Study Advice

[Student13]

So last week I began studying loosely following Powerscore'so six month self study plan. I am technically mostly through week two within the first weem. I want to take the test on June, so I have a little extra time. When I took the 2007 LSAT I received a 152 so not as high as I'd like, but I think that's okay for a starting score. I'd ultimately like to be between 165 and 170. What's the best technique to approach studying? I ask because I'm not sure studying has been going as well as I'd like. Granted this is the first week, so I have time, but I would like to start well. So my largest concern has been the Logic Games. If I coreectly diagram them I'll do fairly well, but usually there's a couple not laws I end up missing on the diagram. If I remember correctly I got 2/3 correct at the end of chapter 3 in the Logic Games Bible. I have yet to purchase the workbooks and practice problem books. How helpful should those be? Which should I get first? The study plan recommends the latter, but I've also seen the former recommended first.

Also, another thing I noticed is that I feel less comfortable with the logical reasoning after reading that bible through chapter 4. I feel like I may have done worse on the practice questions in those chapters than I did when taking the test. However that could do with trying to implement new strategies.

Last week I was studying 3 hours a day Monday through friday. I'm planning on increasing it to r hours, is that a good idea? I want to study as much as possible without overstudying.

Thanks! I really appreciate your help.

[Adam Tyson]

Sounds to me like you are on a good path, Student13! 3-4 hours a day is a lot, but probably not a recipe for burn-out, especially if you take periodic breaks (at least one full day off every two weeks, and perhaps more since you are on such a long path to the June test).

There are plenty of books you could turn to, but don't forget to look at other options, too. Be on the lookout for some of our seminars, for one thing - we occasionally offer free seminars on a variety of topics, including Logic Games. Check out our blog posts, as well as this forum. For example, there are some video explanations available for the September games, including the now-infamous computer virus game. Have you considered taking a course, like our Advanced LR course, or engaging a tutor for some one-on-one help? And lest you think I am just here to shill our products, please do look at what some of our competitors have to offer, whether online or in person. I think you can find some great resources for help with games if you just do a little googling on the subject.

Don't worry at all about your recent discomfort with some LR problems. I think you've hit the nail on the head, that it is most likely due to trying out new strategies that aren't familiar and comfortable yet. I typically see my students do a little worse on their second practice test, after they have 4 or 5 lessons under their belts, than they did on the first one they took before learning anything in our course. First time through, you go with your gut instincts on most everything, and those instincts are probably pretty good. Then, you start to learn about diagrams and techniques and strategies, and now instead of flying on good instincts you start thinking about stuff, slowing down, second-guessing. Suddenly you wonder if everything is a conditional claim that needs to be diagrammed! Before too long, though, your instincts and your new skill set will start working in harmony, and you'll see the improvements come faster and easier. Just stick with it, pay attention to where you need to improve, and in time you'll get there.

Along the way, we'll be here to help. We'll look forward to seeing more of you soon!

[Student13]

Thanks for your reply! That's good to hear! I'll definitely follow the blog and I have been thinking about taking some of the online courses. They all seem like they'd be very helpful. Thanks for the help!