Is it unheard of for one to....? Forum

[CardozoLaw09]

Score well above their average on the actual test in comparison to what they've consistently scored on practice tests? For example, if one is consistently scoring in the mid to high 150's, is it conceivable that they score in the high 160s low 170s on the actual test?

[Tom Joad]

That big of a jump isn't happening.

[RedBirds2011]

Score well above their average in the actual test in comparison to what they've consistently scored in practice tests? For example, if one is consistently scoring in the mid to high 150's, is it conceivable that they score in the high 160s low 170s on the actual test?

Nope. I scored higher on the actual thing. I actually felt more relaxed for the real thing than the PTs oddly enough.

[tmon]

Overperforming and underperforming isn't rare, but you shouldn't make any decision about the LSAT thinking "I'll just kill it on test day" because you're probably more likely to score at or below your average.

[bp shinners]

It's not unheard of to outperform on test day. However, it's significantly more common to underperform.

I've seen a few +5s on test day from averages, but never a +10+. If you're that far away from your goal, I would postpone (or at least plan to retake).

[franklyscarlet]

+4 on my first test.... -12 on my second. No way you can depend on scoring higher, obviously.

[shredderrrrrr]

+2 on my first, +1 on my second. It would take something crazy to jump that much in a positive way. If I knew anything about statistics, I would assume it is like a bell curve centered upon students scoring slightly below their average. I think most score within 2-3 points of their average (either way) with some scoring more extreme numbers (5-6) off their average. I would assume few, however, score much greater off their average. If they, do it is likely in a bad way because of the nature of the test.

[Mr.Binks]

It's not unheard of to outperform on test day. However, it's significantly more common to underperform.

I've seen a few +5s on test day from averages, but never a +10+. If you're that far away from your goal, I would postpone (or at least plan to retake).

Conversely, I have seen many -10s...

[bp shinners]

It's not unheard of to outperform on test day. However, it's significantly more common to underperform.

I've seen a few +5s on test day from averages, but never a +10+. If you're that far away from your goal, I would postpone (or at least plan to retake).

Conversely, I have seen many -10s...

Good point, and one that I should have mentioned. I have seen too many -10s as well.

[princeR]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yYDzLUH1NE

See what happens to Will Ferrel here, I think this is what happens to people but without the good results. You tend to almost "black out" and forget about your strategies and everything that you have worked on. Just take it question by question like a regular PT and you can definitely do better. Use the test day nerves to keep you motivated and awake.

[cinephile]

I didn't really take the practice tests seriously because I knew the score didn't matter. But somehow, for the real thing, I focused and put my all into it and scored above my average. My sister had the same experience. Most people have the opposite experience and do worse on test day.