Getting Around The LSAT 3-Times-In-2-Years Limit: Rule Change

LSAC typically limits test-takers to taking the LSAT a maximum of 3 times within a 2-year period. Up to this point, test-takers could request an exemption to this rule by appealing to a law school directly.

However, beginning on June 24th, 2011, LSAC is no longer allowing law schools to intervene on an applicant's behalf. Instead, applicants will have to request an exemption directly from LSAC itself.

Here are some more details directly from LSAC:

Greetings. I write to make you aware of a change in policy regarding the LSAT. The LSAC Board of Trustees has approved a change in the policy related to applicants who wish to take the LSAT more than three times in two years. In the past, law schools could allow applicants to take the test an additional time by notifying LSAC of the extenuating circumstances of the candidate. Under the new policy, all exceptions to the policy will be determined by LSAC. Schools will not approve requests for additional testing after June 24, 2011 when the new policy goes into effect.

Following is the language for applicants on the LSAC website regarding this policy:

You may not take the LSAT more than three times in any two-year period. This policy applies even if you cancel your score or if your score is not otherwise reported. LSAC reserves the right to cancel your registration, rescind your admission ticket, or take any other steps necessary to enforce this policy.

For significant extenuating circumstances, exception to this policy may be made by LSAC. To request an exception, submit a signed, detailed explanation addressing the circumstances that you feel make you eligible to retake the LSAT and specify the date that you wish to test. E-mail your request as an attachment to LSACinfo@LSAC.org or send it by fax to 215.968.1277.

You will be notified by e-mail of approval or denial of your request. Be sure to submit your request well in advance of the regular registration deadline so that you can receive timely notification of our decision. Barring unforeseen circumstances, LSAC will respond within seven working days of its receipt. LSAC’s decisions are final.

Photo via Wikipedia

Sample Logical Reasoning Questions

Blog reader Zach recently wrote to me with a few sample Logical Reasoning questions he's written himself. Although real LSAT questions are best to practice on, these are also good practice and completely free to share with all of you!

Here's what Zach wrote to me:

With the LSAT coming up, my mind has been focused in just one area recently. Everything I do, see or hear is relevant to this test and this (faked) conversation between my mom and the dog is no different.

I wrote a couple of sample Logical Reasoning questions below based on their conversation.

Here they are:

Mama: You better poop when I take you outside. If you don't poop outside, I will make you stay on the bed all day. Therefore, you cannot roam around on the floor.

The dog: Your reasoning is flawed. I can jump off the bed to the floor anyway, regardless if I poop outside. Therefore, me pooping outside does not have any impact on my freedom.

1. Which one of the following is most parallel to Mama's reasoning?

(A) You must eat carrots when we go to this restaurant. If you do eat carrots, you will gain better eyesight. Therefore, you might be able to read better.

(B) You should get gas when we pass Springfield. If you don't get gas, we will stall out near Huntsville. Therefore, we might be murdered.

(C) You better have a drink when you go the bars. If you don't have a drink, you won't have a lot of fun. Therefore, you won't have good stories to tell.

(D) You better try these mushrooms when we go into the magical forest. If you do try them, you will see magical creatures. Therefore, you cannot disbelieve their existence.

(E) You must be quiet when we go to Amishville. If you are not quiet, you will be shunned. Therefore, you might embarrass me.


2. Which one of the following most weakens the dog's argument?

(A) The bed is only a few inches off the floor.

(B) The bed is situated only on a twin-sized frame.

(C) The weight remaining within the dog because of his lack of poop is insignificant to his jumping ability.

(D) The dog's concept of freedom is contingent on the amount of digestive material within his larger intestine.

(E) If the dog does not poop outside, Mama puts up an electric fence around the bed barring any entity from accessing or leaving it.


Answers:
(Please highlight the text below to read them, since they are in a white font color.)

1. C
2. E

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Please let us know your thoughts on these, and how you do on them, in the comments!

June 2011 LSAT: LSAT Diaries, Part 2

LSAT Blog reader Jessica has written a series of LSAT Diaries chronicling her experience in the countdown to the June 2011 LSAT.

This is the 2nd of a 3-part series containing her story.

Enjoy, and if you want to be in LSAT Diaries, please email me at LSATUnplugged@gmail.com. (You can be in LSAT Diaries whether you've taken the exam already or not.)

Thanks to Jessica for sharing her experience and advice, and please leave your questions for her below in the comments!

Jessica's LSAT Diaries, Part 2:

T-Minus 6 Days & Counting

LSAT Blog saved me from Craigslist tutor-murder.

I am so close to the score I want. So...very...close. My first prep test in August was a 139. I promptly deemed myself metal handicapped and bought $100 worth of LSAT prep books. The first prep book I read dedicated the entirety of its opening chapter as a pep talk to the reader for having to buy the book. Thanks.

My prep test scores quickly improved 20 points as I became more familiar with the questions. I got this! But then came the plateau. I decided to get a tutor, except I'm poor. Full-time job at a non-profit, full-time student, 6 year old who participates in every activity under the sun, etc. - basically, I'm lacking for luxury tutor funds. So I start to look around online.

The first guy I contacted about tutoring might as well have included in his ad "bring your own duct tape and plastic sheeting." No thanks dude, I will not be paying $25/hr to be hacked into bits. Then a "I can only tutor you if you accept collect calls." Swell, I'm going to fail the LSAT because I'm cheap and have a strong survival instinct.

Right about the time I was contemplating selling out my will to live, I found the LSAT Blog. I bought the 4-month LSAT study schedule and the rest is history. I've gone from 159 to 168. I want a 170. So...very...close.

Now my problems are all mental. I'm not too worried about it; I'm a great test-taker, though the stress in the meantime may drive me up a clock tower. I'm frantically searching for zen about the test. Maybe I'll try screaming the Serenity Prayer...



T-Minus: 5 Days and Counting

It takes a village to pass the LSAT. My coworkers are an excellent example of this and I would like to thank them. And freak them out because me being selflessly appreciative isn't exactly my style but they love me anyway; hence the thanks.

When I wanted to make a "word wall" for all of the indicator words in the logic section, my coworkers generously donated all their different color Post-Its. When I couldn't solve an analytical reasoning question, I'd copy it from the book and tape it to my office door. They would try to solve it and then explain how they worked it out or deem it "f*cking impossible" like I had and we would all feel nice about it.

Whenever I was taking prep tests at work (during breaks and lunch of course), I'd total my section scores about 3:00. Depending on the result, I'd either be walking on sunshine or stomping around, grumbling nonsense about letters, principles and diagramming. My coworkers quickly learned to keep candy around in case my score was low. Here, Jessica, eat some M&M's, it'll help.

It does kind of help. Thanks guys.

They've had to endure my bizarre new vocabulary, sometimes erroneous accusations of flaws in their reasoning and my near-manic fits. They too have become invested in my score. It's like we're all taking it together. I feel an enormous amount of pressure about that but I'm glad to have the support. Today is my last day in the office before I take the test and it's a little bittersweet. They've done all they can. Fly baby bird, fly.

Enjoy the peace and quite office mates!



T-Minus 4 Days and Counting

So I have ADHD. Like the real kind. Not the one people make up when they don’t want to mind their manners or that lazy parents have their kids diagnosed to circumvent spending quality time. The real, medication everyday or it’s a mental cluster f*ck.

Typically, I don’t even mention it because people don’t seem to believe me. No one really thinks of an adult as having ADHD and since I’m not bouncing off the walls like a nut the label doesn’t always seem fitting. But it’s all carefully controlled chaos. I’m not ashamed of having ADHD but I am ashamed when it bests me.

Having ADHD may be a reason to do poorly on the LSAT but it will not be an excuse. It is tough to reign in to study. And sadly, the internet is sorely lacking on ADHD tips for LSAT. I did pick up an ADHD “lifestyle” magazine at the bookstore the other day but it was an insulting 15 pages. Useless! I wasted my stereotypically meager attention span on an overgrown brochure about the importance of To Do lists.

That being said, the one and only item on my list for today is: STUDY



T-Minus 3 Days and Counting

AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!



T-Minus 2 Days and Counting

My practice test scores are all over the map. And off the side of the map. And eaten by sea monsters.

How many times have you said "I hate this test" today? I've said it about 6; once this morning to a stranger at the makeup counter at the mall. I can't wait for this madness to be over. Or at least have a break before repeating it in October.

I know - don't think like I'm going to take it more than once. Whatever. I've practiced. I've familiarized. I hate this test (7th). I made a deal with myself that I would take a break for 2 days, do nothing LSAT and be rested and rejuvenated for Monday. Then I scored a 153 on a prep test. A whole 10 points lower than my last one. It takes me too long to make the charts in Analytical Reasoning...

So I decided to practice that. Then I made the most surprising discovery...I don't know how to read. I know! Apparently I've made it all this way in life without really knowing how to read. The constraint will say "S is 4th" and I'll write down "S = 7th."

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME???

I really wish I hadn't gone illiterate 3 days before the test! In looking back over my wrong answers it's all because I read something wrong. I blame Reading Rainbow. Yeah, it's come to that. How in the world am I going to teach myself how to read back up to a college-level in 3 days?!

I hate this test (8th).



T-Minus OMG Tomorrow!

How is it possible that I don't have a grown-up pencil sharpener? Or that the 3 stores I went to yesterday are completely sold out of them? Seriously, all I have are 5 Hannah Montana pencils (admittedly, No. 2) and a pink dinosaur pencil sharpener. And my daughter says I can't borrow them because she doesn't think I'm responsible enough. Go to your room. Mommy is stressed!

What kind of snack should I bring? Which food is a brain food? I don't want to screw up and bring something rich in antioxidants. I'll worry about lowering my cancer risks on June 7th.

I spent entirely too long picking out my admission ticket picture and wondering what brought about that lengthy "no firearms or weapons" section of the test packet. Man all of my Facebook photos are really inappropriate. Should I wear my glasses or contacts? Jeans or sweatpants? Handgun or sword?

Kidding, according to pg. 2, weaponry must remain in the car with your cellphone. Thank goodness for that checklist.

Photo by bdorfman

Logic and Games

* Blind prospective law student sues ABA. Claims LSAT Logic Games section discriminates against the blind because written diagrams help you solve questions. [NPR]

* ABA makes major changes to law school employment disclosures. [Law School Transparency]

* Many lawyers stuck with low-paying temp jobs. Get a high LSAT score so you don't become one of them. [WSJ]

* Juror gets jail time for contacting criminal defendant on Facebook. [Mashable]

* Rep. Anthony Weiner will finally resign. [NYTimes; Washington Post]

October 2011 LSAT Questions / Answers

Take the October LSAT? If ☺, read about admissions. If ☹, decide whether to cancel.

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The October 2011 LSAT might seem far off, but it'll be here before you know it. What would you like to see on the blog between now and then?

Please leave your questions for me (and for each other) in the comments, I'll do my best to answer as many of your questions as possible between now and October.

Also, if you're looking for general advice on improving in Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, or Reading Comprehension, please note that I've already written plenty of blog posts on these topics and have integrated them into LSAT study schedules.

Quick request: please leave a name rather than posting as "Anonymous." It makes it easier for everyone to respond to specific comments. Thanks!

Photo by -bast-

June 2011 LSAT: LSAT Diaries, Part 1

LSAT Blog reader Jessica has written a series of LSAT Diaries chronicling her experience in the countdown to the June 2011 LSAT.

This is the 1st of a 3-part series containing her story.

If you want to be in LSAT Diaries, please email me at LSATUnplugged@gmail.com. (You can be in LSAT Diaries whether you've taken the exam already or not.)

Thanks to Jessica for sharing her experience and advice, and please leave your questions for her below in the comments!

Jessica's LSAT Diaries, Part 1:

T-Minus 10 Days and Counting

Honestly, I've been avoiding a countdown to test day because it it freaks me out. I tried to start one when the June 2011 LSAT was a month out but had to throw it away after only 2 days because I think it was inducing panic attacks. Even when people innocently say, "So what - a couple of weeks to the LSAT?" makes my heart speed up. SHUT UP genuinely interested friend/coworker!! Do not speak of that date!

Obviously I am insane. I work full time. In a job that requires travel. Try prep testing in an airport. I can promise at no point does "Attention airport patrons, security alert..." becomes ambient noise. I'm still finishing my undergrad in Political Science so I have school work on top of LSAT studying. Worse, it's only two elective credits left so my egotistical self decides on Business Law and Ethical Philosophy. I'll ace Business Law; I'm going to be a lawyer. Except I get a C. GPA lowered. Ego bruised. Hmm...just how unethical is it to buy your law degree online?

Add in having a 6 year old who talks about the "day after Mommy's test" as if it will be better than Christmas morning.

Crazy, stressed out and a bad parent? I'm going to have to buy that kid a pony. Woe is me.

I'm trying to come up with a game plan. How do I spend these last 10 days? I spent MONTHS on the Analytical Reasoning because A, B, C and D going to X, Y, Z on nonsensical days for random reasons. Why am I sorting bugs by the following constraints in order to go to law school?? I don't want to be a bug lawyer. Or a sorting lawyer.

Whilst, I was disheartened, there was an "ah-ha" moment and now that section is going...better. You know, like things in the Congo are going...better.

I've decided to focus entirely on Logical Reasoning for the rest of my 10 days. I can read and comprehend, so I'm not too worried about that section. I can write (hello, blogging) so I feel good about that as well. But, while a month ago I would've told you I knew how to use logic, I apparently don't. At least not according to the LSAT - who I have now decided are evil incarnates.

So the schedule for the next 10 days is going to be made up on the fly because despite my best efforts to organize, I really don't know what the dickens I'm doing at this point.



T-Minus 9 Days and Counting

Apparently I would rather do anything other than study. I was supposed to get up this morning, study and then maybe go to the pool. So what did I do this morning? Well I did get up...

Then I cleaned. What's so bad about cleaning, Jessica? Obviously I need to keep house in order to not have my child taken by the Department of Children & Families. But if you'll remember - I travel; thus my house is never all that dirty and I have a maid who comes for extortion-esque prices twice a month to dust and break my knick-knacks. I have no reason to be cleaning unless it's to break my own knick-knacks.

Is procrastination a sufficient condition to failing the LSAT? I wouldn't know. Instead of studying conditional reasoning, I'm cleaning.

After cleaning, I decided to watch Univision. I don't speak Spanish. Not even a little. Maybe one or two really dirty words that aren't allowed on the regular cable version of Univision. Is there an HBO equivalent to Univision? If so, I'd probably pay to watch that instead of study too. I've decided to Google that next instead of studying.

To make myself feel better, I did try to think about the LSAT whilst watching the Spanish-language channel that I don't understand. I reviewed cause and affect - watching Univision over studying will affect my score.

I'M SO STUDYING AND LEARNING SPANISH at the same time! It's like electronic osmosis!! Si? Or do you need water for osmosis? If so, I am heading to the pool. Don't judge me, I want to be a lawyer, not a molecular biologist.

I am taking my book just in case I'm right about this osmosis thing.



T-Minus 8 Days and Counting

Is it entirely ridiculous to report myself to Facebook in order to get myself banned? Or perhaps I should appeal to the mercy of social media outlets and ask for a temporary injunction against my use until after the LSAT? I will write an appeal to Twitter - in 140 characters or less - explaining my plight and beg them to stop my tweeting. Say something? I will not! What's on my mind? Studying and nothing but!

Stupid internet. I tell myself that looking up LSAT tips, researching schools, etc. is studying. I spent a 30+ minutes perusing the Google Street View of the Georgetown law school's campus. I'll already know where everything is!

Too bad I probably won't get in because of epic time wasting. That's a half hour I've squandered! What if that was the game-changing study time?

Dammit! Instead of cracking books at one of the best law schools in the country, I'll be cracking eggs as a short-order fry cook in a Waffle House in north Georgia. I might as well go ahead and start doing meth now...WOW, I am dramatic. Perhaps I should look into acting. In which case I should probably hold off on the meth plan since actors need pretty teeth.

Look, that was Conditional Reasoning! Hooray! I'm feeling inspired again! I'm going to rock this test! I'll be strolling that familiar Georgetown campus in no time!



T-Minus 7 Days & Counting

Screw you Mother Earth! Why exactly must it be so flipping nice outside today?!? It's sunny, blue skies, perfect poolside 91 degrees. But I'm not at the pool. No, no my sad self is sitting inside with the curtains drawn so I can pretend it's the Apocalypse outside instead of meteorological perfection.

And just how many holidays must this country have? I've been studying for the LSAT since August 2010 (I was originally going to take the Feb. 2011) and I've literally run the gamut of calendar celebrations.

"Surely you can hang out just a little...it is [insert holiday here] after all?" No I will not partake in Administrative Professionals Day with you people!

Every single one of my friends has had a birthday. My daughter turned 6 and started kindergarten. My parents threw a going away gala before moving to the beach. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, NYE, milestone after milestone and I bailed on them all, with a meek "There will be another Easter next year..."

I feel guilty and annoyed at the same time. My bff got engaged and announced the happy news to me with the disclaimer promising not to plan the date before the LSAT. Ugh! I'm a bad friend and she's a great friend for that which makes me a worse, maybe even tyrannical friend.

No one understands. All I want is to be at the party/pool/dinner/movie/vacation/jury duty instead of studying. But I can't. Hopefully all the friends, family and sunshine will be there post-LSAT.

Photo by bobaubuchon

June 2011 LSAT: LSAT Blog Update

Many of you took the June 2011 LSAT. Hope it went well!

Some other bloggers had the following to share:

Merry says:

Word of advice: If filling in bubbles to coincide with your last name involves you asking a question, then a follow-up question to the procter (sic), perhaps law school isn’t for you.

Something for the Public says:

The reason I am still considering not cancelling is because...I can just retake it and I have full confidence and peace in Him that He will take care of this LSAT matter even if I do not know the end-result.

Sam says:

The formidable LSAT wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but still pretty rough. But, in honor of my taking the LSAT, I thought I'd compile a few of my favorite lawyer performances.

Cordelia says:

Coming down off of my LSAT stress high, I come home, sit on the couch and flip on the news. Bad idea. Horrible idea.

Life in the Skewed Lane says:

The proctors are not under orders to shoot you on the spot if you don’t do well. Be confident in yourself, smile at the proctor lady who signs you in and let yourself get excited that you’re taking a big step toward your law school goals.

nancyallysa says:

You know the best feeling about being done with the #LSAT!? Not carrying that damn book in my purse everywhere I go! #freedom

***

How'd the big day go for you?

Also see "How to Wait a Long Time for Your LSAT Score".


Photo by 10350347@N06

Logic and Games

* Last week's LSAT accommodations request is denied by the court.

* Day-by-day LSAT study schedules updated for October and December LSAT test dates! [LSAT Blog]

* Law student sues law school for contributing misleading data to U.S. News. [ABA Journal]

* A prison in Venezuela lets you do almost anything you want inside its walls. [NYTimes]

* USDA replaces food pyramid with a plate. [Thought Catalog; NYTimes]

* Oprah admits to hating every moment of her own show. [The Onion]

June 2011 LSAT Score Release Dates

UPDATE: June 2011 LSAT scores were released on Monday, June 27.

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The June 2011 LSAT scores / results are scheduled to be released via email by Wednesday, June 29, 2011, so you'll have to wait for your LSAT score.

However, the scores usually come out a bit earlier.

Let's look at the trend over the past several years (click to enlarge):

LSAC's given themselves a 21-day period to grade June tests since 2005, but they're giving themselves a 23-day period this time. This may suggest that it'll take longer than the usual 17, 18, or 19 days to get scores back.


It's difficult to make a specific prediction given this change. Had the scheduled score release date been Monday, June 27th, I would've guessed that the score would come out 17 or 18 days later, meaning 6/23 or 6/24. However, the fact that they're allowing more time to get scores ready may mean waiting a few more days.

"But at what time specifically do scores come on score release days? I need to know when to constantly refresh my email / LSAC account!"

In batches over the course of several hours. Likely starting late in the day (Eastern Time).

No one knows how the batches are organized, if at all.

The batches do not seem to be organized in any of these ways:

alphabetical/regional/high-to-low scores/low-to-high scores/test center #, etc.

Wish everyone all the best!

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See other LSAT score release dates posts.

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While you're waiting for your score, get busy with my Law School Admissions Book Recommendations list and other admissions-related blog posts.

Feel free to leave comments and vent at the injustice of having to wait so long for what is rightfully yours.

***

LSAC and a New LSAT ADD Lawsuit

The LSAT accommodations process is a difficult one. LSAC requires test-takers to jump through a series of hoops, whether their disabilities are physical or mental. As a result, LSAC has faced a series of lawsuits.

In the latest lawsuit, a test-taker with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) sues LSAC for denying her request for:

- double the typical amount of time per section (70 minutes/section, rather than the normal 35 minutes/section).

- 15-minute breaks between every section of the exam, rather than the typical exam schedule: completing 3 sections back-to-back, then a 15-minute break, then 2 more sections back-to-back.

(You can read more about the lawsuit in the ABA Journal and WSJ Law Blog.)

What do you think?

Does someone with a mental disability such as ADD deserve extra time on Test Day?

Can someone who needs extra time on the LSAT make it in the legal world, where there won't be such accommodations?

What should be done, if anything, to give those with ADD a level playing field?

Leave your thoughts in the comments!



Further reading from test-takers with ADD:


LSAT Diary: Studying With ADHD and Anxiety

LSAT Diaries: Struggling with Test Anxiety

LSAT Diary: My LSAT Prep Journey

LSAT Diary: Overcoming LSAT Test Anxiety | Tips



Photo by stealthtractor

LSAT Diary: Prep Leading Up To Test Day

If you want to be in LSAT Diaries, please email me at LSATUnplugged@gmail.com. (You can be in LSAT Diaries whether you've taken the exam already or not.)

The following is the 2nd part of Katherine's LSAT Diary, covering the final few months leading up to Test Day. Here's the 1st part of her LSAT Diary.

Please leave her some encouragement below in the comments, and be sure to check out these LSAT Test Day tips!

Katherine's LSAT Diary, Part 2:

Day 10

Just finished another test – what a confidence boost! Scored a 164, which is solid – but aced the logic games section. That gave me confidence in my mapping strategies. I know its not realistic to expect 100% on every LG section, but it's nice to know I’m capable of performing really well there.

When I started LSAT prep, I viewed LG as my weakest section and figured it would be a detriment to my score. However, I’ve started to feel like it's conquerable. Threw in an RC section from another test (did it as my fourth section after the break) and really struggled. I felt lightheaded and sick. I had a big breakfast today and went to yoga after class. Usually post-yoga I would have a snack or a light lunch, but I wasn’t hungry today and I forgot. About two sections into the test, I felt extremely light headed. Normally I would have left to get an energy bar or something, but since you can’t have food or drink during the LSAT, I decided to power through and see how that affected me. I think on a full stomach I could raise my score at least 2 points because I would have better focus.

I still need more RC practice – When I get my other books in 3 weeks, I am going to focus on doing the science passages – those give me the most trouble and I generally lose the most points during those. LR is solid, I think if I’d felt better my concentration would have been stronger, I kept having to reread the options and the question, wasn’t retaining like I usually do. I had a little test fatigue during the RC I threw in, but not on the final section. Weirdly, I finished my final section (LR) in like 20 minutes, I made myself use another 10 to check my work and then stopped because I was so worn out. I missed 6 questions on there – four of them I’d circled because I wasn’t sure. Time for a busy weekend – I have a sorority obligation all day Saturday and a paper to write.


Day 11

Monday, woke up for 6am yoga, had a convo about raw foods with my yoga teacher (normal). Went to the dining hall for breakfast (I can cook in my apartment but laziness is fun too). Took an RC section – shockingly got 21/27 correct. Huge improvement despite the general noise of the cafeteria! I think this is already a better week for LSAT! Otherwise normal day – class, meeting, wrote a paper, grocery shopping, meeting and now general procrastination time.


Day 12

Usual day. Turned in paper, went to class and yoga. Did reading. Studying LR this evening and did another section, only got 17/25 which wasn’t awesome, but I’m going to go ahead and fault my roommate who decided to blow dry her hair while I was studying. Even worse, she blow dries it in shifts (on for a minute, off for a minute) so you can’t tune it out. Turning in early tonight because I’m feeling pretty run down even though its only Tuesday.


Day 13

Typical day, class then yoga. Another unimpressive LR performance, definitely expecting it. On the plus size, I got 21/22 on LG – which makes me feel like my previous LG performance feel like it wasn't a fluke. I think I’m mastering picturing the games in my head. I just need to bring the same sort of focus I have when practicing LG to my LR practice. Going to do some reading before I have a meeting.

Tomorrow is busy, but I’m going to go back and study my past few tests, ESPECIALLY LR since clearly I’m struggling there this week. Not a great overall practice score, around a 160, but not terrible. With some work with LR and continued consistency on LG, I think I can bump up my actual practice test scores quite a bit. I’m also aware that this section a day model is not ideal, but unfortunately it’s the best option for my schedule because it doesn’t overload me, but forces me to think about the LSAT every day (as if I wouldn’t be anyway).


Day 14

Usual schedule – class then yoga. Took another test, disappointed with my score. I have regressed so far on that section and its stressing me out. Got 75% of the RC questions correct, about 3 were missed due to changing my answer and on at least 3 I got down to two answers and one of them was correct. On the RC section I often did the same thing – so frustrating. Ate a snack before my final three sections (two LR sections and LG). Did well on LR from as well. If I can get RC back to its original standing and continue to improve LR, I know I can dominate. Aced LG again, I guess that section is officially not a crutch, but I can’t afford to neglect it from stressing about RC.

My mind was definitely wandering during the test - I take my practices in a library study room and during sections 1 and 2 (where I missed the most points), I could hear people talking in the study room next door. That’s not an excuse though, because I need to learn to ignore distractions. I note that though because of the 18 LR questions I missed, 9 were missed during section 1, as opposed to 5 during section 5 and 4 from section 3. Meaning – that reasonably without talking, I should have only missed 4-6 on section 1 and only 8-10 overall.


Day 15

Usual Monday, yoga at 6 am, class until noon. Yoga teacher made us a raw food breakfast – which was AWESOME. I had a political science luncheon to attend so I did my LSAT work at breakfast. Did LR section, got 20 out of 26, not great – but an improvement, having trouble with the questions that asked “which example of flawed reasoning matches the flawed reasoning above.”

Of the other ones I missed, it was all down to the final two answers and I didn’t pick the right one… Then I started studying for my final on Wednesday – this class is 50% the final and 50% my paper. Got my paper back, got an A, so I’m not as stressed about making up for a paper grade on the final. Briefly [tamely] celebrated a friends 21st and then got some sleep. Break starts on Wednesday and when I’m not sleeping, babysitting, or doing laundry, I will be studying the LSAT. It’s only about 6 weeks away!


Day 16Haven’t updated in a few days – took Tuesday off to prepare for my exam. On Wednesday I finished more sections. Decent performances on the LG and RC section – 21/22 and 23/27 (improvement!!!). Completely bombed the final LR section with a 15/26, but I could feel myself hurrying when I filled out the section, so I’m not going to be too hard on myself for that score. Ended up with a score of a 160, which is fine.

Took another practice test yesterday, won’t lie was pretty tired from Wednesday night festivities – we are on block break and a close friend finished neuroscience – widely regarded as one of the hardest classes at the school, so obviously a celebration was in order. Didn’t finish the practice test as the library closes at 5 on break (seriously?). Went to yoga instead of finishing it at my apartment and got a good nights sleep.

Today (Friday), I woke up, ate a good lunch and headed to the library to take a practice test and use the final section from another as my experimental – it was an LR section so that’s always good. Didn’t really rock that LR section either, but ended up with another 160 overall. Then I started another test – and I ROCKED it. LR could still be stronger, but I nearly aced RC and aced LG again. Ended up with a score of 168, my highest to date. Obviously I’m still going to focus on improving, but that was an excellent confidence boost. Am planning on yoga later tonight and then studying this evening.


Day 17Took two weeks off from studying – one was intentional, I was starting a new block and was returning home on Thursday through Sunday so my study schedule was going to be difficult due to traveling. Then I got sick, like really sick. The health center thought I had mono – that was traumatic, I was already mentally canceling my test date, thinking about how my 21st would be no fun etc. Then the test came back negative. Nonetheless I had a pretty nasty virus that rendered me useless from about Sunday to Wednesday. I also had to start my research paper for the block – it’s supposed to be around 30 pages and I have a lot of reading to do. So basically I haven’t studied for a few weeks.

However, I took another practice test today and scored a 168. Which is baller. Especially since I was lacking any focus during section one. This lack of focus showed, I only got 16/25 correct on that LR section. But I pulled it together and got 24/28 on RC, 24/25 on the second LR section and aced LG. Hell yeah. Going to take Saturday and Sunday off from LSAT studying as I need to make significant progress on my pre-research for my paper. But with the LSAT 4 weeks away, I will be resuming a normal study schedule for the rest of the block and then amping it up as we get closer – but I feel ready.


Day 18Test Day's approaching. Haven’t recorded an update in four weeks. Third block was a rough finish in terms of having time to study because of the 30-page research paper I had two days to write. Fourth block – LSAT study block – started off really well. I took another test and scored a 172, which was an excellent confidence boost.

Then I took another test (included an experimental LR section and actually practiced the essay so it was a full-length test) two days later and scored a 174. I decided to make that my last practice test. I’ve spent the last week resting, figuring out the lease on a bomb house for my senior year, and helping my friends with social and philanthropy events that happened this week. My first ever LSAT prep test was a 160 and the first one I started this diary with was a 156, a solid streak of 168+ tests seemed like a great finish.

Studying has been a six-month odyssey. I started with an intense prep course and then over the semester I’ve been forced to balance my academics, activities, and LSAT prep. I’ve noticed a lot of people become ascetics in the months before the LSAT. I didn’t take that path. I did get a lot of sleep and exercise regularly, but I always do that. If anything, I think taking that path would’ve made me resent the LSAT. Instead, I started to enjoy it. I mean, I’m thinking in Logic Games, and I have Logical Reasoning vocab hanging on my wall.

On the upside, it's working; my LR has steadily improved; I’ve remastered RC; and I haven’t missed more than two questions on LG in over a month. It’s going to be weird to not have this on my back for a while, hopefully this is the only time I take the test and I get to leave my LSAT prep behind, but it’ll be weird to have Friday afternoons back and not have at least 40 minutes of studying everyday.

Steve’s blog was a great tool for staying on track, if the worst happens and I have to retake the test, I’ll definitely be adopting one of his LSAT study schedules (probably the 6-month one) as a means to keep me on track. I’ve read the blog obsessively and it’s helped me feel like I know the test. The LSAT and I are frenemies, and I’m a pretty competitive person – I like to win.

I'll take a cab so that I can report to the test center at 8:30, and I’ll eat a full breakfast. I’ve got my one-gallon bag all packed, my test admission ticket printed, a new analogue watch, and freshly sharpened pencils. The night before, I plan to go to bed early and watch Legally Blonde, but I've seen it before. My involvement in my sorority makes the LSAT sequence even more of a laugh, not realistic at all.

Post-test plans? Heading to the bar. I didn’t do that on my 21st (don’t get me wrong, I had a blowout, but no bars). And then a night packed with two formals. I’ll be ready to celebrate.

Photo by bdorfman

Logic and Games

* Taking the June LSAT? See these Test Day tips. [LSAT Blog]

* LSAC sued by test-taker with Attention Deficit Disorder who wants extra time. [ABA Journal, WSJ Law Blog]

* People who don't know The Onion is a satirical newspaper leave Facebook comments. [Literally Unbelievable]

* The Onion suggests building a "Justice Shed" so you can detain suspects yourself. [YouTube]

* Class action suit filed against Thomas Jefferson School of Law. [Above The Law]

* Popular and hilarious webcomic The Oatmeal strikes back against copyright infringement. [Ars Technica]

* NPR reports that Bin Laden gave employees good benefits. [Gawker]

* By posting photos on certain websites, you may be giving these sites the rights to them. [NYTimes]