LSAT Logic Games Section - Scrap Paper Not Allowed

LSAT Blog Scrap Paper Not Allowed Logic Games Section
UPDATE: For the Digital LSAT, you do get a booklet of scratch paper. It's about 12-14 pages, 8.5 x 11, unlined.

For the paper LSAT (outside North America), you can write on the page itself.

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A long time ago, I mentioned that there's no scratch paper allowed on the LSAT.

This is a problem for many people when preparing for the Logic Games section. There's often very limited space on the page.

Occasionally, there's almost no space at all.

I recommend getting accustomed to the limitations of the work space fairly early in your prep.

Here are some ideas on how to deal with this:

If you want to preserve your books to redo/resell them, consider:

1. making photocopies (after all, Logic Games are only 4 pages per exam)

2. limiting yourself to a similar amount of space in a notebook. However, start working with the actual free space on the page sooner rather than later. It's a different experience.

3. using pencil and erasing.

4. getting some large post-it notes (something like these or these, depending upon how much space you want to give yourself). Put one at the bottom of the page. You get to simulate what it's like to work within the page's space constraints, but you don't mess up the page itself. No need to erase or photocopy. It also helps you stay organized because your diagrams don't get separated from the games themselves (like they would if you worked separately in a notebook).

This isn't a perfect solution (since there's often plenty of white space next to each question as well). but it's pretty close. Depending upon whether you draw hypotheticals next to particular questions or at the bottom of the page, this may matter to a greater or lesser degree.

Photo by featheredtar / CC BY 2.0



6 comments:

  1. This is a really picky question, but are the bubble sheets used on test day the exact same size as the ones found in the books of 10? (8"x11") Or are they slightly larger?

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  2. Rulers and regular sheets of paper aren't allowed in the test center, so I can't really give you a definitive answer on this. If there's a difference, it's not that noticeable. As with most things like this, the best thing to do is to email LSAC - lsacinfo at lsac.org

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  3. Hi Steve,

    Thank you so much for all the helpful tips you post!! I am currently using your 3 month study schedule- I struggled with Basic Linear Game 1 from Prep test 34- I believe there is an inference that I am failing to make-hmm....I figured out which clerks stock more than one isle and symbolized all my clues, but I am having a tough time with the questions- please drop me a hint or two or more:)about the this game- it just appears really open ended to me, so I am having to test all the answers before picking one (I am pretty sure it is simpler than this?)

    Thanks!
    ~N

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  4. Hi N,

    Glad you're enjoying the blog!

    For that game, create 3 main diagrams based upon the placement of the MKM block. Then create specific inferences for each main diagram based upon the other rules.

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  5. Hi Steve!

    I just decided to study for the LSAT from September-November. I am going to sign up to take the test on December 13, 2010. As I am totally new to this, I was wondering if you have any input on what books/publications are best to purchase to help me with getting ready for the LSAT. I currently have the Barron's Passkey to the LSAT and plan on purchasing the LSAC's publications; as well as the Kaplan Logic games in a Box...I do not want to overdo it and purchase too many publications; on the other hand, I do not want to limit my studies and have terrible ones that are not helpful for the test. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!

    =Kishah

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