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Hi everyone,
I am currently registered to take the September 2014 LSAT. However, perhaps like many of you, I am experiencing second thoughts and thinking about putting it off till December. It is of course a tough decision because I am not sure that the extra time actually means I'll put a lot more into it. I definitely study best under pressure, but with only one month left, I am doubting that I can achieve the 10 points improvement I want.
How did you pick a strategy for yourself? Did you just wait until the practice test showed that elusive 170? I know that I can study pretty much full-time for the next month and most likely will do better than if I give myself a slack of another 2 months, which might just allow my brain to slow down on active prep. Furthermore, applying early is always preferable, as I understand. Thoughts?

Why not just take the September, then if you're unhappy with your score, take the December also?

It seems that most schools really only care about the top score because thats what USNWR counts.

parkcity wrote:Hi everyone,
I am currently registered to take the September 2014 LSAT. However, perhaps like many of you, I am experiencing second thoughts and thinking about putting it off till December. It is of course a tough decision because I am not sure that the extra time actually means I'll put a lot more into it. I definitely study best under pressure, but with only one month left, I am doubting that I can achieve the 10 points improvement I want.
How did you pick a strategy for yourself? Did you just wait until the practice test showed that elusive 170? I know that I can study pretty much full-time for the next month and most likely will do better than if I give myself a slack of another 2 months, which might just allow my brain to slow down on active prep. Furthermore, applying early is always preferable, as I understand. Thoughts?

Its very unlikely you'll raise 10 points in a month. Let me just say that. However, if you struggle horribly at the games, then you may have a shot of raising it like 7 points or perhaps more if you buckle down and drill. If your struggles are with the other two sections, then you wont get the 10 point increase you desire.

However, that doesnt mean you just dont take it. I mean sure, itll save you money, but the ONLY way to simulate test day conditions is to take a test with alllll the pressure. I dont care what anyone says, its impossible to simulate that environment with PT's. So my point is, it wont hurt. It'll only make you more confident for December.

whitespider wrote:Why not just take the September, then if you're unhappy with your score, take the December also?

It seems that most schools really only care about the top score because thats what USNWR counts.

because theyre too far from their target

save retakes for decent shots at acceptable scores

ilikebaseball wrote:
Its very unlikely you'll raise 10 points in a month. Let me just say that. However, if you struggle horribly at the games, then you may have a shot of raising it like 7 points or perhaps more if you buckle down and drill. If your struggles are with the other two sections, then you wont get the 10 point increase you desire.

However, that doesnt mean you just dont take it. I mean sure, itll save you money, but the ONLY way to simulate test day conditions is to take a test with alllll the pressure. I dont care what anyone says, its impossible to simulate that environment with PT's. So my point is, it wont hurt. It'll only make you more confident for December.

Yes, indeed I struggle terribly at LG only. I started out getting almost all the question in the section wrong but still scoring 155+, so I think I may have a chance at 165 if I do OK at the games.

Nova wrote: save retakes for decent shots at acceptable scores

What do you mean? I don't think schools frown down upon retakes.

parkcity wrote:

Nova wrote: save retakes for decent shots at acceptable scores

What do you mean? I don't think schools frown down upon retakes.

You can only take the test three times in any given two year period.

Nova is saying not to waste one of your attempts if you aren't prepared enough to get a competitive score.