A Neurotic Self-Loathing Sailor's Brain Dump on the LSAT
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 2:57 am
*Note: This is not an admission of guilt
* Also Note: This is likely in no way worth reading
On the circumstances surrounding my taking of the LSAT
At some point in the not too distant past, I found myself on a heroic dose of psilocybin mushrooms. It was in the midst of this that I realized I should quit(reduce slightly) my exorbitant drug use, restructure the trajectory of my life, study for and take the Law School Admissions Test. And so I did! Awesome wow!
On my diagnostic and final scores
Diagnostic: 155
Game Day: 177(June 2013 test)
On the length of time of study
Unless you're some sort of unusually gifted cognitive behemoth with a propensity for making your harder-working peers feel like shit, attaining a top score is gonna take some time. I expect it can be done quite reasonably in 3 months(or even a bit less) with dedicated study, but if you want a more lenient schedule, try out six months.
On Focus
As someone with severe (self-diagnosed) ADD, I can say that focus is of extreme importance on the LSAT. You must train your eyes to be like razor powered laser beams. Read each and every question as if you are focusing on an alien space ship that just crashed into your neighbor's house. Do not get distracted. Do not think about banging your cute proctor. Do not think about what beer you are going to drink when you finish the test. Only think about the question in front of you. Meditation helps a lot with this.
On intelligence and the LSAT
While intelligence likely correlates quite well with LSAT score, this test is in no way an intelligence test. Furthermore, there is no way to concretely define intelligence. In other words there are many different types of smart. The LSAT tests for a certain type of thought that is entirely distinct from the so-called abstract intelligence measured on IQ tests. You should never think of it as a test of intelligence. I assure you that if you are of slightly above average intelligence and willing to work hard, you can achieve a 165+ score.
On confidence
Confidence, or self-efficacy, is so very key when it comes to the LSAT. I see scores of posts on TLS and other websites proclaiming that you should not expect to end up with a 170+ or you should not bother shooting for a 180 because you aren't capable, etc, etc. I believe this does a great disservice to many test takers, especially those with the tendency toward self-doubt. So I will advocate just the opposite line of thought. YOU CAN DO IT. And if you are truly motivated and dedicated, YOU WILL DO IT. Trust me when I say that no one has achieved a truly great score(or much of anything for that matter) by thinking they weren't capable of doing so.
On motivation
This is also of critical importance. As a super-splitter who has been widely regard by friends and neighbors as lazy his entire life, I implore you: find a way to get (highly) motivated! I personally take a sort of sadistic (sexual) pleasure in being a statistical outlier of any kind. This is not a great cause for motivation for any sane person, but my insanity is now accompanied by great logic reasoning skills! Whether it be pussy, riches, hookers, blow, prestige, fine deli meats, or spiritual enlightenment, find a reason to sweat and bleed (literally) for this test.
On the nature of the LSAT
I believe the LSAT is not in fact a test, but rather a thought programming manual. Being a student of my own brain, I notice that my thoughts today are quite a lot different in nature than prior to studying for the LSAT. I have not yet decided whether or not this change is for the better. Regardless, it seems that the the best way to study for the LSAT is to begin thinking like the test makers. You can do this by filling much of your days and free time with thoughts about the LSAT and its questions (probably not worth it). Another way to look at this is like learning a new language. Logic is the language of the LSAT. Spanish is also a language. Any great Spanish teacher will tell you that in order to become truly fluent in the language of Spanish, you must begin to passively think in Spanish. I believe it follows (not logically, of course) that in order to become truly fluent in the LSAT, you must begin to think passively in logic.
On practicing like you play
Michael Jordan did not become good at sinking game winning shots by lollygagging during practice. He simulated the intensity of a playoff game during each shot he took. You need only see a photo of the guy to feel his intensity. The point is don't half ass your practice. You should treat each and every practice test as if it the real thing that law schools will see. Heck, if you are reading a page in your Powerscore bible, you should be reading it as if it was an RC section on game day with the proctor in front of you keeping time. Practice with the same intensity and focus as you would use on game day. You won't regret it.
On wrong answer choices
It is far more important to become proficient at eliminating wrong answer choices than finding the good ones. You must learn to seek out wrong answers like an angry, rabid, starving pit bull.
On Prep Materials(read them books and then read em again!)
The Best (almost necessary, but not sufficient):
*Real LSAT preptests
*Logic Games Bible
*Logical Reasoning Bible
*Manhattan's Reading Comprehension Guide
*TLS Forum(save for garbage posts like this one)
The Next Best:
*Nova's Master the LSAT (mainly to increase the potency and speed of your hypotheticals on LG)
* Manhattan's Logical Reasoning Guide
* Super Prep(I didn't find this as helpful as many others, but still good nonetheless)
Meh:
*Powerscore's Reading Comprehension Bible
*Most anything else that costs money
On Timing in General
Most people consider timing among the most critical factors on this test. I have heard many exclaim with cries of pride that if the test were untimed they could achieve a top score. I question the motivation of these people. I will say that when I began I could not even complete an LR section(my best section) with decent accuracy in under 45 minutes. Because of all of the hype around timing, this worried me considerably and I considered quitting totally. Luckily, I persevered. My solution is this: Don't worry about timing. At all. Especially at the start. There is no point in rushing to get the questions wrong. First go for accuracy. Once you are able to score in the 170s in an untimed fashion, you can then make timing a (slight) consideration. If you cannot score at this level in an untimed manner, go back and reexamine the concepts again, because your foundation is lacking. The hierarchy: Accuracy first, then familiarity, then timing.
The Sections
On Logic Games
Logic Games are widely regarded as the most learnable section. I would say that I agree to some extent. Though I will add that Logic Games section scores are probably the most inconsistent of the 3 among top scorers. As such, planning for contingencies and keeping your cool is important on this section. The method I would recommend to best learn logic games would be this: Do them until your hands bleed. Seriously. I had the mindset that I would do logic games until I was certain I would not get caught off guard by anything they could throw at me on test day. This meant repeating the snakes and reptiles house game about a dozen times. I ended up with -2 in this section on game day and was quite disappointed with myself. But seriously read the (powerscore) bible and do LG until it hurts, and them do them some more until you are beyond certain you are fluent.
On LG Timing
I think that timing on LG is the most problematic of any section, because if you screw up your initial diagram or are too slow at churning out hypotheticals, it can throw off your pacing for the entire section and defecate on your score. The paradoxical conclusion I have reached is to not worry about timing at all. Hard games will take longer, easier games will be shorter just accept this with mindfulness and outcome detachment. Besides with enough repetition and familiarity, you will crush easy games(in 4-5 minutes) so as to have time to spare. As stated above thorough preparation is the key to completing this section at a relaxed pace.
On Logical Reasoning
This is half the test. I repeat: this is half the test, do not underestimate this. This section is all about finding your weaknesses and destroying them. After taking enough practice tests you should know where these are. Untimed, individual problem type training is what I found most effective on this section. This section is fairly intuitive. Despite, what many say about Reading Comp being the least learnable, I respectfully disagree and will say that LR is due to the stunning variety of question types. But, bracket that conclusion and go to town squires.
On LR timing
The first 10-12 in the section are generally gimme questions. Blaze through them like a nicely rolled joint but don't be careless. The middle questions(15-20) tend to have some tricky wrong answer choices so be a bit more mindful.
On Reading Comprehension
This section is widely renowned as the least learnable. I will disagree. I can personally attest that my reading comprehension skills are poor. Yet I somehow managed a -0 on this section (still thinking this was a mistake by LSAC). I would recommend a similar approach as to with LG. Simply do RC sections till your hands bleed. If you have trouble with this section, do them all, tests 1-69. I guarantee your score will improve! As for strategy, I recommend mentally organizing by paragraph. Write a 5ish line summary for each paragraph and circle or underline places to refer back to in the text. I was repeatedly PT at -3 and -4 just two weeks before test day when I reached a major breakthrough: I began to think of RC just as LR with a lot of extra useless boring bullshit garbage thrown in. Simply sift through the crap, find the conclusions and premises just as you would in LR and wallah! I am also in the camp that reading other difficult non-LSAT material can help. For example, about a month prior to the test I began reading the Classics. This made LSAT reading seem like a breeze.
RC Timing
While being a fast reader helps, I wouldn't say I am nor do I think it's necessary. It is more a matter of reading for what's important, and an innate sense of how to do this will come with familiarity. And most importantly, stay focused and push through the passages. The material is intentionally dry and loaded with technicalities so that you will get bored and zone out. Don't fall into this trap.
On Clutch
There are some of us that are incredibly motivated and hard working, well-meaning folk who when it comes to high pressure situations simply lose our cool and crack, failing to realize our true potential because our nerves get the best of us. The LSAT is one of these high pressure situations. 4 hours of your life >> 4 years of undergrad in terms of law school admissions. As backward and unfair as this may seem, law school is often rife with high pressure situations. As such it is best to accept the reality of the importance of the situation. If you have ice in your veins, this will help you on the LSAT. As such I recommend doing some high pressure things to make that measly paper packet seem silly by comparison. Go skydiving, have unprotected-sex with an attractive stranger, play with fire and gasoline(together), watch Breaking Bad, drive really-fast on a narrow curvy-road, go bowling, do cocaine, have a stroke, etc. After doing things like this, the hype will fall away and will be hard to take the LSAT seriously.
On Luck
I realize that the difference between a 172 and 177 is quite slim(one screwed up or tough LG). Furthermore, I believe that in order to achieve a truly top score (177-180) certain things simply have to fall into place for your given administration. So I wish you all the best of luck. But remember, luck favors the well-prepared.
On TLS
This forum has been a priceless resource in my study and research. Thank you to all in the community. And to the few (if any) that actually made it to the end, thank you for reading.
Humbly,
TheCurrantThyme
* Also Note: This is likely in no way worth reading
On the circumstances surrounding my taking of the LSAT
At some point in the not too distant past, I found myself on a heroic dose of psilocybin mushrooms. It was in the midst of this that I realized I should quit(reduce slightly) my exorbitant drug use, restructure the trajectory of my life, study for and take the Law School Admissions Test. And so I did! Awesome wow!
On my diagnostic and final scores
Diagnostic: 155
Game Day: 177(June 2013 test)
On the length of time of study
Unless you're some sort of unusually gifted cognitive behemoth with a propensity for making your harder-working peers feel like shit, attaining a top score is gonna take some time. I expect it can be done quite reasonably in 3 months(or even a bit less) with dedicated study, but if you want a more lenient schedule, try out six months.
On Focus
As someone with severe (self-diagnosed) ADD, I can say that focus is of extreme importance on the LSAT. You must train your eyes to be like razor powered laser beams. Read each and every question as if you are focusing on an alien space ship that just crashed into your neighbor's house. Do not get distracted. Do not think about banging your cute proctor. Do not think about what beer you are going to drink when you finish the test. Only think about the question in front of you. Meditation helps a lot with this.
On intelligence and the LSAT
While intelligence likely correlates quite well with LSAT score, this test is in no way an intelligence test. Furthermore, there is no way to concretely define intelligence. In other words there are many different types of smart. The LSAT tests for a certain type of thought that is entirely distinct from the so-called abstract intelligence measured on IQ tests. You should never think of it as a test of intelligence. I assure you that if you are of slightly above average intelligence and willing to work hard, you can achieve a 165+ score.
On confidence
Confidence, or self-efficacy, is so very key when it comes to the LSAT. I see scores of posts on TLS and other websites proclaiming that you should not expect to end up with a 170+ or you should not bother shooting for a 180 because you aren't capable, etc, etc. I believe this does a great disservice to many test takers, especially those with the tendency toward self-doubt. So I will advocate just the opposite line of thought. YOU CAN DO IT. And if you are truly motivated and dedicated, YOU WILL DO IT. Trust me when I say that no one has achieved a truly great score(or much of anything for that matter) by thinking they weren't capable of doing so.
On motivation
This is also of critical importance. As a super-splitter who has been widely regard by friends and neighbors as lazy his entire life, I implore you: find a way to get (highly) motivated! I personally take a sort of sadistic (sexual) pleasure in being a statistical outlier of any kind. This is not a great cause for motivation for any sane person, but my insanity is now accompanied by great logic reasoning skills! Whether it be pussy, riches, hookers, blow, prestige, fine deli meats, or spiritual enlightenment, find a reason to sweat and bleed (literally) for this test.
On the nature of the LSAT
I believe the LSAT is not in fact a test, but rather a thought programming manual. Being a student of my own brain, I notice that my thoughts today are quite a lot different in nature than prior to studying for the LSAT. I have not yet decided whether or not this change is for the better. Regardless, it seems that the the best way to study for the LSAT is to begin thinking like the test makers. You can do this by filling much of your days and free time with thoughts about the LSAT and its questions (probably not worth it). Another way to look at this is like learning a new language. Logic is the language of the LSAT. Spanish is also a language. Any great Spanish teacher will tell you that in order to become truly fluent in the language of Spanish, you must begin to passively think in Spanish. I believe it follows (not logically, of course) that in order to become truly fluent in the LSAT, you must begin to think passively in logic.
On practicing like you play
Michael Jordan did not become good at sinking game winning shots by lollygagging during practice. He simulated the intensity of a playoff game during each shot he took. You need only see a photo of the guy to feel his intensity. The point is don't half ass your practice. You should treat each and every practice test as if it the real thing that law schools will see. Heck, if you are reading a page in your Powerscore bible, you should be reading it as if it was an RC section on game day with the proctor in front of you keeping time. Practice with the same intensity and focus as you would use on game day. You won't regret it.
On wrong answer choices
It is far more important to become proficient at eliminating wrong answer choices than finding the good ones. You must learn to seek out wrong answers like an angry, rabid, starving pit bull.
On Prep Materials(read them books and then read em again!)
The Best (almost necessary, but not sufficient):
*Real LSAT preptests
*Logic Games Bible
*Logical Reasoning Bible
*Manhattan's Reading Comprehension Guide
*TLS Forum(save for garbage posts like this one)
The Next Best:
*Nova's Master the LSAT (mainly to increase the potency and speed of your hypotheticals on LG)
* Manhattan's Logical Reasoning Guide
* Super Prep(I didn't find this as helpful as many others, but still good nonetheless)
Meh:
*Powerscore's Reading Comprehension Bible
*Most anything else that costs money
On Timing in General
Most people consider timing among the most critical factors on this test. I have heard many exclaim with cries of pride that if the test were untimed they could achieve a top score. I question the motivation of these people. I will say that when I began I could not even complete an LR section(my best section) with decent accuracy in under 45 minutes. Because of all of the hype around timing, this worried me considerably and I considered quitting totally. Luckily, I persevered. My solution is this: Don't worry about timing. At all. Especially at the start. There is no point in rushing to get the questions wrong. First go for accuracy. Once you are able to score in the 170s in an untimed fashion, you can then make timing a (slight) consideration. If you cannot score at this level in an untimed manner, go back and reexamine the concepts again, because your foundation is lacking. The hierarchy: Accuracy first, then familiarity, then timing.
The Sections
On Logic Games
Logic Games are widely regarded as the most learnable section. I would say that I agree to some extent. Though I will add that Logic Games section scores are probably the most inconsistent of the 3 among top scorers. As such, planning for contingencies and keeping your cool is important on this section. The method I would recommend to best learn logic games would be this: Do them until your hands bleed. Seriously. I had the mindset that I would do logic games until I was certain I would not get caught off guard by anything they could throw at me on test day. This meant repeating the snakes and reptiles house game about a dozen times. I ended up with -2 in this section on game day and was quite disappointed with myself. But seriously read the (powerscore) bible and do LG until it hurts, and them do them some more until you are beyond certain you are fluent.
On LG Timing
I think that timing on LG is the most problematic of any section, because if you screw up your initial diagram or are too slow at churning out hypotheticals, it can throw off your pacing for the entire section and defecate on your score. The paradoxical conclusion I have reached is to not worry about timing at all. Hard games will take longer, easier games will be shorter just accept this with mindfulness and outcome detachment. Besides with enough repetition and familiarity, you will crush easy games(in 4-5 minutes) so as to have time to spare. As stated above thorough preparation is the key to completing this section at a relaxed pace.
On Logical Reasoning
This is half the test. I repeat: this is half the test, do not underestimate this. This section is all about finding your weaknesses and destroying them. After taking enough practice tests you should know where these are. Untimed, individual problem type training is what I found most effective on this section. This section is fairly intuitive. Despite, what many say about Reading Comp being the least learnable, I respectfully disagree and will say that LR is due to the stunning variety of question types. But, bracket that conclusion and go to town squires.
On LR timing
The first 10-12 in the section are generally gimme questions. Blaze through them like a nicely rolled joint but don't be careless. The middle questions(15-20) tend to have some tricky wrong answer choices so be a bit more mindful.
On Reading Comprehension
This section is widely renowned as the least learnable. I will disagree. I can personally attest that my reading comprehension skills are poor. Yet I somehow managed a -0 on this section (still thinking this was a mistake by LSAC). I would recommend a similar approach as to with LG. Simply do RC sections till your hands bleed. If you have trouble with this section, do them all, tests 1-69. I guarantee your score will improve! As for strategy, I recommend mentally organizing by paragraph. Write a 5ish line summary for each paragraph and circle or underline places to refer back to in the text. I was repeatedly PT at -3 and -4 just two weeks before test day when I reached a major breakthrough: I began to think of RC just as LR with a lot of extra useless boring bullshit garbage thrown in. Simply sift through the crap, find the conclusions and premises just as you would in LR and wallah! I am also in the camp that reading other difficult non-LSAT material can help. For example, about a month prior to the test I began reading the Classics. This made LSAT reading seem like a breeze.
RC Timing
While being a fast reader helps, I wouldn't say I am nor do I think it's necessary. It is more a matter of reading for what's important, and an innate sense of how to do this will come with familiarity. And most importantly, stay focused and push through the passages. The material is intentionally dry and loaded with technicalities so that you will get bored and zone out. Don't fall into this trap.
On Clutch
There are some of us that are incredibly motivated and hard working, well-meaning folk who when it comes to high pressure situations simply lose our cool and crack, failing to realize our true potential because our nerves get the best of us. The LSAT is one of these high pressure situations. 4 hours of your life >> 4 years of undergrad in terms of law school admissions. As backward and unfair as this may seem, law school is often rife with high pressure situations. As such it is best to accept the reality of the importance of the situation. If you have ice in your veins, this will help you on the LSAT. As such I recommend doing some high pressure things to make that measly paper packet seem silly by comparison. Go skydiving, have unprotected-sex with an attractive stranger, play with fire and gasoline(together), watch Breaking Bad, drive really-fast on a narrow curvy-road, go bowling, do cocaine, have a stroke, etc. After doing things like this, the hype will fall away and will be hard to take the LSAT seriously.
On Luck
I realize that the difference between a 172 and 177 is quite slim(one screwed up or tough LG). Furthermore, I believe that in order to achieve a truly top score (177-180) certain things simply have to fall into place for your given administration. So I wish you all the best of luck. But remember, luck favors the well-prepared.
On TLS
This forum has been a priceless resource in my study and research. Thank you to all in the community. And to the few (if any) that actually made it to the end, thank you for reading.
Humbly,
TheCurrantThyme