Can I improve? Forum

[tbird]

I started studying May 1 for the June LSAT. I took a powerscores full-time class, and started with a 153 diagnostic. I studied for the 6 weeks religiously, at least 30+ hours per week until the test. I did most of their suggested "homework" and took 15 strictly timed practice tests. I ended up getting a 165. My mean practice test score was probably around 162, with my last two practice tests being 165, and 167, so I would say I performed very favorably for my track record on the real thing. I have a 3.51 GPA, and don't believe a 165 will be high enough to get me into T14, so I am considering re-taking in October. I haven't been studying at all, but would start in August if I do retake. This would give me two more months to prepare. The problem is I am a Chemical Engineering major, and my semester workload is typically insane, to the point that I am up past midnight nearly every night of the week studying or completing assignments. If I do study again, I will have most of August, and then very limited time during September due to school. Based on how I performed, and the improvements I made, I don't know if I will really be able to improve more? Or in the experience of most people in this forum, will my improvements be cumulative, and will I start building again where I left off with the possibility of breaking into the 170's? I think I am capable, I just dont know if I will have the time. The other thing is I think my numbers are good enough to get into the school I had planned on attending all along, ASU. So I don't think I will put nearly as much pressure on myself this time around. I just really dont want to put time into it and do worse. But at the same time, I feel that there will be less applicants next cycle with good numbers, and want to take advantage of positive circumstances to try to reach for a better school if I can. I used to think having a technical background, and passing the patent bar, that I would easily find a job no matter where I attended, but after reading stuff here, now I am not so sure. I also think with a few more points I could see substantial $$$ at ASU if I don't make T14 which would also be great. Any advice, thoughts, or suggestions based on personal experience are appreciated.

[Nova]

Paragraphs are your friend.

Since you only put in like 6 weeks, Im sure you could improve. You should be able to pick up basically where you left off. Whether or not it is worth the time investment is up to you. If you dont try, you may regret it forever. Of course, Im sure you will be just fine at ASU with $$ even if you dont retake. IMO, you might as well retake. You have nothing to lose except time and a few hundred dollars.

[gaud]

Nova gave you solid advice. IMO, you have little to lose by retaking and much to gain. You have plenty of time, especially when you consider where you are already at in your prep. You're in a position where you can make massive jumps in your scores with just a little fine-tuning.

A better retake could mean T14 AND more money at ASU. Both of which are worth another shot.

I was in a similar position last cycle (live in az). retaking, and getting more money from asu, was absolutely worth it. You can always PM me if you have any questions.

Good luck.

[tbird]

What should I do to improve? My actual test went like this:

1. reasoning -3
2. comp -2
3. reasoning -5
4. games -7

This was pretty typical of my practice tests. I always do badly on games. I am planning on just busting through the LGB and trying to get faster. I don't know why, but I just really struggle with games. I rarely get any deductions from the rules. I usually just diagram and then start working through the problems. I have had a few pt's where I missed 3 or 4, but never any better, and more typically 5-8 wrong.

When I was studying hardcore, I was really consistent with reasoning, almost always missing 2-4 on every section through about 15 pt's. Reading comp was a little less predictable but the week before my test it seemed to click and I was missing 2-4 consistently.

My current plan is to just pound logic games for a few weeks. And then I will start doing practice tests as much as I can. I don't think I need to work specifically on LR or RC, and just need to refresh my prior skills in those areas through pt's. Hopefully through more pt's those areas will improve a little more. What do you wizards think?

My problem is finding time to study. Do you think I can improve working 1-2 hours per day for August, and then trying to get in 2 pt's a week during September? I might be able to get in another 10 pt's. It is going to be difficult during the semester. I am also finding that since I over-performed on my June LSAT, I am having a hard time being motivated. When I get frustrated, I just think to myself "oh well my score is already all right." I am trying to find the motivation to fully commit to re-taking. I feel like I will put less pressure on myself already having the 165, but I always seem to find a way to stress myself out.

Thanks for any suggestions on how to best study to improve LG.

[gaud]

PM'd