After my 2012-13 cycle, here's my retake/reapply plan

[Username123]

I took the LSAT twice in 2012 and subsequently applied to about 20 schools. I wasn't happy with how things were turning out in regards to my application cycle so I reconsidered going to law school ASAP. Instead, after finding employment at a V50 firm, I have decided to retake next June/October 2014 and apply during the 2014-2015 cycle.

My last bout with the LSAT was an unprepared and unsuccessful one. I definitely didn't give myself the adequate amount of time to study correctly and efficiently. I used the LGB and LRB and took maybe 8 PTs.

This time around, I plan on beginning my studies sometime in the next month in preparation for next June. I understand it's a long process so I'm trying to plan it accordingly. I have the Manhattan 3 book series 3rd edition, and plan to also use Velocity LG to perfect what is already my strongest section. For the first couple months, I will be dedicating myself to the techniques these guides offer and will be drilling accordingly using these books listed and possibly the Cambridge books which are assorted by question type. After a few months of that, I plan to continue my relentless drilling and also begin to incorporate PTs once a week with a follow up detailed overview and analysis of all the PT questions. The last two-three months, I will dedicate all my studying to PTs; however, if I notice that a certain question type is hiving me issues, I will go back and drill it and review it in the appropriaye prep book.

I hope to take all the PTs and drill every question ever on the LSAT more than once. With just a couple weeks of studying in 2012, I scored a 156, but I know I am able to score around 170, as I scored above 165 a year ago on PTs with minimal study and I'm going to work my ass off for over a year to do so.

If you all have any advice as to my study regimen, please feel free to chime in. I'm willing to change it up or incorporate different methods/study aids if it will increase my ability to score in the 99th percentile. I know my plan is over a year long, but I want to make this year of studying pay off for the rest of my life. And just so you all know, I work about 60 hours a week, so I'm not able to study full time. That's also another reason why I'm beginning extremely early.

Thank you all very much! Looking forward to the advice!

[Username123]

Also, if anyone can direct me to a solid year-long study plan, that would be great. I checked out LSAT Blog and saw that the longest plan was half the time I'm hoping to commit to - I should add that the plans that are offered through LSAT Blog are great and could be useful some months down the road.

Again, thanks a bunch everyone.

[senioritis13]

I'm also retaking, but I would never dream of an entire year of cramming. In all honesty, if you study effectively, you should be ready for this October's test.

I don't think there are year-long study schedules out there because I don't think you can really stretch the material out to last that long. There are only so many practice tests and so many books you can go through. I would say instead, make yourself a 5-month study plan that incorporates about 30-40 practice tests and significant time drilling and you should be fine. If you're really worried, maybe plan for December (but even that seems like overkill). Not to discourage you, but why stretch the material out for 12 months if you can get through the same about in 4 or 5?

[LSAT Blog]

I'd suggest that you use the 7-month day-by-day study plan and stretch it out a bit. If you like, you can also modify your work to include additional PrepTests (the oldest ones).

For all of my schedules, the level of specificity is far more important than the particular day-by-day breakdown.

[lawschoolmamba]

OP: I'm in the same boat. Not happy with my how my 2012-13 cycled turned out as well and have already used up 2 of my LSAT passes, so I've got one left. I'm signed up for June, but unless I'm 110% ready, I'll happily (well not really happily) postpone to October. I've been studying since 2011 and would like to get into a top 10 school. Good luck to you!

PS I'm not a troll, seeing as this might appear to be my first post. I actually have a different username that is identical to the e-mail address I put down in my applications, so I changed it for fear of being ID'ed by possible admissions trolls haha

[KD35]

Try Noodley's retake guide...heard good things about it. It does say for people already scoring decent, but it should be helpful for you who has PT'ed before at 165.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=195603

[drive4showLSAT4dough]

Sounds like you have a very good plan and the dedication to put the plan to action. LSATBlog's study plan is helpful as well. Here are my two cents:
(1) Learn the skills first. Don't worry about time. You need to have the skills to answer every question correctly (with unlimited time) before you worry about getting every question right under timed constraints.
(2) Once you've accomplished (1), then focus on applying your skills effectively. Timed practice will help you see shortcuts once you've mastered the skills.
(3) As a former college athlete as well, I approached the LSAT competitively. Expect to answer every question right. Force yourself to review every question you get wrong. Its the same as 6am weight-room, two-a-days, etc. Expect to beat the test and you will.

For what its worth, I made the jump from 156 to 169 while working full time.