4 ms·

The test pretty much only tests: 1. Raw reading skill 2. Precision 3. Working memory. (Less of this now that LG are gone) You've got #1 and #2 covered it so

by graeme 1y ago

The test pretty much only tests: 1. Raw reading skill 2. Precision 3. Working memory. (Less of this now that LG are gone) You've got #1 and #2 covered it sounds like, and presuming you're a programming you're likely also top 10% in working memory, bare minimum. There's lots of specific stuff you can teach that helps bridge deficits in those three skills, but they're serious bottlenecks if you don't come into LSAT studying already having them. A lot of people read poorly, aren't precise, and get easily distracted/have low working memory. Including college graduates.

graham2000 1y ago
I think the LSAT has lots of overlap, skills-wise, with programming. My undergrad math classes were way more helpful than my political science classes for LSAT prep. But I think the relevant skills are actually (1) pattern recognition; and (when logic games were still a thing) (2) being able to follow rules methodically one-by-one. A good memory can help on the reading section for sure. But a lot of students get tripped up trying to memorize all the details of long passages, when they should actually zoom out a little more so they can get the gist of the passage, and then use that bigger picture understanding to contextualize the details.
- graeme 1y ago
  Oh to be clear I meant working memory. As in, if you have a rough idea of the passage in your head, and then you read a question, can you keep that rough idea of the passage in your head while doing the question or does it fall out of your working memory because you haven't got space for both. Most people have space for 5-7 items at once. So if you're on a the lower end, you need to put more work in specific strategies to optimize. If you have a higher end working memory you can just read and solve and not think of it.

4 ms·

The test pretty much only tests: 1. Raw reading skill 2. Precision 3. Working memory. (Less of this now that LG are gone) You've got #1 and #2 covered it so

by graeme 1y ago

graham2000 1y ago
I think the LSAT has lots of overlap, skills-wise, with programming. My undergrad math classes were way more helpful than my political science classes for LSAT prep. But I think the relevant skills are actually (1) pattern recognition; and (when logic games were still a thing) (2) being able to follow rules methodically one-by-one. A good memory can help on the reading section for sure. But a lot of students get tripped up trying to memorize all the details of long passages, when they should actually zoom out a little more so they can get the gist of the passage, and then use that bigger picture understanding to contextualize the details.
- graeme 1y ago
  Oh to be clear I meant working memory. As in, if you have a rough idea of the passage in your head, and then you read a question, can you keep that rough idea of the passage in your head while doing the question or does it fall out of your working memory because you haven't got space for both. Most people have space for 5-7 items at once. So if you're on a the lower end, you need to put more work in specific strategies to optimize. If you have a higher end working memory you can just read and solve and not think of it.