Back in the saddle Forum

[tezzeret]

Hey guys, long story short I took the LSAT in 2012 and scored 149. On my prep tests in the last month of studying I was scoring in the mid-high 150's (this was with full-time work + 6-class course load). Bottom line I feel that I did not perform at my max because I was overloaded at the time with other responsibility and want to give the September LSAT a crack. I wanted to know if I pursue self-studying, which materials I should pickup to aid me and if there is a regiment you guys recommend. I tried a prep course back in 2012 and it was terrible because a lot of the students were really behind with the work and the pacing did not match my own. So basically I want to know what I can do to get back in the game and if there is any pertinent information I should know about the test (as it's been almost 2 years since I took it the first time). Thank you for your time.

P.S. Due to my low original score, and the fact that some schools average the two scores, am I dead in the water even if I retest at a higher score?

[tezzeret]

anyone? Please, any advice on this matter would be of tremendous help.

[TheSpanishMain]

The vast majority of schools do not average even if they claim to

[tezzeret]

That's good to know, however, I should stress heavier emphasis on the rest of my post.

[Louis1127]

I think no one is responding because your post is very general and the things you need to know are in pithypike's LSAT guide and NoodleyOne's LSAT guide, as well as the other stickies at the top of the page.

If 7sage or lsat hacks is not mentioned in any of the stickies or their subsequent threads/articles, then be sure to check out lsat hacks and 7sage free and high-quality explanations at these links

http://lsathacks.com/explanations/

http://7sage.com/logic-game-explanations/

[tezzeret]

I completely understand and I appreciate you clearing that up. To be as specific as possible, I just wanted to know where I should begin in retraining for the test (self-study) in regards to materials, method/strategy, etc... The last time I studied for the LSAT was almost 2 years ago, and back then I was averaging in the high 150's (mostly in part to an overloaded schedule) with RC being my biggest weakness. From what I gather so far it looks like I should go with PS LGB, and Manhattan RC/LR. I have all the official LSAT test books as well. I guess right now the only unanswered question is how to sculpt my studying method (as far as what books to do what days, when to take a PT, etc...)

[malleus discentium]

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... =6&t=41657 is the standard TLS study plan. Tweak it as you go for your needs but it's solid framework.

[tezzeret]

Also, despite what has already been posted, do you guys recommend practicing all LR/LG/RC all the same day or should I break up them up whether it be all of the same thing one day or maybe mix and match 2 of them?

[jasper09]

Also, despite what has already been posted, do you guys recommend practicing all LR/LG/RC all the same day or should I break up them up whether it be all of the same thing one day or maybe mix and match 2 of them?

Both. You should schedule days where you focus on one area because drilling/repetition helps you notice patterns and better understand a specific section or question type, but you need to keep in mind that the actual LSAT will test all of them back to back in a random order, so you should be comfortable with switching between sections, too.

[tezzeret]

Also, is it reasonable to study all week or are off-days recommended? I know a lot of these questions sound noobish, especially since I have taken the test before, but since it is my first time self-studying I want to make sure I optimize my studying methods so I can crush this test once and for all.

[malleus discentium]

Also, is it reasonable to study all week or are off-days recommended? I know a lot of these questions sound noobish, especially since I have taken the test before, but since it is my first time self-studying I want to make sure I optimize my studying methods so I can crush this test once and for all.

No no, ask all the questions you have. I strongly believe that many people do poorly on the LSAT because they studied incorrectly rather than because they're dumb. So it's a good idea to figure out the optima way to study rather than just spinning your wheels.

I wouldn't study more than four days in a row if you're doing 3+ hours of studying. Burnout is real. But everyone's learning style is different, so it might be fine for you.