The Official September 2014 Study Group Forum

[Foxtrot2013]

Fellow full-time job people, how about your social lives? How do you manage?

Thanks vracovino.

Haha, what social life? I even broke up with my gf to make more time for this. But, you guys with families must have it harder, best wishes folks.

[itsallinthesauce]

Well I am going to finish up the RC lessons from the Trainer today and then move onto drilling.

Is there any credited way of drilling RC? Should I be doing packets of science passages together, or perhaps, all first passages together, or is it just as good to do them in order?

I bought Cambridge's "Hardest RC Passages" Packet and am currently going through it, usually just one passage a day. I'll time my initial read but complete the corresponding questions at leisure. I find that if I cram too many RC passages in one day, even spaced out, I mentally "check out" and the quality of studying deteriorates so I am currently working on accuracy with the questions first and then will likely build up endurance to full timed sections in 2-4 weeks.

RC prep is pretty subjective and some people are naturally better at it than others, but I definitely think it's something you can improve. I used to cling onto every sentence (Trainer's analogy of focusing in on the trees instead of the forest), but have gotten much better by just reading for structure, usually using the paragraphs to try and mentally "map out" where the key points (namely, author's opinion) are...

If you have any tips that you yourself have developed, feel free to share! -- I'm still picking it up

[chicharon]

Post removed...

[itsallinthesauce]

Well I am going to finish up the RC lessons from the Trainer today and then move onto drilling.

Is there any credited way of drilling RC? Should I be doing packets of science passages together, or perhaps, all first passages together, or is it just as good to do them in order?

I bought Cambridge's "Hardest RC Passages" Packet and am currently going through it, usually just one passage a day. I'll time my initial read but complete the corresponding questions at leisure. I find that if I cram too many RC passages in one day, even spaced out, I mentally "check out" and the quality of studying deteriorates so I am currently working on accuracy with the questions first and then will likely build up endurance to full timed sections in 2-4 weeks.

RC prep is pretty subjective and some people are naturally better at it than others, but I definitely think it's something you can improve. I used to cling onto every sentence (Trainer's analogy of focusing in on the trees instead of the forest), but have gotten much better by just reading for structure, usually using the paragraphs to try and mentally "map out" where the key points (namely, author's opinion) are...

If you have any tips that you yourself have developed, feel free to share! -- I'm still picking it up

Sooo I'm not very good at LG or LR but I'm a pretty strong reader, did -3 on my diagnostic and mostly continuing the low error trend with what little practice I've done so far. I do read for structure, and when I don't have a full big picture of the passage (usually when I get bored reading), I skim it again at the end to get that big picture sense of (1) the structure and (2) the content. I've been advised that technically, to be a strong reader we are supposed to skim at the beginning, but to each his own skimming is really useful for me.

Knowing what type of question it is also helps, because if it's "according to the passage" I'll know to refer to the passage and if it's "what does this imply" I'll know not to pick out an answer choice that comes directly from the passage but is about a step further from it, or clearly links two ideas that were not so clearly linked in the text.

To keep time I just wear my analog watch and check how much progress I make in RC within 10mins. Honestly I finish each full section within the 35 mins because I get impatient while reading and just can't wait to be done with it.

I did read and do the drills in the 3rd ed of MLSAT RC. I have the ebook, I read it a couple weeks ago while commuting to work.

Hope that helps!

Yeah, MLSAT was what provided my initial RC study 'foundation' -- When I review wrong answer choices, I still use their recommended categories (interpretation - unsupported contradictory; degree - opinion; modifier, scope - out of, narrow) -- so much so, that when I went through the Trainer, aside from the general takeaways (forest not the trees mindset), I stuck with MLSAT and it seems to have paid off thus far.

+1 on the whole "ID, Infer, Synthesis" categories that you mentioned as well (knowing when an answer is explicitly mentioned in the text vs. when you are expected to make a small but inferrable 'jump', and knowing when it's a 'bigger picture' question asking you to tie it all together in order to answer it correctly).

I think one of the hardest things, personally, that I've had to "learn" about RC is to actively try and just let myself actually read fast -- there's simply no time to catch all the details, and as someone who is extremely OCD about reading and re-reading sentences until I 'understand' them, I have to constantly remind myself that that doing so is simply not feasible on the LSAT, especially RC.

[Learn_Live_Hope]

Well I am going to finish up the RC lessons from the Trainer today and then move onto drilling.

Is there any credited way of drilling RC? Should I be doing packets of science passages together, or perhaps, all first passages together, or is it just as good to do them in order?

I bought Cambridge's "Hardest RC Passages" Packet and am currently going through it, usually just one passage a day. I'll time my initial read but complete the corresponding questions at leisure. I find that if I cram too many RC passages in one day, even spaced out, I mentally "check out" and the quality of studying deteriorates so I am currently working on accuracy with the questions first and then will likely build up endurance to full timed sections in 2-4 weeks.

RC prep is pretty subjective and some people are naturally better at it than others, but I definitely think it's something you can improve. I used to cling onto every sentence (Trainer's analogy of focusing in on the trees instead of the forest), but have gotten much better by just reading for structure, usually using the paragraphs to try and mentally "map out" where the key points (namely, author's opinion) are...

If you have any tips that you yourself have developed, feel free to share! -- I'm still picking it up

I didn't even know thy have that packet!

[bhersk]

Hey everybody! I took preptest 52 today, is anyone interested in taking it sometime this week and going over difficult questions? Also does anyont want to set up or know of an existing group to do a preptest weekly and rehash it together, go over specific questions/ games?

Thanks!

[itsallinthesauce]

Well I am going to finish up the RC lessons from the Trainer today and then move onto drilling.

Is there any credited way of drilling RC? Should I be doing packets of science passages together, or perhaps, all first passages together, or is it just as good to do them in order?

I bought Cambridge's "Hardest RC Passages" Packet and am currently going through it, usually just one passage a day. I'll time my initial read but complete the corresponding questions at leisure. I find that if I cram too many RC passages in one day, even spaced out, I mentally "check out" and the quality of studying deteriorates so I am currently working on accuracy with the questions first and then will likely build up endurance to full timed sections in 2-4 weeks.

RC prep is pretty subjective and some people are naturally better at it than others, but I definitely think it's something you can improve. I used to cling onto every sentence (Trainer's analogy of focusing in on the trees instead of the forest), but have gotten much better by just reading for structure, usually using the paragraphs to try and mentally "map out" where the key points (namely, author's opinion) are...

If you have any tips that you yourself have developed, feel free to share! -- I'm still picking it up

I didn't even know thy have that packet!

I apologize, it's actually just called "Difficult Passages" packet -- and the packet only includes the "difficult" RC passages from PT 1-38.

It's located here, second from the last one: http://www.cambridgelsat.com/problem-se ... rehension/

Whether they are objectively "difficult" is, of course, however, dependent on the individual reader... Some may disagree...anyway, I figured they are good practice before I transition to more recent passages

[kevgogators]

Hey everyone! I'd love some input on this....

I'm enrolling in a Test Masters prep course that begins in July, but I figured it would be beneficial to begin self-studying until then. I was considering buying the LSAT Trainer and a PT book or two. I don't want to go overboard on the purchases because the course provides students with all 7500+ questions ever released, but I'm uncomfortable just wasting this valuable time.

What "10 Actual" books should I invest in for the introduction to prepping? Is there a better option than the Trainer? Thank you!

[brooklynboy]

First time poster! Started studying for the LSAT about a week ago, and have registered for the September test. Thus far I've been going through the Logic Games and LR Bibles, and I think they're great. I have heard that the RC Bible isn't of the same caliber, but would you all recommend it as my start to RC prep, or should I go with Manhattan (or something else)?

Thanks! I look forward to commiserating with you all over the next few months

[Learn_Live_Hope]

First time poster! Started studying for the LSAT about a week ago, and have registered for the September test. Thus far I've been going through the Logic Games and LR Bibles, and I think they're great. I have heard that the RC Bible isn't of the same caliber, but would you all recommend it as my start to RC prep, or should I go with Manhattan (or something else)?

Thanks! I look forward to commiserating with you all over the next few months

Welcome!

Manhattan is golden for RC.

I've read both-Manahtan RC Guide, and PS RC…Manhattan is way better!

[brooklynboy]

Thanks so much! Just bought Manhattan

[Learn_Live_Hope]

Thanks so much! Just bought Manhattan

One step closer to 180

[SummerDec1225]

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[SummerDec1225]

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[kittenmittens]

Just posted on the general forum before I saw this thread!
I am looking for people to prepare the LSAT with either in person or online. I scored 165 last october and I am aiming for 170+ this time. I go to Duke and am staying in the area for the summer. Let me know if you you are around the same area and want to study together sometime. Or if you are interested in being study partners online, let me know as well!

Hey SummerDec, I am not in the same geographical area but I would definitely be interested in doing some online studying together. I took my first round of LSAT in December with a 162 and hoping to make adjustments in my preparation and aim for the same range as you. Just took my first PT today for September Please PM me if interested

I also like bhersk's idea of maybe getting a group together to go over a weekly PT. Anyone else interested or willing to include me in an existing group?

As an aside if anyone is in the Washington DC area, meeting in person for me would be great as well for some studying.

[kittenmittens]

Also: Checking in! Aiming for round number 2 after what was a disappointing December test for me that featured a major burnout and stomach bug in the weeks leading up to the test . Hoping this round I can have a better approach. Read the Bibles and Manhattan books last time. This time I am planning on using the trainer and sprinkling in some extra PT's when I can. Doin it with a full time job so the challenge is real. Looking forward to offering and receiving support through this thread!

[vracovino]

I just got burned so bad by PT 26 reading comprehension. It's unfortunate because I consider my reading ability to be pretty strong. I thought this section would be a pushover but its giving me more trouble than I originally anticipated- my scores have been anywhere from -2 to -9. Granted, I've taken six practice sections, but its still discouraging.

Anyway, is Manhattan RC worth looking through? Honestly, I just don't want to waste reading passages from later PTs. But I suppose it might be worth wasting a few PTs if it really helps.

Edit: I've done my best to implement Voyager's tips in an efficient manner but have had so far mixed results.

[sunsheyen]

Hey, checking in. I've been out of the studying game for several years now (bs in 2007) so I'm trying to get back on track with the LSAT prep. I am a stay at home mom, so basically have all day, but it's very hard to get motivated. I want to check in here periodically to help me stay accountable. I took the LSAT twice back in 2010. Feb was 159 with no prep, and I had totaled my car the day before, so was a little stressed. Retook in June and got a 167. I had a Princeton Review LSAT Workout book and the first PT book from LSAC. I didn't know enough to do any drilling etc, just took the pts and read the other text. About a month ago I did the june 2007 as diagnostic fully timed with a 154 (yuck). My goal, because my gpa is very low, is to get at least 174. I am URM-AA female, with lots of legacy at my goal school (as well as having done undergrad there myself).

I have ps lg/lr bible, manhattan lr (3rd and 4th editions) I have set up drill packets of lg games based on type lists I found here. I am also waiting on Manhattan LG and cambridge lr packets. I also have pretty much every test. I'm not really concerned about RC. My previous experience, plus a little current practice on the earlier tests (not comp reading) typically leave me at a -1, -2.

I've registered for Sept, and hope to have the score I want for early apps. If not, December it is. Is anyone else just getting seriously started now? I've been playing around with games, just because they are fun, but need to get serious. I'm wondering if I'm too far behind. I can't do but so much studying at night, because I have to pay attention to the kid, but I have a fair amount of time during the day. Is it too soon to retry the 6/2007 diagnostic to see any change?

[Learn_Live_Hope]

Hey, checking in. I've been out of the studying game for several years now (bs in 2007) so I'm trying to get back on track with the LSAT prep. I am a stay at home mom, so basically have all day, but it's very hard to get motivated. I want to check in here periodically to help me stay accountable. I took the LSAT twice back in 2010. Feb was 159 with no prep, and I had totaled my car the day before, so was a little stressed. Retook in June and got a 167. I had a Princeton Review LSAT Workout book and the first PT book from LSAC. I didn't know enough to do any drilling etc, just took the pts and read the other text. About a month ago I did the june 2007 as diagnostic fully timed with a 154 (yuck). My goal, because my gpa is very low, is to get at least 174. I am URM-AA female, with lots of legacy at my goal school (as well as having done undergrad there myself).

I have ps lg/lr bible, manhattan lr (3rd and 4th editions) I have set up drill packets of lg games based on type lists I found here. I am also waiting on Manhattan LG and cambridge lr packets. I also have pretty much every test. I'm not really concerned about RC. My previous experience, plus a little current practice on the earlier tests (not comp reading) typically leave me at a -1, -2.

I've registered for Sept, and hope to have the score I want for early apps. If not, December it is. Is anyone else just getting seriously started now? I've been playing around with games, just because they are fun, but need to get serious. I'm wondering if I'm too far behind. I can't do but so much studying at night, because I have to pay attention to the kid, but I have a fair amount of time during the day. Is it too soon to retry the 6/2007 diagnostic to see any change?

Welcome! If you need anything we are here for you

[itsallinthesauce]

For any of you who, like me, are currently drilling out of the LR Cambridge packets, how have you been dividing up the questions within the individual question packets? Are you starting with Level 1's and then working through toward the very end?

I find myself starting off on Level 2's, progressing to Level 3's and then at the very end reverting back to the Level 1's to try and mentally cement the motions of how to go through the very basic questions, but I often find myself getting stuck on the harder Level 3's and Level 4's.

[famousblueraincoat]

Would you guys recommend studying before taking a prep course? I'll be starting it in July, but not sure what I should be doing for June. The instructor recommended I do nothing as I could reinforce bad habits and/or use up too much material.

Feels weird, though! Guess I'll finally write my PS/DS?

[Toby Ziegler]

For any of you who, like me, are currently drilling out of the LR Cambridge packets, how have you been dividing up the questions within the individual question packets? Are you starting with Level 1's and then working through toward the very end?

I find myself starting off on Level 2's, progressing to Level 3's and then at the very end reverting back to the Level 1's to try and mentally cement the motions of how to go through the very basic questions, but I often find myself getting stuck on the harder Level 3's and Level 4's.

I do level 1s and 2s then do 3s and 4s with the hope that I will have cemented the principles enough by the time I get to 3 and 4. Then I mark the ones I get wrong and come back and do them later.

I am trying to be better about mixing question types together. Instead of just doing flaw questions all at the same time I mix SA, NA, and Strengthen/Weaken. I've found this helps because on the test we're not going to know which question type we're getting. And I found that I wasn't reading the stem because I knew what I was being asked to do, so I really wanted to get in the habit of reading the stem to find out what I was looking for. Does that make sense?

[HRomanus]

Checking in! I took the October 2013 LSAT and got a 165. Missed 8 questions on RC, 6 on LG, and 4 on LR. LG is typically my weakest section, and 8 on RC was very abnormal. Didn't put in enough study time and I'm dedicated to NOT repeating that mistake this year. Very excited about having a good study season. Judging on my 2013 test and my diagonistic last week (167 off LSAC PT), I'm going to tackle my LG hard through June and PT every weekend. I think my fundamentals in LG weren't sharp last year and I was prepared for the mental strain of the full test. I actually didn't PT my entire study session.

[bondja]

Welcome! So many people checking in right now, it's awesome!

I'm starting to incorporate studying & drilling now. I thought working full time and just studying would be hard, but now having to put in some drilling & eventually PTs? Brrrr!

[vracovino]

For any of you who, like me, are currently drilling out of the LR Cambridge packets, how have you been dividing up the questions within the individual question packets? Are you starting with Level 1's and then working through toward the very end?

I find myself starting off on Level 2's, progressing to Level 3's and then at the very end reverting back to the Level 1's to try and mentally cement the motions of how to go through the very basic questions, but I often find myself getting stuck on the harder Level 3's and Level 4's.

I've been sort of doing a mixed review. I print out two pages of level 1s, two pages of level 2s, and one page of each both 3 and 4. It usually amounts to about 24 questions. I do it in sections- first the level 1, then 2, and so on. After each section I check my answers and review any misses. I also time each section, but not strictly, and then add up the total time at the end of all the sections and see how close to 35 I am. It's not meant to be an accurate gauge, but hopefully it will help at least give me a feel for the amount of time I'm able to spend on each question.