New Self Study Approach for LRB & LGB 2017

[sayhey180]

Asking for some advice here. I have read both bibles (2017 versions) cover to cover. I started in June and just finished. My question, particularly in regard to the LRB, is what chapters you guys feel are the most important? I am clearly not ready to test in September (I'm b/n 168-170 w/ PT's) and I NEED a general boost in LR. I'm always -2 or -3 and never missing the same type/s of questions. I feel I want to learn the fundamentals well enough not to have to think about them. Anyone in the same boat??? In short, I feel I have hit a wall and would like to most efficiently work through the bibles again without wasting the precious time I have before classes begin again.
Thank you!!!!

[Jonathan Evans]

Hi, Sayhey,

Thanks for joining the forum, and thank you for the excellent question. I would like to start by highlighting the following resource that you might find helpful:

• LSAT Self-Study Site: http://students.powerscore.com/self-study/index.cfm

This page contains several excellent study guides depending on your intended date of taking the test. Consider picking a plan that fits with your time frame and working through the material according to that plan.

You may say, "How can I do that when I've already read the Bibles?"

If you'll forgive me the hypothetical question, I'd like to share one of the most important principles of effective test preparation, that is: systematic and repeated diagnostic review of material, even (or especially) previously-covered material, is one of the most important tools for progress and improvement. In addition, a regimented preparation plan helps to structure work and give benchmarks to achieve.

With respect to your specific question, I like to tell students that I have been doing this since 2006 but still find value in revisiting and reviewing the basics. How do logical inferences work? What is the "Must Be True" task? What are the common flaws and fallacies? Am I 100% on causal reasoning? How does logical negation work? Do I understand thoroughly conditional reasoning? Am I solid on categorical statements, percentages and numbers? What makes an effective prephrase?

This might seem like a broad cross-section, but you have a strong advantage: you're already probably pretty well-versed in many of these subjects, so now with a plan of action, you can direct yourself towards a target test date.

Lastly, don't feel as though you have to "put off" taking the LSAT until you "feel" like you've reached the summit of LSAT preparation. For one, this feeling may prove more elusive than you may expect. Instead, set a date and decide, come-hell-or-high-water, that you're going to prepare for that date and walk in the testing center like you own the place. Expectation of success is important. Avoiding burnout is also important.

If you feel like writing September's LSAT, you might consider that as well as a dry run. LSAT repeater statistics suggest that students improve by an average of 2.8 points the second time they take the test (more information here: https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/help/ls ... istics.cfm). This is of course an average and not a guarantee, but if you're on a regimented preparation plan, you may expect likely to continue to progress. It's an option to consider.

Thanks for the question. Please follow up with more questions or comments.