Took my first diagnostic--What now? Forum

[zdamico]

After a brief one-week read through of the Princeton Review study guide, I took one of the tests at the back. I got a 169, with 8 wrong on RC and 4 wrong total on both sections of the Arguments section.

I'm seeing all this literature on developing comprehensive strategies, in depth attack plans, researching each problem type, etc. etc. These include a minimum of three months, according to most of the stuff I'm reading.

My instinct tells me I should focus on the clear areas I am weak in, all the while trying to improve my time (I was over a little on RC and LR). I know I need to take an actual Prep Test for a more accurate picture but this is a good starting point.

I think I am letting all the reading material and guides psych me out that I am not doing enough. What do you all think? I could really use some advice here. Obviously one test isn't sufficient to tell me where I'm at, I know that.

On another note, I have purchased the Powerscore Bibles, and plan on using those to improve my weaknesses. I am a little worried about mixing Prep Companies, but I didnt spend much time on Princeton Review, so I'm hoping I should be fine.

[incompetentia]

After a brief one-week read through of the Princeton Review study guide, I took one of the tests at the back. I got a 169, with 8 wrong on RC and 4 wrong total on both sections of the Arguments section.

This puts you in a decent place. Was this with -0 on LG? That LR combined score is already in the range for potential mid-170s, which leaves just RC to primarily worry about, although this is admittedly the most difficult to improve.

I'm seeing all this literature on developing comprehensive strategies, in depth attack plans, researching each problem type, etc. etc. These include a minimum of three months, according to most of the stuff I'm reading.

Not necessarily. Since your ceiling for improvement is about 10 points, you could probably study intelligently and knock it out in 2-3.

My instinct tells me I should focus on the clear areas I am weak in, all the while trying to improve my time (I was over a little on RC and LR). I know I need to take an actual Prep Test for a more accurate picture but this is a good starting point.

If you're already under 40 minutes, the timing will probably come with extra drilling. With that many wrong on RC, you may want to come up with a strategy that might work better for you depending on which question types are giving you trouble.

I think I am letting all the reading material and guides psych me out that I am not doing enough. What do you all think? I could really use some advice here. Obviously one test isn't sufficient to tell me where I'm at, I know that.

Take additional tests over the next couple of weeks and see if you stay in the high 160s range. If you do, you're not going to have much trouble bumping into the 170s. If you don't, then obviously depending on what causes you trouble you may have to re-assess.

On another note, I have purchased the Powerscore Bibles, and plan on using those to improve my weaknesses. I am a little worried about mixing Prep Companies, but I didnt spend much time on Princeton Review, so I'm hoping I should be fine.

The conventional wisdom around here is that Powerscore is much MUCH better than PR in terms of book material, with the exception of the RCB. You may want to look at the Manhattan RC guide, as it's one that's often recommended.

[zdamico]

Thanks so much for the response. Some awesome advice there, really is helping me focus more on preparation and less on the stress of the big picture. Also prompted me to look further into the Manhattan RC, and I will likely take your advice and purchase that to help me improve. Thanks a lot!

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