilling the misc cambridge packet with the odd games. Better safe than sorry esp with a Feb test since they are not published.

[hillz]

Is it even worth working on mapping games, given that one hasn't appeared on an LSAT in so long?

Yes, definitely. Not just for the purpose of understanding how to do a mapping game, but because doing miscellaneous games beforehand will help you if there's any sort of curveball on your test day.

KK, but should it worry me if I suck at them?

Don't be worried yet - you'll get used to working unusual games/games with a rule that's written oddly where you can't rely on having worked that type previously. You'll learn to improvise; it just takes time. Most of your struggle right now is probably because you just started! It takes most people months to really get LG down pat.

[20170322]

Is it even worth working on mapping games, given that one hasn't appeared on an LSAT in so long?

Yes, definitely. Not just for the purpose of understanding how to do a mapping game, but because doing miscellaneous games beforehand will help you if there's any sort of curveball on your test day.

KK, but should it worry me if I suck at them?

Don't be worried yet - you'll get used to working unusual games/games with a rule that's written oddly where you can't rely on having worked that type previously. You'll learn to improvise; it just takes time. Most of your struggle right now is probably because you just started! It takes most people months to really get LG down pat.

This actually leads me to my follow up question:

If I'm hitting my target score now, would it make sense to take in February rather than June? My main reasons for doing so would be:
1. I could take on-campus in Feb, which would be more comfortable
2. I'm worried about running out of material.
3. I'd like to just knock it out.


Or would this be short-sighted?

[nlee10]

This actually leads me to my follow up question:

If I'm hitting my target score now, would it make sense to take in February rather than June? My main reasons for doing so would be:
1. I could take on-campus in Feb, which would be more comfortable
2. I'm worried about running out of material.
3. I'd like to just knock it out.


Or would this be short-sighted?

If you're hitting your target score (hopefully 170+) right now, I don't see why not go for Feb. You are in UG so it'd be nice to finish the LSAT in one try so you don't have to worry about June.

[20170322]

This actually leads me to my follow up question:

If I'm hitting my target score now, would it make sense to take in February rather than June? My main reasons for doing so would be:
1. I could take on-campus in Feb, which would be more comfortable
2. I'm worried about running out of material.
3. I'd like to just knock it out.


Or would this be short-sighted?

If you're hitting your target score (hopefully 170+) right now, I don't see why not go for Feb. You are in UG so it'd be nice to finish the LSAT in one try so you don't have to worry about June.

But is it true that most people drop 3-4 points on test day? That's my main worry.

[GreenTee]

This actually leads me to my follow up question:

If I'm hitting my target score now, would it make sense to take in February rather than June? My main reasons for doing so would be:
1. I could take on-campus in Feb, which would be more comfortable
2. I'm worried about running out of material.
3. I'd like to just knock it out.


Or would this be short-sighted?

If you're hitting your target score (hopefully 170+) right now, I don't see why not go for Feb. You are in UG so it'd be nice to finish the LSAT in one try so you don't have to worry about June.

A lot of people will tell you this from experience: Hitting your target on PTs is not enough. You should be capable of hitting ~5 points above your target before you sit for this test. If you're just barely hitting your target on a good day, it's extremely unlikely that you will be able to do so on test day.

[hillz]

This actually leads me to my follow up question:

If I'm hitting my target score now, would it make sense to take in February rather than June? My main reasons for doing so would be:
1. I could take on-campus in Feb, which would be more comfortable
2. I'm worried about running out of material.
3. I'd like to just knock it out.


Or would this be short-sighted?

If I were you, I would make sure that I was hitting my target score + 3-4 points on PTs. On the day of the test, your score will likely go down, especially if you are taking it for the first time. You still have a couple of months, so I'm guessing you could get to that point if you're already at your target score now.

Nothing wrong with wanting to knock it out and of course, getting it over with means you don't risk burnout.

That said, I wouldn't be worried about running out of material. There's a lotttt of stuff out there and people study for months and months without running out.

[GreenTee]

But is it true that most people drop 3-4 points on test day? That's my main worry.

Yes. A 3-5 point test day drop is the norm.

[hillz]

A lot of people will tell you this from experience: Hitting your target on PTs is not enough. You should be capable of hitting ~5 points above your target before you sit for this test. If you're just barely hitting your target on a good day, it's extremely unlikely that you will be able to do so on test day.

GT is right. Barring awesome luck on test day, your score will likely be lower than what you had been PTing. That's also why it's so important to mimic test day conditions as much as possible (using the 7Sage app for timing and distraction noises, taking PTs in varied environments, taking bathroom breaks as you will on test day, etc). Practice using the watch and pencil type you will use on test day. You'd be surprised by what can throw you off.

[nlee10]

This actually leads me to my follow up question:

If I'm hitting my target score now, would it make sense to take in February rather than June? My main reasons for doing so would be:
1. I could take on-campus in Feb, which would be more comfortable
2. I'm worried about running out of material.
3. I'd like to just knock it out.


Or would this be short-sighted?

If you're hitting your target score (hopefully 170+) right now, I don't see why not go for Feb. You are in UG so it'd be nice to finish the LSAT in one try so you don't have to worry about June.

A lot of people will tell you this from experience: Hitting your target on PTs is not enough. You should be capable of hitting ~5 points above your target before you sit for this test. If you're just barely hitting your target on a good day, it's extremely unlikely that you will be able to do so on test day.

Yeah, that being said, you still have just under 7 weeks to refine your methods and eek out some extra points. If you can score a few more points above your target say the first week of Feb, then I'd go for it.

[GreenTee]

A lot of people will tell you this from experience: Hitting your target on PTs is not enough. You should be capable of hitting ~5 points above your target before you sit for this test. If you're just barely hitting your target on a good day, it's extremely unlikely that you will be able to do so on test day.

GT is right. Barring awesome luck on test day, your score will likely be lower than what you had been PTing. That's also why it's so important to mimic test day conditions as much as possible (using the 7Sage app for timing and distraction noises, taking PTs in varied environments, taking bathroom breaks as you will on test day, etc). Practice using the watch and pencil type you will use on test day. You'd be surprised by what can throw you off.

And even if you do everything in your power to mimic test day conditions perfectly, you still can't account for the nerves. Test day brain is unlike anything I had ever experienced before my first take. Went from PT average 171 -> 166

[lawschool1741]

This actually leads me to my follow up question:

If I'm hitting my target score now, would it make sense to take in February rather than June? My main reasons for doing so would be:
1. I could take on-campus in Feb, which would be more comfortable
2. I'm worried about running out of material.
3. I'd like to just knock it out.


Or would this be short-sighted?

Agree w/ above about PT - I scored a solid 6 points below my average (first take)

But there is literally no harm in taking in Feb - if you beast it out and get the score you want, apply and be done; if not, take again in June. Almost every school now just takes the highest score.

Also, you shouldn't really ever run out of material. If anything, go back and re-take PTs, etc

[20170322]

This actually leads me to my follow up question:

If I'm hitting my target score now, would it make sense to take in February rather than June? My main reasons for doing so would be:
1. I could take on-campus in Feb, which would be more comfortable
2. I'm worried about running out of material.
3. I'd like to just knock it out.


Or would this be short-sighted?

Agree w/ above about PT - I scored a solid 6 points below my average (first take)

But there is literally no harm in taking in Feb - if you beast it out and get the score you want, apply and be done; if not, take again in June. Almost every school now just takes the highest score.

Also, you shouldn't really ever run out of material. If anything, go back and re-take PTs, etc

And this holds true even if you're looking at a school like Harvard, which (claims it) averages?

[lawschool1741]

And this holds true even if you're looking at a school like Harvard, which (claims it) averages?

http://www.law.harvard.edu/prospective/ ... jdfaq.html

"The LSAT need be taken only once. If you take the test more than once, all scores will be received but we will use the highest score in our evaluation."

[hillz]

yeah, Harvard no longer averages. Y and S are the only schools that may care about multiple takes.

[JackelJ]

This is good to know...I'm going to start looking at the extra material in the next week as the course finishes. If you don't mind me asking when did you take the course? Did you postpone your test beyond the test 3 months after the course begins?

I took the course before the Sept test, from July to September. I had a diagnostic score of 152 I think. By the third or forth proctored practice test my score jumped up to 161 but then it was stuck there for awhile. I was working full time over the summer and was not able to study as much and I wanted to and I wanted to score higher so I postponed. I postponed to Feb instead of Dec so I wouldn't have to worry about college finals and the LSAT at the same time. I extended the BP stuff until the December test so I would have the video explainations and I printed all of the material out. So, spent the last 3 months just drilling when I could and now I'm starting to PT again.

[20170322]

Guys, I just got some great news so I'm not even going to humble-brag: this is me straight up bragging.

Just took a PT for the first time in over a week. My last one was a 164, and here's what I got this time.

PT 41, timed result:

LR1: -3
LG: -5
LR2: -0
RC: -4

Raw: 89
Scaled: 170



So, if my goal is a 173, would it be unrealistic to register for February?

[nlee10]

PT 41, timed result:
LR1: -3
LG: -5
LR2: -0
RC: -4

Raw: 89
Scaled: 170

So, if my goal is a 173, would it be unrealistic to register for February?

You would essentially have to be PT'ing 175+ by the time Feb rolls around if you want to score a 173+.
Congrats though....less than a month of studying and you already hit 170. -_-

[20170322]

PT 41, timed result:
LR1: -3
LG: -5
LR2: -0
RC: -4

Raw: 89
Scaled: 170

So, if my goal is a 173, would it be unrealistic to register for February?

You would essentially have to be PT'ing 175+ by the time Feb rolls around if you want to score a 173+.
Congrats though....less than a month of studying and you already hit 170. -_-

Well, if I can learn logic games that'd put me at 175. The question is how doable is that.

[nlee10]

Well, if I can learn logic games that'd put me at 175. The question is how doable is that.

Very doable. Drill the entire LG Cambridge Packet and review. You're at a good spot man. I'm going to PT next Monday....after an entire month off from PT'ing and focusing on 7Sage lessons and drilling. Hope to see results.

[20170322]

Well, if I can learn logic games that'd put me at 175. The question is how doable is that.

Very doable. Drill the entire LG Cambridge Packet and review. You're at a good spot man. I'm going to PT next Monday....after an entire month off from PT'ing and focusing on 7Sage lessons and drilling. Hope to see results.

Thunder buddies?

[20170322]

Sorry to harp on this, but...


If I'm happy with a 172 or above, is it a safe bet to register for the February LSAT PTing at 170 now?