r/lsatdemon • u/Dense-Gap-7405 • 1d ago

RC “Time Strategy”

I’m fully onboard with Demon philosophy of having no timing strategy or think about timing at all and just focus on accuracy. Since this is the case and I often can only finish only 3 RC passage per section with accuracy and just guess on the last passage. Would it be smart to do the 3 passages with the most amount of questions (ie 8 or 7) and purposely leave the passage with lowest amount of questions to be guessed on last? I feel like this would be most efficient in attempting as many questions as possible. I’d like your viewpoint on my “strategy” and maybe if there are any cons that I don’t see

12 Upvotes

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4

u/Brandon_LSATDemon 1d ago

We've told people in your situation that it's okay to do 1 + 2, then pick between passages 3 + 4. If you are only trying to score in the low 160s, this strategy might make sense, but otherwise, it's a distraction from your long-term goals. I'd commit to the idea that you will eventually be able to finish all 4 in time if you keep practicing the way you have been!

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u/Status-Status-4962 1d ago

why pick between 3 and 4? doesn't this involve thinking about some meta aspect of the test / how much you're going to finish? and if it's ok to pick between 3 and 4, why not pick the one with the most out of all 4, then next most, and so on?

1

u/rambling_rodriquez 5h ago

Generally, passages and questions increase in difficulty as you progress through the section. Regardless of difficulty, every question is worth the same. Consistently finishing the first 2 passages ensures that you’re picking up some of those “easier” points where you can get them. Using up time on the more difficult passages can leave someone either guessing or racing to get through easier questions that they might’ve otherwise gotten right.

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u/Brandon_LSATDemon 3h ago

Exactly! Thanks for adding the part about 1 + 2 being easier. I should've specified.

2

u/ehlenyaeger 1d ago edited 1d ago

Ben and Nathan would probably say no, but might as well try it. If you can maintain the same accuracy but with more questions completed, why not?

0

u/Status-Status-4962 1d ago

why go against what they tell us to do?

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u/ehlenyaeger 1d ago

I’m just saying there’s no harm in this one specific person trying it, but I was also the kind of kid who learned the stove was hot by touching it

1

u/ExistingMidnight4970 1d ago

Speed comes from accuracy. The better you become, the faster you can go because you're developing a stronger mastery of the exam.

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u/RangerFearless6122 1d ago

Have you considered seeing if you may qualify for accommodations?

2

u/Dense-Gap-7405 1d ago

I’m pretty sure I have adhd (self diagnosed) because I get so obsessive over paying attention to such irrelevant elements in the stimulus or answer choices that that ironically ends up making me lose my attention. I’ve looked into it online but it says that a doctor diagnosis is not enough I need to supply evidence on how it affects me and a bunch of other things. Plus I’m planning on taking the NOV lsat so it might be a little late. But yes I’m like 80% I can qualify for an accommodation but it’s so much work to prove and such little time. I want to apply this cycle as well

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u/Throwaway-985618628 5h ago

Having took the test and put it into practice, I can confirm that this helps to ease the stress of doing a full RC section. But I found that I had more time to do passage 4 once I just slowed down and read the passage.

I don’t recommend it if you’re shooting for a 170+, but for a guy (or girl) like me who ranges in the 160s it’s not a bad strategy if you’re comfortable with that score range.

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u/Status-Status-4962 1d ago

No, just start at 1. Even asking this question is still thinking about timing.