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Took my first timed practice test. What's a realistic plan?
Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2012 10:16 pm
by Kitt1918
Hello. I found these forums after taking my first timed practice test a few hours ago. It was from the CD that came with the REA Annotated LSAT book. I got a 150. I am hoping to take my LSAT this October, as I want to apply early-admission to my first-choice law school. However, I am unsure as to whether applying early-admission has any substantial impact on if I receive a lower or larger scholarship amount. The median LSAT score for my first-choice is 167. I'm not sure if I should read the book's tips, or simply take past LSAT exams. I've gotten mixed advice from those at my university who have taken the test. I cannot afford an LSAT class this coming fall. I will be a senior in college. The good thing is, a class required for my major consists of writing personal statements, preparing resumes, and taking practice tests if you are planning on attending graduate or law school. Your scores on your practice tests actually factor into your grade. I believe there are only 9 weeks until the October LSAT, so I am trying to determine how many hours I should put in each week to get to and hopefully, above that median score. I wonder if I'm even being realistic... I would appreciate any tips you have to offer.
Re: Took my first timed practice test. What's a realistic plan?
Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2012 10:28 pm
by Nova
17 points in 9 weeks is a lot, but possible. I Improved from from ~150 to upper 160s, but it took me a little longer. You need to put in a considerable amount of time. Probably 20-40 hrs per week. Consider condensing Pithypike
http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... =6&t=41657 . Also, ITT, many high scorers weigh in on gameplans,
http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... ?f=6&t=396
You NEED to read either the PSBs or M before you dive into PTings and drilling. I recommend the Manhattan bundle. Its $70 plus shipping for all 3 guides.
http://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-LSAT-Se ... 12-6418442
Be prepared to continue studying until December, because it is very possible you will not hit 167 by October.
Beginners guide sticky:
http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 6&t=179407
Re: Took my first timed practice test. What's a realistic plan?
Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2012 11:01 pm
by Kitt1918
Thank you for the advice, Nova. The links are very helpful. I am seriously considering taking the December one now, but I will see how this goes. I am going to buy those books.
Re: Took my first timed practice test. What's a realistic plan?
Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:44 am
by A.Taarabt7
Similar situation to OP, can i mix and match? already have both powerscore bibles from friends. I was planning on going tmrw to the bookstore 2 get the Manhattan RC guide. Any other recommendations? I have LSAT tests 1-56 with Kaplan explanations. Am also planning on Oct/ Dec to maximize score.
Re: Took my first timed practice test. What's a realistic plan?
Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 5:01 am
by JamMasterJ
A.Taarabt7 wrote:
Similar situation to OP, can i mix and match? already have both powerscore bibles from friends. I was planning on going tmrw to the bookstore 2 get the Manhattan RC guide. Any other recommendations? I have LSAT tests 1-56 with Kaplan explanations. Am also planning on Oct/ Dec to maximize score.
get PTs 57+
also, if you can wait a year, take the test in december and then june if it doesn't go well
Re: Took my first timed practice test. What's a realistic plan?
Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:53 pm
by A.Taarabt7
JamMasterJ wrote:A.Taarabt7 wrote:
Similar situation to OP, can i mix and match? already have both powerscore bibles from friends. I was planning on going tmrw to the bookstore 2 get the Manhattan RC guide. Any other recommendations? I have LSAT tests 1-56 with Kaplan explanations. Am also planning on Oct/ Dec to maximize score.
get PTs 57+
also, if you can wait a year, take the test in december and then june if it doesn't go well
possibly.... not sure if I can was planning on applying soon however I understand what you mean, would help me out more. I deferred my admission to a masters program for a year to explore this career opportunity, my logic was that if this endeavor failed then I would have the masters as a backup/ fall back plan.
Re: Took my first timed practice test. What's a realistic plan?
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 8:44 am
by Ruthie
Don't settle on a date yet - read through a book on the LSAT and take another test. If you did absolutely NO prep before your diagnostic, your next exam could change significantly. For example, I went from a 164-168 in 2 weeks. That is a significant leap, but it was just because I didn't know anything going in. Then start studying and see where it puts you.
Good luck!
Re: Took my first timed practice test. What's a realistic plan?
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:05 pm
by JamMasterJ
A.Taarabt7 wrote:JamMasterJ wrote:A.Taarabt7 wrote:
Similar situation to OP, can i mix and match? already have both powerscore bibles from friends. I was planning on going tmrw to the bookstore 2 get the Manhattan RC guide. Any other recommendations? I have LSAT tests 1-56 with Kaplan explanations. Am also planning on Oct/ Dec to maximize score.
get PTs 57+
also, if you can wait a year, take the test in december and then june if it doesn't go well
possibly.... not sure if I can was planning on applying soon however I understand what you mean, would help me out more. I deferred my admission to a masters program for a year to explore this career opportunity, my logic was that if this endeavor failed then I would have the masters as a backup/ fall back plan.
I don't even mean that your chances of not "failing" at this would be better after a year. I mean that no matter how well you do this year, you would almost certainly do better (better school/scholarship) after more studying.