LSAT Progress Forum

[msuz]

Never seen the LSAT before, took a PT in July, scored 143 (-16 in LG!). Just finished LGB, took a PT to see how I improved, got a 153 (-5 in LG, and I panicked on the last question because of time and got 4 wrong).

I've started the LRB. I haven't done that many drills yet for LG because I'm focused on finishing the LRB, but I hope to get my overall score to AT LEAST between 163-168. On both PTs I got around -15 on both LR sections and around -11 on RC. I plan on doing 1 timed PT/week, along with drilling LG/LR/RC sections for the rest of the week after I review the PTs and until I finish the LRB. Once I finish the LRB, I plan on brushing up on my techniques and switching to only timed PTs all the time for the 3-4 weeks leading up to October 1st, when I am taking the LSAT.

I know of Pithypikes study guide and other methods, but I need to tailor my studying to my own schedule and time constraints. I also am aware of the importance of reviewing every question, why each answer was wrong/right, etc. How much of an improvement can I expect to see, and how doable is 163-168 by Oct 1st?

Thanks for your advice!

[TMC116]

20 points in 1 month and a half is really hard.

Do Pithypike's study guide for LG. That will help with logic games, which is the most learnable section. If you can just get down to -0 or -1 on that section (with a ton of effort), you should be able to get around a 160+.

Easier said than done.

[loomstate]

My advice would be to study for the Oct test and if you're not in the ballpark you want to be in, just take it in Dec. Taking in Dec might not be ideal, but if it's the difference between a 162 and a 168 or a 165 and a 170 it will def be worth the wait.

EDIT: you might also consider taking it in both Oct and Dec, since the trend seems to be more and more law schools taking the higher LSAT score. Take a look at your target schools and see if they take average LSAT scores etc.

[msuz]

20 points in 1 month and a half is really hard.

I actually only need 10-15, since I got a 153 at the beginning of August

[msuz]

My advice would be to study for the Oct test and if you're not in the ballpark you want to be in, just take it in Dec. Taking in Dec might not be ideal, but if it's the difference between a 162 and a 168 or a 165 and a 170 it will def be worth the wait.

EDIT: you might also consider taking it in both Oct and Dec, since the trend seems to be more and more law schools taking the higher LSAT score. Take a look at your target schools and see if they take average LSAT scores etc.

I also thought about waiting/retaking in December, but dont law schools get more selective as the deadline approaches?

If I took the December LSAT, what is the latest I could apply to law school for Fall 2012?

[richie222]

I think you will see some serious improvement in your scores once you get better at logical reasoning. if you can manage to get -2 to -3 at most on each LR section, you are already in the range of 160 or so if you can consistently get -5 on LG. so you shouldnt be discouraged at all since you havent even gone through the LRB completely yet. although i didnt have a diagnostic score to compare my final score to, I studied hard for only two months and got a 164 in june. i think you should hold off on taking more PT's until you go through all the books (although ive heard powerscore RC is useless, and manhattan RC is a lot better).

[loomstate]

If I took the December LSAT, what is the latest I could apply to law school for Fall 2012?

I dont know what you mean by latest. You should be concerned about getting them "earliest." If you take it in Dec you should have everything in your apps ready to go before you take the LSAT. Then, once you get your scores a few weeks later, you submit your apps right away and you should be fine. I would make sure you get your apps submitted by new years. I believe you can also submit your apps before you take the LSAT (and explain you're taking in Dec) if you wish. I might check into this.

Just note that you might not get exactly the same money, and, possibly, the same acceptances if you apply later. But odds are that your acceptances won't differ in comparison to number twins who submitted late Oct. Bottom line - if you significantly improve on what your LSAT score would have been in Oct, it is worth it apply on time rather than early.