The Official June 2016 Study Group Forum

[forum_user]

Bookmarking to detract attention away from my RC issues LOL.

How do you guys feel about working backwards within the section, like last RC/LG to first? With my luck, I'll be blindsided by one of the weird(er) logic games as game four in section five. *Knocks on wood*

Lol this is almost exactly what happened to me in December, except it was game 3 rather than 4. I typically do LG straight through since I'm generally pretty confident in it. For RC I usually skip the passage with the fewest questions and save it for last. That way if you're stuck with 5 minutes left in the section after working through the 3 longest passages, you've only got 5/6 questions you have to rush through versus 7/8.

[Hennessy]

Decided to take a step away from the 70+ tests

PT 65: Scaled scored 169
LR (-4)
LG (-3)
RC (-6)
LR (-3)

I want my test day to go exactly like this test. I was confident about all of LR, even though RC felt pretty tough and I ran out of time on LG final two questions (blind guessed one right.)

[ponderingmeerkat]

How do you guys feel about working backwards within the section, like last RC/LG to first? With my luck, I'll be blindsided by one of the weird(er) logic games as game four in section five. *Knocks on wood*

Nah dude. A few months ago, I used to try weird shit like this to see if it made a measurable difference. It never really did.

What I eventually figured out is if you're a top 5% or top 10% test taker, it's perfectly reasonable to expect to to finish each section within time and without gimmicky/confusing re-ordering. Have the confidence that, if you're scoring anywhere close to 165+, the whole test is written for people like you. This knowledge and confidence will allow you to relax, focus and try to get into a "flow" with the questions. Jumping around only slows you down and breaks your flow.

[appind]

How do you guys feel about working backwards within the section, like last RC/LG to first? With my luck, I'll be blindsided by one of the weird(er) logic games as game four in section five. *Knocks on wood*

Nah dude. A few months ago, I used to try weird shit like this to see if it made a measurable difference. It never really did.

What I eventually figured out is if you're a top 5% or top 10% test taker, it's perfectly reasonable to expect to to finish each section within time and without gimmicky/confusing re-ordering. Have the confidence that, if you're scoring anywhere close to 165+, the whole test is written for people like you. This knowledge and confidence will allow you to relax, focus and try to get into a "flow" with the questions. Jumping around only slows you down and breaks your flow.

agree with ponderingmkat about the futility of working backwards or trying different orderings. such gimmicks really don't work with lsat.

the only point on which i will disagree with is about time not being an issue for 5-10% of lsat takers. even 5% is like 167 and timing remains an issue for plenty of takers much above that score range i think.

[darthrevan92]

Was PT 72 an unusually difficult exam for you guys or am I tripping. I got a 169 on PT 71 but experienced a 6 point drop on PT 72. (( The Flat tax and equipoise passages were very difficult for me..

[pretzeltime]

Well...you know what they say. Easy come, easy go...amirite??

Got smoked by PT71 today.

Score 169. Section breakdown -1/-6 LR, -3 LG, -5 RC.

As I was blind reviewing it, I actually thought I'd bombed worse. But, this test had a -14 curve, so that made the final outcome not as ugly as I was anticipating. All that said, I hope this isn't the start of the dreaded PT70's slump everyone talks about. I was peaking right in time and I'd hate to see my progress reverse. Ehhh, tomorrow's another day.

Exact same boat here--pretty discouraging. You have to figure it's just a blip though. Like, clearly you're capable of more, and the -14 curve indicates that it's a pretty tough test after all.

Thanks man...appreciate the encouraging words. Like you said, I'm just going to chalk it up and move on. Quite frankly, I imagine most the heavy posters in this thread will do quite well next Monday. Maybe not "best we've ever done", but fairly solid performances. It's a good group to bitch with.

Word word word. You've both done higher, several times (many severals of times forum user?). Don't sweat it.

[ponderingmeerkat]

Was PT 72 an unusually difficult exam for you guys or am I tripping. I got a 169 on PT 71 but experienced a 6 point drop on PT 72. (( The Flat tax and equipoise passages were very difficult for me..

Dunno man. Taking it today though. I will report back with outcomes.

[pretzeltime]

Got absolutely, positively, undeniably wrecked by PT 72
RC -6
LR -6
LG -1
170 why is there no crying face

Now I'm in a pickle. I think at least some of this poor performance was due to lack of focus/burnout, but at the same time I definitely wasn't prepared for the test. I have 76 and 74 left as "fresh" retakes, which I was planning on knocking out between now and June 6. On the one hand maybe that's not such a good idea, and I should just go cold turkey and rest up. But then again if I were to perform better on 74/76, I'd have a bit of a confidence boost before the test. Not sure which would ultimately be more beneficial.

What are the days you can take these tests? Tomorrow and next Saturday, or...?

I think the consensus is that 72 is a bit tougher, so you are likely to do better on 74/76. Maybe take one but just be aware (as you apparently are) that it's primarily about confidence and you already know you can score very highly. But I would maybe wait until Saturday to do this.

There's an argument to be made that if you don't do well on one of these on Saturday, then you'll be freakin for the test on Monday. That could be true. But I think you'll do well!

Also, 170 ain't getting undeniably wrecked. But I know what you mean.

[pretzeltime]

Decided to take a step away from the 70+ tests

PT 65: Scaled scored 169
LR (-4)
LG (-3)
RC (-6)
LR (-3)

I want my test day to go exactly like this test. I was confident about all of LR, even though RC felt pretty tough and I ran out of time on LG final two questions (blind guessed one right.)

Sweet!! Glad it went well.

[R. Jeeves]

How do you guys feel about working backwards within the section, like last RC/LG to first? With my luck, I'll be blindsided by one of the weird(er) logic games as game four in section five. *Knocks on wood*

Nah dude. A few months ago, I used to try weird shit like this to see if it made a measurable difference. It never really did.

What I eventually figured out is if you're a top 5% or top 10% test taker, it's perfectly reasonable to expect to to finish each section within time and without gimmicky/confusing re-ordering. Have the confidence that, if you're scoring anywhere close to 165+, the whole test is written for people like you. This knowledge and confidence will allow you to relax, focus and try to get into a "flow" with the questions. Jumping around only slows you down and breaks your flow.

agree with ponderingmkat about the futility of working backwards or trying different orderings. such gimmicks really don't work with lsat.

the only point on which i will disagree with is about time not being an issue for 5-10% of lsat takers. even 5% is like 167 and timing remains an issue for plenty of takers much above that score range i think.

Skipping a particularly hard LG section or RC question once you gauge it as such can be good strategy. I can't see how it would be useful to just do every section backwards.

[forum_user]

Got absolutely, positively, undeniably wrecked by PT 72
RC -6
LR -6
LG -1
170 why is there no crying face

Now I'm in a pickle. I think at least some of this poor performance was due to lack of focus/burnout, but at the same time I definitely wasn't prepared for the test. I have 76 and 74 left as "fresh" retakes, which I was planning on knocking out between now and June 6. On the one hand maybe that's not such a good idea, and I should just go cold turkey and rest up. But then again if I were to perform better on 74/76, I'd have a bit of a confidence boost before the test. Not sure which would ultimately be more beneficial.

What are the days you can take these tests? Tomorrow and next Saturday, or...?

I think the consensus is that 72 is a bit tougher, so you are likely to do better on 74/76. Maybe take one but just be aware (as you apparently are) that it's primarily about confidence and you already know you can score very highly. But I would maybe wait until Saturday to do this.

There's an argument to be made that if you don't do well on one of these on Saturday, then you'll be freakin for the test on Monday. That could be true. But I think you'll do well!

Also, 170 ain't getting undeniably wrecked. But I know what you mean.

Haha I know I was just being a brat. Thanks for the advice, though I think what I'll try to do is knock one of 74/76 out tomorrow, and then (hopefully) I'll get my confidence back and feel good about taking the rest of the week off. Then I'll use the other test for light drilling/practice next weekend. The time off will likely do me some good.

Was PT 72 an unusually difficult exam for you guys or am I tripping. I got a 169 on PT 71 but experienced a 6 point drop on PT 72. (( The Flat tax and equipoise passages were very difficult for me..

Dunno man. Taking it today though. I will report back with outcomes.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes! I definitely think it's up there as a harder PT--every section seemed like it packed a punch.

[longpig]

Was PT 72 an unusually difficult exam for you guys or am I tripping. I got a 169 on PT 71 but experienced a 6 point drop on PT 72. (( The Flat tax and equipoise passages were very difficult for me..

Yeah any passage about taxes is not only incomprehensible to me, but also automatically causes me personal anxiety lol.

I think the workpieces LG on this one really fucked me.

[ayylmao]

Was PT 72 an unusually difficult exam for you guys or am I tripping. I got a 169 on PT 71 but experienced a 6 point drop on PT 72. (( The Flat tax and equipoise passages were very difficult for me..

Ugh muhfuckin clinical equipoise. Blurgh

[somethingElse]

Pretzel tossing out some sage wisdom in this thread right meow.

[ponderingmeerkat]

OK...prep test 72. Holy fuckballs batman.

I just finished grading it with 7sage (so I could know my score but preserve some semblance of a blind review this evening). Got a 170, which, quite frankly, is way better than I thought I'd get. It felt like a best case 165er.

Between workpieces and medical equipoise, my rectum was violated by LSAC and I'd assume most my misses are clustered there. On the bright side though, my undergrad minor in Econ and my MBA are coming in handy. The flat tax passage everyone bitches about wasn't that bad for me. So, I'm hoping there are 3 esoteric econ/tax/finance passages next Monday. Sorry, not sorry.

Anyway, will edit with section-by-section breakdown after I do blind review this evening. Going to go regain my composure, binge watch some Arrested Development on Netflix, and start on Pretzel's recommended white-wine regimen so I can have a betchy blind review sesh this evening.

Section breakdown edit: -1 RC (Apparently put in some work in this section...saved my ass because the rest of the test was hot garbage. Only question missed was on Equipoise.) -2/-6 LR (<------ just kill me). -4 LG (All missed in the workpieces game. Never got off the ground on that one. Glad it was the last game in the last section...had it been section 2 I would have been a chocolate mess for the rest of the test.)

[ms9]

Here is a blog on staying calm on test day. I certainly won't claim it will work for all, but it has work for some! Good luck, everyone. The test is already written, but you all are still getting better

http://blog.spiveyconsulting.com/lsat-state-of-mind/

[pretzeltime]

Pretzel tossing out some sage wisdom in this thread right meow.

Oh my gosh thanks I try! I guess I am feeling more zen because this is my second take. Trying to be a soothing presence on TLS.

[pretzeltime]

OK...prep test 72. Holy fuckballs batman.

I just finished grading it with 7sage (so I could know my score but preserve some semblance of a blind review this evening). Got a 170, which, quite frankly, is way better than I thought I'd get. It felt like a best case 165er.

Between workpieces and medical equipoise, my rectum was violated by LSAC and I'd assume most my misses are clustered there. On the bright side though, my undergrad minor in Econ and my MBA are coming in handy. The flat tax passage everyone bitches about wasn't that bad for me. So, I'm hoping there are 3 esoteric econ/tax/finance passages next Monday. Sorry, not sorry.

Anyway, will edit with section-by-section breakdown after I do blind review this evening. Going to go regain my composure, binge watch some Arrested Development on Netflix, and start on Pretzel's recommended white-wine regimen so I can have a betchy blind review sesh this evening.

Eyyy given that you thought it was tough, 170 is great! (It's great anyways but especially in these conditions)

Get that white wine flowin'. I'm actually drinking a shandy now, and I think it's fair game to day drink because I SHOULD be at a barbeque somewhere but I am not.

Think I might watch some Arrested Development too, it's been a hot moment since I rewatched

[pretzeltime]

Here is a blog on staying calm on test day. I certainly won't claim it will work for all, but it has work for some! Good luck, everyone. The test is already written, but you all are still getting better

http://blog.spiveyconsulting.com/lsat-state-of-mind/

Spivey on soothe patrol! Thank you kindly for this.

[ms9]

Here is a blog on staying calm on test day. I certainly won't claim it will work for all, but it has work for some! Good luck, everyone. The test is already written, but you all are still getting better

http://blog.spiveyconsulting.com/lsat-state-of-mind/

Spivey on soothe patrol! Thank you kindly for this.

I'll try to be much more on the score release patrol, although I'm not entirely sure the powers that be are going to be sharing early with anyone, anymore.

[sts7378]

I've been averaging between 171-173 on most of the PTs I've taken thus far. Took PT 75 yesterday, scored a 163 (-6/-5 LR, -3 LG, -6 RC). I've kicked it into vague panic mode at this point, LR/RC have always been my strongest sections and those numbers are unprecedented. Did anyone else find these sections particularly difficult? What's the best way to move forward and put myself in the right mindset before next Monday? I'm planning on taking PT76 and PT77 this coming week, and relaxing Saturday and Sunday. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[StopLawying]

I've been averaging between 171-173 on most of the PTs I've taken thus far. Took PT 75 yesterday, scored a 163 (-6/-5 LR, -3 LG, -6 RC). I've kicked it into vague panic mode at this point, LR/RC have always been my strongest sections and those numbers are unprecedented. Did anyone else find these sections particularly difficult? What's the best way to move forward and put myself in the right mindset before next Monday? I'm planning on taking PT76 and PT77 this coming week, and relaxing Saturday and Sunday. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Same situation. Took PT75 earlier this week and got my worst score in the last 5 months. RC and the 2nd LR in particular gave me a lot of problems. I've noticed that the LR in the 70's has gotten ridiculously tricky and I keep falling into these traps. I'm really discouraged with the test just a week away and this isn't good. I was feeling much better like 3 weeks ago. Going to take PT 77 on Tuesday and hoping for the best. I keep telling myself to learn from these tests, only one PT will ultimately count: June 6th. I'd also love to hear from others who took PT75, did you find it easy, difficult?

[forum_user]

Here is a blog on staying calm on test day. I certainly won't claim it will work for all, but it has work for some! Good luck, everyone. The test is already written, but you all are still getting better

http://blog.spiveyconsulting.com/lsat-state-of-mind/

Spivey on soothe patrol! Thank you kindly for this.

I'll try to be much more on the score release patrol, although I'm not entirely sure the powers that be are going to be sharing early with anyone, anymore.

Uh oh, do you mind sharing why you think that?

[ms9]

Here is a blog on staying calm on test day. I certainly won't claim it will work for all, but it has work for some! Good luck, everyone. The test is already written, but you all are still getting better

http://blog.spiveyconsulting.com/lsat-state-of-mind/

Spivey on soothe patrol! Thank you kindly for this.

I'll try to be much more on the score release patrol, although I'm not entirely sure the powers that be are going to be sharing early with anyone, anymore.

Uh oh, do you mind sharing why you think that?

Well, please don't use any names, but the powers that be may be reading areas of the internet more than before. Honestly I don't want to say any more because the more we talk about it the more likely it will happen. So let's move on!

[ponderingmeerkat]

Here is a blog on staying calm on test day. I certainly won't claim it will work for all, but it has work for some! Good luck, everyone. The test is already written, but you all are still getting better

http://blog.spiveyconsulting.com/lsat-state-of-mind/

Good to see ya in here Spivey. Who knew being an admissions consultant required a masters in clinical psych too.

All good feedback and thanks for thinking of and empathizing with us.