LSAT diagnostic and study plan Forum

[jadoo]

So, I just completed a timed LSAT diagnostic under test timings. I have never studied for the LSAT before. I scored a diagnostic of 153. I don't think this is an overall terrible score, given the fact that I have had no exposure to the LSAT nor have I began studying.


I'll be studying abroad next semester, but I plan to start my LSAT studies in January. I'm going to get the powerscore materials and all of the practice tests I can find. I'm planning on taking the LSAT next June in order to give myself time to readjust if something goes horribly wrong and I have to retest.

Given that I'll have roughly six months of preparation, I feel like I can significantly increase the score. I also have the funds to invest in powerscore's virtual courses. I'm not sure if I should do them in tandem with my own studying for June, or have them as a backup in case I don't receive the score I want in June.

Probably a bit early to be thinking about it, but the study abroad will be over before I know it and I'll have to start preparing, so I want to take small steps in between now and then.

I am a bit worried about the 153 diag. My school's prelaw advisor made me feel like crap afterward. I guess we all hope we'll ace it without ever studying the first time through just to prove our awesomeness. The section that got me the most was LG. I didn't even finish the last game, so that really hurt the score.

Overall, this is my performance:
Section 1: LR - 17/26 (65%)
Section 2: RC - 20/26 (76%)
Section 3: LG - 12/23 (52%)
Section 4: LR - 16/25 (64%)

Clearly, I really need to work on LG and LR. It upset me that I missed so many RC questions, but I think that's due to not being careful and underestimating the section. When I finished, I still had 7 of the allotted 35 minutes left. I might need to pick up the RC bible too, just to gleam some study tips.

Any advice/inspiring stories to share?

[odutayo2]

Look at it this way, you missed around 18 LR questions, so by improving in that section of the LSAT alone you can significantly increase your score. Its good you took it early, you'll have ample time to boost your score. The most important thing is finding which study habits and which test taking strategies work for you the best, and you have a lot of time to get that ironed out. Id actually start getting familiar with the test now since it wouldnt hurt, but you're already a step ahead either way, good luck!

[theprophet89]

I've never seen an LR section with 27 questions.

[jadoo]

I've never seen an LR section with 27 questions.

Lol, Should say 26. Good catch. Thanks, I didn't notice that. Still got owned by the section nonetheless.

[bp shinners]

Given that I'll have roughly six months of preparation, I feel like I can significantly increase the score. I also have the funds to invest in powerscore's virtual courses. I'm not sure if I should do them in tandem with my own studying for June, or have them as a backup in case I don't receive the score I want in June.

If you're going to invest in a course, do it before you self-study and take the exam. The courses are designed to teach you the methods for attacking the questions. If you've already prepped, you should have already developed your own methods and one of two things will be true:

1) Your methods are effective, in which case the course won't provide much benefit as far as that goes
2) Your methods are ineffective, in which case you'll have trouble unlearning the bad habits that you shouldn't have learned in the first place

So don't use it as a backup plan - if you're going for it, go for it.

My school's prelaw advisor made me feel like crap afterward. I guess we all hope we'll ace it without ever studying the first time through just to prove our awesomeness. The section that got me the most was LG. I didn't even finish the last game, so that really hurt the score.

Ugh, pre-law advisors. Many are great; many are not. A 153 is in no way something that you should feel like crap about. It's a solid diagnostic - you beat the average student who takes the actual exam. You're on solid ground to receive a high score; don't let the pre-law advisor get you down.

Overall, this is my performance:
Section 1: LR - 17/26 (65%)
Section 2: RC - 20/26 (76%)
Section 3: LG - 12/23 (52%)
Section 4: LR - 16/25 (64%)

Perfect! You have the most room to improve on LG, which is the easiest to learn. You'll be fine - just put in the time and effort.