How much is it possible to improve? Forum

[candidate33]

I got a 166 on the October test, but feel like I could have prepared better. I also had major anxiety during the test which was distracting. I haven't taken a single practice test since then and scored a 164 on a practice test tonight. I'm honestly wondering if it will even be possible for me to improve much and if so, what is the best method? Honestly, I don't have time for a gazillion PTs but could realistically hit 20. I'm a full time student and want to keep up a 4.0 this semester. Any advice? Opinions?

[Smumps]

Obviously you are not taking February, so I assume June. That being said, how would you not have significant time to study? That's five months from now.

It's hard to answer your question, considering it was phrased as "Can I improve? I don't plan on working that hard." I mean, yeah, you can score higher. Anyone that can hit a 166 can reach 170+ with the appropriate amount of time invested. Your best bet is to plan your life so that you can take a zillion PT's.

The difference between 166 and 170+ could quite literally alter your entire career/employment prospects. Study.

[candidate33]

Hahah point taken. I did phrase it that way, but I take it back. I can make time. Do you think 2 PTs a week is appropriate until the test? 3? What else should I be doing? There are only four months until the test. I really want to do everything I can to get a good score. I already took a Testmasters course so taking another course is not an option.

[bp shinners]

2 tests, properly reviewed, is probably enough, especially given the long time frame (in fact, that might be a little too much).

You already have the basics down, as is evinced by your 166 (and the course that you took). At this point, it's figuring out the subtleties of the test and applying them in a stressful environment. Make sure you spend a lot of time going over your PTs by breaking them down, figuring out how the test tricked you, and how you can avoid it in the future.

It's hard to make a prediction, but I've definitely seen people add 5+ points from a first test in the mid-160s with enough study.

[romothesavior]

You can probably improve a good 5-8 points if you really study hard and study right. I jumped from 162-168, and there are stories of 10-20 point jumps on TLS. Read Arrow's guide to taking the LSAT, make sure you have lots of study materials (not just PTs), and figure out exactly what it is you are doing wrong. You can definitely improve. It is worth a shot. Every point can make a difference.

[iamrobk]

I only took the LSAT once, but I improved 19 points from my diagnostic to the real thing, and frankly I didn't study anywhere near as much as a lot of hardcore TLS people do.

[candidate33]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm going to read some of the guides on here but generally I think I've been focusing too much on taking PTs (and will run out of recent ones that I haven't already taken if I keep it up) and need to really understand why I am getting certain questions wrong. I'm going to order some of the suggested guides and maybe the power score bibles. I'd really like to hit 170 (obviously) but would even be happy with two points higher. Vanderbilt is my dream school and probably won't accept me this cycle (here's to hoping though!) People on here keep saying it is possible to improve so I'm hopeful! Any other advice/opinions welcome .

[romothesavior]

It is definitely possible, and you are in the right place. TLS is full of great resources for the LSAT. Check out some of the LSAT study guides and threads for advice on how to study and improve. Best of luck, OP. You're making a great decision.

[Tiago Splitter]

I got a 166 on the October test, but feel like I could have prepared better. I also had major anxiety during the test which was distracting. I haven't taken a single practice test since then and scored a 164 on a practice test tonight. I'm honestly wondering if it will even be possible for me to improve much and if so, what is the best method? Honestly, I don't have time for a gazillion PTs but could realistically hit 20. I'm a full time student and want to keep up a 4.0 this semester. Any advice? Opinions?

This is eerie. I scored a 166 on the October 2010 test, didn't look at LSAT materials until the Spring when I decided to retake and scored a 164 on my first Spring PT. Ended up with a 178 in June.

I took a Testmasters class for my retake, FWIW. You should go back and drill the question types you didn't spend enough time with the first time around.

[ColtsFan88]

I went from a 166 to a 177 after studying for 4 months.

[FreeLolita]

I went from a 166 to a 177 after studying for 4 months.

You are a beast! Not even kidding; that's crazy. Good job.

[ColtsFan88]

I went from a 166 to a 177 after studying for 4 months.

You are a beast! Not even kidding; that's crazy. Good job.

Thanks. For real though, large gains are definitely possible with lots of work. I actually went from a 152 to that 166 on my first and second test sittings. The PitheyPike Method was very helpful to keep me on schedule.

[seahawk32]

`1

[JamMasterJ]

10-15 hrs per week for four months took me from 166 to 176. Though my PT average was in the low 170s before the 166

[lizaregina]

Prep class for 2.5 months took me from 153 to 173.