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I'm getting so discouraged over timed diagnostics... is this normal?
I have never seen an LSAT test before, and upon friend's suggestion, I printed June 2007 one out and tried it out (timed). I kept running out of time (I would fixate on questions way too much?) and I ended up with 140s. Oh god this is terrible! Is this normal? Is it at all reasonable that I want to be in the 170s by June (or October)? I have great GPA from a reputable university in a relatively intense program... Ogod, this is such a bad score. Any advice? Previous experience? is it normal to be this terrible on the first diagnostics?

esther0123 wrote:I'm getting so discouraged over timed diagnostics... is this normal?
I have never seen an LSAT test before, and upon friend's suggestion, I printed June 2007 one out and tried it out (timed). I kept running out of time (I would fixate on questions way too much?) and I ended up with 140s. Oh god this is terrible! Is this normal? Is it at all reasonable that I want to be in the 170s by June (or October)? I have great GPA from a reputable university in a relatively intense program... Ogod, this is such a bad score. Any advice? Previous experience? is it normal to be this terrible on the first diagnostics?

So you've taken ONE LSAT without any prep and go in the 140s? Is that what you're saying here? If so, chill. There's obviously room for improvement. You have to learn how to take the thing. Many people get in the 140s or 150s the first 1-3 times they take it and then shoot up to the 160s and 170s.

I think timed diagnostics aren't worth it. They just let you know that you don't take a test you've never seen before very well. I barely even took practice tests in general (full ones) -- I think focused drilling is MUCH more valuable, so long as you're reasonably comfortable with the general idea of a standardized test. PM if you want me more info -- 173 on first try.

Started at 143 now I pt at 165 (kinda been stuck here for a while total bs)

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Getting to 170 might very well be possible. Getting there by June, however, is not terribly likely. Judging by how panicced you are, you probably realize how important this test is. Now do yourself a favor and take the October (or even later if you feel you need extra prep time) test. Two months of prep isn't really advisable for the majority of test-takers, let alone someone who wants to improve their score by 20+ points.

And for reference, I improved 10 points between my first diagnostic and my second (taken 10 days later after I read through the logic games bible). I have never been accused of being a brilliant man.

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You should be panicking if this was a timed test 2 weeks before your LSAT. First ever? You'll be fine, even if you have to take 3 years to study for this thing.

Getting poor 1L grades will be more discouraging.