Just Bombed my third PT - FML

[Anaconda]

Got a 157 on PT 20. My diagnostic was a 152. I got a 161 on my 2nd preptest just 2 weeks ago. Some of you might be following my study diary, but after putting in this much time and effort the last two months, this is pretty devastating.

I got a -10 on LR 1, -10 on RC, -4 on LG and -8 on LR2. This comes after reading the LRB and LGB.

I actually regressed on every single section on this PT (LR from -15 to -18, LG from -2 to -4, RC from -7 to -10). I'm pretty sure I missed a lot of easy LR questions too.

I don't know the hell happened. I actually felt pretty good when taking it, though I did a lot better than my 161 test. Anyone have any advice?

[iwanta170]

Usually the answer is that you just had a bad day or you are burned out and need to take a day or two off

[3|ink]

Four points isn't much of a variation. Just because you scored a 161 once doesn't mean you'll never score below a 160 again.

It seems a bit premature for you to be doing full-length tests if that's how you're doing on the sections. I think you should be doing individual sections and then reviewing them for mistakes.

[gdane]

Relax son. We still have 2 months and a week. Roughly. Youre in a great position! If you keep going with your prep, you'll steadily increase your score. Based off of where you are and where you've been according to your diary, I have full confidence that you'll score at least a 165 on the real LSAT.

[Lonagan]

Go get some fresh air and it will be better tomorrow.

[itsfine]

Yeah man, its a dog fight studying for that lsat. Last prep test, he landed a jab, you cant start crying now, get back in there and start swinging. dont panic, stick to your game plan.

[rklafehn]

I would:

- Review each section in the LRB and LGB
- Buy Kaplan's Mastery book and do corresponding problems when I reviewed them in the bibles
- Buy Kaplan's Pacing book to take individual sections instead of entire tests
- Review all my mistakes in the Pacing book
- Move onto real tests when I became more comfortable with the test

Note: Make sure you can do all the PTs from 40 on up before the test; they are not only better indicator than the earlier ones of what your performance will be like on gameday, they also prepare you more for the actual test!

[gdane]

Yeah man, its a dog fight studying for that lsat. Last prep test, he landed a jab, you cant start crying now, get back in there and start swinging. dont panic, stick to your game plan.

Terrible analogy overall. Just terrible...

[HOV]

just keep at it.

[toolfan]

I know it's very stressful. I was in your shoes on more than one occasion - hit 164 then went back down to 159. It sucks. But rest assured that it was only your third PT, and that you are likely to take many more (you should be aiming for at least 10). I'm more than positive that you will show a positive trend when it is all said and done. And bad days happen, it's just how it goes. Bad day? Yes. Disappointed in the score? Yes - though most would be fine with it . Opportunity to learn from your mistakes? Absolutely.

[NaturalLawyer]

There are so many factors that could have lowered your score on that particular practice test that I wouldn't worry about it.

Take 2 days off -- watch an inspirational movie or two.

I recommend Rudy.

You'll be fine.

[TommyK]

Also a 152 to a 157 is nothing to scoff at. It's only five points, it's roughly the 55th percentile to the 70th percentile if I remember correctly. I know it's not your goal, but it's major progress. You will see your scores bounce up and down, but the overall trend line will be positive. Just keep working on it. Make sure you're checking your answers - both right and wrong. Look for patterns. Everytime you fuck up now and learn from it means you won't fuck up that exact way next time.

Good luck, buddy.

[stargazin]

Exactly, it's nothing to worry about. My PTs are all over the place (even 10 points variation at times) and I've taken about 8 of them already. The LG sections are especially unpredictable for me. So yeah, don't worry about a couple points of normal variation. Did you go through the LSAT SuperPrep book yet? I found the answer explanations for the LG and LR sections SO HELPFUL, because you really get an idea into the thought process of the LSAT makers and how they approach a problem.

[20121109]

Just to reiterate what everyone is saying...you're awesome. Keep working. You'll reach your target score and this test is just an anomaly.

Good luck

[pattymac]

158 to a 153 on my last two....feel your pain but keep your head up! I've hit 161 too. As long as I'm over 160 for like two or three weeks before the test...I'll be happy .

[094320]

..

[StrictlyLiable]

Variation is normal. I got my lowest PT a week before the real LSAT. Chill you'll be fine!

How did that work out for you though?

[yzero1]

It's definitely discouraging to see a score decrease after your hard work. But don't let it demotivate you. Perhaps this is a good opportunity for you to thoroughly review your mistakes - find out what's really troubling you on these timed tests.

If it makes you feel any better, I bombed PT 20 as well. This was after my month-long PR course. I scored a 163 after scoring 168-171 on the previous 4 tests. After that, I took a 3 week hiatus from the LSAT and started to work again, scoring higher than ever.

Don't give up!

[094320]

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[Barbie]

don't worry!!! i took 4 PT before I took the real thing and got a 154 diag, 156, 158ish, and 163 (not in that order). Got a 163 on the real thing. Not too good, but I hit my highest PT score ever, and I didn't even do any real prep. How are you at taking tests? The real thing brought the best out of me, because I had a very serious mindset that I don't get when I take PTs. I assume there has to be a lot of people that do the same.

[094320]

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[TommyK]

This thread is becoming disturbingly supportive.

[StrictlyLiable]

This thread is becoming disturbingly supportive.

Haha agreed.

[094320]

..

[itsfine]

Yeah man, its a dog fight studying for that lsat. Last prep test, he landed a jab, you cant start crying now, get back in there and start swinging. dont panic, stick to your game plan.

Terrible analogy overall. Just terrible...

lolzzlolzzz