Retaking -- self-study or prep course? Forum

[Yossarian79]

I scored a 167 my first time taking the LSAT back in February. Although I'm psyched about the score, sitting at a 3.4 GPA I think I at least need to break 170 to have a shot at the lower T14. I used the PowerScore Bibles and studied hard the first time around, but should note that I was working a full-time job with long hours and was getting up at about 5 in the morning every day, studying for a couple of hours, and then going off to work. Needless to say, not an ideal situation.

I'll be able to devote a lot more time to prepping for my October retake in the next few months, but I'm wondering if taking a class (TestMasters was recommended by a friend of mine who ended up at Duke) is worth it given my situation, or if I should simply save my cash and self-study like a madman? It's worth mentioning that my weakness, by far, was Logic Games. What say you, TLS -- what's the best plan of action for someone in my situation? Thanks for any and all replies.

[buddyt]

I scored a 167 my first time taking the LSAT back in February. Although I'm psyched about the score, sitting at a 3.4 GPA I think I at least need to break 170 to have a shot at the lower T14. I used the PowerScore Bibles and studied hard the first time around, but should note that I was working a full-time job with long hours and was getting up at about 5 in the morning every day, studying for a couple of hours, and then going off to work. Needless to say, not an ideal situation.

I'll be able to devote a lot more time to prepping for my October retake in the next few months, but I'm wondering if taking a class (TestMasters was recommended by a friend of mine who ended up at Duke) is worth it given my situation, or if I should simply save my cash and self-study like a madman? It's worth mentioning that my weakness, by far, was Logic Games. What say you, TLS -- what's the best plan of action for someone in my situation? Thanks for any and all replies.

Taking a class would be a complete waste of time. I took a Kaplan course, and the vast majority of the class was scoring in the 140's. The teacher catered to them, and I left most classes feeling ripped off.

I think courses are OK for people trying to jump from the 130's to 140's or 140's to 150's. But then none of them should be going to lawl school in the first place. Self-study is the only way to go; once you're in the 160's, you're familiar with the test and you can zero in on your weaknesses and create a prep plan better than anyone else.

[tonton]

A 167 is really impressive for the hours you say had, and the time of day you had to study. Based on that i'm guessing that you could probably do better on your own now that you have more time.

[d0rklord]

Try the Manhattan Logic Games book... Sometimes each prep book doesn't work for everyone. By having that alongside with the Bible's knowledge, you'll be able to mix and match methods and perfect your own way to solve the games. Games are also something that you'll lose if you don't practice, IMO... So even when you move on the other sections, throw in a game here or there to keep your skills fresh. LG is the best section to have to improve on... GOOD LUCK!

[Nova]

I agree that self study is the way to go. At this point, you already understand the material. Now, it is up to you to improve your accuracy by mastering the material. Good luck!

[03152016]

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[Yossarian79]

Thanks, all. This is really, really helpful.

[094320]

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[CincinnatusND]

Self-study and focus on analyzing why the problems you get wrong are wrong and on timing..

Best of luck!

Also, I found it helped me to adapt the PS logic game diagramming methods in ways that made more sense to me, maybe that'll help you if LG is what you are struggling in.

[catwomangirl]

If you have ANY extra cash, I recommend even getting 3 hours of tutoring.

I got 167 the first test via self study (and was very busy).

At that point, I needed a tutor to just point out a way I could change my strategy.

After the 3 hours (two different sessions), I was consistently PTing in the mid-170s.

[2014]

I took a Knewton class, they had (not sure if they still do) a 5 point increase guaranteed or your money back as long as you went to all of the classes and did the homework (which was just practice sections from real LSATs). They had a lot of good online tools that helped identify specific weaknesses too.

Self study is doable though, you just have to be diligent obviously.

[JamMasterJ]

I scored a 167

self study

[Tiago Splitter]

I went with a Testmasters course before I retook my 166. It probably wasn't necessary, but I can't complain about the results. If you have the cash to blow there isn't any downside.