[blindlaw] Tackling logic games with Excel

[Michael Nowicki]

Dear list members,

 

I hope this message finds you all well.  I'm sure many of you have taken the
LSAT, and if you have done so recently, you probably remember that it
contains one scored logic games section consisting of four games in which
the testtaker must sequence, match, distribute, and/or select entities.
This section is more challenging than other parts of the test because the
key to mastering it lies in drawing a sketch that effectively organizes the
players in the game.  Fortunately, LSAC will allow me to use Excel for this
task, which, in my opinion, is the best strategy for attacking games.  While
working with specific game types, however, I have encountered a major
obstacle that I have not been able to overcome thus far.

 

Specifically, I am having trouble setting up hybrid games:  games which
include multiple actions.  For example, one type of game asks you to first
distribute entities into groups and then to sequence the elements in each
group in some way.  The problem that I am facing is that I am unable to
incorporate multiple actions into a single sketch, a task sighted people can
easily perform, because of the limitations of Excel spreadsheets.
Consequently, I have tried to use separate sketches for each action, but
this approach is too time-consuming for a tightly-timed standardized test
like the LSAT, even with extended time.  Upon realizing this, I reached out
to the Kaplan instructor teaching the class in which I am enrolled, but he
doesn't have any ideas.  Likewise, Kaplan's ADA administrator, the person
providing accommodations to Kaplan students, has no suggestions as to how I
could adapt the Kaplan method to Excel because as far as he knows, no other
Kaplan student was ever granted the use of Excel by LSAC; indeed, this is a
very recent phenomenon.  Finally, I contacted local blindness organizations
for assistance, but none of them was able to help.

 

That being said, I would be extremely greatful if anyone on this list would
be willing to help me overcome this major obstacle.  I know that there are
blind people who received high LSAT scores with the help of Excel, so if any
of you are on this list, please contact me either on or off list.  Also, if
any of you happen to know someone who falls into this category, please put
me in touch with that person as soon as possible.  Thank you in advance for
your help.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michal Nowicki