PowerScore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible
A**K
Scored in the 99th percentile with the help of PowerScore
Preparing for the LSAT is a journey. Crushing it on test day requires dedication and effective study techniques. No one tool will fully prepare you to do well. That said, the PowerScore system was the main tool I used in my journey toward the 99th percentile.The PowerScore system essentially consists of 6 books: 3 bibles and 3 workbooks (one of each per LSAT section). The bibles take you through PowerScore's strategies and methods of attacking each section, while the workbooks give you practice questions and sections to hone your skills. For simplicity, I am writing two reviews: 1 that encompasses the 3 bibles and 1 for the workbooks.I began using these books approximately 3 months ahead of test day. I read all 3 bibles cover to cover. The bibles do a nice job of easing you into their system for attacking various question types. You learn strategies for marking up long passages quickly and effectively, picking apart logical reasoning question stems, identifying incorrect answers, and most importantly, drawing logic game (analytical reasoning) diagrams. This last one is crucial; of all the logic games methods I encountered, I believe PowerScore has the best one. Learn their method and you'll be on your way to 0 wrong on the logic games section (which is so important since Reading Comp will always get you).Another nice feature of the bibles is that they provide several quick exercises along the way that help to reinforce the methods they're teaching you. These exercises were a nice alternative to regular LSAT questions.Although I recommend getting all three bibles, I would rank them in the following order from most to least crucial: Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comp. Here's why:1) Logic Games: As I mentioned, I'm a big fan of their approach for drawing game diagrams. Since the logic games section is the most abstract, you'll want to give yourself ample time to learn and practice your approach. Start with this book.2) Logical Reasoning: They do a great job addressing all the different question types that can appear in the LR section. This book is really important as well. It just falls behind Logic Games because it's not as abstract.3) Reading Comp: In my opinion, practice practice practice is a much more effective method of preparing for reading comp (as opposed to spending a lot of time learning a specific method). You'll want to practice reading really quickly while still retaining key points. That being said, this bible will help you with strategies for how to mark up the text to quickly go back to those key points. However, if you're strapped for cash, your money might be better spent toward a subscription to the Economist (their articles provide good practice for the types of passages you'll encounter on the LSAT, and this will help when you run out of real LSAT passages).
M**A
Best LSAT Prep
The Powerscore Bibles are the best LSAT prep books out there. If you don't believe me, do a little more research. I read this over and over again before deciding to purchase all three Bibles myself, and after taking the LSAT, I agree that they are excellent. Using nothing but Prep Tests and Powerscore books, I scored in the top 1% on the LSAT. LSAT prep classes are not designed to help you score above 170, and all of the ones that I looked at did not leave sufficient time between the beginning of class and the LSAT. If you can develop your own rigid study schedule and stick to it religiously, then the Powerscore LSAT Bibles are for you. I was able to locate a sample study schedule on the Powerscore website and adapt it to my needs. I also recommend the Powerscore training books, a couple of Powerscore LSAT Deconstructed Series, and lots of official Prep Tests including the most recent ones from LSAC. I purchased the Powerscore Workbooks but did not use them. They may help you if you feel you need additional practice on the concepts covered in the Bibles. My advice is study a minimum 20 hours per week for 3 months, more if you can stand it. You will save a lot of money over taking a class too.
D**N
Must have LSAT prep
This was a good resource that really let me get a handle on what the test makers were looking for when they were designing questions. You do get a different perspective than if you were to just take the tests on your own. I didn't use any other products to study for the test except for the PowerScore books (and actual tests), so I can't comment on it's effectiveness compared to other methods. I do believe that I wouldn't have scored as high had I not read the set of PowerScore books.The practice tests were by far the most helpful part of my LSAT prep. There was no substitute for practicing on real tests, where you can time yourself, practice the endurance of a complete test, etc. If you are serious about getting a good score on the LSAT, you are going to need to take at least 20 of these bad boys. Definitely focus on the latest tests for the best idea of what to expect on your test day.
P**W
Great Book that teaches you the basics to master the LSAT
my order arrived in 5 days and i was glad to get started on the LSAT, i have all 3 books from PowerScore and im learning the basics first. i highly recommend to get the all 3 prep books and learn the basics and then start timing yourself with actual LSAT Prep test. Well since i work full time i can only dedicate about 10 hours a week for my preparation for the June 2011 exam. This book will help you learn how to answer the different types of questions, but in order to do well on the LSAT you must practice, practice and practice. I also advise you when you are working on the sample test from powerscore books not to rush and take your time to really understand what the questions are asking and try to answer them with the best of your abilities. As you master the basics then time yourself. In addition if you can start from chapter one again on this book to the end will give you more confidence. This logical section of the LSAT is 50 questions, so if you can get as much of logical reasoning questions right, and not kill yourself to learn the logic games. Also i dont have the time and money to spend on expensive prep classes when i can learn the simple basics from powerscore books and take it from there. So dont waste your money on those prep courses unless you think you cant do better after completing these books.
A**N
Good Enough
It didn't really help my score on the Logical Reasoning portion of the exam much. However, if you really need a guide to help you on this portion of the exam, then I don't see there being much better guides out there. If you are struggling even after studying this, I would suggest taking lots of practice tests, and going through your wrong answers and understanding exactly why you made your mistakes. I found practice exams to probably be more useful than this. I did good but not great on the LSAT.
Z**V
Very Clear and Useful
True to the subject matter, the explanations are set out in a very logical and coherent manner and point out the pitfalls to avoid and the way into which to tackle these types of questions. Lots of test questions and examples to practice along the way. Very useful.
T**S
Great help for test-takers
Listened to the author's podcast and their knowledge and teaching ability convinced me to get this book. Definately worth it if you want to up your score on the largest part of the test.
D**D
Great
Helped me get into law school
A**R
Five Stars
Very helpful
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