I'm freaking out...please help! Forum

[dave21]

I just came back from overseas and decided to take the Oct 2010 LSAT. I started my prep today--I have 7 weeks till the test. I made it through the 2nd chapter of the Powerscore Games Bible. I feel very overwhelmed right now--is this normal with just starting prep?

And no, I have not taken a diagnostic yet--I took the LSAT previously (over 5 yrs ago) and did miserably...anyhow, I'm a retaker of the exam, but I never actually studied the first time.

Any advice?

[3|ink]

That depends on your goals. What score are you aiming for?

[dave21]

I need a 160+...my GPA is a 3.0

[3|ink]

If you score a 150+ on your first PT, I think it's possible, but worth passing off until December to improve your chances. If you score below that, I'd definitely wait until December.

Take a diag and see where you stand. Finish those bibles ASAP so you can take your first PT and know where you stand.

[dave21]

I agree with you--I want to take my diagnostic after I finish the Bibles...

I just feel so overwhelmed!!!!

[3|ink]

It's okay to feel overwhelmed. Just don't feel rushed.

[glucose101]

Granted I know everyone's schedule and situation is different, but I don't understand why everyone's panicking. If you're being rushed to the point of not reaching your potential/the score you desire, don't take it now. Simple as that.

[Burger in a can]

Granted I know everyone's schedule and situation is different, but I don't understand why everyone's panicking. If you're being rushed to the point of not reaching your potential/the score you desire, don't take it now. Simple as that.

This is correct.

OP, it sounds like you're panicking mostly because of the time constraint you have placed upon yourself. Take a deep breath, relax, and work with the bibles until they start making sense. If that happens tomorrow, great. If it happens in a couple of weeks, that's ok too. Don't let the October test date dictate your stress. Focus on learning the test, and when you feel confident you can think about when the best test administration will be for you. Good luck.

[GoGetIt]

If you score a 150+ on your first PT, I think it's possible, but worth passing off until December to improve your chances. If you score below that, I'd definitely wait until December.

Take a diag and see where you stand. Finish those bibles ASAP so you can take your first PT and know where you stand.

+1.
If you aren't scoring in the range you would like, definately postpone. I think one of the biggest mistakes someone can make is to rush into taking the LSAT. If you don't feel good about where you stand, POSTPONE! Take it when you know your ready.

[Hannibal]

If you score 150+ on your diag, I'd suggest waiting till December regardless since you could probably score 170+

[whymeohgodno]

If you score 150+ on your diag, I'd suggest waiting till December regardless since you could probably score 170+

I don't know if this is the best advice. I scored a 160 cold on my diag, and after 2 months of practice I'm scoring around a 167-168, although I've hit 171 and 174 (twice).

[Burger in a can]

If you score 150+ on your diag, I'd suggest waiting till December regardless since you could probably score 170+

I don't know if this is the best advice. I scored a 160 cold on my diag, and after 2 months of practice I'm scoring around a 167-168, although I've hit 171 and 174 (twice).

This. My diagnostic was 159. My first LSAT, after studying for about 2 months, was 159. My second LSAT, after studying like a maniac for an entire summer, was a 165. (even though I hit high into the 170s during practice tests) Everyone tests differently.

[whymeohgodno]

If you score 150+ on your diag, I'd suggest waiting till December regardless since you could probably score 170+

I don't know if this is the best advice. I scored a 160 cold on my diag, and after 2 months of practice I'm scoring around a 167-168, although I've hit 171 and 174 (twice).

This. My diagnostic was 159. My first LSAT, after studying for about 2 months, was 159. My second LSAT, after studying like a maniac for an entire summer, was a 165. (even though I hit high into the 170s during practice tests) Everyone tests differently.

Well I haven't taken the actual LSAT yet.

Just wondering, why do you think you did so much worse on the real thing than practice tests?

And any advice?

[StrictlyLiable]

If you score 150+ on your diag, I'd suggest waiting till December regardless since you could probably score 170+

I don't know if this is the best advice. I scored a 160 cold on my diag, and after 2 months of practice I'm scoring around a 167-168, although I've hit 171 and 174 (twice).

This. My diagnostic was 159. My first LSAT, after studying for about 2 months, was 159. My second LSAT, after studying like a maniac for an entire summer, was a 165. (even though I hit high into the 170s during practice tests) Everyone tests differently.

Well I haven't taken the actual LSAT yet.

Just wondering, why do you think you did so much worse on the real thing than practice tests?

And any advice?

There was actually an entire thread dedicated to this the other day. The general consensus is that you will go down up to, but not limited to, 5 points. I don't really think that this will be the case for everyone. I believe if you take enough 5 sectioned tests under real conditions you can probably gauge pretty well of where you will really score.

[Patriot1208]

I don't know if this is the best advice. I scored a 160 cold on my diag, and after 2 months of practice I'm scoring around a 167-168, although I've hit 171 and 174 (twice).

This. My diagnostic was 159. My first LSAT, after studying for about 2 months, was 159. My second LSAT, after studying like a maniac for an entire summer, was a 165. (even though I hit high into the 170s during practice tests) Everyone tests differently.

Well I haven't taken the actual LSAT yet.

Just wondering, why do you think you did so much worse on the real thing than practice tests?

And any advice?

There was actually an entire thread dedicated to this the other day. The general consensus is that you will go down up to, but not limited to, 5 points. I don't really think that this will be the case for everyone. I believe if you take enough 5 sectioned tests under real conditions you can probably gauge pretty well of where you will really score.

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... w=viewpoll
Most people who study significantly do about the same or better than their PT average. But a good 1/4 to 1/3 do worse.

[Burger in a can]

Just to clarify, my PT average for LSAT round 2 was 166, ranging from 163 to 178. So I actually didn't do way worse than my average.

I scored lower than I could have because of test day jitters. I took nothing but 5 section tests under real conditions for prep. Some people remain calm, cool and collected during stressful, life-changing events. I, on the other hand, was very nervous. You won't know how it will affect your performance until you do it, so there's no reason to worry about it.

[JJDancer]

Right now don't worry about PT averages and all. I think it might freak you out even more if you take a PT before "studying" at all. The bibles, especially LGB has a LOT of IMPORTANT info you need to digest. It needs time to marinate in your brain as well. Spend a week working thoroughly through the LGB, do those drills/set ups. See if you are "Getting it" for the simple linear games etc etc and move up to more advanced ones. Imho, no point in taking a timed PT now when you KNOW you will need to study and its not like you are just trying to pin point a few problem areas.

Good luck!

[Hannibal]

If you score 150+ on your diag, I'd suggest waiting till December regardless since you could probably score 170+

I don't know if this is the best advice. I scored a 160 cold on my diag, and after 2 months of practice I'm scoring around a 167-168, although I've hit 171 and 174 (twice).

This. My diagnostic was 159. My first LSAT, after studying for about 2 months, was 159. My second LSAT, after studying like a maniac for an entire summer, was a 165. (even though I hit high into the 170s during practice tests) Everyone tests differently.

Eh, I diag'd in the mid 140s and got up to the 170s with one 180 in a couple months. I know a few others that have done the same.

[Burger in a can]

If you score 150+ on your diag, I'd suggest waiting till December regardless since you could probably score 170+

I don't know if this is the best advice. I scored a 160 cold on my diag, and after 2 months of practice I'm scoring around a 167-168, although I've hit 171 and 174 (twice).

This. My diagnostic was 159. My first LSAT, after studying for about 2 months, was 159. My second LSAT, after studying like a maniac for an entire summer, was a 165. (even though I hit high into the 170s during practice tests) Everyone tests differently.

Eh, I diag'd in the mid 140s and got up to the 170s with one 180 in a couple months. I know a few others that have done the same.

[Hannibal]

This. My diagnostic was 159. My first LSAT, after studying for about 2 months, was 159. My second LSAT, after studying like a maniac for an entire summer, was a 165. (even though I hit high into the 170s during practice tests) Everyone tests differently.

Eh, I diag'd in the mid 140s and got up to the 170s with one 180 in a couple months. I know a few others that have done the same.

Yup. Hence the could part of my statement.

In retrospect, "Probably" might not be true. But of course you can't know your ceiling if you don't have enough time to study.