The Official June 2014 Study Group Forum

[flash21]

I have a feeling that by the end of this 6 month period, I will know exactly where all the best study spots are in my hometown. I read somewhere that studying in the same place will hinder focus and increase distraction. I have been going to a different library everyday this week. What about you guys?

i study in my house right now, my parents talking loud and tv being blasted is no help though : /

[Tyr]

I have a feeling that by the end of this 6 month period, I will know exactly where all the best study spots are in my hometown. I read somewhere that studying in the same place will hinder focus and increase distraction. I have been going to a different library everyday this week. What about you guys?

Depends on the person. I may study in different places to simply get variety and to avoid boredom. As far as noise goes, it doesn't really affect me, but I'm the type of person that is able to study and focus better when there is noise. Seriously, I struggle more with silence.

[Louis1127]

Let me get the opinions of my fellow study group members on this:

I am in the very beginning of my prep. Games is my worst section, and it is also the most improvable according to TLS and other sources. So what I am doing is doing games and games only to start out. Going through PS LGB right now and then through Trainer and then I'll drill using pithypike method (each game 3 times).

Should I be incorporating LR study into my prep right now? It is half the test. But I'm worried that if I don't practice LG every day, I won't improve as much as I can.

Maybe what I should do is go through my prep books on LG then once I get into the drilling for LG (which will probably be in a week or two) I get into my LR prep. And then RC down the road. What do yall think about that?

I am in no hurry to take this test. If I'm not ready until December, then I'll take it in December. No big deal.

Keep on working, friends!

[KDLMaj]

If you really have no qualms about time frame, it's okay to start off with just games. Be careful though, games are the things people run out of. You don't want to get to the month before your exam and find you have none left. Be sure to set aside a certain number of recent tests for that point.

The only other things to consider are atrophy and burnout. Just be careful you don't fall into the trap of studying the LSAT piecemeal. If you get comfortable with games, you have to keep working on them as you add in the rest. Don't stop doing games for a month and then focus only on LR, for example. You'll lose your games gains rapidly. (It doesn't sound like you are planning on doing it this way, but people sometimes fall into it without realizing it). And just be sure you don't spread your prep out so much that you begin to burn out or never fully commit.

For what it's worth though, mixing up your prep does help avoid burnout. If you find games are stressing you out, it's beneficial to add in another section you like more to remind yourself that you don't suck at the LSAT. If it turns out games are fun for you, however, there's less of a concern.

[philly93]

i noticed a few of you guys purchased the LSAT trainer. i will be getting my book either today or tomorrow and I was wondering how I should go through it? Should I be taking notes or just read through it? Any past experiences or advice would be great. (not sure if it helps, but I am only now starting LSAT prep).

[Tyr]

i noticed a few of you guys purchased the LSAT trainer. i will be getting my book either today or tomorrow and I was wondering how I should go through it? Should I be taking notes or just read through it? Any past experiences or advice would be great. (not sure if it helps, but I am only now starting LSAT prep).

I'm going through it and taking notes in a separate notebook. I've always been a firm believer that if it's not in your hand, it's not in your head. However, it's important to remember that the end-goal is to be drilling then taking practice tests (after the drilling). So don't be too focused on taking perfect notes. The notes are just to reinforce the key points.

[Louis1127]

If you really have no qualms about time frame, it's okay to start off with just games. Be careful though, games are the things people run out of. You don't want to get to the month before your exam and find you have none left. Be sure to set aside a certain number of recent tests for that point.

The only other things to consider are atrophy and burnout. Just be careful you don't fall into the trap of studying the LSAT piecemeal. If you get comfortable with games, you have to keep working on them as you add in the rest. Don't stop doing games for a month and then focus only on LR, for example. You'll lose your games gains rapidly. (It doesn't sound like you are planning on doing it this way, but people sometimes fall into it without realizing it). And just be sure you don't spread your prep out so much that you begin to burn out or never fully commit.

For what it's worth though, mixing up your prep does help avoid burnout. If you find games are stressing you out, it's beneficial to add in another section you like more to remind yourself that you don't suck at the LSAT. If it turns out games are fun for you, however, there's less of a concern.

Great points that I had not considered. Thanks!

And Philly: I started the Trainer then decided I should do PS LGB first, so I am not much help at this point. But I'm sure someone else will chime in for ya.

[Straw_Mandible]

i noticed a few of you guys purchased the LSAT trainer. i will be getting my book either today or tomorrow and I was wondering how I should go through it? Should I be taking notes or just read through it? Any past experiences or advice would be great. (not sure if it helps, but I am only now starting LSAT prep).

The Trainer is a spectacular resource. You are in for a real treat. Note-taking should be natural, and you will definitely want to bring your pencil along for the drills -- which are undoubtedly the most important thing about going through the book. Take them seriously, and trust that they will help you develop the skills you need to be successful on this test. I also recommend following a study schedule for drilling with the "10 Actuals" book (PTs 52 - 61). You don't have to worry too much about being strict about the distribution of your work -- feel free to move more quickly or more slowly than the schedule suggests, according to necessity and time. However, the study schedules are useful because they guide you through the drilling process. Mike is savvy and deliberate about the drills he chooses to assign, and they all serve to reinforce his lessons very well.

Good luck! Feel free to PM with questions

[flash21]

that feel when logic games never clicks even after months

[WaltGrace83]

Let me get the opinions of my fellow study group members on this:

I am in the very beginning of my prep. Games is my worst section, and it is also the most improvable according to TLS and other sources. So what I am doing is doing games and games only to start out. Going through PS LGB right now and then through Trainer and then I'll drill using pithypike method (each game 3 times).

Should I be incorporating LR study into my prep right now? It is half the test. But I'm worried that if I don't practice LG every day, I won't improve as much as I can.

Maybe what I should do is go through my prep books on LG then once I get into the drilling for LG (which will probably be in a week or two) I get into my LR prep. And then RC down the road. What do yall think about that?

From everything that I have read (and I have read a LOT about this test), people do games because it is the quick gains and it makes someone feel good to start with a 150 and a -14 on games to go to a 160 within weeks just by learning some strategy. However, for me, the games are necessary to mix up with everything.

1. They are easily forgettable and so I don't think that you should focus on them, then put them away, then focus on them, then put them away, etc. It is like learning how to ice skate. Once you got it, you got it. Once you stop for a month, you really suck.

2. Logic Games are almost like a break. I don't know about you but LR and RC is taxing on my brain but games are, well, kinda fun. It lets parts of my brain rest while still studying. If you mix it into your prep, you are still studying - and games are definitely important - but it isn't nearly as draining

[Tyr]

Let me get the opinions of my fellow study group members on this:

I am in the very beginning of my prep. Games is my worst section, and it is also the most improvable according to TLS and other sources. So what I am doing is doing games and games only to start out. Going through PS LGB right now and then through Trainer and then I'll drill using pithypike method (each game 3 times).

Should I be incorporating LR study into my prep right now? It is half the test. But I'm worried that if I don't practice LG every day, I won't improve as much as I can.

Maybe what I should do is go through my prep books on LG then once I get into the drilling for LG (which will probably be in a week or two) I get into my LR prep. And then RC down the road. What do yall think about that?

From everything that I have read (and I have read a LOT about this test), people do games because it is the quick gains and it makes someone feel good to start with a 150 and a -14 on games to go to a 160 within weeks just by learning some strategy. However, for me, the games are necessary to mix up with everything.

1. They are easily forgettable and so I don't think that you should focus on them, then put them away, then focus on them, then put them away, etc. It is like learning how to ice skate. Once you got it, you got it. Once you stop for a month, you really suck.

2. Logic Games are almost like a break. I don't know about you but LR and RC is taxing on my brain but games are, well, kinda fun. It lets parts of my brain rest while still studying. If you mix it into your prep, you are still studying - and games are definitely important - but it isn't nearly as draining

To build on this, I think Reading Comprehension is something that more people would benefit from moving up a bit. It is the single hardest section of the LSAT to improve, yet people always hold it off for last.

[10052014]

.

[Louis1127]

Let me get the opinions of my fellow study group members on this:

I am in the very beginning of my prep. Games is my worst section, and it is also the most improvable according to TLS and other sources. So what I am doing is doing games and games only to start out. Going through PS LGB right now and then through Trainer and then I'll drill using pithypike method (each game 3 times).

Should I be incorporating LR study into my prep right now? It is half the test. But I'm worried that if I don't practice LG every day, I won't improve as much as I can.

Maybe what I should do is go through my prep books on LG then once I get into the drilling for LG (which will probably be in a week or two) I get into my LR prep. And then RC down the road. What do yall think about that?

From everything that I have read (and I have read a LOT about this test), people do games because it is the quick gains and it makes someone feel good to start with a 150 and a -14 on games to go to a 160 within weeks just by learning some strategy. However, for me, the games are necessary to mix up with everything.

1. They are easily forgettable and so I don't think that you should focus on them, then put them away, then focus on them, then put them away, etc. It is like learning how to ice skate. Once you got it, you got it. Once you stop for a month, you really suck.

2. Logic Games are almost like a break. I don't know about you but LR and RC is taxing on my brain but games are, well, kinda fun. It lets parts of my brain rest while still studying. If you mix it into your prep, you are still studying - and games are definitely important - but it isn't nearly as draining

To build on this, I think Reading Comprehension is something that more people would benefit from moving up a bit. It is the single hardest section of the LSAT to improve, yet people always hold it off for last.

Thanks TYR & Walt. I think I am going to work on LR and RC while I am drilling LG. LG can be kind of a "break" like Walt said, as improvements will likely come faster there than in LR and RC, and I will likely spend more time on those two than LG.

It may sound like I am stressing needlessly over my study plan structure, but I assure you I am not. I have plenty of time. But I am sure that something else on this journey will stress me out at some point. But I am not at that point yet. Too early, haha.

Jaylawyer: this week has been more productive than most breaks from school for me, but not as productive as it could have been. When school starts and I get more structure (and I have less family to see/ less random things I have to take care of), I'll be studying way more.

[Straw_Mandible]

So who else is studying instead of having fun on this lovely Friday evening? I'd be depressed about it, but I enjoy this way too much. Just finished drilling complex ordering games, and now I'm on to Manhattan RC. Cheers!

[Tyr]

So who else is studying instead of having fun on this lovely Friday evening? I'd be depressed about it, but I enjoy this way too much. Just finished drilling complex ordering games, and now I'm on to Manhattan RC. Cheers!

Be sure to let us know how the Manhattan RC goes. It seems that section has the greatest "grey area" for improvement. I've been looking around to see what companies have the best RC, but there isn't a clear-cut winner. I'm hoping between The LSAT Trainer and Manhattan that I'll have everything covered in the way of RC.

[Tyr]

On an unrelated note, I don't think my cat wants me to study the LSAT right now. I had a cup of coffee on the desk, then my cat came along and put his tale in the coffee. I didn't notice until I was lifting the cup to my mouth.

[10052014]

.

[afnajjerh]

Straw is killing it right now!! And Straw, I am studying while working full time, and I've come to realize that a few beers/glasses of wine while studying on the weekends isn't a bad option lol.

Btw, on a different note. Is anyone on here from Dallas? I'm looking for a study partner to meet up with a few times a month.

[flash21]

wish i brought my laser printer home.. gotta do questions off the screen UGH

[Straw_Mandible]

JL: I just finished the ordering lessons and all of the Cambridge ordering drills. Moving to grouping tomorrow.

Tyr: I'm about halfway through Manhattan RC, and I think it's useful as a supplement to the Trainer's RC lessons (which, by the way, are phenomenal--I suggest starting there.) I noticed some problems with inference questions during my Cambridge drilling, which I'm hoping to address through my work in the Manhattan guide. Going well so far! I'll keep you updated.

ETA: afnajjerh -- I'm totally with you on the beer/wine scenario. Heading home from the library soon, and I'm about to take full advantage of the bar next to my apartment.

[flash21]

straw how far along in prep are you. .did you just begin?

[Roger Mexico]

Checking in to possibly begin studying for a retake -- I've taken the LSAT once before and barely studied for it. Scored ~161 on a couple PTs, looking to put together a real program of study and shoot for 170+

For those of you using the guides posted on here, which one(s) are you following? I'm thinking of using NoodleyOne's guide

[flash21]

anyone willing to drill and help me with necessary assumption questions over skype? I am dead serious.. please someone good with NA's be my saviour (and SA's too.. )

[Straw_Mandible]

straw how far along in prep are you. .did you just begin?

Studying about 10-15 hrs/wk since September. And I can help you with NA questions, if you want! LR is definitely my strong suit at the moment, and I feel especially confident with the assumption family. Feel free to PM me with questions.

[Tyr]

straw how far along in prep are you. .did you just begin?

Studying about 10-15 hrs/wk since September. And I can help you with NA questions, if you want! LR is definitely my strong suit at the moment, and I feel especially confident with the assumption family. Feel free to PM me with questions.

Since September for June? Maybe you posted this already, but where did you begin and what are you PTing at now?