February 2017 LSAT Thread Forum

[lgsb2014]

Currently following the LSAT trainer. Not feeling too comfortable with the concept of reading the question stem before reading the stimulus. Anyone have any input on this?

It's a great strategy, imo. When you read the stem first you know what to look for when you read the stimulus.

I concur. There's a debate about this in the December thread rn. I think it all comes down to how well you can contain the stimulus before and while reading the stem. I have difficulty with this so it helps me to see the question first and know what I'm looking for as you said.

Same for me. When I would do stimulus first I always ended up having to read through it again a second time after reading the stem because I couldn't remember enough. With stem first I typically only have to read through once which saves me some time. Harveybirdman, there isn't really a right or wrong answer. Try both out and see which one works better for you.

I took a study course with Testmasters over the summer and our instructor warned us that reading the question stem before the stimulus would prove lethal. I've practiced a few questions reading question stem before reading stimulus and have seen more accuracy. Thanks everyone I also don't have to read the stimulus two times!

[Rubbishdump]

A few questions: If placed on a wait-list, is taking the February LSAT and improving your score a viable way to gain acceptance? And is it possible to take the February LSAT in order to improve one's negotiating power when it comes to scholarships?

[harveybirdman502]

Can I sign up for the February test before taking this weekend's test? I just wanna do it as soon as possible.

[34iplaw]

Can I sign up for the February test before taking this weekend's test? I just wanna do it as soon as possible.

Stop. Don't do that. You can wait a week.

[Walliums]

I took a study course with Testmasters over the summer and our instructor warned us that reading the question stem before the stimulus would prove lethal

One of the first videos I watched on LR was a free Powerscore video, and they encouraged this same method. I just don't understand the justification for it - why wouldn't you go into your first read knowing exactly whether you were supposed to evaluate an argument or not?

[34iplaw]

I took a study course with Testmasters over the summer and our instructor warned us that reading the question stem before the stimulus would prove lethal

One of the first videos I watched on LR was a free Powerscore video, and they encouraged this same method. I just don't understand the justification for it - why wouldn't you go into your first read knowing exactly whether you were supposed to evaluate an argument or not?

I think it depends the person. I am a stem first person, and I average roughly -1 per LR currently. I think it allows me to focus a lot better. I think it also saves a ton of time on certain question types... role of argument, main conclusion, etc. That's probably because I feel like main conclusion questions are disproportionately the argument structure where they set out to prove the opposite of something people suppose or think... which are really easy to identify the conclusion of.

[blackmamba8]

Currently following the LSAT trainer. Not feeling too comfortable with the concept of reading the question stem before reading the stimulus. Anyone have any input on this?

It's a great strategy, imo. When you read the stem first you know what to look for when you read the stimulus.

I concur. There's a debate about this in the December thread rn. I think it all comes down to how well you can contain the stimulus before and while reading the stem. I have difficulty with this so it helps me to see the question first and know what I'm looking for as you said.

Same for me. When I would do stimulus first I always ended up having to read through it again a second time after reading the stem because I couldn't remember enough. With stem first I typically only have to read through once which saves me some time. Harveybirdman, there isn't really a right or wrong answer. Try both out and see which one works better for you.

I took a study course with Testmasters over the summer and our instructor warned us that reading the question stem before the stimulus would prove lethal. I've practiced a few questions reading question stem before reading stimulus and have seen more accuracy. Thanks everyone I also don't have to read the stimulus two times!

Glad it's working out for you! That's weird that they would be so against stem first though. I understand advocating for one or the other but going as far as saying "reading the stem first is lethal" seems strange to me. Did your instructor give an explanation?

[CMac86]

Just registered (Feb test) and booked a hotel room for the night before. I feel like I could bounce off the walls. I'm not concerned about being able to fall asleep in a hotel since I travel a bit for work (I bring my own pillow), but I'm hoping that the excitement doesn't keep me awake.

Anyone else taking the test in Rhode Island?

As far as stim vs stem first, I read stem first for LR. I think I first read about it in the LSAT Trainer. I feel like it is easier to focus on what I am trying to find/do when I know what I'm looking for ahead of time.

[Walliums]

I took a study course with Testmasters over the summer and our instructor warned us that reading the question stem before the stimulus would prove lethal

One of the first videos I watched on LR was a free Powerscore video, and they encouraged this same method. I just don't understand the justification for it - why wouldn't you go into your first read knowing exactly whether you were supposed to evaluate an argument or not?

I think it depends the person. I am a stem first person, and I average roughly -1 per LR currently. I think it allows me to focus a lot better. I think it also saves a ton of time on certain question types... role of argument, main conclusion, etc. That's probably because I feel like main conclusion questions are disproportionately the argument structure where they set out to prove the opposite of something people suppose or think... which are really easy to identify the conclusion of.

I'm a stem person as well for largely the same reasons you articulate -- I just cannot imagine how it would be "lethal" to read the stem first? That's what I haven't heard a proper justification for.

[lgsb2014]

I took a study course with Testmasters over the summer and our instructor warned us that reading the question stem before the stimulus would prove lethal

One of the first videos I watched on LR was a free Powerscore video, and they encouraged this same method. I just don't understand the justification for it - why wouldn't you go into your first read knowing exactly whether you were supposed to evaluate an argument or not?

I think it depends the person. I am a stem first person, and I average roughly -1 per LR currently. I think it allows me to focus a lot better. I think it also saves a ton of time on certain question types... role of argument, main conclusion, etc. That's probably because I feel like main conclusion questions are disproportionately the argument structure where they set out to prove the opposite of something people suppose or think... which are really easy to identify the conclusion of.

I'm a stem person as well for largely the same reasons you articulate -- I just cannot imagine how it would be "lethal" to read the stem first? That's what I haven't heard a proper justification for.

My instructor told us if we read stem first, we would not understand stim properly, causing us to re-read stem and stim = more time wasted per question. Lol.

[Walliums]

My instructor told us if we read stem first, we would not understand stim properly, causing us to re-read stem and stim = more time wasted per question. Lol.

What in the what?? They should put that flawed argument on the LSAT

[PrezRand]

I hate weaken questions. Out of the 3 LR types that I have drilled so far (MBT/MSS, Main Point, and Weaken), weaken questions are easily the hardest for me

[34iplaw]

I hate weaken questions. Out of the 3 LR types that I have drilled so far (MBT/MSS, Main Point, and Weaken), weaken questions are easily the hardest for me

Well, there's a lot of them, so there's lot of room to improve your score TBH, I think a lot of question types become easier if/when you properly drilled flawed methods of reasoning. I really think those are the most valuable LR questions. To drill properly, try to understand what wrong answers would actually entail.

I think those questions really expose the bones of the LSAT... or, at least, that question type is where I started making gains in LR.

[LegallyBlackJD]

Hey guys!

So I have a question. Is anyone here planning to take the February 2017 LSAT to apply for the Fall 2017? Is doing this even worth it considering if someone's planning to apply for the t-14/top 25? I know some of them won't even accept February LSAT's but I wonder if for those that do if it'll even be worth it to do it?

I'm scheduled to take the December LSAT in a couple of days but I haven't really been able to study much given the heavy course load this semester + work. So I was thinking about taking the February one instead but not sure if is even worth it considering I'll like to enter a Top 25 Law School and I've read that it is definitely not recommended to do so with a Feb LSAT. Ohh and skipping a year and applying for 2018 is definitely not an option for me.

So what would you guys recommend, take the December LSAT even though I'm not close to 100% ready for it but at least I can give it a shot to apply to the school's that I'm interested in and possibly do well, or take the February LSAT which I would have more time to study and be at my 100% which would definitely result in a higher score than the December test BUT will also result in me being in a huge disadvantage applying that late and I would also not even be able to apply to some of the top 25, and therefore not sure if is even worth considering.

I will appreciate any advice you guys can give. Thanks.

Hey there! I am in a similar scenario. I sat for the Sept 2016. I am retaking in Feb 17, but I am looking to enter LS in Fall 17 as well. I'm going to apply with my Sept score to schools whose deadlines are before March (which is when I would most likely get my Feb score back). I read on some blogs (think it was Spivey Consulting) how last year - Harvard decided to accept Feb LSAT scores because they weren't too crazy about the applicant pool. Fingers crossed that this happens again! I just figured I'd email these schools who are stingy about the LSAT and ask them if the rule is malleable because the worst thing they could say is UM, NO!! Anyways, if you find out anything - please PM me. Best of luck!

Well, for the record we would never say something like that publicly even if it were true -- and we certainly didn't hear anything like that! Schools will almost always make room for strong candidates, though, it is something I have seen in 17 years of doing that with very little exceptions. I hope this helps looking forward to this cycle!

Good thing I said "think it was SC" and not "positively 100% sure it was SC." Lol! If anyone is interested in reading about Harvard adjusting their stance on February LSAT for last cycle specifically, it is available via Google. Sorry for any confusion!

[PrezRand]

I hate weaken questions. Out of the 3 LR types that I have drilled so far (MBT/MSS, Main Point, and Weaken), weaken questions are easily the hardest for me

Well, there's a lot of them, so there's lot of room to improve your score TBH, I think a lot of question types become easier if/when you properly drilled flawed methods of reasoning. I really think those are the most valuable LR questions. To drill properly, try to understand what wrong answers would actually entail.

I think those questions really expose the bones of the LSAT... or, at least, that question type is where I started making gains in LR.

Hmm. I was going in order of what questions were tackled first in the powerscore book. Maybe I will do flaw in reasoning next.

[34iplaw]

I hate weaken questions. Out of the 3 LR types that I have drilled so far (MBT/MSS, Main Point, and Weaken), weaken questions are easily the hardest for me

Well, there's a lot of them, so there's lot of room to improve your score TBH, I think a lot of question types become easier if/when you properly drilled flawed methods of reasoning. I really think those are the most valuable LR questions. To drill properly, try to understand what wrong answers would actually entail.

I think those questions really expose the bones of the LSAT... or, at least, that question type is where I started making gains in LR.

Hmm. I was going in order of what questions were tackled first in the powerscore book. Maybe I will do flaw in reasoning next.

I'd probably stick to their method, but it may not be that far down the line. There are the flawed methods and methods of reasoning... I should have expanded to say that I think both those sections are what really improved my understanding of LR...as those questions are basically asking you to read through to the abstract logic.

[GurleyGurleyGone]

Quick question for you LSATers. How many of you plan on applying this current cycle to attend school in the fall? Do you plan on applying to schools before you get you sit for the LSAT?

[airwrecka]

So last night I decided to have a beer right before I sat down and did a LG section, and it was probably the best games section I've ever completed! -0 and 5 minutes to spare...maybe I should take a shot before the test in Feb?

Quick question for you LSATers. How many of you plan on applying this current cycle to attend school in the fall? Do you plan on applying to schools before you get you sit for the LSAT?

I've already sent in all my applications for this cycle (to attend upcoming fall) and actually only decided to retake the LSAT after my apps were all complete. I'm just retaking to boost my chances of scholarships more than admittance. Although, if I manage to boost my score a lot, that might give me a much higher chance at Harvard and Stanford so hopefully they don't ding me before the new score comes out

[AvatarMeelo]

I sat down today after work and did an entire test untimed in one sitting for the first time. Needless to say, super unhappy with my score (157). Only good thing was that I got -1 on LG which on further review was an insanely stupid mistake. But this was also the second time I've actually ever touched full sections, so at the same time, I'm not terribly surprised. More important than anything, stamina was a reaallll struggle. I work full time as a paralegal so studying after work has definitely been tough given that after a day of reading depositions, drafting affidavits, and doing a crazy amount of work for all the cases, I have no desire to read more words. Concentrating was very, very difficult with the words sometimes blurring in front of me. I'm taking a timed LSAT tomorrow morning at a test prep center to also have a timed diagnostic score as well. Planning on reviewing everything I got wrong tonight and everything I will inevitably get wrong tomorrow together in one sitting sometime tomorrow. Finished the Trainer yesterday, but it was only a read through without doing any of the tests, so I'll be starting my second read through with all the drills in mind.

Any one else working full time out here finding it tough to study after hours?

[CMac86]

Any one else working full time out here finding it tough to study after hours?

Yes. I work a schedule that varies quite a bit week to week (military musician) and I'm finishing up my undergraduate degree via distance education taking six credit hours at a time. So far, I have found it to be easier to get an hour or two of LSAT studying in shortly after waking up, 45-60mins over lunch, and then mostly drill question types after I finish whatever coursework I need to get done after work. The other component that seems to help is to remember to take breaks. I tend to watch episodes on Hulu/Netflix for breaks.

[Rigo]

This thread will be more active after today.

[maybeman]

.. and we still have no OP

[potus]

Hello darkness, my old friend.

[Law2020hopeful]

Checking in because I somehow thought it was a good idea to eat a huge breakfast (bagel, 2 bananas, 2 Greek yogurts) /'d a venti coffee (which I never drink) and a coke to get a mix of good nutrients and caffeine. Well it backfired because I got sick before check in even started.

Anyway. I'm hoping when my score comes back it's somewhere I'm happy enough with but I'm all registered for February with you guys!

[Reeferside]

I'm ready for the Feb but I'll probably cancel if how I feel about today is somewhat accurate