Where to go from here? Forum

[JoeC12]

Looking for some advice on where to go from here in preparation for the October LSAT.

Took the June LSAT and scored 158. My prep during the months prior was a Testmasters course. I have been hearing great things about the Powerscore bibles. Should I buy and study them for the three months leading up to the test? Taking another prep course or tutor is out of the question. I'll be the first one to admit I didn't utilize the Testmasters strategies the way I should have. Should I just review the Testmasters books over again? Three months of pure prep and I would like to see a 165. I know it's not going to be easy. Stick with Testmasters material or switch to Powerscore bibles? Will I get confused if I switch to Powerscore after using Testmasters strategies this whole time?

[JoeC12]

Anyone?

[alumniguy]

Switch to powerscore. I under performed my first time around as well - well, I took a Kaplan course and didn't take it very seriously. If you just took the testmasters course, then you are likely going to be remembering test questions and that is not really studying.

More than anything, I think it makes sense to use the power score bibles and then do timed practice test after practice test in chronological order. For me, it was ideal to end with the most currently available test a week or so before the actual test. I think I ended up doing about two timed tests a week and I would work a third test into the mix untimed, focusing on getting every question right. Figure out how many tests you can take and start with the oldest test available that allows you to finish on time. I suggest this approach because you get to experience the evolution of the test. If you just take random tests here and there, you will likely get thrown off/confused by the variations in the test questions.

[JoeC12]

Is there a specific order in which I should study the bibles? How far in should I start supplementing them with practice tests? How do I purchase practice tests from 1991 onwards?

[NYCLSATTutor]

Powerscore and Testmasters methods are pretty similar. Most Testmasters material isn't that thorough tho since they expect you to attend the class. If a TM class didn't help you, I don't know that the Powerscore bibles will....that being said, they are pretty much the best books out there.

[JoeC12]

It's not so much that they weren't capable of helping me rather I didn't have the time to take advantage of all they offered (I was taking 15 credits and playing a division 1 sport).

[alumniguy]

I don't think there is a one size fits all approach. To me, it sounds like you were going through the motions and picking up some information, but not really internalizing the material when you took the Testmaster's course.

I worked simultaneously with the PS bibles and early practice tests. As I mentioned, I did about two full practice tests a week at minimum. When I was first starting studying, I supplemented those two tests with the PS bible materials. Once I finished those, I started incorporating a third practice test into my weekly routine, but for the newly incorporated test, I would focus on completing the sections one at a time - focusing on doing my absolute best irrespective of how long it took to complete the section. After each section I would review the answers in depth and go back over every missed question. The third test was really just an exercise in focusing on getting the right answers and knowing that given enough time, I could get every question right. I would do a section or two on the days that I didn't take the full test.

You can get the tests on Amazon. When I took the test, the early tests came in groupings of 10 (if my memory is right). After a certain point though, you have to buy individual tests. All of this should be available on the LSAC website. too.
https://os.lsac.org/Release/Shop/Publications.aspx

Edit: My score went up 6 points, however, I was practice testing a full 10 points above my first official score. I had a bad day on test day apparently.

[mandolin]

Wow, I thought your poll at the top said Powerscore Bible or "Old Testament Materials." A different kind of bible, but still useful.
I used the Powerscore LR and LG bibles and went from a 156 to a 167.
I'm planning on working through both of them again as well as the Powerscore RC bible before October. I'm shooting for a 174.

[wtrc]

Why Powerscore > Manhattan?

[gaud]

Powerscore and Testmasters methods are pretty similar. Most Testmasters material isn't that thorough tho since they expect you to attend the class. If a TM class didn't help you, I don't know that the Powerscore bibles will....that being said, they are pretty much the best books out there.

You could actually review your testmaster books while using PS 'methods of attack on question types'

[gaud]

Why Powerscore > Manhattan?

It really just depends on the person... I think, from personal experience, that Manhattan has a much better RC approach.

[GerardC3]

More than anything, I think it makes sense to use the power score bibles and then do timed practice test after practice test in chronological order.

Sounds like the soundest advice