JUNE 2013 Study Group / Study Partner Thread Forum

[052220151]

Whats up everyone... Just checking in with the latest I have:

PT 42 LG = -3
PT 43 LG = -1 (O yea... I'm getting there alright)
PT 25 RC = - 9 (I ran out of time but still would have had a -8 had i completed it in time)
PT 22 RC = -5 (Ran out of time for last question, would have gotten a -5)

I seem to have the most trouble with Generalization/Principle, Function/Role, and Structure (according to LSATQA - which, side note here, is fucking phenomenal). How do you recommend I focus on these types of questions? I have MLSAT LR and RC books, i could look over the LR chapter on main point i think, but idk how effective that would be. Any help is greatly needed/appreciated.

What the hell do i do about my RC? I have the MLSAT RC book, but i havent read past part 1. Do you recommend i look over that book before i do anymore PT's? I have 2 PT section RC scheduled for sometime later this week, I should read the RC book before completing them right?

thanks

Did you miss a question on the artists' painting game? That game was a bit tricky, and the wording on some of the questions seemed funky/ambiguous. The student newspaper review game was also in this vein sort of.

Ya I did. And it was the first Passage too...

How did you improve your RC? just by taking timed sections? I need to work on question type. Is the RC book helpful for that?

I wouldn't stress the artist game that much, the big take away is just to be diligent in paying attention to what the question is asking you.

I wouldn't say my RC is fully improved yet. I am capable of getting a good score on it, but often times I fuck up and go -10 (usually dropping an entire passage). So now I'm just working on consistency. Mainly I just do untimed drilling. I read for structure, take note of author's opinions, and keep a general awareness of what is being said. What I mostly try to take away from the drilling, is how the question stems are tripping me up. As far as the books go, I have Manhattan RC, and took testmasters a year ago. I don't think either approach is very good because RC seems very personal, and notation seems to take too long and confuse me. But, YMMV.

[homie1515]

Whats up everyone... Just checking in with the latest I have:

PT 42 LG = -3
PT 43 LG = -1 (O yea... I'm getting there alright)
PT 25 RC = - 9 (I ran out of time but still would have had a -8 had i completed it in time)
PT 22 RC = -5 (Ran out of time for last question, would have gotten a -5)

I seem to have the most trouble with Generalization/Principle, Function/Role, and Structure (according to LSATQA - which, side note here, is fucking phenomenal). How do you recommend I focus on these types of questions? I have MLSAT LR and RC books, i could look over the LR chapter on main point i think, but idk how effective that would be. Any help is greatly needed/appreciated.

What the hell do i do about my RC? I have the MLSAT RC book, but i havent read past part 1. Do you recommend i look over that book before i do anymore PT's? I have 2 PT section RC scheduled for sometime later this week, I should read the RC book before completing them right?

thanks

Did you miss a question on the artists' painting game? That game was a bit tricky, and the wording on some of the questions seemed funky/ambiguous. The student newspaper review game was also in this vein sort of.

Ya I did. And it was the first Passage too...

How did you improve your RC? just by taking timed sections? I need to work on question type. Is the RC book helpful for that?

I wouldn't stress the artist game that much, the big take away is just to be diligent in paying attention to what the question is asking you.

I wouldn't say my RC is fully improved yet. I am capable of getting a good score on it, but often times I fuck up and go -10 (usually dropping an entire passage). So now I'm just working on consistency. Mainly I just do untimed drilling. I read for structure, take note of author's opinions, and keep a general awareness of what is being said. What I mostly try to take away from the drilling, is how the question stems are tripping me up. As far as the books go, I have Manhattan RC, and took testmasters a year ago. I don't think either approach is very good because RC seems very personal, and notation seems to take too long and confuse me. But, YMMV.

Good to know, thanks. and congrats on the recent high score, considering your usually getting -10.

[MauveT-Rex]

Checking in after a bit of a lapse. 11 weeks left, 78 days to be exact. I hope everybody is hitting their stride!!

[mvonh001]

Whats up everyone... Just checking in with the latest I have:

PT 42 LG = -3
PT 43 LG = -1 (O yea... I'm getting there alright)
PT 25 RC = - 9 (I ran out of time but still would have had a -8 had i completed it in time)
PT 22 RC = -5 (Ran out of time for last question, would have gotten a -5)

I seem to have the most trouble with Generalization/Principle, Function/Role, and Structure (according to LSATQA - which, side note here, is fucking phenomenal). How do you recommend I focus on these types of questions? I have MLSAT LR and RC books, i could look over the LR chapter on main point i think, but idk how effective that would be. Any help is greatly needed/appreciated.

What the hell do i do about my RC? I have the MLSAT RC book, but i havent read past part 1. Do you recommend i look over that book before i do anymore PT's? I have 2 PT section RC scheduled for sometime later this week, I should read the RC book before completing them right?

thanks

Did you miss a question on the artists' painting game? That game was a bit tricky, and the wording on some of the questions seemed funky/ambiguous. The student newspaper review game was also in this vein sort of.

Ya I did too. And it was the first Passage...

How did you improve your RC? just by taking timed sections? I need to work on question type. Is the RC book helpful for that?

You did also, So i take it that wasn't an easy game, yet it was the first passage i believe. What is up with that shit?

[homie1515]

Whats up everyone... Just checking in with the latest I have:

PT 42 LG = -3
PT 43 LG = -1 (O yea... I'm getting there alright)
PT 25 RC = - 9 (I ran out of time but still would have had a -8 had i completed it in time)
PT 22 RC = -5 (Ran out of time for last question, would have gotten a -5)

I seem to have the most trouble with Generalization/Principle, Function/Role, and Structure (according to LSATQA - which, side note here, is fucking phenomenal). How do you recommend I focus on these types of questions? I have MLSAT LR and RC books, i could look over the LR chapter on main point i think, but idk how effective that would be. Any help is greatly needed/appreciated.

What the hell do i do about my RC? I have the MLSAT RC book, but i havent read past part 1. Do you recommend i look over that book before i do anymore PT's? I have 2 PT section RC scheduled for sometime later this week, I should read the RC book before completing them right?

thanks

Did you miss a question on the artists' painting game? That game was a bit tricky, and the wording on some of the questions seemed funky/ambiguous. The student newspaper review game was also in this vein sort of.

Ya I did too. And it was the first Passage...

How did you improve your RC? just by taking timed sections? I need to work on question type. Is the RC book helpful for that?

You did also, So i take it that wasn't an easy game, yet it was the first passage i believe. What is up with that shit?

Ya sometimes the technically easy passages are worded obscurely and can really fuck with your mind when you read them...

[CardozoLaw09]

What are you guys' plan of action?

I'm going to spend tonight figuring that out -- if I come up with anything worth sharing I'll post it here.

[A.Taarabt7]

um not really too sure how you are interpreting my statements but in no way am I acting a know it all. There is a reason why I post here so much, its because I do not know it all. And Im not defending the tutor at all Im just giving my reasoning behind why I might employ him.

I am running my test prep schedule because I would like some feedback. I do not know if my schedule is good and I do not know if the way I am going about this 3rd and last attempt is the right or most effective way to prep. I want to seek feedback before I start my prep next week

it may have been a better idea to just create a new thread than to post it here if I am going to get this type of feedback.

People here are generally helpful and easy to get along with. Remember that you have to be aware of others' perception. Although you may think you're not coming off as a 'know-it-all', someone else might think so. You also are coming across as impatient. Just relax, keep your questions more succinct, and don't flip out when someone doesn't answer right away. Also, you catch more bees with honey than vinegar.

Will do ,thank you. I apologize. You guys are basically my only resource at this point of time. I will start my prep tomorrow so till then I'll just consult the books and continue searching the archives of this forum for more info. The reason I post ITT is because its very active compared to the rest of the forum. I am more likely to get a high quality answer here than just posting in the October thread or just in this sub forum.

[homie1515]

What are you guys' plan of action?

I'm going to spend tonight figuring that out -- if I come up with anything worth sharing I'll post it here.

ya please do.

[wtrc]

180 on a PT is finally starting to seem attainable. I took PT 44 today. 94 raw/174 scaled. -4 on RC, I'm starting to see more consistency but its still not there. -2 LR total, both were reading errors, and I finished both, well before the buzzer. -0 LG, finished before the five minute mark. With two months to go, I am confident that this time I will break 170.

good shit bro. if you get LG to -0 it puts you in a magnificent spot to get that 170.

I always get -0 on LG. My problem is with RC, which seems to be the same issue with Weathercoins and Cardozo. Thanks for the love, bros. I'm going to ramp up RC drilling and LR target drilling (parallel, strengthen).

What are you guys' plan of action?

So I work full-time. Going to start cutting everything other than work out, even if it means being a near hermit for the next 2.5 months.

LG: Also at -0 or -1, occasional timing issues if something stumps me. Going to keep drilling, but going to start phasing away from it for more of a focus on other sections.

LR: I need to drill strengthen and NA questions more. Also, parallel flaw- not because I have difficulty with accuracy here usually but more because it just seems to take the most time and can throw me off.

RC: Ugh. I will keep drilling, which has helped me a bit, but I seem to be at the point where my score is so variable on my mood and the passage. There are times I finish sections feeling pretty good and go -5 or worse; others where I go -2 or -3 (once I had 0 recently!) but don't feel too great about it. Not sure what to do here.

As of now I study a lot on weekends (usually take 1 PT on weekends and sometimes another during the week) and probably a few hours the rest of the week, depending on work schedule and such. I think I may start doing an hour of studying/drilling in the morning before work, and try to get 2-3 hours in in the evenings 3 days during the week. Also probably will cut out going out too much on weekends, since that really limits my productivity the next day (last night- went to sleep at 4:30 AM, didn't start studying/reviewing today until 2 PM. Oy).

You?

[CardozoLaw09]

What are you guys' plan of action?

I'm going to spend tonight figuring that out -- if I come up with anything worth sharing I'll post it here.

ya please do.

76 days removed from June 8th (my last day of Prep); Roughly 11 weeks

Areas of Weakness/Uncertainty

RC — keep drilling individual passages/sections and write an analysis on passages I struggled with
ie) -2 or more wrong --> write a passage analysis which includes an overview, summary of each paragraph noting key points, and a right/wrong answer analysis of each question associated with the passage

LG — I’m not yet an automatic -0 for LG which is the aim so I’m contemplating going over the Manhattan LG Guide for a second time. After each chapter I think I’ll drill the games of the game type discussed in the chapter. After each game I’ll review and then watch 7sage’s/LSATBlog’s method on attacking the game and see how it contrasted from my approach.

LR — I’m getting better but still not where I want to be. I still have to tighten things up as I’m getting tricked into picking answer choices that sound tempting. Also have to work on sufficient assumption questions as those tend to get me occasionally more often than any other question type.

Also will be re-reviewing each PT I've done.

[Otunga]

I pretty much started my prep for the June test last week. It's safe to say that the progress you guys have made has me concerned about my prep - but also eager to do more of it. So far, I've gone through Ch. 1-3 of LGB. I've been doing the games untimed, but even so, feels good to go 21/22 on the Advanced Linear Games.

I think I'm going to switch over to the LRB for a few days. Then in order to keep RC somewhat in focus, do a few full RC sections from some preptests, then go back to LGB and into the grouping games. I'm not all that inclined to buy the RCB, but perhaps I might if I have some trouble on the RC sections. I went -6 on the diagnostic, but feel I could at least improve to -4 or so on the timed practice sections given that I'm more familiar with the test now. Just have to see.

[052220151]

I pretty much started my prep for the June test last week. It's safe to say that the progress you guys have made has me concerned about my prep - but also eager to do more of it. So far, I've gone through Ch. 1-3 of LGB. I've been doing the games untimed, but even so, feels good to go 21/22 on the Advanced Linear Games.

I think I'm going to switch over to the LRB for a few days. Then in order to keep RC somewhat in focus, do a few full RC sections from some preptests, then go back to LGB and into the grouping games. I'm not all that inclined to buy the RCB, but perhaps I might if I have some trouble on the RC sections. I went -6 on the diagnostic, but feel I could at least improve to -4 or so on the timed practice sections given that I'm more familiar with the test now. Just have to see.

Don't be afraid to hold out until oct! Good luck with everything!

[052220151]

You?

You and I are literally in the same boat. I work full time and it looks like we have the exact same weaknesses. I'm also going to start hermiting it up. I don't even care about the hermit thing, this is my last take, so I will being getting absolutely obliterated this summer regardless.

Edit- Dozo, isn't this your situation too?

[CardozoLaw09]

You?

You and I are literally in the same boat. I work full time and it looks like we have the exact same weaknesses. I'm also going to start hermiting it up. I don't even care about the hermit thing, this is my last take, so I will being getting absolutely obliterated this summer regardless.

Edit- Dozo, isn't this your situation too?

Yes sir pretty much. Other than the working full time thing. Ain't got no job other than the LSAT

[wtrc]

You?

You and I are literally in the same boat. I work full time and it looks like we have the exact same weaknesses. I'm also going to start hermiting it up. I don't even care about the hermit thing, this is my last take, so I will being getting absolutely obliterated this summer regardless.

Edit- Dozo, isn't this your situation too?

Yeah. I figure after June 10 I will be working but won't need to focus heavily yet on law school apps, and either way the time doing law school apps won't rival the LSAT prep. I am going to Europe in 3 weeks for a week to see a friend (fortunately, she is in school so will have work to do and I'll have time to study), so can't take too much time off work this summer, but it will be a good summer.

[NoodleyOne]

Just dropping in to wish you guys the best of luck. Keep working and kick ass... it'll pay off big-time.

And come test day, think of the test as taking foul shots. Same thing over and over. Good luck.

[mindarmed]

registering for the credential assembly service tomorrow bros, so i can plan out my recs and begin the path to EDing UVA on Sept. 1st.

[Fianna13]

good luck! May the odds be ever in your favor

[wtrc]

registering for the credential assembly service tomorrow bros, so i can plan out my recs and begin the path to EDing UVA on Sept. 1st.

Nice! It feels good to register for CRS- like another hurdle complete. A $155 hurdle.

[Ambitious1]

Joining you guys officially! The February test took a big physical/emotional toll on me and it took me a while to get over my underwhelming score but I'm finally ready to get back on that grind.

I'm taking the Manhattan Interactive Course, looking to finish lesson 1 and possibly 2 this week. 2 exams this week though so probably can't start the lessons until Thursday

I need to freshen up on LGs, I'm confident I went -0 on game day and still ended up with my underwhelming 159. LR and RC will pretty much determine how I do. I haven't looked at any LSAT material in a while, and in a weird way I think it will benefit me. I almost feel like I'm just starting to study again, and LR doesn't seem nearly as invincible as it did a month ago.

I'm going to spend the next month or so drilling Cambridge LR and RC passages non-stop, with Manhattan books/Interact as a supplement. I'll try to sprinkle in a PT once a week, once May hits that will go up to 3 or 4 a week. My 159 tells me that I have a fundamental problem currently with the basics in LR and RC and that is where I will start.

There are also some life changes I've made that I feel will benefit me..i.e. working out every day, not smoking, eating healthy, not depending as much on caffeine. I'll never make excuses for my 159, but I was undeniably exhausted, caffeine dependent, and had the flu that day. I need to put myself in a better position to avoid these problems in June.

Question: How do you guys use/incorporate Cambridge packets into your prep? Do you do 1 and 2 level difficulty and then move to harder questions if you feel you need it, or do you simply finish every question type?

[wtrc]

Joining you guys officially! The February test took a big physical/emotional toll on me and it took me a while to get over my underwhelming score but I'm finally ready to get back on that grind.

I'm taking the Manhattan Interactive Course, looking to finish lesson 1 and possibly 2 this week. 2 exams this week though so probably can't start the lessons until Thursday

I need to freshen up on LGs, I'm confident I went -0 on game day and still ended up with my underwhelming 159. LR and RC will pretty much determine how I do. I haven't looked at any LSAT material in a while, and in a weird way I think it will benefit me. I almost feel like I'm just starting to study again, and LR doesn't seem nearly as invincible as it did a month ago.

I'm going to spend the next month or so drilling Cambridge LR and RC passages non-stop, with Manhattan books/Interact as a supplement. I'll try to sprinkle in a PT once a week, once May hits that will go up to 3 or 4 a week. My 159 tells me that I have a fundamental problem currently with the basics in LR and RC and that is where I will start.

There are also some life changes I've made that I feel will benefit me..i.e. working out every day, not smoking, eating healthy, not depending as much on caffeine. I'll never make excuses for my 159, but I was undeniably exhausted, caffeine dependent, and had the flu that day. I need to put myself in a better position to avoid these problems in June.

Question: How do you guys use/incorporate Cambridge packets into your prep? Do you do 1 and 2 level difficulty and then move to harder questions if you feel you need it, or do you simply finish every question type?

Welcome!

To start with your question- I start with 1, and if I find those really simple, I move on to 3 or 4. If I find difficulty with 1, I'll try to do all the levels.

I also do this based on PT's. I would highly recommend getting an account (it's free) on LSATQA.com- then you can enter your PT results and it will tell you where your weaknesses are. Mine are the tough NA questions and some strengthen, so I spend more time drilling those than others. I think it really depends on the section- some would be a waste of time to drill so much, especially given the limited amount of time we have until June 10.

Regarding the 159, were you scoring significantly better on PT's? Did you leave the test thinking you had done well, or did you know there were problems? Could it be you misbubbled?

[A.Taarabt7]

starting my prep today lads

gonna spend 3-4 hours reading powerscore and manhattan. First chapter will be linear(ordering in manhattan). Going to read, do the exercised untimed. See which method I like then drill 4-5 games. Record my times for knowledge purpose and in my spreadsheet. After, will go right back to reading TLS and other forums for more advice. Then its back to my other work

next day will repeat the 3 games and drill another 4-5 games. Then repeat rest, and keep moving on in powerscore and manhattan

[realestate101]

Hey everyone:

Just started prep for the June Lsat- joining the long ass fight. Hoping for a 172.

I took a few practice sections. LR seems to be my strong point. I took two practice sections and finished a few minutes early on each while getting 6 wrong on each. That was without prep so hoping to get that down to about 1-2 max by june.
Games, from reading the posts, seems to be the most learnable. I will be starting those shortly.
RC is my biggest concern. The issue, the same as when I took the gmat, is mainly the lack of comprehension. Either I'll completely understand the passage, fly through it, and do well on the answers. Or, I have no idea what is flying and I find myself reading and not understanding a word, panicking and getting most of the answers wrong. I have already started reading journals and long, dense articles for prep. Is there anything besides that and practicing passages that I can do. I don't really have a strategy for RC.

[mindarmed]

registering for the credential assembly service tomorrow bros, so i can plan out my recs and begin the path to EDing UVA on Sept. 1st.

Nice! It feels good to register for CRS- like another hurdle complete. A $155 hurdle.

sucks that i already spent $315 and i'm not in a school...LSAC is a flame

[Ambitious1]

Welcome!

To start with your question- I start with 1, and if I find those really simple, I move on to 3 or 4. If I find difficulty with 1, I'll try to do all the levels.

I also do this based on PT's. I would highly recommend getting an account (it's free) on LSATQA.com- then you can enter your PT results and it will tell you where your weaknesses are. Mine are the tough NA questions and some strengthen, so I spend more time drilling those than others. I think it really depends on the section- some would be a waste of time to drill so much, especially given the limited amount of time we have until June 10.

Regarding the 159, were you scoring significantly better on PT's? Did you leave the test thinking you had done well, or did you know there were problems? Could it be you misbubbled?

Thanks for your post

Leading up to the February exam, I was PTing anywhere between 161 and 167. On the real thing, I had LR (26) RC LR (25) LR (26) and LG. I had to bubble in guesses on the last 5 in the first LR, 2 in the 2nd LR, and 4 on the last LR. I bubbled in guesses on the entire last RC passage. I just completely choked on LR.

I also never reviewed my RC passages much before the February exam. I would simply take a PT, accept my minus 7 on RC, and take it as a loss and only focus on LR/LG. In retrospect, obviously a very terrible decision. I really hope to get better at RC and before I move on to full sections I want to focus on individual passages, particularly science and humanities. LR, I used Manhattan's 2nd edition but only up to chapter 5. This time, I can't wait to finish the whole thing.