Showing posts with label LSAT Diaries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LSAT Diaries. Show all posts

LSAT Diary: Kate, Former Kaplan LSAT Course Student

Kate: I'm so glad to hear that you found the blog and everything useful. Congrats on your 20-point increase and all your law school acceptances!


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Kate's LSAT Diary (posted on the LSAT Blog Facebook Page):

Hello all, I am Kate from Texas. My law school quest has actually been quite a struggle. I have tried twice now to take the LSAT. The first time was a complete disaster. The second attempt was a success, thanks to several factors, one of which was Steve and his clear outlines and techniques.

I have tried several LSAT classes including Kaplan’s Premier online course as well as Kaplan’s instructor led course. If you have already taken a course or have even looked into taking a course you know how expensive it can be. Mine, when all was said and done was over $6000.00 in tuition and fees.

While Kaplan’s materials and basic methods were helpful, they did not do well when asked to explain anything. I remember very clearly asking my instructor to define “outside the scope” and how to recognize the “scope shift” to which she replied that I was supposed to know it because the answer key “said so.” Later she came up to me and told me that she thought I might need special tutoring because I did not understand the concepts fast enough. Needless to say I did not do well on that first LSAT.

However, I found that Steve differs greatly when it comes to explaining basic concepts. He very clearly lays a foundation on which you can build your training. Ok really, everyone learns differently, and at their own pace. Steve provided several different options ranging from multi-month study outlines, recommending certain texts over others and giving specific explanation as to why, weekly blogs that review requested material, outlines of every problem on every test and how it is solved, and of course tutoring.

I raised my LSAT score over 20 points by using the resources available to me via Steve, study and hard work. I have been accepted to several schools across the country. Now my decision is accepting one of them.



LSAT Diary: Greatest Lesson from Studying, and Focusing on Logic Games

LSAT Blog Diary Greatest Lesson from Studying, and Focusing on Logic Games
This installment of LSAT Diaries comes from Ryle, who improved from the 155 to a 164 on the February 2017 LSAT after taking the Starter LSAT Course and focusing on Logic Games. That's nearly a 10-point increase!

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 Ryle for sharing his experience and advice!

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Ryle's LSAT Diary:

Hi all! My name is Ryle Cameron. I was an English student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where I spent 4 years loathing most of my English courses and enjoying most everything else - hindsight is 20/20. I took a mock LSAT through Princeton Review at the beginning of my third year, which I used to diagnose my strengths and weaknesses regarding the LSAT. I was pleasantly surprised with a 155. Reading Comprehension was my strongest, while Logic Games were my weakest. No surprise there.

Fast-forward about a year and a half to when I took 5 weeks off at the start of 2017 to study for the February LSAT. This is not doable for many, but it would (obviously) be ideal if you could. I can't help you with that, but I can at least detail what I did and my reasons for doing so.

I was told about the LSAT Blog by friends who had either completed law school or were in the process thereof, and had found the site and resources extremely useful. I decided to buy the most basic package because, I reasoned, I either a) study as best as I could and spend ~$500 Cdn. to write the test a couple of times; or b) spend the same amount to get some help to focus my time, and, (I hoped) only write once.

The 4-week calendar was the most helpful piece of the package to me. Instead of having to chase down questions of the same type to practice on, I had them all listed and in manageable amounts in front of me. I followed it to a tee for the first 2.5 weeks (focusing on Logic Games), then more loosely for the next 2.5 as I wrote full practice tests and eventually timed, test-day scenario tests (with the recommended geek-watch, which was helpful).

Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned was to not get too high from a great mark, and too low from a poor one. I averaged a 159 on my practices, which was discouraging; I needed a higher mark to balance out my poorer GPA. The last practice I wrote before test day was a 166; great news! ...except that it was practice - so while I was happy I achieved that, it really meant nothing to my test day.

This may rub some of you the wrong way, and I don't include it to give the impression that because I am a Christian, God gave me the mark I received. However, as I Christian I took great comfort in the fact that I needn't worry about the test. As a result, I was slightly anxious heading into the test and only determined by the start of it. I was confident in my preparation and could leave the results to God. As it turned out, I received a 164, which I am very thankful to the Lord for; I believe it good enough to balance my GPA and be competitive.

I plan on applying to law school for 2018, and possibly deferring to 2019 (pending acceptance, of course) if I decide to pursue a Masters degree first.

How Usma got a $15,000 merit scholarship for law school

LSAT Diaries
This LSAT Diary is from Usma, who got a $15,000 merit scholarship from Rutgers Law after taking the Premium LSAT course and working with me!

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.)


How Hannah increased her LSAT score from 144 to 163 + got into UVA

Hannah LSAT 144 163 UVA Law
This LSAT Diary is from Hannah B. who improved from 144 to 163 on the December LSAT and got into UVA Law after taking the Supreme LSAT course!

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.)

LSAT Diary Interview: 155 to 170 to Stanford Law

LSAT Diary Interview 155 170 Stanford LawThis LSAT Diary is from "Jim," who improved from 155 to 170 and got into Stanford Law after working with me and using the day-by-day study plan!

(He has a unique first name and wanted to remain anonymous.)

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.)

LSAT Diary: My Biggest Hurdle - Studying for the LSAT in Korea

LSAT Diary Biggest Hurdle Studying Korea
This installment of LSAT Diaries comes from Yoonki, who's studying for the June 2016 LSAT. He writes to us from the border between South and North Korea.

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 Yoonki for sharing his story!

LSAT Diary: How Allison Overcame Stress and Anxiety to Score 170 on the October LSAT

LSAT Diaries Overcome Stress Anxiety October 2015 LSAT
This LSAT Diary is from Allison who improved from the mid-150s to a 170 on the October LSAT after working with me and taking my LSAT Premium course!


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.)

Allison LSAT Email



Allison's LSAT Diary:

I had every workbook, every practice test, every possible resource, and yet I felt really stuck a few months into studying for the LSAT. I was nowhere near my goal in terms of scoring, and I felt like I was doing everything I could do without making any progress. I was studying hours every day over the summer, working on logic puzzles and logical reasoning questions until my frustration and exhaustion would become too much. It was a terrible routine, and I was feeling more and more defeated every time I studied.

Finally, after a few months of studying and not a lot of improvement, I found Steve's blog and began reading, and ultimately I realized that Steve's strategies and ways of talking about the LSAT on his blog resonated with me and helped things click into place, and I hadn't even accessed any of his study materials yet. I decided to buy some tutoring sessions, and to take his online video courses.

Within a few days of watching Steve's videos, I was getting better and faster at the LSAT. My thought process became more efficient and organized, and I no longer agonized over different answer choices. Then, in my tutoring sessions with Steve, I was able to discuss in detail with him questions that stumped me, and I began to identify patterns of mistakes I was making that I could now rectify with his help. With more confidence than I had felt in months, I threw myself back into studying for the test, and I was overjoyed to see my score slowly but surely climbing towards my goal.

It was really hard to balance being back at college, classes, writing a senior thesis, working on my applications, and continuing to study for the October LSAT, but I made it through. I took several practice tests every week, and tried to simulate test conditions as much as possible, like waking up in time to start the test at 8am, and taking only the breaks I would actually have on test day. 

I prioritized sleep and health, and I was so happy I did- my scores became more consistently high and I was reaching my goal score almost every time. I learned not to completely stress out when a section didn't feel good, and just recover and move on to the next one. On test day, I had none of the timing issues or uncertainties that had plagued me for months while studying, and I walked out of the test feeling like I had given it my absolute best.

The biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone prepping for the LSAT is to check your emotions. I placed a ton of pressure on myself early on, and felt extremely defeated early on in my study process, which only made things worse. Studying for the LSAT can be discouraging and anxiety-producing, but you have to keep some perspective, and trust that your work will begin to pay off. 

Self-care is also a huge part of studying and preparation- I noticed that when I was too stressed out and not sleeping enough, my scores would start sliding back down again. The week leading up to the test, I got as much sleep as I could and relaxed as much as possible, because I had learned that my brain performed best on the test when I was truly relaxed and really able to focus.


When I got my score, I felt extremely accomplished and relieved. I had reached my goal, and all of the hard work and effort I had given to this test were absolutely worth it. Working with Steve and using his materials was the step I needed to take to reach a new level of studying and efficiency on the LSAT, but there is no substitute for studying hard and putting in the time. 

I am so happy to be done with this test, but I also feel like I actually learned some useful knowledge and skills about logic and reasoning that continue to be helpful, and make me very excited about going to law school soon. To anyone prepping for the LSAT, trust that you can learn and improve, and that this is ultimately a test about how hard you are willing to work.

Photo by bobaubuchon

LSAT Diary: LSAT Test Day Tips

LSAT Diary: LSAT Test Day Tips
This installment of LSAT Diaries comes from Xavier, who improved from the 150s to a 162 on his first actual test, to a 171 on his February LSAT retake after using LSAT Blog and reading other LSAT Diaries. (See his previous LSAT Diary.)

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 Xavier for sharing his experience and advice!

LSAT Diary: LSAT Prep Timeline

This installment of LSAT Diaries comes from Xavier, who improved from the 150s to a 162 on his first actual test, to a 171 on his February LSAT retake after using LSAT Blog and reading other LSAT Diaries.

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 Xavier for sharing his experience and advice!

LSAT Diary: LSAT Studying and Depression

LSAT Blog Diary LSAT Studying Depression
This LSAT Diary is from Jennifer, who's studying for the June 2015 LSAT. Below, she shares her LSAT self-studying experience.

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.)

Please thank Jennifer for sharing her story below in the comments!

LSAT Diary: Retaking LSAT After Kaplan LSAT Prep Course

LSAT Blog Retaking LSAT After Kaplan LSAT Prep Course
This LSAT Diary is from Emily who improved from 148 to 161 on the September 2014 LSAT retake after using my 4-month day-by-day LSAT study schedule!

Update from Emily in comments below!
I've received full-tuition scholarships from both Penn State Law and Northeastern Law for Fall 2015.
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.)

LSAT Diary: More Than An LSAT Score

LSAT Blog Diary More Than LSAT Score
This LSAT Diary is from Adriana, who's studying for the December 2014 LSAT. Below, she shares her LSAT studying experience.

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.)

Please thank Adriana for sharing her story below in the comments!

LSAT Diary: Learning LSAT Logic Games

This LSAT Diary is from Jasmine, who's studying for the December 2014 LSAT. Below, she shares her LSAT studying experience. Read her previous LSAT Diary.

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.)

Please thank Jasmine for sharing her story below in the comments!

LSAT Diary: Avoiding Law School Debt

LSAT Diary Avoiding Law School Debt
This LSAT Diary comes from Eric, who got a full ride to the University of Oregon Law School!

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 Eric for sharing his experience and advice!

LSAT Diary: Procrastination and Scheduling Study Time

LSAT Diary Procrastination Scheduling Time Study
This LSAT Diary is from Jasmine, who's studying for the December 2014 LSAT. Below, she shares her LSAT studying experience.

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.)

Please thank Jasmine for sharing her story below in the comments!

LSAT Diary: September LSAT Update

LSAT Blog Diary September LSAT Update
This LSAT Diary is from Sharon, who took the September 2014 LSAT. Below, she shares her LSAT studying experience.

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.)

Please thank Sharon for sharing her story below in the comments!

LSAT Diaries: LSAT Retake Score Increase

LSAT Blog LSAT Retake Score Increase
This installment of LSAT Diaries comes from Jeff, who improved from a 151 diagnostic to a 172 on his June LSAT retake after using my intense retaker's LSAT study plan!

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 Jeff for sharing his experience and advice!

LSAT Diary: Teacher Preparing for LSAT

This LSAT Diary is from Kira, who's studying for the September 2014 LSAT. Below, she shares her LSAT self-studying experience.

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.)

Please thank Kira for sharing her story below in the comments!

LSAT Diary: Studying While Traveling For Work

LSAT Blog Diary Studying Traveling Work
This LSAT Diary is from Ashley, who improved from 151 to 161 on the February 2013 LSAT after using my 5-month day-by-day LSAT study plan!

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 Ashley for sharing her experience and advice!

LSAT Diary: Self-Studying for the LSAT

LSAT Blog Diary Self-Studying LSAT
This LSAT Diary is from Jen, who just took the February 2014 LSAT. Below, she shares her LSAT self-studying experience.

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.)

Please thank Jen for sharing her story below in the comments!