October 2010 Test Prep Forum

[r2b2ct]

are you guys able to do reading comprehension in public places like starbucks and barnes noble? all the noise makes me lose concentration. sometimes i even have a hard time doing logical reasong if people are talking next to me.

I had trouble with this too, but I try to study in public places as long as distractions aren't too outrageous. I am guessing that test day will be slightly distracting, so I might as well get used to it. I think I've gotten better at blocking out distractions over time.

[xqhp82]

I'm also taking the october test - surprised to find out so many people here have already started preparing for it! makes me a bit nervous now...can't start studying until mid June as I will be having finals til then (UK uni) but I intend to spend my whole summer on LSAT. I'm still considering whether to do a prep course or not, thinking of a combo of PS's virtual lessons+ self study, I wonder if people usually start off by self-study first or the prep course instead? which way is more effective?

[mirpanda]

I will be taking the October test. Diagnostic score is 158; working towards 170+. I'm thinking of using this schedule, but modifying it to start studying slightly earlier: http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/ls ... edule.html

My plan is to have all other aspects of my applications complete before the test so that I can apply as soon as the results are released Nov. 1, granted I'm satisfied with my score!

[cherryalamode]

I'm also taking the october test - surprised to find out so many people here have already started preparing for it! makes me a bit nervous now...can't start studying until mid June as I will be having finals til then (UK uni) but I intend to spend my whole summer on LSAT. I'm still considering whether to do a prep course or not, thinking of a combo of PS's virtual lessons+ self study, I wonder if people usually start off by self-study first or the prep course instead? which way is more effective?

I think you should be totally fine! I'm starting study now (albeit very slowly) because I won't be able to do so for about a month during the summer).

[nonpareilpearl]

I'm also studying for the Oct 2010 LSAT - it'll be my first try so I'm pretty nervous.

I also noticed a couple people saying they have a hard time studying in libraries, coffee shops, and etc. because of noise. I've found that some rain/pleasant white noise can help block out the background chatter. Here are two sites that were recommended to me:

http://www.rainymood.com/
http://simplynoise.com/

[hellokitty]

I'm also studying for the Oct 2010 LSAT - it'll be my first try so I'm pretty nervous.

I also noticed a couple people saying they have a hard time studying in libraries, coffee shops, and etc. because of noise. I've found that some rain/pleasant white noise can help block out the background chatter. Here are two sites that were recommended to me:

http://www.rainymood.com/
http://simplynoise.com/

Thanks for those websites. It's hard for me to study with noise sometimes because it can be very distracting, but at the same time test centers aren't always the quietest places. Both of the test centers I went to were relatively quiet, but there was still the occasional fit of coughing or something like that.

Thanks for those websites. I love the sound of rain. I could just sit and listen to it all day.

Good luck in October! Don't let the nerves get to you. You're one of the lucky few who is smart enough to start studying this early! I'll be right there with you.

[au bon pain]

Hi everyone-this is my first post!

I'll be joining you all for the October test. I work full-time and if anyone has any tips on managing both work and school, that would be great?

I haven't taken a practice test, but I am hoping to take one and put my study binder together this weekend.

Glad that I found this forum for support.

[luxxe]

i'll be taking the october test as well. up to this point (& probably until early may) all i have done is take a diagnostic (160) & begun working through the lgb. like everyone else, i am hoping to break 170 when it is all said & done.

good luck everyone!!

[luxxe]

I'm also taking the october test - surprised to find out so many people here have already started preparing for it! makes me a bit nervous now...can't start studying until mid June as I will be having finals til then (UK uni) but I intend to spend my whole summer on LSAT. I'm still considering whether to do a prep course or not, thinking of a combo of PS's virtual lessons+ self study, I wonder if people usually start off by self-study first or the prep course instead? which way is more effective?

i'll be entirely self-studying. based on comments here/from friends who have taken prep courses, those courses are designed for people aiming for lower scores (<165-170), which i am not.

[mikialjan]

I'm also taking the october test - surprised to find out so many people here have already started preparing for it! makes me a bit nervous now...can't start studying until mid June as I will be having finals til then (UK uni) but I intend to spend my whole summer on LSAT. I'm still considering whether to do a prep course or not, thinking of a combo of PS's virtual lessons+ self study, I wonder if people usually start off by self-study first or the prep course instead? which way is more effective?

i'll be entirely self-studying. based on comments here/from friends who have taken prep courses, those courses are designed for people aiming for lower scores (<165-170), which i am not.

I don't know what you mean by that. Are you implying that if someone wants to score higher than 165 should they self-study? On the other thread quite a few people mentioned they took courses and scored higher than 165 as well.


I hope I can pass the 165 after taking the course AND prestudy prior to the course by myself.

[Mrs. Jack Donaghy]

I'm most likely taking the October test. I was thinking about taking a powerscore class for the june lsat, but I don't think that gives me enough time. Not sure if I'm going to be able to take a course for the October test. I had a low diagnostic so a prep course may be best for me.

I look forward to going on this journey with all of you. Hope we all get our dream scores!

[lsatntr]

Hi everyone! I'm in for October as well. Lots of high ambition takers in this thread making me nervous as well. I diag'd at 155. My worst section is LG, my best section is LR and RC is a hit or miss in-between. Hoping for a 167 for a fair shot at UofT. I wonder if there are any others from Canada (Toronto/UofT) browsing this forum.

I'm doing self-study all the way. Started with the SuperPrep book and will be going through the Powerscore bibles next. Just need to find a source for the mastery book that has all the games, passages and LR questions categorised by type.

Only 26 more weeks to go. Ahhhh!!!

[hellokitty]

Only 26 more weeks to go. Ahhhh!!!

That seems so close actually! Thanks for putting that into perspective for me!!! And best of wishes with your prep! Good luck, there appear to be Mastery Books on Amazon...at least a few days ago there were 5 of them. That's definitely my favorite prep book!

[cherryalamode]

I'd also like to thank you for putting it into perspective. 26 weeks... wow.

I'll probably make a 20 week study plan. I'll be in Europe for 5 weeks and I'm setting aside another week just in case.

Anyone on this forum want to make a sort of united study plan?

If not, please post up ur schedules!

I'm planning on getting halfway through all three bibles (since I HAVE all three) by the end of this month.

I just don't know if I should split up sections into 8.5 minute speed tests? LG and RC sections can be split up into 4 pieces each and this gives more practice on timing, no? Or is this a bad idea?

[akili]

You guys can pretty much count me in (barring acceptance from Colorado). My cold diagnostic was 161 and I scored 160 on the Dec. LSAT. I'm hoping to get a 164+ on the October test.

[nonpareilpearl]

Anyone on this forum want to make a sort of united study plan?

If not, please post up ur schedules!

In another thread I found this awesome 5 month study schedule:
http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/ls ... edule.html

The same person wrote schedules for 1 - 6 months of studying. I've been planning to spend April getting the rest of the books I don't have, and then following the 5 month schedule to prep for Oct.

[cherryalamode]

Point 1: Akili, LOVE your avatar! Veronica Mars!

Point 2: NPP, I've seen those study scheds and I find them a bit messy. I get lost lol. I'll try it out, but I don't know. Maybe I can find a way to mesh up mine with it... One thing I do like about that site is they have a LR tracker, so it organizes LR by question types for PTs.

As for my study plan:
I have:
All 3 "10 more..." series, Superprep, PTs 50-56, 59 (I took 57 and 58 as real tests), LGB, LRB, RCB

My plan is to get through the three bibles by the end of May. At the end of each "lesson," I do one or two pacing sections that correspond with the lesson.

I took Pithypike's idea to make copies of Logic games. I plan to do them on trains, in between places. Just whenever I have a spare 8-10 minutes or more.

I will take full PTs a few times each month. I WILL NOT check the answers after I do a PT. I will go back and redo it UNTIMED. Then I will review, focusing on the questions I got wrong TWICE. I read about that on another thread here. I think it's a REALLY good idea.

I'm leaving for Europe at the end of May, and will come back early July, at which point, I will begin working more on perfecting techniques and speed and will be taking PTs more often.

In the beginning of September, I'll only be taking the most recent ones, so I'll be up to date with the most current "format".

What do you think?

[mikehoe]

I plan to take the LSAT in October for the first time. I also plan to apply to my schools around then. I've never took a mock LSAT or practice test, but i am starting to study. I have a goal to take the practice tests at least 30 times. And i possibly might sign up for a course, probably TestMasters when summer comes around.

[fiathebia]

Hi everyone! I'm in for October as well. Lots of high ambition takers in this thread making me nervous as well. I diag'd at 155. My worst section is LG, my best section is LR and RC is a hit or miss in-between. Hoping for a 167 for a fair shot at UofT. I wonder if there are any others from Canada (Toronto/UofT) browsing this forum.

I'm doing self-study all the way. Started with the SuperPrep book and will be going through the Powerscore bibles next. Just need to find a source for the mastery book that has all the games, passages and LR questions categorised by type.

Only 26 more weeks to go. Ahhhh!!!

The Grouped books do. Grouped by game type...Grouped by passage type...etc.

[xqhp82]

May I ask - What's in the Superprep book? and how useful is it?

seems like most of you are doing self-study. how many hours are day are you guys planning to spend?

I also quite like the 1-6 month schedules posted on that blog. i'll probably follow the 4-month schedule, or try to cramp the 5 month schedule into 4 months, but i still feel it's not enough.

oh no, 26 weeks, i'm definitely not mentally ready for all this!

[luxxe]

I'm also taking the october test - surprised to find out so many people here have already started preparing for it! makes me a bit nervous now...can't start studying until mid June as I will be having finals til then (UK uni) but I intend to spend my whole summer on LSAT. I'm still considering whether to do a prep course or not, thinking of a combo of PS's virtual lessons+ self study, I wonder if people usually start off by self-study first or the prep course instead? which way is more effective?

i'll be entirely self-studying. based on comments here/from friends who have taken prep courses, those courses are designed for people aiming for lower scores (<165-170), which i am not.

I don't know what you mean by that. Are you implying that if someone wants to score higher than 165 should they self-study? On the other thread quite a few people mentioned they took courses and scored higher than 165 as well.


I hope I can pass the 165 after taking the course AND prestudy prior to the course by myself.

The classes aren't designed for people who are already scoring moderately well & thus are designed to better help students raise a 145 to a 155 more so than a 160 to a 170+.

[luxxe]

May I ask - What's in the Superprep book? and how useful is it?

It is really useful. It has a section explaining each section of the test (which isn't so useful), 3 past LSATs, & explanations for the questions (which are extremely helpful). I found it a really useful place to start.

[Gemini]

May I ask - What's in the Superprep book? and how useful is it?

It is really useful. It has a section explaining each section of the test (which isn't so useful), 3 past LSATs, & explanations for the questions (which are extremely helpful). I found it a really useful place to start.

They're three February tests that LSAC released. These are special because PTs don't come with explanations, but this book does. You get to read LSAC's own explanations (and ergo their thinking/reasoning) for each question.

[lsatntr]

I think the Superprep book is one of the best resources available for LSAT study. Everyone who is serious about getting a high score should rush out and get a copy. I give this book credit for quickly getting my score into the 160s. But LG and RC are still keeping me out of the 170s.

That seems so close actually! Thanks for putting that into perspective for me!!! And best of wishes with your prep! Good luck, there appear to be Mastery Books on Amazon...at least a few days ago there were 5 of them. That's definitely my favorite prep book!

Thanks for the wishes, HK! The same goes to you. Here's hoping you break 170!

I can't wait till I finish up my studies here so I can move back to Cal where I belong!

[jaws]

I'm also in for the October LSAT! I'm already anxious to get started, but will have to wait until June when my teaching job ends. Is anyone planning on taking a Blueprint course? As of now I am planning on doing the Blueprint Movie course. Anyone have any experience with this? I've heard a lot of positive feedback about this course. The movie works well for me because I am planning on living out of the city, far from any test prep centers (free rent in a beautiful part of the state!) for the 3-4 months that I prepare for the test. I will be able to study full time during these months. With BP, you end up working out every LSAT problem ever released (except maybe with the exception of one test). Is anyone afraid of running out of prep material too early, or is there enough where this shouldn't be a concern?

Thanks!