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I took a practice LSAT exam around 6 months ago and got 165ish. At the time it was more for fun than anything. It was not timed. I decided to try to raise my score into the 170s...so I've been practicing...and now my score has dropped to the 155ish level. ( I have yet to take a full LSAT test...so that's based more on percentages..and averages and stuff)

It's just back then I knew I was using inductive reasoning to get most of the answers right...I could just "tell" what was logical so I just went with my gut. But, in order to improve, I have been concentrating on the flaws of my inductive logic and now I don't trust my gut because I'm never sure if my "telling" is right(because it isn't in at least 15% of the cases).

So is this normal? Is an initial drop in scores when you first try to delve into the world of LSAT preparation to be expected? Will I be able to get back to the 165 level...and go on to 170 level?

I'm seriously going out of my mind here. Why the hell is studying for the test proving to be doing more harm than good?

(Same book...constant variables...the only variable variable is the way I'm approaching the test now..)

* The good news is now I understand why the 15% of the time my "gut" said something it was wrong. I can go back and see why what I thought was the right answer was wrong. Before my "gut" would not be able to understand why it was wrong...and now I can in 99% of the cases. So I'm learning why I was wrong to assume some things before...but now it's like I have to learn why I was right to assume some things as well...

I really hope this is just some sort of mental block or something.

xisnotx wrote:I took a practice LSAT exam around 6 months ago and got 165ish. At the time it was more for fun than anything. It was not timed. I decided to try to raise my score into the 170s...so I've been practicing...and now my score has dropped to the 155ish level. ( I have yet to take a full LSAT test...so that's based more on percentages..and averages and stuff)

It's just back then I knew I was using inductive reasoning to get most of the answers right...I could just "tell" what was logical so I just went with my gut. But, in order to improve, I have been concentrating on the flaws of my inductive logic and now I don't trust my gut because I'm never sure if my "telling" is right(because it isn't in at least 15% of the cases).

So is this normal? Is an initial drop in scores when you first try to delve into the world of LSAT preparation to be expected? Will I be able to get back to the 165 level...and go on to 170 level?

I'm seriously going out of my mind here. Why the hell is studying for the test proving to be doing more harm than good?

(Same book...constant variables...the only variable variable is the way I'm approaching the test now..)

* The good news is now I understand why the 15% of the time my "gut" said something it was wrong. I can go back and see why what I thought was the right answer was wrong. Before my "gut" would not be able to understand why it was wrong...and now I can in 99% of the cases. So I'm learning why I was wrong to assume some things before...but now it's like I have to learn why I was right to assume some things as well...

I really hope this is just some sort of mental block or something.

Also, to be more helpful, this happened to me on the RC section at first but eventually I got better. Right now you are over thinking and it will take practice until it becomes second nature to you. Good luck.

Edit: these series of edits are because I am using shitty IE instead of Chrome and it bounces up and down as I type.

Take a timed exam condition prep test then come back.

^ the 155ish wasn't timed either.

Perhaps the reason I'm doing worse is because before I was trying to pass an exam..and now I'm just looking to understand. Could such a change cause different scores? And...when it comes right down to it...which mindset will get me to where I want to go? (which is ideally 175ish)..

^ Yeah, I think I'm going to sit down and take a timed one and see exactly where I'm at. Ughh...life sometimes...

Don't analyze yourself until you've taken a timed test in exam conditions. Until then, you're just wasting problems.

Curry wrote:Don't analyze yourself until you've taken a timed test in exam conditions. Until then, you're just wasting problems.

This. Any you don't get to or get wrong you can work through untimes after. Seriously, my very first prep test I didn't get 6 logic games right the whole section and was down to about -4 to -6 by the end (though I bombed the real one ) so don't worry about your diagnostic score other than for a way to direct and observe your improvement.

I agree with the above posters. My study partner was so excited about her 165 and I was too until I found out she was taking timed sections at different times and then adding up the score as if she took it under regular timed conditions. There is a big difference between the two. It's even more accurate if you add an experimental.
Take a PT under timed conditions and go from there.
Good luck

agree with the posters above.

however- it is very common to see a dip in scores when you first start studying- as you are learning the techniques and developing your section strategy. Dont get discouraged. In fact dont worry so much about your scaled scores as your raw score for each section. Track your performance on LR LG and RC and use that to see how you are doing. Depending on the curve your scaled score may vary. However by keeping track of your raw score ( number of questions you get right on the test) you can get a good picture of how you should be scoring on the timed real test. Make sure to take each test in a realistic testing environment. That means there are some outside noises( like a library setting) you will have strict time limits ( figure 33-34 minutes per section) and some extra anxiety. You will have to use a bubble and you dont get any extra time to bubble in- so make sure you are using a scantron as well.

Best bet is to work on individual question types first- then go to timed section work, then full lenght ( 5 section) prep tests. Best of luck! This is a rough endeavor- be prepared for valleys and plateaus and work through them.