The Official September 2016 Study Group - WAKE ME UP WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS Forum

[BlackCanary]

Just took my first pt in 2 years. Guess it's my new diagnostic. Low 160s. Have my work cut out for me, but eh.... don't have anything better to do all summer.

Low 160s is a great place to be starting! Especially after 2 years. So congrats on that. I think with a good study plan and the right materials, you could be in the 170s club by September.

I wish I could break into the 160s at this point soon enough!

Thanks. I hope so, that's what I'm shooting for.

Practice, practice, practice. There's no way around it.
You have plenty of time before now and September to get there.

I appreciate the encouragement. How long did it take you to get into the 160s last time you took it? My diagnostic was in the low 150s.I have been studying almost everyday for 3 weeks and feel like I've improved at least a few points per section. So I'm thinking I should be able to hit the 160 mark eventually.

My original diagnostic was in the 160s, but I was an overconfident fool and didn't study as I should have and ended up tanking. I took a powerscore class and ended up with +10 from the first time around. Still, other than the time I actually spent in class, I didn't study too much, so I know I can do better.

My advice would be to focus on LG. They're by far the easiest to improve on... & they're kind of fun. Once you have that down, it's a bit less stressful. It definitely made it easier for me to focus on the other sections.

[Barack O'Drama]

Just took my first pt in 2 years. Guess it's my new diagnostic. Low 160s. Have my work cut out for me, but eh.... don't have anything better to do all summer.

Low 160s is a great place to be starting! Especially after 2 years. So congrats on that. I think with a good study plan and the right materials, you could be in the 170s club by September.

I wish I could break into the 160s at this point soon enough!

Thanks. I hope so, that's what I'm shooting for.

Practice, practice, practice. There's no way around it.
You have plenty of time before now and September to get there.

I appreciate the encouragement. How long did it take you to get into the 160s last time you took it? My diagnostic was in the low 150s.I have been studying almost everyday for 3 weeks and feel like I've improved at least a few points per section. So I'm thinking I should be able to hit the 160 mark eventually.

My original diagnostic was in the 160s, but I was an overconfident fool and didn't study as I should have and ended up tanking. I took a powerscore class and ended up with +10 from the first time around. Still, other than the time I actually spent in class, I didn't study too much, so I know I can do better.

My advice would be to focus on LG. They're by far the easiest to improve on... & they're kind of fun. Once you have that down, it's a bit less stressful. It definitely made it easier for me to focus on the other sections.

Well at least you were smart enough to realize you hadn't hit your potential!

I will try to move on to LG ASAP. I am finishing up trying to get down to -3 or so on each LR section. Then I am going to focus on games and go through the Logic Games Bible. Hopefully I can start that in a couple weeks. LG here I come

[proteinshake]

PT 2, S3, G1 is the easiest logic game I have ever seen. each question took about 10 seconds.

[studyingeveryday]

First took LSAT last year with diagnostic of 148. Canceled my October score, got a 159 on my December, even though I'd been averaging in the low 160s and hit the high 160s right before the test.

I just took a practice test and got a 161, though the test felt familiar so maybe that helped.

Anyone have any suggestions on how I should study/what materials I should use? There's so much out there I don't really know how to choose, especially for my second go at it. My target is realistically at least 165 but ideally 170.

[20170322]

After tomorrow, this thread is going to get a lot more love.

[Barack O'Drama]

First took LSAT last year with diagnostic of 148. Canceled my October score, got a 159 on my December, even though I'd been averaging in the low 160s and hit the high 160s right before the test.

I just took a practice test and got a 161, though the test felt familiar so maybe that helped.

Anyone have any suggestions on how I should study/what materials I should use? There's so much out there I don't really know how to choose, especially for my second go at it. My target is realistically at least 165 but ideally 170.

Well I'm glad you decided to retake and hit what you know you're capable of.

What study material did you already use? What were your weakest parts on the test? (LR, LG, RC) Also, how many practice tests did you do? I would suggest getting my hands on as many as possible.

Anyways, I would also recommend Manhattan LSAT LR/LG. Just got it and as others on here have told me, it is better than the Bibles for people trying to raise their scores into the high 160s 170s. I think the bibles are great for fundamentals and getting a bee, but MLSAT seems to take it to the next level.
Also I would recommend the LSAT Trainer. I originally started off with the Trainer and it helped me build a very solid foundation in every section. I like it because it sort of shows you that the LSAT really only requires you to know a few things, and know how to do them really well, whereas, the bibles have so may different ways to do certain questions, the Trainer gives you a few tools you can use to tackle anything. Also, the author Mike Kim has a thread on here and can answer any questions. I haven't really done too much in the way of RC because I seem to do ok on it. I am going to tackle it last, so no advice on there. I have heard that people said the RC bible was not worth the money. Reading for structure seems to be the consensus.

First and foremost you want to see what your weaknesses are and work towards correcting them.

HTH

[Rupert Pupkin]

After tomorrow, this thread is going to get a lot more love.

Turnt

[studyingeveryday]

First took LSAT last year with diagnostic of 148. Canceled my October score, got a 159 on my December, even though I'd been averaging in the low 160s and hit the high 160s right before the test.

I just took a practice test and got a 161, though the test felt familiar so maybe that helped.

Anyone have any suggestions on how I should study/what materials I should use? There's so much out there I don't really know how to choose, especially for my second go at it. My target is realistically at least 165 but ideally 170.

Well I'm glad you decided to retake and hit what you know you're capable of.

What study material did you already use? What were your weakest parts on the test? (LR, LG, RC) Also, how many practice tests did you do? I would suggest getting my hands on as many as possible.

Anyways, I would also recommend Manhattan LSAT LR/LG. Just got it and as others on here have told me, it is better than the Bibles for people trying to raise their scores into the high 160s 170s. I think the bibles are great for fundamentals and getting a bee, but MLSAT seems to take it to the next level.
Also I would recommend the LSAT Trainer. I originally started off with the Trainer and it helped me build a very solid foundation in every section. I like it because it sort of shows you that the LSAT really only requires you to know a few things, and know how to do them really well, whereas, the bibles have so may different ways to do certain questions, the Trainer gives you a few tools you can use to tackle anything. Also, the author Mike Kim has a thread on here and can answer any questions. I haven't really done too much in the way of RC because I seem to do ok on it. I am going to tackle it last, so no advice on there. I have heard that people said the RC bible was not worth the money. Reading for structure seems to be the consensus.

First and foremost you want to see what your weaknesses are and work towards correcting them.

HTH

I took a Kaplan course (I know, I know). But it was actually helpful in building the fundamentals and getting the basic info down. My studying was a bit all over the place, and I probably used up a lot of the practice tests, especially the more recent ones.

Towards the end of my studying, LG was my best section, averaging -2- to-4, LR varied from -3- to-7, and RC by far the worst, usually -5- to -8.

I think I'm going to go for the Trainer, especially since it gives me the structure I need along with the schedule and seems quite helpful. Thank you, I'll check out the Manhattan books!

[Barack O'Drama]

First took LSAT last year with diagnostic of 148. Canceled my October score, got a 159 on my December, even though I'd been averaging in the low 160s and hit the high 160s right before the test.

I just took a practice test and got a 161, though the test felt familiar so maybe that helped.

Anyone have any suggestions on how I should study/what materials I should use? There's so much out there I don't really know how to choose, especially for my second go at it. My target is realistically at least 165 but ideally 170.

Well I'm glad you decided to retake and hit what you know you're capable of.

What study material did you already use? What were your weakest parts on the test? (LR, LG, RC) Also, how many practice tests did you do? I would suggest getting my hands on as many as possible.

Anyways, I would also recommend Manhattan LSAT LR/LG. Just got it and as others on here have told me, it is better than the Bibles for people trying to raise their scores into the high 160s 170s. I think the bibles are great for fundamentals and getting a bee, but MLSAT seems to take it to the next level.
Also I would recommend the LSAT Trainer. I originally started off with the Trainer and it helped me build a very solid foundation in every section. I like it because it sort of shows you that the LSAT really only requires you to know a few things, and know how to do them really well, whereas, the bibles have so may different ways to do certain questions, the Trainer gives you a few tools you can use to tackle anything. Also, the author Mike Kim has a thread on here and can answer any questions. I haven't really done too much in the way of RC because I seem to do ok on it. I am going to tackle it last, so no advice on there. I have heard that people said the RC bible was not worth the money. Reading for structure seems to be the consensus.

First and foremost you want to see what your weaknesses are and work towards correcting them.

HTH

I took a Kaplan course (I know, I know). But it was actually helpful in building the fundamentals and getting the basic info down. My studying was a bit all over the place, and I probably used up a lot of the practice tests, especially the more recent ones.

Towards the end of my studying, LG was my best section, averaging -2- to-4, LR varied from -3- to-7, and RC by far the worst, usually -5- to -8.

I think I'm going to go for the Trainer, especially since it gives me the structure I need along with the schedule and seems quite helpful. Thank you, I'll check out the Manhattan books!

No problem! Yeah the Trainer is awesome. I am using the 12 week schedule right now. Then I'm going to use the rest of the time for drilling and extra practice tests. http://www.thelsattrainer.com/assets/20 ... -short.pdf

[proteinshake]

ugh it's late and I couldn't help but think about which test center I'm gonna choose to take the LSAT. the centers near me have terrible reviews but the one I first took the LSAT at was fantastic, but it's 2.5 hours away. probably going to end up getting a hotel and choosing the one I've already taken it at, much too risky to choose any of the ones near me. one of them got a review saying that cellphones went off during the exam and the proctors didn't even do anything

[Barack O'Drama]

ugh it's late and I couldn't help but think about which test center I'm gonna choose to take the LSAT. the centers near me have terrible reviews but the one I first took the LSAT at was fantastic, but it's 2.5 hours away. probably going to end up getting a hotel and choosing the one I've already taken it at, much too risky to choose any of the ones near me. one of them got a review saying that cellphones went off during the exam and the proctors didn't even do anything

WTF! Jesus...I have 2 near me. One is at my undergrad and the other is at a law school near me. I am wondering which to choose. I hope the seats don't fill up too quickly. That is what is worrying me right now.

I guess I have always been a fan of the "better to go with the devil you know" mentality. 2.5 hours does suck, but if you feel it is familiar and a fantastic place to take it, it may be worth the trip.

[proteinshake]

ugh it's late and I couldn't help but think about which test center I'm gonna choose to take the LSAT. the centers near me have terrible reviews but the one I first took the LSAT at was fantastic, but it's 2.5 hours away. probably going to end up getting a hotel and choosing the one I've already taken it at, much too risky to choose any of the ones near me. one of them got a review saying that cellphones went off during the exam and the proctors didn't even do anything

WTF! Jesus...I have 2 near me. One is at my undergrad and the other is at a law school near me. I am wondering which to choose. I hope the seats don't fill up too quickly. That is what is worrying me right now.

I guess I have always been a fan of the "better to go with the devil you know" mentality. 2.5 hours does suck, but if you feel it is familiar and a fantastic place to take it, it may be worth the trip.

I also get the hotel practically for free cuz I know people so I guess it isn't that bad. the test center is perfect - large desks not connected to anyone else and far enough from others to where you can't hear them breath.

on a different note, I just set my alarm to 7:00AM so I can hopefully get my sleep schedule to where I'm can start going to sleep and waking up early!

[BlackCanary]

Well, officially registered. Roughly 7 hour trip to the airport. Couple hours flight from there.

[momoyome]

Gonna sign up after I get back from the June test today. I would have sooner but I didn't want to give myself bad juju.

[Barack O'Drama]

Well, officially registered. Roughly 7 hour trip to the airport. Couple hours flight from there.

Now that's dedication! Good luck studying

[BlackCanary]

Well, officially registered. Roughly 7 hour trip to the airport. Couple hours flight from there.

Now that's dedication! Good luck studying

Thanks.

There's nothing in my current country or the ones directly surrounding it. I thought about having a nonpublished center set up, but it's actually cheaper for me to fly to another continent than go that route. Kind of ridiculous, but ah well. Work ok'd me going without taking vacation days off. It's a pretty sweet deal.

[Rupert Pupkin]

ugh it's late and I couldn't help but think about which test center I'm gonna choose to take the LSAT. the centers near me have terrible reviews but the one I first took the LSAT at was fantastic, but it's 2.5 hours away. probably going to end up getting a hotel and choosing the one I've already taken it at, much too risky to choose any of the ones near me. one of them got a review saying that cellphones went off during the exam and the proctors didn't even do anything

WTF! Jesus...I have 2 near me. One is at my undergrad and the other is at a law school near me. I am wondering which to choose. I hope the seats don't fill up too quickly. That is what is worrying me right now.

I guess I have always been a fan of the "better to go with the devil you know" mentality. 2.5 hours does suck, but if you feel it is familiar and a fantastic place to take it, it may be worth the trip.

I also get the hotel practically for free cuz I know people so I guess it isn't that bad. the test center is perfect - large desks not connected to anyone else and far enough from others to where you can't hear them breath.

on a different note, I just set my alarm to 7:00AM so I can hopefully get my sleep schedule to where I'm can start going to sleep and waking up early!

The hotel is a worthy investment if you have doubts in your local test centers. I would do the same

[westtech]

Am I the only one looking forward to the shitpoasting in the June waiters thread?

[34iplaw]

Just finished up LG bible [there's still the weighty 'R' section] and registered for the LSAT at Hofstra on LI.

I feel pretty comfortable with all the games they presented throughout the bible. In recency, I only struggled with one game [in the numerical distribution section...initially was overwhelmed with number of scenarios which was silly] and missed one question [I read it as a could be a list in a single scenario... it meant a list of ones that could be true in any single or multiple scenarios...so it was less exclusive than I thought].

I have the Cambridge packets for LG...so I'll start doing those. The general consensus for LR is Manhattan, correct?

As for LI test centers, does anyone have any familiarity with them? It seems like the options are Hofstra and CW Post. I also don't mind spending the night or weekend somewhere in NJ,CT, or elsewhere in NY if any particular center is really good [or the change fee...I just jumped on Hofstra b/c I was worried things would book up quickly after the June kids have panic attacks.]

[proteinshake]

Just finished up LG bible [there's still the weighty 'R' section] and registered for the LSAT at Hofstra on LI.

I feel pretty comfortable with all the games they presented throughout the bible. In recency, I only struggled with one game [in the numerical distribution section...initially was overwhelmed with number of scenarios which was silly] and missed one question [I read it as a could be a list in a single scenario... it meant a list of ones that could be true in any single or multiple scenarios...so it was less exclusive than I thought].

I have the Cambridge packets for LG...so I'll start doing those. The general consensus for LR is Manhattan, correct?

As for LI test centers, does anyone have any familiarity with them? It seems like the options are Hofstra and CW Post. I also don't mind spending the night or weekend somewhere in NJ,CT, or elsewhere in NY if any particular center is really good [or the change fee...I just jumped on Hofstra b/c I was worried things would book up quickly after the June kids have panic attacks.]

you can see if it's on here https://blueprintlsat.com/lsatblog/lsat ... g-centers/

[Archer@Law]

I will be starting actual drilling here pretty soon. I have heard a lot about the benefits of 7sage's blind review. What is the consensus on BR? Is it worth the time? It seems like it would be beneficial, but I have to be mindful of my time investment.

Thoughts?

[westtech]

I will be starting actual drilling here pretty soon. I have heard a lot about the benefits of 7sage's blind review. What is the consensus on BR? Is it worth the time? It seems like it would be beneficial, but I have to be mindful of my time investment.

Thoughts?

Blind review is super helpful. It helps to separate the questions that you get wrong due to timing pressure or bad habits from the straight forward thinking errors. Questions that you get wrong even after blind review represent serious thinking errors that need to be addressed in your drilling and most likely won't magically get better on your next PT.

[YupSports]

I will be starting actual drilling here pretty soon. I have heard a lot about the benefits of 7sage's blind review. What is the consensus on BR? Is it worth the time? It seems like it would be beneficial, but I have to be mindful of my time investment.

Thoughts?

If there is a "secret sauce" that helps with LSAT review, this is it.

In reality it is just hard work and thorough review - but it does work!

[34iplaw]

Just finished up LG bible [there's still the weighty 'R' section] and registered for the LSAT at Hofstra on LI.

I feel pretty comfortable with all the games they presented throughout the bible. In recency, I only struggled with one game [in the numerical distribution section...initially was overwhelmed with number of scenarios which was silly] and missed one question [I read it as a could be a list in a single scenario... it meant a list of ones that could be true in any single or multiple scenarios...so it was less exclusive than I thought].

I have the Cambridge packets for LG...so I'll start doing those. The general consensus for LR is Manhattan, correct?

As for LI test centers, does anyone have any familiarity with them? It seems like the options are Hofstra and CW Post. I also don't mind spending the night or weekend somewhere in NJ,CT, or elsewhere in NY if any particular center is really good [or the change fee...I just jumped on Hofstra b/c I was worried things would book up quickly after the June kids have panic attacks.]

you can see if it's on here https://blueprintlsat.com/lsatblog/lsat ... g-centers/

Ah - awesome! Thanks! I saw that awhile ago, and I was trying to find it.

[Rupert Pupkin]

I will be starting actual drilling here pretty soon. I have heard a lot about the benefits of 7sage's blind review. What is the consensus on BR? Is it worth the time? It seems like it would be beneficial, but I have to be mindful of my time investment.

Thoughts?

If there is a "secret sauce" that helps with LSAT review, this is it.

In reality it is just hard work and thorough review - but it does work!

I would agree. It takes a lot of time, but you will get more out of each section/PT by doing this. Quality over quantity type of deal. Otherwise you are just blowing through a million PTs and not refining any of your errors or hang-ups.

I'm not at this stage yet in my prep, but will definitely be doing it.