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Do Schools Frown on Test Prep?

Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:57 am
by mandolin
Since the test is learnable and can be mastered with enough time and practice, do schools frown on intensive test prep? Would they see a student that prepared for the test by taking numerous PTs and practice sessions as having an artificially high score? I have a huge gap in my LSAT scores, so I'm looking at having to write an addendum explaining why my score jumped 11 points. Would it hurt me to mention in the addendum that I was better prepared for the test? My 11 point jump is from working through the Powerscore bibles, taking 7 PTs, and being on a normal sleeping schedule(I worked graveyard the first time I took the LSAT.)
I guess my question is, would you want schools to know that you studied as much as you did to get your score?
EDIT:Title

Re: Do Schools Frown on Test Prep?

Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:05 am
by SchopenhauerFTW
I think they would be okay with seeing that you actually took the initiative to master the test.

Re: Do Schools Frown on Test Prep?

Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:07 am
by glucose101
I think that schools assume that (smart) people prep for the exam. No need for an addendum--I mean, you obviously prepped more intensely.

As much as I'd personally want the schools to know how religiously I prepared for the exam, nothing's going to be a clearer result than the score. Plain and simple.

Re: Do Schools Frown on Test Prep?

Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:20 am
by glewz
You'll be fine - you don't necessarily need to specify "Powerscore Bibles," but I think mentioning that you self-studied and had the change in work scenario is sufficient to explain your +11. Congrats btw.

Re: Do Schools Frown on Test Prep?

Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 4:22 am
by bp shinners
Yea, I'd focus more on the shift in work schedule to explain the large increase in score. But it won't be looked down upon at all.

Re: Do Schools Frown on Test Prep?

Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 4:31 am
by Eugenie Danglars
I had three LSATs- 157, 164, 172, and I used this addendum:
Although I studied diligently before the June and October 200x LSAT administrations, I focused mainly on repetitious drilling. In preparing for the October 200x administration, I began to analyze my weaknesses and shore up trouble spots instead of repeating these same mistakes over and over again. Preparing in this way allowed me to improve greatly over the four months in which I studied until I reached a practice test average of 172. With these factors in mind, please consider my October 200x score as the most indicative of my potential and abilities.