Timing in early stages of LSATprep? Forum

[FayRays]

Here's a thing about me. I am the last person to finish the test in class. I take good grades, but I am not gonna deny that I like to take my time.

So, I started preparing for the lsat since last Friday. 8 days more or less. I am using the LSAT Trainer, and the book starts with some introduction lessons , and then go over logical reasoning, some drilling and 2 questions or more at the end of each lesson.

I am timing myself for these questions, so I am really trying to answer them fast, yeah it still takes me about 2 to 4 minutes to solve a question, and sometimes I get it wrong and sometimes I get it right.

But my question is: Do you think it is a bad thing to time myself, I mean I feel like I am under stress every time I solve any question, not sure if this is the reason I am not getting them all correct or not.

What are your thoughts about timing in early stages when you are still learning new ideas and concepts?

[Barack O'Drama]

Here's a thing about me. I am the last person to finish the test in class. I take good grades, but I am not gonna deny that I like to take my time.

So, I started preparing for the lsat since last Friday. 8 days more or less. I am using the LSAT Trainer, and the book starts with some introduction lessons , and then go over logical reasoning, some drilling and 2 questions or more at the end of each lesson.

I am timing myself for these questions, so I am really trying to answer them fast, yeah it still takes me about 2 to 4 minutes to solve a question, and sometimes I get it wrong and sometimes I get it right.

But my question is: Do you think it is a bad thing to time myself, I mean I feel like I am under stress every time I solve any question, not sure if this is the reason I am not getting them all correct or not.

What are your thoughts about timing in early stages when you are still learning new ideas and concepts?

Thoughts re: timing and LSAT

For the LSAT in general, I always recommend timing yourself. I think it is important to have a record of how long questions are taking you. This way you can see if you are improving.

Logical Reasoning:
I suggest starting with a timer that counts up instead of down. Aim to do each question in a 1:30 seconds or so, but don't rush when you are in the learning stage. Some books do suggest always timing yourself. I think Manhattan is an example of this. While I think it has its place, I think timing yourself when you are learning is more harmful than helpful. My reasoning always was based on the idea that when learning something you should focus on accuracy first. At least for me, everything I have done from skateboarding to guitar, I learned slow and then speed came with the mastery of each "trick" or song I was learning. I think this lesson applies to the LSAT. Once you start to pick up on ins and outs of each LR question type, speed will come. You will begin to break down arguments automatically and be able to eliminate wrong ACs when you are further along in your prep.

So keep an eye on the clock, push to be faster, but first and foremost, focus on accuracy for now. Don't worry about timing.

Logic Games:
Same for LR basically. I used the 7Sage fool proof method and it is worked really well for me. While I admit I have a lot of work to do, I was able to go from missing 16+ on LG, to now -5 or so on timed sections. So learn and practice each type of game (Sequencing, grouping, ordering, etc) and don't worry about time. Trying to learn the games timed kept me from seeing much improvement in LGs for weeks, Once I stopped worrying about time and started the 7Sage fool-proof guide to logic games, I began to see immediate improvements. Now timing is barely an issue and I can finish with time to spare in some easier sections...

Reading Comp:
Don't have much advice here, as I have not begun prepping for RC yet. Though, I will say that I think the same strategies for LR apply. I think it is best to keep a time, but not to make it your central focus when learning how to navigate through the RC section.

In sum, keep track of your time, try to push the pace, but don't do so by sacrificing accuracy, especially in the beginning of your prep.
The main thing is to learn how to approach each question type, learn good habits, and of course, avoid picking up bad ones.

[Barack O'Drama]

I just realized I assumed you know the 7Sage fool-proof guide to logic games, so here is a link is you aren't familiar: https://7sage.com/how-to-get-a-perfect- ... gic-games/

[Deardevil]

I'm not the last to finish an exam in class (maybe the 11th person out), but I also take my time.

That said, I really think you should focus your efforts on accuracy first.
Yes, the pressure is a huge factor, but without that accuracy, you're more or less guessing or rushing.

For games, follow Barack's advice in doing these over and over; that's really all there is to games.
When I was unfamiliar with a game, I sat there for perhaps ~10 minutes before giving up on one problem.
I was stuck. Then realized either my diagram was botched or I left out a rule.
That is why you should not rush and get a complete understanding of the scenario and rules.
One error can cost you the entire game.
Even while pressured, my accuracy proves successful, and my worst score is -2 while finishing with minutes to spare.

I don't know how good your LR is, but mine is bad, so I'll recommend that you get things accurate before attempting speed.
Again, doing a lot of questions (and this goes for RC, too) will make you become familiar with what will be asked,
and how easy it is to spot wrong answer choices. Theoretically, by absorbing all this information while retaining high accuracy,
timing will not be an issue, but again, accuracy over speed, first and foremost.

TLDR; you should only time yourself when you feel your accuracy is on point.

[FayRays]

Here's a thing about me. I am the last person to finish the test in class. I take good grades, but I am not gonna deny that I like to take my time.

So, I started preparing for the lsat since last Friday. 8 days more or less. I am using the LSAT Trainer, and the book starts with some introduction lessons , and then go over logical reasoning, some drilling and 2 questions or more at the end of each lesson.

I am timing myself for these questions, so I am really trying to answer them fast, yeah it still takes me about 2 to 4 minutes to solve a question, and sometimes I get it wrong and sometimes I get it right.

But my question is: Do you think it is a bad thing to time myself, I mean I feel like I am under stress every time I solve any question, not sure if this is the reason I am not getting them all correct or not.

What are your thoughts about timing in early stages when you are still learning new ideas and concepts?

Thoughts re: timing and LSAT

For the LSAT in general, I always recommend timing yourself. I think it is important to have a record of how long questions are taking you. This way you can see if you are improving.

Logical Reasoning:
I suggest starting with a timer that counts up instead of down. Aim to do each question in a 1:30 seconds or so, but don't rush when you are in the learning stage. Some books do suggest always timing yourself. I think Manhattan is an example of this. While I think it has its place, I think timing yourself when you are learning is more harmful than helpful. My reasoning always was based on the idea that when learning something you should focus on accuracy first. At least for me, everything I have done from skateboarding to guitar, I learned slow and then speed came with the mastery of each "trick" or song I was learning. I think this lesson applies to the LSAT. Once you start to pick up on ins and outs of each LR question type, speed will come. You will begin to break down arguments automatically and be able to eliminate wrong ACs when you are further along in your prep.

So keep an eye on the clock, push to be faster, but first and foremost, focus on accuracy for now. Don't worry about timing.

Logic Games:
Same for LR basically. I used the 7Sage fool proof method and it is worked really well for me. While I admit I have a lot of work to do, I was able to go from missing 16+ on LG, to now -5 or so on timed sections. So learn and practice each type of game (Sequencing, grouping, ordering, etc) and don't worry about time. Trying to learn the games timed kept me from seeing much improvement in LGs for weeks, Once I stopped worrying about time and started the 7Sage fool-proof guide to logic games, I began to see immediate improvements. Now timing is barely an issue and I can finish with time to spare in some easier sections...

Reading Comp:
Don't have much advice here, as I have not begun prepping for RC yet. Though, I will say that I think the same strategies for LR apply. I think it is best to keep a time, but not to make it your central focus when learning how to navigate through the RC section.

In sum, keep track of your time, try to push the pace, but don't do so by sacrificing accuracy, especially in the beginning of your prep.
The main thing is to learn how to approach each question type, learn good habits, and of course, avoid picking up bad ones.

I think I am having much trouble with logical reasoning than logic games, but I am still at the beginning, so I can't say which one is harder for me, but I'll try to follow 7Sage fool proof method , thank you for the link by the way other wise I would have assumed it was a code I am not aware of

[FayRays]

I'm not the last to finish an exam in class (maybe the 11th person out), but I also take my time.

That said, I really think you should focus your efforts on accuracy first.
Yes, the pressure is a huge factor, but without that accuracy, you're more or less guessing or rushing.

For games, follow Barack's advice in doing these over and over; that's really all there is to games.
When I was unfamiliar with a game, I sat there for perhaps ~10 minutes before giving up on one problem.
I was stuck. Then realized either my diagram was botched or I left out a rule.
That is why you should not rush and get a complete understanding of the scenario and rules.
One error can cost you the entire game.
Even while pressured, my accuracy proves successful, and my worst score is -2 while finishing with minutes to spare.

I don't know how good your LR is, but mine is bad, so I'll recommend that you get things accurate before attempting speed.
Again, doing a lot of questions (and this goes for RC, too) will make you become familiar with what will be asked,
and how easy it is to spot wrong answer choices. Theoretically, by absorbing all this information while retaining high accuracy,
timing will not be an issue, but again, accuracy over speed, first and foremost.

TLDR; you should only time yourself when you feel your accuracy is on point.

Yes, It's like you said exactly, sometimes I just guess because I am telling myself I've already wasted too much time on this question, when in fact I have to focus on accuracy first, thank you for your input.