The Official June 2014 Study Group Forum

[FlyingNorth]

Is anyone interested in forming an online study group or finding a study partner? I'm currently scoring between 165-170 and aiming for a 175+ in June. It'd be nice to schedule PTs and reviews together via Skype or something, and keep each other on track.

I think that would be a great idea save for the fact that it may be a little unfeasible since many of us have sporadic work schedules. I would be more than happy to contribute to such a group (was scoring 168-172 on PTs, but bombed the actual LSAT). I think we would all benefit greatly from these differing perspectives. Let me know if you are able to organize anything.

PM /u/PourMeTea, she put together some great reviews for PT's in the December Retakers Group.

I'd be interested in a PT review study group. Maybe a Skype session once a week? I'm a retaker -- was PTing between 165-170 and got a 157 in December. Aiming for 170+ in June.

ETA: I'll be working off the Retake Study Schedule from the LSAT Blog.

Check out Noodley's guide here on TLS. It's a credited walkthrough that many retakers swear by.

[AlexVee]

Checking in!

[Louis1127]

This thread has completely been taken over by retakers!

I'm glad to have you though.

Anyways just finished Lesson 20 or 21 (I forget) in the LSAT trainer. It was 14 questions timed. I didn't too hot. I had -6. -6 out of 14. That's 8 correct. That's a little over 50%. That's shit.

I know I have so much studying to do... but I don't know how much more efficient I can become. I realize all the errors I made and how stupid they were, but still. When I'm pressed for time I don't know how thorough I'm going to be. It's a really frightening idea to be taking this test in June and to be getting -6 out of 14.

It would kill me to score low knowing how much time and effort I've put into this.

I am glad we are in similar spots in the Trainer. I just completed that exercise of 14 LR questions and also got -6, or 8/14. I would also agree that I had hoped to do better than that.

Interestingly, I missed more easy ones than hard ones! I even missed the very first one about government yet somehow confidently got 6 of the last 7 questions right?

Anyone ever have this happen near the beginning of your prep (two weeks in)? Missing easy questions and somehow doing really well on hard ones, for an overall result that's just kind of "meh".

[Puffin]

Retaking my 162 from the December test, here's to 6 months of studying and improvement for 173+; checking in.

[10052014]

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[inlovewithpiper]

P.S. i'm glad the retakers made their own thread

We still read this one too .

[Bosh]

I am just drilling lr as usual. I have about 2 weeks left of drilling then I'm off to PTs - 2/3 a week till test day.

P.S. i'm glad the retakers made their own thread

+1 lol

[famousblueraincoat]

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[philibre]

Figured I'd check in here since I just signed up for the June 14 LSAT! Woot. Ordered the PS trilogy and hopefully it will be at my house by the time I get back to DC.

Is anyone else working full time (40+) and going to school while prepping for the LSAT?

Working 45 hours/week but no school. My current schedule is:

M-F: 2 hours (6:30pm-8:30 pm)
Sa-Su: 5 hours (10am-3pm)

The 18 hour total isn't ideal but for me I don't know how much more is feasible without burning out. I'm curious as to other people's schedules, especially those working full-time. Anyone else care to share?

I'm thinking my schedule will look something like this:
Sat-Sun: 5-6 hrs
M, T: 1 hour
W, F: 2 hours
Th: maybe 2 hours

[famousblueraincoat]

When diagramming, is it recommended to use the notations provided by the prep material? I just finished the diagramming drill and felt comfortable with the notations I used, some of which came from the Trainer and others that I made up (or variations on the one's provided by Mike).

Thats ok, right? As long as I understand the rules of the game? Also, I see that Mike tends to draw on the "game board" or test space for the game. I prefer to keep all the rules near the board but not on it unless its an ~X below a space that won't hinder the plugging in/out. That way I can plug some units in and out without redrawing another test space and still refer to the rules throughout.

Thats ok too, right?

[alexrodriguez]

This thread has completely been taken over by retakers!

I'm glad to have you though.

Anyways just finished Lesson 20 or 21 (I forget) in the LSAT trainer. It was 14 questions timed. I didn't too hot. I had -6. -6 out of 14. That's 8 correct. That's a little over 50%. That's shit.

I know I have so much studying to do... but I don't know how much more efficient I can become. I realize all the errors I made and how stupid they were, but still. When I'm pressed for time I don't know how thorough I'm going to be. It's a really frightening idea to be taking this test in June and to be getting -6 out of 14.

It would kill me to score low knowing how much time and effort I've put into this.

I am glad we are in similar spots in the Trainer. I just completed that exercise of 14 LR questions and also got -6, or 8/14. I would also agree that I had hoped to do better than that.

Interestingly, I missed more easy ones than hard ones! I even missed the very first one about government yet somehow confidently got 6 of the last 7 questions right?

Anyone ever have this happen near the beginning of your prep (two weeks in)? Missing easy questions and somehow doing really well on hard ones, for an overall result that's just kind of "meh".

What was your time? I finished in 21:12

These are the questions I got wrong: 8, 12, 14, 15, 17, and 20.

The one about the Egyptians I should have got right.
On 14 I completely forgot to read the second part of the stimulus.
Question 15 I've seen before and I was adamant that I've gotten it wrong by picking C. C was in fact the right answer.
I had a hard time digesting what Question 17 wanted from me in the moment of things.
Question 20 I found to be just simply hard.

I think that hardest part about this test will be keeping my cool in the adrenaline of things.

[WaltGrace83]

I am doing the first set of LR drills now for the Trainer. I figure that, while working on the LG sections I'll do the LR drills and vice versa. I got a 5/7 on the first drill but I really feel like I made huge gains here. Why? Because I realized a few things:

1) Whoa I need to calm down. I completely flubbed a question that I should have gotten right because I mistook STRENGTHEN for a WEAKEN in my head. It was funny because when I was going through the answers I said to myself "there is no way that A is correct! That is a great STRENGTHEN answer choice." while the one I actually picked thought was a great WEAKEN choice. I was right - but I was wrong at the same time

2) I was working through this one question and, upon doing an extensive review, I learned some really great lessons in logic put into practice.

3) I am starting to really love LR. I am not too shabby (seem to be grasping some solid understandings with a long way to go). I used to hate LR because I saw it as 50% of the test and something that "OMFG!!!1111!!! I'M TERRIFIED - I MUST MASTER!! OFAGgaod! I goT oNE WRONG! LIFE. OVER." Yes. This is true. It is 50% of the test and yes I do have to master it. However, Mike Kim has put a new way of thinking into my head: get as many questions right as possible but learn something from those you get wrong! Getting stuff wrong is great because it exposes weaknesses and lack of understanding. While I would not be ecstatic to get a 2/7 on this drill or anything, I think that seeing these ways in which I come up slightly short is really really really good for me.

Well I did a lot of studying today - goodnight everyone.

[10052014]

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[MDJ2588]

If anyone is looking for a study partner for once a week, just looking to consolidate, as well as build on some information with a like minded, and focused individual. Please pm me if anyone holds similar interests.

[hoya15]

Greetings all -- just wanted to check in with the group. I'll be taking in June for the first time -- took a cold diagnostic today (156 urgh), so will definitely be using the next 5 months to study as much as possible with school going on. Ordering LSAT Trainer and Cambridge Packets, maybe the Bibles if I feel like I need more help. Best of luck to all of y'all.

[alexrodriguez]

Post subject: Re: The Official June 2014 Study Group

WaltGrace83 wrote:
I am doing the first set of LR drills now for the Trainer. I figure that, while working on the LG sections I'll do the LR drills and vice versa. I got a 5/7 on the first drill but I really feel like I made huge gains here. Why? Because I realized a few things:

1) Whoa I need to calm down. I completely flubbed a question that I should have gotten right because I mistook STRENGTHEN for a WEAKEN in my head. It was funny because when I was going through the answers I said to myself "there is no way that A is correct! That is a great STRENGTHEN answer choice." while the one I actually picked thought was a great WEAKEN choice. I was right - but I was wrong at the same time

2) I was working through this one question and, upon doing an extensive review, I learned some really great lessons in logic put into practice.

3) I am starting to really love LR. I am not too shabby (seem to be grasping some solid understandings with a long way to go). I used to hate LR because I saw it as 50% of the test and something that "OMFG!!!1111!!! I'M TERRIFIED - I MUST MASTER!! OFAGgaod! I goT oNE WRONG! LIFE. OVER." Yes. This is true. It is 50% of the test and yes I do have to master it. However, Mike Kim has put a new way of thinking into my head: get as many questions right as possible but learn something from those you get wrong! Getting stuff wrong is great because it exposes weaknesses and lack of understanding. While I would not be ecstatic to get a 2/7 on this drill or anything, I think that seeing these ways in which I come up slightly short is really really really good for me.

Well I did a lot of studying today - goodnight everyone.


glad to see everyone enjoying the trainer,

Planning to do ~125 or more weaken questions and a LG section tomorrow.
btw, some things I have noticed while drilling the lr packets twice:

-I am finishing 25 questions in aout 28-30 minutes. I find that it is because I am not anxious of reading new material. Rather, i am more relaxed, for I know that I have read the material before.
-getting -1/-0 on every 25 questions I put together from the packets, including a proportionate amount from each difficulty.
-even though I may remember a question or two, going through the motions certainly reinforces the concepts.

gl ppl, and remember your priorities.

jaylawyer, I'm looking forward to your LR study schedule. and yes, I think you make a good point about the priorities idea.

I hope we attend the same t14. we'll form a study group

[politibro44]

I am doing the first set of LR drills now for the Trainer. I figure that, while working on the LG sections I'll do the LR drills and vice versa. I got a 5/7 on the first drill but I really feel like I made huge gains here. Why? Because I realized a few things:

1) Whoa I need to calm down. I completely flubbed a question that I should have gotten right because I mistook STRENGTHEN for a WEAKEN in my head. It was funny because when I was going through the answers I said to myself "there is no way that A is correct! That is a great STRENGTHEN answer choice." while the one I actually picked thought was a great WEAKEN choice. I was right - but I was wrong at the same time

2) I was working through this one question and, upon doing an extensive review, I learned some really great lessons in logic put into practice.

3) I am starting to really love LR. I am not too shabby (seem to be grasping some solid understandings with a long way to go). I used to hate LR because I saw it as 50% of the test and something that "OMFG!!!1111!!! I'M TERRIFIED - I MUST MASTER!! OFAGgaod! I goT oNE WRONG! LIFE. OVER." Yes. This is true. It is 50% of the test and yes I do have to master it. However, Mike Kim has put a new way of thinking into my head: get as many questions right as possible but learn something from those you get wrong! Getting stuff wrong is great because it exposes weaknesses and lack of understanding. While I would not be ecstatic to get a 2/7 on this drill or anything, I think that seeing these ways in which I come up slightly short is really really really good for me.

Well I did a lot of studying today - goodnight everyone.

Congrats on the progress!

I am now beginning to think like this as well. I would freak out over wrong answers before, but am now looking at them as an opportunity to learn how to improve. I've been collecting all wrong answers from drilling, and then yesterday went over just a few of them in detail. So over 2 hours I wrote out what the conclusions was, what the support was, what the flaw was, why each answer choice was wrong, and why the right one was right. Then at the end of each question I wrote a general perspective of why did I get this question wrong? Was it not reading the stimulus carefully enough and missing a shift in terms, or not having a grasp of the flaw when going into the answer choices, or whatever.

I modeled my review after the LSAT Trainer's steps. Definitely helps in solidifying this process into my "elephant."

[Captainunaccountable]

Checking in. Currently using the LSAT Trainer, Cambridge Packets 1-38 for drilling and PT's 40-70. I thought I might share a little bit about my study plan/experience thus far:
-I have printed out every LG, LR, and RC section from the packets and put them in binders. I'm currently working on all the LG's whilst going over Powerscore LG and LSAT Trainer to stay fresh.
-I've also begun drilling the LR types, specifically the assumption questions. For these I will review the outline I made from the LSAT Trainer regarding each specific question type and then doubling up with Powerscore's take on that question type. This has proved to be vital.
-I've just started the second RC chapter in the LSAT Trainer and am really enjoying the book so far.
Here are some takeaways for me:

I, like some others here, went -6 on those 14 questions in the LSAT Trainer from Chapter 20 or so. For me, the reason I did poorly was because I didn't do exactly as is suggested by Mike. I have a tendency to rush through the stimulus to get to the answer choices. This fails every single time I do it. If I don't know the flaw and the reasoning structure of the stimulus for assumption questions, I will not know what to look for and will pick something that sounds good.
This also translates into LG, and RC. I have to be meticulous with LG's by cross checking my notations, making sure I've deduced all inferences, and making sure my game board is perfect.
With RC, I'm a little better, but I still have to make sure and understand the main points/author's position before going into the questions.
When I do these things and am meticulous about grappling the stimulus/game/passage material, I do infinitely better.
Overall, I've seen my LSAT score go from a 157 from two months ago to about a 163-165 right now. Timing is another huge issue for me, but I must learn to master the art of answering questions appropriately before I can even delve into that.

Good luck everyone!

[suitsfan]

I'm currently working on grouping games and I am able to usually get 100% accuracy on games. But my problem is that when the first time I attempt a game, I usually end up taking about 15 minutes to finish the game and once I repeat it later, it is within the time limit. Is there any recommendation regarding cutting time on cold games? I sometimes get flustered too when I'm doing a game as well for the first time and I go past 8 minutes and 45 seconds.

[WaltGrace83]

I'm currently working on grouping games and I am able to usually get 100% accuracy on games. But my problem is that when the first time I attempt a game, I usually end up taking about 15 minutes to finish the game and once I repeat it later, it is within the time limit. Is there any recommendation regarding cutting time on cold games? I sometimes get flustered too when I'm doing a game as well for the first time and I go past 8 minutes and 45 seconds.

I would also like to know this. The same stuff happens to me. Although sometimes it will be going from 11 minutes to 5 minutes or something crazy, even with a few hours in between doing it cold and doing it not. The thing that is frustrating about this is the question, "are we learning THE game or are we learning GAMES?" if that makes sense. Although hundreds of 170+ scorers have done exactly what we have been doing (redoing and redoing) and it has worked for them. This is not to say that this will be sufficient or that one caused the other but just that this problem has been tackled in the past with favorable results regardless.

[Lsataddict175]

This thread has completely been taken over by retakers!

I'm glad to have you though.

Anyways just finished Lesson 20 or 21 (I forget) in the LSAT trainer. It was 14 questions timed. I didn't too hot. I had -6. -6 out of 14. That's 8 correct. That's a little over 50%. That's shit.

I know I have so much studying to do... but I don't know how much more efficient I can become. I realize all the errors I made and how stupid they were, but still. When I'm pressed for time I don't know how thorough I'm going to be. It's a really frightening idea to be taking this test in June and to be getting -6 out of 14.

It would kill me to score low knowing how much time and effort I've put into this.

Hey Louis1127,

Also just finished Chapter 20 in the Trainer. Got 12/13 correct untimed. Mistakenly saw the last answer so couldn't really count the question. I got #20 wrong, narrowed it down to two choices, and picked the wrong one (found this question tricky).
I am glad we are in similar spots in the Trainer. I just completed that exercise of 14 LR questions and also got -6, or 8/14. I would also agree that I had hoped to do better than that.

Interestingly, I missed more easy ones than hard ones! I even missed the very first one about government yet somehow confidently got 6 of the last 7 questions right?

Anyone ever have this happen near the beginning of your prep (two weeks in)? Missing easy questions and somehow doing really well on hard ones, for an overall result that's just kind of "meh".

Hey Louis1127,

Also just finished Chapter 20 in the Trainer. Got 12/13 correct untimed. Mistakenly saw the last answer so couldn't really count the question. I got #20 wrong, narrowed it down to two choices, and picked the wrong answer (found this question tricky). Anyway, did you do these questions timed? And which questions did you answer incorrectly? I did them untimed because my main goal right now is to get every LR correct without the pressure of time. Accuracy first, timing later. Additionally, how much more time do you think you're going to need to complete the book? I feel like I've been reading this book forever!

[WaltGrace83]

This thread has completely been taken over by retakers!

I'm glad to have you though.

Anyways just finished Lesson 20 or 21 (I forget) in the LSAT trainer. It was 14 questions timed. I didn't too hot. I had -6. -6 out of 14. That's 8 correct. That's a little over 50%. That's shit.

I know I have so much studying to do... but I don't know how much more efficient I can become. I realize all the errors I made and how stupid they were, but still. When I'm pressed for time I don't know how thorough I'm going to be. It's a really frightening idea to be taking this test in June and to be getting -6 out of 14.

It would kill me to score low knowing how much time and effort I've put into this.

Hey Louis1127,

Also just finished Chapter 20 in the Trainer. Got 12/13 correct untimed. Mistakenly saw the last answer so couldn't really count the question. I got #20 wrong, narrowed it down to two choices, and picked the wrong one (found this question tricky).
I am glad we are in similar spots in the Trainer. I just completed that exercise of 14 LR questions and also got -6, or 8/14. I would also agree that I had hoped to do better than that.

Interestingly, I missed more easy ones than hard ones! I even missed the very first one about government yet somehow confidently got 6 of the last 7 questions right?

Anyone ever have this happen near the beginning of your prep (two weeks in)? Missing easy questions and somehow doing really well on hard ones, for an overall result that's just kind of "meh".

Hey Louis1127,

Also just finished Chapter 20 in the Trainer. Got 12/13 correct untimed. Mistakenly saw the last answer so couldn't really count the question. I got #20 wrong, narrowed it down to two choices, and picked the wrong answer (found this question tricky). Anyway, did you do these questions timed? And which questions did you answer incorrectly? I did them untimed because my main goal right now is to get every LR correct without the pressure of time. Accuracy first, timing later. Additionally, how much more time do you think you're going to need to complete the book? I feel like I've been reading this book forever!

Take the following with a grain of salt:

I think what would be better to do is to do them timed, giving yourself 1:20 per question. Then, after you finish them do a completely blind review. You get the best of both worlds! You get to see how you react with pressure but you also get to analyze the questions without pressure without any idea of what the right answer is anyway. Accuracy is most important but don't completely get rid of timing unless you are REALLY struggling, which if you getting nearly perfect untimed I doubt you are my man

[10052014]

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[Captainunaccountable]

done for the day. drilled 125 weaken, and got 5 wrong (two level 4s, one level 3, and one level 1 ( ) )

guess I'll do a games section to wrap it all up.

What is your strategy for weaken questions?

[10052014]

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