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Hello folks,

So, I've done fairly extensive prep for the LSAT beginning in July (for the December test, so I still have time to make corrections), but am having an issue.

I space out during the RC sections. I'm not sure if reading the Manhattan RC book (which I have but have not read -- RC is the only section for which I did not read any book) will help? Or, do I need to have more quiet time, read more outside of the test, or what? Perhaps I am not approaching the reading correctly and am clueless as to what to focus on?

Just a background: Currently, I get between 1-3 questions wrong on each of the sections excepting RC, where I get 5-8 wrong. I am willing to take any measure to improve my score, so feel free to make difficult or challenging suggestions.

Put a thumb tack in your shoe. Whenever you find yourself daydreaming, apply pressure on the tack with your foot (WARNING: Painful!). After a few applications, you probably will stay more focused.

NOTE: You can probably do this on test day as well, but just be careful walking around, and whatever you do, don't scream during the test (it is likely to disturb others and may result in some sort of penalty).

afitouri wrote:Hello folks,

So, I've done fairly extensive prep for the LSAT beginning in July (for the December test, so I still have time to make corrections), but am having an issue.

I space out during the RC sections. I'm not sure if reading the Manhattan RC book (which I have but have not read -- RC is the only section for which I did not read any book) will help? Or, do I need to have more quiet time, read more outside of the test, or what? Perhaps I am not approaching the reading correctly and am clueless as to what to focus on?

Just a background: Currently, I get between 1-3 questions wrong on each of the sections excepting RC, where I get 5-8 wrong. I am willing to take any measure to improve my score, so feel free to make difficult or challenging suggestions.

Try reading the passages out loud for a little while. Then slowly lower the level of your voice until it's almost a silent whisper. I'm sure with the white noise in a room, you'll be able to read the passages using a siltent whisper. Good luck!

afitouri wrote:Hello folks,

So, I've done fairly extensive prep for the LSAT beginning in July (for the December test, so I still have time to make corrections), but am having an issue.

I space out during the RC sections. I'm not sure if reading the Manhattan RC book (which I have but have not read -- RC is the only section for which I did not read any book) will help? Or, do I need to have more quiet time, read more outside of the test, or what? Perhaps I am not approaching the reading correctly and am clueless as to what to focus on?

Just a background: Currently, I get between 1-3 questions wrong on each of the sections excepting RC, where I get 5-8 wrong. I am willing to take any measure to improve my score, so feel free to make difficult or challenging suggestions.

How many RC passages/sections would you say you have done and reviewed thoroughly?

cahwc12 wrote:

afitouri wrote:Hello folks,

So, I've done fairly extensive prep for the LSAT beginning in July (for the December test, so I still have time to make corrections), but am having an issue.

I space out during the RC sections. I'm not sure if reading the Manhattan RC book (which I have but have not read -- RC is the only section for which I did not read any book) will help? Or, do I need to have more quiet time, read more outside of the test, or what? Perhaps I am not approaching the reading correctly and am clueless as to what to focus on?

Just a background: Currently, I get between 1-3 questions wrong on each of the sections excepting RC, where I get 5-8 wrong. I am willing to take any measure to improve my score, so feel free to make difficult or challenging suggestions.

How many RC passages/sections would you say you have done and reviewed thoroughly?

Hmm, probably 10-20. What makes you ask?

..

i just hope when i take the lsat that RC isn't first, bc i have the same problem. But i think if i warm up with an LR or LG section first ill be able to focus on RC better

Start meditating daily. Meditation is all about training your mind to focus on one thing and to recognize when it starts wandering to something else. I can give advice or recommend some sources if you like.

If you go the supplement/drug route, don't take it for the first time on test day.

I run my pencil along each line to keep myself focused and mouth the words.

Zensack wrote:Start meditating daily. Meditation is all about training your mind to focus on one thing and to recognize when it starts wandering to something else. I can give advice or recommend some sources if you like.

If you go the supplement/drug route, don't take it for the first time on test day.

Can I become proficient at meditating before the test? Slash I'd like these sources -- I don't have
time for classes before the test.

espressocream wrote:
Can I become proficient at meditating before the test? Slash I'd like these sources -- I don't have
time for classes before the test.

Sorry for the slow reply, forgot to keep an eye on this thread.

If you're taking the October test the benefits would be small; if it's a later test and you're consistent with the practice, the benefit should be noticeable. Classes aren't really necessary, what you would need to do is get a reasonably good understanding of a few styles and to practice them one or more times a day (multiple short sessions are especially useful for beginners). Do what works for you, don't be perfectionist (noticing that you've drifted is a sign you're becoming more aware), and don't push yourself to go for long periods right away. Some instructors will tell you to count your breaths, but I recommend against that. Focus on the experience of breathing in and out (breathe abdominally) and keep your mind as still and relaxed as possible.

Modern psychiatric/medical techniques are mostly similar to traditional Buddhist techniques; if the philosophical underpinnings of my sources are a hang up look up "mindfulness" related pages on student or public health sites.

Online sources (I couldn't find most of the ones I got started with, unfortunately):

Playlist with some general spiels and a few specific techniques (I didn't have much luck with other Youtube videos): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLvU7ppM ... B03E12F5A1
Summary of breathing meditation: http://www.how-to-meditate.org/breathin ... ations.htm

Print Sources:
Being Black by Angel Kyodo Williams - Chapter 7 is a very in depth guide to Zen meditation. The book as a whole is a really good guide to Zen.
The Joy of Living by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche - Most of the book is about Yongey's accumulated wisdom and views on science and Buddhism. Part 2 focuses on practice, including meditation, and discusses numerous techniques.
I'm a big fan of Brad Warner's books, but the two I've read didn't cover meditation in depth. Consider perusing Hardcore Zen and Sit Down and Shut Up.

Have you tried using the thumb tack method yet? I know it sounds wonky, but you'd be surprised what a little pin prick like that can do.

When I'm zoning out or the passage is tough I silently talk to myself as I read--about the passage. I talk to myself about the scale specifically (if you use our book, you know what I mean). I ask myself questions, comment, etc. Basically, I reinforce active reading.

Tell yourself you have no choice and will wreck your future unless you absolutely understand what you are reading for the next 35 minutes.

Recognizing the gravity of the section and the level of attention it requires can be mentally sobering/focusing. If I zone out, I'm probably not even going to be able to finish the section on time.

YMMV

slack_academic wrote:Hey OP,

Have you considered using Adderall/Ritalin? I have heard tell that these really help.

Yes I have, but I don't have health insurance and am weary about buying it from a friend or w/e, because... well because its illegal.

thanks zensack for the cool meditation links!