Prep Conditions

[PurpleMustang]

As I prepare for February, I can't help but think that my practice test scores are misleading. I've been scoring 166-169 continuously, with exceptions (most recent being a 174). Essentially, I have been doing this:

- write one section, strictly timed (including bubbling in answer sheet)
- at the end of the section, I take a few minutes (varies) before starting the next one
- I only write four-section tests
- I usually write them in the quiet of my dorm room

(1) How important is it to mock test conditions (i.e., write 3 sections straight, take a bit of a break, write 2 straight)?

(2) Do you recommend doing more than 4-5 sections in a row to increase stamina?

(3) Do you recommend writing in a bunch of different conditions - i.e., loud floor of the library, quiet dorm room, etc.?

I'm just worried about a massive drop on test day because I haven't accounted for actual test conditions, therefore biasing my scores.

[gaud]

(1) Very important. What's the point in taking a PT that isn't realistic?

(2) Not intially, but closer towards testday it isn't a bad idea. I had success with it.

(3) Sure, why not?

[bananashotgun]

1. at the point you are at now i would stick with that format. i'm in a very similar range of scores (167-169 with a few outliers) and just took the test. one thing i noticed was that i was much more focused during the actual test and thus it drained me so much more than the practice tests. so i don't know if your mind wanders a little bit during your PTs like mine did but try your best to break that habit.

2. i dont think it could hurt, i personally didn't do it and while i was fried after the test i felt fine during the test.

3. i practiced primarily in the library's "quiet study room" which was tough because every noise was a distraction. i found it more difficult than the white noise of a loud place. but it's good to mix it up.

[TripTrip]

I think some people don't really know what it's like to take sections back to back when they prep on their own. After 35 minutes of looking at the paper twelve inches from your face, your eyes start to strain. When the proctor said "put your pencils down" at the end of each section, I tried to look up at the proctor. I couldn't get my eyes to focus before the next section started ten seconds later.

My advice: download a free LSAT proctor audio set that you can play on your computer. This forced me to immediately take the next section; I couldn't make excuses like "I have to reset my alarm."