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165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 5:07 pm
by illy22
as i expected... RC killed me. -9 and, typically, it's my best section.

had been scoring consistently higher, usually in the 169 - 172 range. i have a 3.8, strong record, experience, etc., and i REALLY want to go top10.
if i re-take october, though, it will be test #3, which just seems psychotic at this point. i think i've also taken every possible practice test in existence. is there a point in going back, or am i better off just pushing forward with what i've got? anyone in a similar position?

grazie.

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 5:10 pm
by bk1
Yes.

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 5:12 pm
by SoPro
Didn't read, but why not?

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 5:41 pm
by wtrc
What did you get on your first take?

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 5:51 pm
by illy22
weathercoins wrote:What did you get on your first take?
160 on my first. bad test/conditions, tho. PTs have been mostly on the 170 side.

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 5:56 pm
by Audio Technica Guy
I'd probably lean towards retaking.

I think the main thing at this point is to just do some problems regularly v. trying to cram a lot in. The main thing that separates 170s from mid 160's is habit. On test day the only thing that comes out are your habits. It's not enough to know how to do a problem, doing it the right way has to be just a pure habit. It's like Mike Tyson always said "everybody has a game plan until they get hit in the mouth." You can go into a test knowing what you're supposed to do, but when the pressure of the test hits, that won't be what you do unless you've made it a habit. The only way to make something a habit is by doing a little bit every day.

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:05 pm
by illy22
Audio Technica Guy wrote:I'd probably lean towards retaking.

You can go into a test knowing what you're supposed to do, but when the pressure of the test hits, that won't be what you do unless you've made it a habit. The only way to make something a habit is by doing a little bit every day.

thanks... this is very true, esp dig the MT quote.

leaning towards a re-take, going to sleep on it first.

did i say sleep? i meant drink heavily. then sleep.

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:42 pm
by BrightLine
Be careful, going up a couple of points each time is expected and does not help a great deal. If you take it a 3rd time, it should only be if you believe you can get a 170. Even so, 160-165-170 may not be a lock to a T13.

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:45 pm
by vissidarte27
I'm in the same spot. 163 in February, 165 in June, and 170+ on every single damn practice test I've taken in the last three months. Logic games killed me this time around, and it's always been my best section on PTs.

Debating about retaking in October. My GPA is less awesome, so I really need a 170+ LSAT if I want to go anywhere in the T14, but I've taken all of the practice tests and I'm just feeling burnt out and tired of the LSAT. I know I have the ability, I'm just not sure why I can't seem to perform on test day.

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:48 pm
by BrightLine
vissidarte27 wrote:I'm in the same spot. 163 in February, 165 in June, and 170+ on every single damn practice test I've taken in the last three months. Logic games killed me this time around, and it's always been my best section on PTs.

Debating about retaking in October. My GPA is less awesome, so I really need a 170+ LSAT if I want to go anywhere in the T14, but I've taken all of the practice tests and I'm just feeling burnt out and tired of the LSAT. I know I have the ability, I'm just not sure why I can't seem to perform on test day.

So really you get the same advice, a 167-8 doesnt buy much. For a 3rd try it has to be a 170 mindset. If you think you can do it, and your PT indicate that you can, then go for it.

Re: 165... retake?

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 10:31 pm
by illy22
thank you all so much. i agree with the premise for retaking---seems worthwhile only if i can give a good shot at 170+. if i am there come september, will probably move forward with it.

but damn, i thought kate chopin and i were friends... turns out she was just using me to set up a wicked curve.