The Official June 2017 Study Group Forum

[Mikey]

PT 48

LR: -4
RC: -2
LG: -0
172

Interesting curve

I used that PT for experimentals because of that curve. I couldn't take the score drop that I was going to for sure get. good shit though!

[zkyggi]

I'm reviewing PT 65 now.

It is pretty crazy how the test punishes prephrasing in the recent tests...

^^^^^


I notice this with new tests. They put ACs that address what you might prephrase but phrase them wrong

I think it's pretty shitty that it's like that now, but at the same time it makes you more cautious with every word in the ACs

I think it has really been the most important thing to understand with the newer tests. I looked over every PT I have done between 60-80, and recognizing that pulling the trigger on an AC too quickly based on prephrasing is something testmakers are using to write wrong answers would net me 2-3 points on almost all of them. Shame it took me so long...

[Platopus]

I'm reviewing PT 65 now.

It is pretty crazy how the test punishes prephrasing in the recent tests...

^^^^^


I notice this with new tests. They put ACs that address what you might prephrase but phrase them wrong

I think it's pretty shitty that it's like that now, but at the same time it makes you more cautious with every word in the ACs

I think it has really been the most important thing to understand with the newer tests. I looked over every PT I have done between 60-80, and recognizing that pulling the trigger on an AC too quickly based on prephrasing is something testmakers are using to write wrong answers would net me 2-3 points on almost all of them. Shame it took me so long...

I don't know if I consciously recognized this until it was pointed out, but it makes sense now. I don't think it's negatively impacted my score, as I feel like I've been able to spot the trap answers. I will say though, that the I think it makes it a bit easier in one regard. The attractive but wrong prephase is usually before the correct answer. They aren't trying to trap you with an attractive but wrong prephase on answer E, at least in my totally anecdotal experience. I feel like the same general principle applies to question 20-26. If I remember, Powerscore calculated the data and these are heavily favored toward D & E, presumably because you're running out of time and are more likely to fall for a trap in answers A-C and move on without checking D or E.

[zkyggi]

I don't know if I consciously recognized this until it was pointed out, but it makes sense now. I don't think it's negatively impacted my score, as I feel like I've been able to spot the trap answers. I will say though, that the I think it makes it a bit easier in one regard. The attractive but wrong prephase is usually before the correct answer. They aren't trying to trap you with an attractive but wrong prephase on answer E, at least in my totally anecdotal experience. I feel like the same general principle applies to question 20-26. If I remember, Powerscore calculated the data and these are heavily favored toward D & E, presumably because you're running out of time and are more likely to fall for a trap in answers A-C and move on without checking D or E.

When I review I often don't notice because I'm only considering the question in isolation. Yesterday, I missed question #1 on LR1, which was the first section of the test. It was an easy question and I remember being confident in my answer. When I reread it I realized they totally got me on my prephrase, and then it all made sense lol. That's when I dug back into my older tests.

[Future Ex-Engineer]

Looking for some crowdsourced input as I finalize my PTing plan for the next 36 days (omg 37 days til D-Day).

Since re-booting my study after PT 80 (I wrote Dec 16 on test day), I have only taken PT 57. I took it on Thursday, and I waited that long to PT again b/c I wanted to actually learn LR. I scored 175 timed on PT 57, so I feel that my training since March has been working.

My plan is to take a full timed PT every 2-3 days for the next 30-33 days. This should let me knock out anywhere from 10-15 PTs, and give me a legitimate gauge for what to expect score wise on test day (hoping to keep that 175 as an average and not an outlier).

From previous studying, I have taken PT 66-70, 77, 79 and 80. I have also apparently taken the LG sections from 62-65.

Obviously as part of my final 10-15, I should take these fresh tests: 71-76 (6 tests), 78, C2, and 60/61. That right there is 10 tests alone. But, if I want to squeeze in 2-3 more, would I be better off doing fresh tests from 55-59, or just taking full tests of 62-65 (including re-doing the games sections I did back in October/November)? I have only missed 1 LG question in the past 5 months (and that was due to trying to finish a section in under 25 minutes as a speed test a couple of days ago). Because of this fact, I believe that those PTs (62-65) would still be good data since I'm very proficient at LG and am expecting -0 on test day.

I guess my question is do you think the 'newer' LR/RC from 62-65 is that much more worth doing that doing completely 'fresh' PTs from 55-59? This question came up because I'm seeing people talk about trap-prephrasing showing up from 60-80 and wondering if y'all think that was new for 60 and on, or if it was also present in 55-59. My method for LR isn't super-reliant on pre-phrasing (I'd prefer to have an 'idea' of what I think the answer should be similar too, and then go eliminate answers).

Thoughts/comments? Other than those PTs every 2-3 days, I'll be taking 2-3 individual timed sections from tests 1-50 on my 'off' days and using that information to figure out if I have any significant weaknesses I need to drill specifically.

[zkyggi]

I guess my question is do you think the 'newer' LR/RC from 62-65 is that much more worth doing that doing completely 'fresh' PTs from 55-59? This question came up because I'm seeing people talk about trap-prephrasing showing up from 60-80 and wondering if y'all think that was new for 60 and on, or if it was also present in 55-59. My method for LR isn't super-reliant on pre-phrasing (I'd prefer to have an 'idea' of what I think the answer should be similar too, and then go eliminate answers).

Take the more recent tests. If you are solid with LG, then it should only be weird games that cause you to go anything worse than -1. Since your range includes 175, you really don't want to fall for any traps, so exposure to the language is important. I have really noticed it on 60+ tests. Also, for most people, remembering LG doesn't matter much, because you'll still need to work out each question. Redoing any PT/section is still good practice as long are you are answering the questions based on application of your methods rather than memory. That said, you could combine both and take a few back to back PTs for stamina if you are worried about that.

[Mint-Berry_Crunch]

Damn I just realized that most people itt are PTing 172+
Good job everyone

[Mint-Berry_Crunch]

PT 46

RC: -3
LR: -4
LG: -0
172

In LR I only miss flaw and NA questions. I gotta do some more work on that... I'd say I'm finally ok with LG and at my best with RC. Very good mood tonight! I go drink now.

got dinged at my #1 off the WL which is a bummer since i was hoping to use this take to get in.

That sucks dude! Could I ask you what was it?
However, don't give up! And, I would suggest, don't think about strategies or perspectives in this last month before test day. Take the test, and then we'll discuss anything else. For now, focus on that 180!

It was uva! It was a huge reach anyway so I'm not surprised, kinda appreciate the early move so I can just focus on this.

Congrats with your RC btw it looks like it's getting better!

[Mint-Berry_Crunch]

Went to go study today but all the embassies had tours today so I got distracted. Got a free hat and a shot of rum from Nicaragua lol

[Platopus]

Damn I just realized that most people itt are PTing 172+
Good job everyone

Yeah, I noticed the same thing too a while back. Everyone seems really on their game, it's a bit intimidating, but more just good motivation. Iron sharpens iron.

[Future Ex-Engineer]

Damn I just realized that most people itt are PTing 172+
Good job everyone

Yeah, I noticed the same thing too a while back. Everyone seems really on their game, it's a bit intimidating, but more just good motivation. Iron sharpens iron.

We gonna crush it yo. June 17 will be one for the ages.

Mikey, you still planning on June? (I saw you were still OP for Sept)

[Neil_Gorsuch]

Went to go study today but all the embassies had tours today so I got distracted. Got a free hat and a shot of rum from Nicaragua lol

I saw this. I was wondering which embassy was giving those out.

[Mikey]

gonna crush it yo. June 17 will be one for the ages.

Mikey, you still planning on June? (I saw you were still OP for Sept)

Nope. Switching to sept as soon as I'm able to. Couldn't get enough prep done as I had planned to for June due to school, so it's just better to do summer prep since I'm graduating and I'll have no school obligations.

[Walliums]

Feeling much more back in the game after a few mid-160s PTs. Had a bit of a break and some of the stress at work went away.

Took PT 45, went 172 timed/175 BR

LR1: -1/0
RC: -4/-2
LG: 0
LR2: -5/-5

While I feel like I've been missing mostly just hard LR questions, 7sage analytics has been telling me that I need to work on Flaw and Most Strongly Supported questions. Some of you seem to be LR gurus and I am a bit jelly.

Lemme guess, LR 1 you missed question 12?

No it was actually 25! What about 12 gave you trouble?

[heyduchess]

Damn I just realized that most people itt are PTing 172+
Good job everyone

Yeah, I noticed the same thing too a while back. Everyone seems really on their game, it's a bit intimidating, but more just good motivation. Iron sharpens iron.

This! This girl I know kept posting on FB that she was getting in the 170's without studying so I felt terrible.
I swear there's a point when you just jump. I was at 166 for three weeks and I was freaking out. Then, I just started hitting 172-174 and it didn't stop. I think the trick was figuring out the one question type that destroyed me (Necessary Assumption) and tbh, I texted my friend who got a 174 on her first go round and she just told me to stop reading into answers and it worked! #blessed

Is there a problem type that's keeping you from where you need to be?

[Mint-Berry_Crunch]

Went to go study today but all the embassies had tours today so I got distracted. Got a free hat and a shot of rum from Nicaragua lol

I saw this. I was wondering which embassy was giving those out.

Evidently Nicaragua was going off earlier in the day, there was a lot of empty beer cases



Excited for the euro ones next weekend

[InterLaw]

Annoying PT 49 today:

LR: -7 (worst in a while)
RC: -5
LG: -0
168

Worst possible scenario for me: 4 easy LGs balanced with 2 5-star RCs and so many hard LRs I couldn't remember to have seen before. 7sage confirmed just what I felt during the test... I was doubtful with far too many questions.

PT 46

RC: -3
LR: -4
LG: -0
172

In LR I only miss flaw and NA questions. I gotta do some more work on that... I'd say I'm finally ok with LG and at my best with RC. Very good mood tonight! I go drink now.

Congrats with your RC btw it looks like it's getting better!

Thanks mate! Yes, it is, even if I hope to find some constancy with it. I'm still -4,5 avg on 5 PTs, which is better than before but not very good yet!

[Platopus]

Damn I just realized that most people itt are PTing 172+
Good job everyone

Yeah, I noticed the same thing too a while back. Everyone seems really on their game, it's a bit intimidating, but more just good motivation. Iron sharpens iron.

This! This girl I know kept posting on FB that she was getting in the 170's without studying so I felt terrible.
I swear there's a point when you just jump. I was at 166 for three weeks and I was freaking out. Then, I just started hitting 172-174 and it didn't stop. I think the trick was figuring out the one question type that destroyed me (Necessary Assumption) and tbh, I texted my friend who got a 174 on her first go round and she just told me to stop reading into answers and it worked! #blessed

Is there a problem type that's keeping you from where you need to be?

I've been stuck around 172-3 for about a month now, so I hope my 175+ breakthrough happens soon. I struggle with parallel reasoning questions, so I've been drilling those like crazy. I can feel a big breakthrough with RC, too. I've been drilling sections pretty consistently at -1/-2 so I think by test days -0/-1 RC is doable.

[Platopus]

Feeling much more back in the game after a few mid-160s PTs. Had a bit of a break and some of the stress at work went away.

Took PT 45, went 172 timed/175 BR

LR1: -1/0
RC: -4/-2
LG: 0
LR2: -5/-5

While I feel like I've been missing mostly just hard LR questions, 7sage analytics has been telling me that I need to work on Flaw and Most Strongly Supported questions. Some of you seem to be LR gurus and I am a bit jelly.

Lemme guess, LR 1 you missed question 12?

No it was actually 25! What about 12 gave you trouble?

It's supposedly one of the hardest LR questions of all time!

Sources:
https://www.manhattanprep.com/lsat/blog ... questions/
http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/ha ... oning.html

[Walliums]

Feeling much more back in the game after a few mid-160s PTs. Had a bit of a break and some of the stress at work went away.

Took PT 45, went 172 timed/175 BR

LR1: -1/0
RC: -4/-2
LG: 0
LR2: -5/-5

While I feel like I've been missing mostly just hard LR questions, 7sage analytics has been telling me that I need to work on Flaw and Most Strongly Supported questions. Some of you seem to be LR gurus and I am a bit jelly.

Lemme guess, LR 1 you missed question 12?

No it was actually 25! What about 12 gave you trouble?

It's supposedly one of the hardest LR questions of all time!

Sources:
https://www.manhattanprep.com/lsat/blog ... questions/
http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/ha ... oning.html

Ah, interesting! For me it was pretty straightforward. But then I had trouble on other "easier" LR questions later on. Just shows how subjective "difficulty" is.

[Platopus]

Feeling much more back in the game after a few mid-160s PTs. Had a bit of a break and some of the stress at work went away.

Took PT 45, went 172 timed/175 BR

LR1: -1/0
RC: -4/-2
LG: 0
LR2: -5/-5

While I feel like I've been missing mostly just hard LR questions, 7sage analytics has been telling me that I need to work on Flaw and Most Strongly Supported questions. Some of you seem to be LR gurus and I am a bit jelly.

Lemme guess, LR 1 you missed question 12?

No it was actually 25! What about 12 gave you trouble?

It's supposedly one of the hardest LR questions of all time!

Sources:
https://www.manhattanprep.com/lsat/blog ... questions/
http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/ha ... oning.html

Ah, interesting! For me it was pretty straightforward. But then I had trouble on other "easier" LR questions later on. Just shows how subjective "difficulty" is.

It's interesting to see how different people's brains work differently.

[Mint-Berry_Crunch]

I often stubble with "easy" Qs bc the ACs are too obvious

[Platopus]

I often stubble with "easy" Qs bc the ACs are too obvious

Me too, but more so with the "easier" questions in the 22-26 range. Working from wrong to right helps though.

[zkyggi]

PT 63 today:

LR1: -1
LG: -4
LR2: -4
RC: -2

170

I misread a rule on game 3 and went -3 on the game. I missed a hard PR question in LR1 and I fell for two traps on LR2 because I am still moving a little too fast (had 5 mins on both sections). RC should have probably been -1 but I got flustered between two ACs and picked the obviously wrong one... go figure.

I am happy with LR and RC progress though. I am actually beginning to get excited for the test now.

[Platopus]

I am actually beginning to get excited for the test now.

Congrats on the progress! Not sure I'll ever actually be excited for the test maybe excited to be done with it, but that's it!