How to avoid being inundated with LSAT prep options? Forum

[avakiantz]

Hi guys. I'm taking the September test and have been studying diligently since about the third week of June. I worked through the entirety of the LSAT Trainer by Mike Kim and am almost finished with the PS Bibles. I am also taking a Blueprint course and have many PrepTests.

My problem is, the more I'm on TLS, the more I hear about other books and resources. Is anyone else having trouble balancing all the information that's out there? That is to say, how do I know if I should get more books? For example, I'm considering buying Master the LSAT as well as some Cambridge and Manhattan books. However, I'm worried that I run the risk of information overload if I get those as well.

Any advice? Thank you.

[Nova]

consider a handful of approaches, then pick & choose your favorite strategies

manhattan bundle is a good place to start

[penncon]

How are the techniques you've learned helping you so far? How are you preptesting? There are a lot of test prep companies out there and there will always be more and more because it is a lucrative business. You should choose and pick which company/techniques feels most natural to you. For example, if you're already scoring perfect on the logic games because of the LG Bible, then there is no need to introduce more LG information that could confuse you or muddle your thought process. Like Mike Kim says in the Trainer, "Equate smart with simple."

[hillz]

Unless you don't feel like you have found techniques that work for you, I would stop looking for more guides and books that explain techniques. I think once you find strategies that work reasonably well, it's all about repetition and getting used to the questions that appear on the test by using preptests or drilling materials to practice.

[dontdoitkid]

I mean I wouldn't go totally overboard in analyzing all texts and methods out there that you haven't gotten to, but maybe look at some reviews/summaries about the particular strengths and weaknesses of texts to see if they match what they are looking for. For example, I picked up the Manhattan RC and it really helped me improve my annotations and my alertness to the authors more subtle ques - things like tone, shifts in perspective, finding support, etc.

I certainly wouldn't get in the mind set that you are always "one book away" from having everything you need. I had that issue the first two times I took the Exam (2012 and 2013). I kept telling myself that my issues would go away once I got through just one more book, and I ended up losing focus on working through my own issues.

[KDLMaj]

I mean I wouldn't go totally overboard in analyzing all texts and methods out there that you haven't gotten to, but maybe look at some reviews/summaries about the particular strengths and weaknesses of texts to see if they match what they are looking for. For example, I picked up the Manhattan RC and it really helped me improve my annotations and my alertness to the authors more subtle ques - things like tone, shifts in perspective, finding support, etc.

I certainly wouldn't get in the mind set that you are always "one book away" from having everything you need. I had that issue the first two times I took the Exam (2012 and 2013). I kept telling myself that my issues would go away once I got through just one more book, and I ended up losing focus on working through my own issues.

Yeah, when I used to get students who had been using outside books (even good ones like the Bibles), it was a problem for them. Mixing methods can really get you into trouble. As others have stated, find what works for you and go with that. And never be afraid to use TLS when you're having more targeted issues.