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

[BlackCanary]

I'm being really bad about studying today. It suddenly hit me that for the first time in a good while, I will be in a country that speaks one of my native languages. Guess having to travel to take the LSAT isn't all that bad. Problem is now I can't help but look up all the things I want to do.

Retaking after the June test. What do you guys think about starting up my study again on Monday? Is taking these few days off good, bad, etc? I feel like I've lost my personality the last few months and I kind of wanted to be me again.

Take no more than a week, otherwise life without LSAT might seem too appealing and it will be that much harder to get back into it.

[zeglo]

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[34iplaw]

feels weird going through Manhattan LG so fast. it literally took me forever just to read one chapter in the Trainer, so much text on 1 page.

LSAT Trainer is really dense. After finishing the second logic games section, I switched to the PowerScore Bible. I was shocked at how fast I went through it. I went back to the LSAT trainer to just do some light reading [will re-read] when I woke up this morning but didn't feel like moving...and it was a less than pleasant experience initially.

LG is the one thing in the Trainer that I'm not finding as helpful as I expected. Granted, I literally just started LGs, but I feel like it doesn't do as much explaining in how to actually do the questions. And it is really dense! I really love the Trainer thus far, so hopefully it gets more helpful. I'm hoping the LG Bible will explain the steps better. Perhaps the Trainer will be more useful once I read the bibles?

Yeah - the LSAT Trainer served as a sort of good introduction to games, but I didn't really find it overly helpful... that could just be me though. I learn things much better when I look over them a second time. PowerScore Bible has really helped. I haven't had a game where [absent time restraints] that I can't answer every question with 100% certainty and accuracy. Occasionally, some overwhelm me and I need to take a step back. Obv, there is the critical speed component, but I feel that I have a very solid foundation from it.

I just drilled the first 8 games [basic linear ones] in the Cambridge Packets today... I want to be doing them faster. 6/8 I did in 5-6 minutes, but one took 7 minutes + time for a question that was super easy but just didn't click for some reason and another took me 10 minutes for some bizarre reason. Then again, it's my first day drilling. In those games, I got -2 between the eight games [-5 if I count any questions that took me over 7.5-8.5 min/game] and -0 during BR.

With those games, I'm just sort of struggling with how much information is actually worth putting down. I feel like they suggest to write out all the possible outcomes for those, but, when the solution set is that limited, I generally have a very solid idea of those outcomes in my head. I'll have to maybe compare and contrast timing with different amounts I write... I want to be doing that first group of games in the packets within 5 minutes I think.

I just started going through the bible today and I like how it is giving me a step-by-step process. I'm glad to hear it helped you and I am hoping it will do the same for me when I get through it. I can't wait until I can start drilling through the Cambridge packets and getting things down to just a matter of timing. Congrats on your results! How long did it take you to go through the bible properly?

Ah - thanks. I still think the timing on those type of games should have been faster for me. I think I should have drilled after chapters, but my plan is to go back over chapters if drilling seems to not be clicking. It probably took about two weeks to go through it with doing all of the in book work [sometimes a few times.]

[20170322]

I'm starting to work out twice a day, so I feel GREAT, but I'm having less time and energy to do LSAT prep. The struggle is real.

[studyingeveryday]

So if I've already studied for almost a year on the LSAT and I'm already right around a 160 score, should I stick to the LSAT Trainer to give me a schedule and structure, and then use the Manhattan books to increase my score? If powerscore is more about the fundamentals, should I not use that one at all?

EDIT: I studied using only Kaplan my first time!

[34iplaw]

So if I've already studied for almost a year on the LSAT and I'm already right around a 160 score, should I stick to the LSAT Trainer to give me a schedule and structure, and then use the Manhattan books to increase my score? If powerscore is more about the fundamentals, should I not use that one at all?

EDIT: I studied using only Kaplan my first time!

I think that depends... do you believe you have a solid grasp of the fundamentals? I think a good assessment of that would be to see how well you can do on games and such without major time restraints [within reason...maybe 20ish min per game tops...maybe more if it's really convoluted/challenging]. I assume given a year of prep that you probably do have a solid grasp of the fundamentals.

I will say this about the LSAT Trainer vs. PowerScore in regards to Logic Games. I found myself to be *much* more comfortable with logic games after the bible than I was after finishing the games sections in the trainer. It could be that the reverse would be true if I read them in reverse order and that the PowerScore helped reinforce what I already learned from the LSAT Trainer. In my mind, the LSAT Trainer seems to be a *really* good introductory book. I imagine it can be an effective book on its own if combined with all of the recommended drilling etc. in the book.

Find out what you are struggling with and focus on that while periodically reviewing/addressing the other sections so that your skills do not atrophy IMO.

[usaorbust]

Two quick questions:

Since I don't have the Cambridge LG by type PDF, I've seen some people suggest using the powerscore by types books instead, is this a solid alternative or is there a better way to drill for LG?

Second, is it wise for me to start drilling, not taking PTs, when I am not sure when I'm taking the test yet? I'm an incoming junior and would like to be prepared as possible for the LSAT, but I also don't want to burn through drilling material early- as in worst case scenario I have to retake more than once and by then I've used up most of my prep.

I've been through most of the tarainer and I'm working through Manhattan LR and LGB now and it seems like I should be supplementing with drilling.

When do you think you'll be taking it?

I feel like if you're learning LG/LR it is really hard to improve, assess, and instill the knowledge without drilling of some sort. I am using the Cambridge packets, so I don't know about the Powerscore by type books, but I know of several people who said they worked. I think as long as you are doing real LSAT questions, you can't go wrong--especially when they are conveniently by type.

I fell like I will probably take it in December, but realistically I will take it when I am Pting in the 170s. Since I am a junior, I have a bit more time to practice and take. I think I shouldn't set a test date and study around it but instead I should practice till I get an optimal score then set everything up a date.

[westtech]

Got a solid two and a half hours of prep in this morning. I've been waking up every day at 5:30 and starting my prep at 7 and finishing at 9:30 before work. Since I work right next to a law school I've been prepping in one of the empty classrooms. Today I worked through two chapters in the trainer and then attempted to do the first ten questions of PT30 LR Section 2 in 10 minutes. I got through the first 9 in 12 minutes and didn't miss any but question 10 took days. I got it right but it was just luck.

[Barack O'Drama]

Two quick questions:

Since I don't have the Cambridge LG by type PDF, I've seen some people suggest using the powerscore by types books instead, is this a solid alternative or is there a better way to drill for LG?

Second, is it wise for me to start drilling, not taking PTs, when I am not sure when I'm taking the test yet? I'm an incoming junior and would like to be prepared as possible for the LSAT, but I also don't want to burn through drilling material early- as in worst case scenario I have to retake more than once and by then I've used up most of my prep.

I've been through most of the tarainer and I'm working through Manhattan LR and LGB now and it seems like I should be supplementing with drilling.

When do you think you'll be taking it?

I feel like if you're learning LG/LR it is really hard to improve, assess, and instill the knowledge without drilling of some sort. I am using the Cambridge packets, so I don't know about the Powerscore by type books, but I know of several people who said they worked. I think as long as you are doing real LSAT questions, you can't go wrong--especially when they are conveniently by type.

I fell like I will probably take it in December, but realistically I will take it when I am Pting in the 170s. Since I am a junior, I have a bit more time to practice and take. I think I shouldn't set a test date and study around it but instead I should practice till I get an optimal score then set everything up a date.

That's a good idea, but you need to hold yourself accountable and make sure you're improving. So perhaps try to follow a study schedule that can accommodate your work/class schedule. I think December is a good place to start. So just treat your study as if you're taking in December. So a 6 month study schedule would serve you well. My worry is that when you say you'll take at a certain score it becomes easier and easier to kick the test down the road and burn through materials. There is a lot of material, but it is finite at the end of the day. I have heard tales of people burning through all the prep tests by studying for a long time, and they began memorizing harder questions/set ups and couldn't accurately gauge their improvements. I don't think you'll have a problem. I think it tends to be sophomores or freshman who aren't taking for 2 years..

I think you'll be fine drilling now. You could drill PTs 1-40 and still have 30+ prep tests at your disposal. I just recommend following some sort of schedule because it helps to keep yourself on track for something--and you can always, ALWAYS personalize it. I am using the 16 week LSAT Trainer guide and I have made quite a few drastic adjustments that are working well! Just find something that works for you and will keep you accountable, honest, and consistent. Also with 6 months beware of burnout! I would recommend starting off with 3 hours a day and working your way up. It is better than working your way down due to burnout.

HTH

Good luck

[Barack O'Drama]

I'm starting to work out twice a day, so I feel GREAT, but I'm having less time and energy to do LSAT prep. The struggle is real.

Same boat! I am trying to make regular work outs part of the test routine. However, it is making me lethargic to some extent. I also am finding certain foods and drinks are affecting how I feel. I've been drinking Soylent while studying throughout the day, which cuts down on wasted time cooking/cleaning and is easy and gives me the energy without feeling overfull and lazy. I am turning myself into a post-apocalyptic automaton for the LSAT. I think I am going to just run for my workout and then only lift on my prep day off. See how it works, and then reevaluate.

[wilt]

i might be joining y'all, hola

[Pozzo]

.

[westtech]

I'm starting to work out twice a day, so I feel GREAT, but I'm having less time and energy to do LSAT prep. The struggle is real.

Same boat! I am trying to make regular work outs part of the test routine. However, it is making me lethargic to some extent. I also am finding certain foods and drinks are affecting how I feel. I've been drinking Soylent while studying throughout the day, which cuts down on wasted time cooking/cleaning and is easy and gives me the energy without feeling overfull and lazy. I am turning myself into a post-apocalyptic automaton for the LSAT. I think I am going to just run for my workout and then only lift on my prep day off. See how it works, and then reevaluate.

I'm determined not to give up lifting to prep for this test. I used to get up and do my workout in the morning but then after work I was literally falling asleep in front of my prep books. Since Monday I've switched my prep to the morning when I would normally be lifting and I've moved my workouts to the evenings, so far so good. Let me know what time management schemes you guys come up with.

[Barack O'Drama]

I'm starting to work out twice a day, so I feel GREAT, but I'm having less time and energy to do LSAT prep. The struggle is real.

Same boat! I am trying to make regular work outs part of the test routine. However, it is making me lethargic to some extent. I also am finding certain foods and drinks are affecting how I feel. I've been drinking Soylent while studying throughout the day, which cuts down on wasted time cooking/cleaning and is easy and gives me the energy without feeling overfull and lazy. I am turning myself into a post-apocalyptic automaton for the LSAT. I think I am going to just run for my workout and then only lift on my prep day off. See how it works, and then reevaluate.

I like the way you think. Best case scenario, you destroy the LSAT. Worst case scenario, you destroy the rest of us when the world ends.

Hahaha! Now that you put it that way...

[proteinshake]

I'm starting to work out twice a day, so I feel GREAT, but I'm having less time and energy to do LSAT prep. The struggle is real.

Same boat! I am trying to make regular work outs part of the test routine. However, it is making me lethargic to some extent. I also am finding certain foods and drinks are affecting how I feel. I've been drinking Soylent while studying throughout the day, which cuts down on wasted time cooking/cleaning and is easy and gives me the energy without feeling overfull and lazy. I am turning myself into a post-apocalyptic automaton for the LSAT. I think I am going to just run for my workout and then only lift on my prep day off. See how it works, and then reevaluate.

I'm determined not to give up lifting to prep for this test. I used to get up and do my workout in the morning but then after work I was literally falling asleep in front of my prep books. Since Monday I've switched my prep to the morning when I would normally be lifting and I've moved my workouts to the evenings, so far so good. Let me know what time management schemes you guys come up with.

I lift 4x a week and it's always the first thing I do about an hour and a half after I wake up. It actually gives me more energy for studying. do you make sure you eat enough?

[YupSports]

I'm starting to work out twice a day, so I feel GREAT, but I'm having less time and energy to do LSAT prep. The struggle is real.

Same boat! I am trying to make regular work outs part of the test routine. However, it is making me lethargic to some extent. I also am finding certain foods and drinks are affecting how I feel. I've been drinking Soylent while studying throughout the day, which cuts down on wasted time cooking/cleaning and is easy and gives me the energy without feeling overfull and lazy. I am turning myself into a post-apocalyptic automaton for the LSAT. I think I am going to just run for my workout and then only lift on my prep day off. See how it works, and then reevaluate.

I'm determined not to give up lifting to prep for this test. I used to get up and do my workout in the morning but then after work I was literally falling asleep in front of my prep books. Since Monday I've switched my prep to the morning when I would normally be lifting and I've moved my workouts to the evenings, so far so good. Let me know what time management schemes you guys come up with.

I lift 4x a week and it's always the first thing I do about an hour and a half after I wake up. It actually gives me more energy for studying. do you make sure you eat enough?

Count me in as a lifter as well.

Just getting back into lifting after nearly ripping my hamstring in half squatting a few years ago (I developed a fear of throwing around some heavy weight).

On the LSAT front, I BR'd some LG and LR from PT 62 today. I focused so much on LR this past month I am quite rusty .

[20170322]

My worries of my medication/workout hurting my focus have dissipated. Did two 5-game packets today, went -1 on both, under 35 minutes each.

[Rupert Pupkin]

My worries of my medication/workout hurting my focus have dissipated. Did two 5-game packets today, went -1 on both, under 35 minutes each.

Good shit! Thats great to hear. A lot of this and life is a mental game and you are in control! haha

I am also a lifter. I noticed a huge change in my performance all around in life when I eat healthy and regularly workingout.Makes studying LSAT for long hours much easier when I do it first thing in the morning too. I tried doing it mid-day thinking it would give me a nice break, but i wasted more time and I only was IN THE ZONE studying wise after my workout- so, i moved my lifting to the AM.

[usaorbust]

Two quick questions:

Since I don't have the Cambridge LG by type PDF, I've seen some people suggest using the powerscore by types books instead, is this a solid alternative or is there a better way to drill for LG?

Second, is it wise for me to start drilling, not taking PTs, when I am not sure when I'm taking the test yet? I'm an incoming junior and would like to be prepared as possible for the LSAT, but I also don't want to burn through drilling material early- as in worst case scenario I have to retake more than once and by then I've used up most of my prep.

I've been through most of the tarainer and I'm working through Manhattan LR and LGB now and it seems like I should be supplementing with drilling.

When do you think you'll be taking it?

I feel like if you're learning LG/LR it is really hard to improve, assess, and instill the knowledge without drilling of some sort. I am using the Cambridge packets, so I don't know about the Powerscore by type books, but I know of several people who said they worked. I think as long as you are doing real LSAT questions, you can't go wrong--especially when they are conveniently by type.

I fell like I will probably take it in December, but realistically I will take it when I am Pting in the 170s. Since I am a junior, I have a bit more time to practice and take. I think I shouldn't set a test date and study around it but instead I should practice till I get an optimal score then set everything up a date.

That's a good idea, but you need to hold yourself accountable and make sure you're improving. So perhaps try to follow a study schedule that can accommodate your work/class schedule. I think December is a good place to start. So just treat your study as if you're taking in December. So a 6 month study schedule would serve you well. My worry is that when you say you'll take at a certain score it becomes easier and easier to kick the test down the road and burn through materials. There is a lot of material, but it is finite at the end of the day. I have heard tales of people burning through all the prep tests by studying for a long time, and they began memorizing harder questions/set ups and couldn't accurately gauge their improvements. I don't think you'll have a problem. I think it tends to be sophomores or freshman who aren't taking for 2 years..

I think you'll be fine drilling now. You could drill PTs 1-40 and still have 30+ prep tests at your disposal. I just recommend following some sort of schedule because it helps to keep yourself on track for something--and you can always, ALWAYS personalize it. I am using the 16 week LSAT Trainer guide and I have made quite a few drastic adjustments that are working well! Just find something that works for you and will keep you accountable, honest, and consistent. Also with 6 months beware of burnout! I would recommend starting off with 3 hours a day and working your way up. It is better than working your way down due to burnout.

HTH

Good luck

Yeah I will try that out. Id like to study that much, but I'm working full time and not finding as much time studying as I would like.

[sephora_addict]

I'm thinking that I have no choice but to check in here. I hate the LSAT.

[Barack O'Drama]

My worries of my medication/workout hurting my focus have dissipated. Did two 5-game packets today, went -1 on both, under 35 minutes each.

Savage! I'm glad to hear it SweetTort

How long did it take you to get that consistent and quick? Any tips? Just started going through the LG Bible to take a break from LR. I am finding speed a real issue. Sometimes I just sit there frozen, not sure what to do.

[20170322]

My worries of my medication/workout hurting my focus have dissipated. Did two 5-game packets today, went -1 on both, under 35 minutes each.

Savage! I'm glad to hear it SweetTort

How long did it take you to get that consistent and quick? Any tips? Just started going through the LG Bible to take a break from LR. I am finding speed a real issue. Sometimes I just sit there frozen, not sure what to do.

Here's a strategy someone else (maybe even in this thread) gave me, and it saved my life. 3 steps.

Step 1) Do every Cambridge Packet logic game, untimed, for accuracy. Repeat until -0.
Step 2) Repeat step one, except timed. If not -0 and under time (according to 7sage), repeat.
Step 3) Mix all logic games, staple them in packets of 5, and complete the packets in under 35 minutes.

[SunDevil14]

I'm starting to work out twice a day, so I feel GREAT, but I'm having less time and energy to do LSAT prep. The struggle is real.

I am a big fitness guy. I did some physique modeling and boxing while getting undergraduate degree. I am not sure what your fitness routine is, but I also work out twice a day. I'd suggest that you workout after you wake up before breakfast, and once right before bed if your schedule permits.

Hope that helps, PM if you'd like I can shed more like on the fitness stuff you want help.

[proteinshake]

omg game 4 from PT 2 was SO weird I literally was stuck on the setup for 6 minutes but I finally figured out the inferences and finished in 11:50 and -0. 7Sage says you should finish it in 10 so I actually feel pretty good about it. if you're looking for a pretty tough game that will really test your inference making skills, this is the one.

also, wow I'm glad to see all the fitness people in this group

[SunDevil14]

I am currently working through my prep books. I would highly suggest the Powerscore Logic Games Bible. Originally I was not able to get through all 4 games in time, nor with tremendous accuracy. I completed the book about a week and a half ago, and am now consistently getting through all 4 games while only missing a few question if any.

My main question is about logical reasoning. Is there a large consensus on whether the stimulus should be read before the questions or vice versa? Rather, is choosing which to read first a matter of preference?

I have been recording my progress using both methods, and I consistently score higher when reading the question first. Although, my prep material suggestions reading the stimulus first. I'm curious of whether reading the question first will be detrimental in the long, despite currently yielding better results.