Disappointed Forum

[August]

Hello TLSers,

I recently started taking a Princeton Review LSAT prep course on campus in Pennsylvania. I scored a lowly 143 on my diagnostic test. After receiving this terrible score my confidence has been shot down. It also doesn't help that my teacher favors one of the students and ignores the rest of the class. Because this course has been going on for a few weeks, I cannot get a refund. I was planning on taking the October 2012 LSAT but I feel I will not be able to get the score I want within that time frame (a 168 or higher). I am now strongly considering taking the December LSAT instead, but using pithypike's study plan while also taking the prep course.

Some info about me: Pennsylvania State University, International Politics Major with Chinese Minor, 4.0 cumulative GPA, above average resume with international experience, good letter of recommendation from an associate professor, unique experience in Asia for my personal statement.

Does anyone have any advice for my situation? Has anyone else been a similar situation?

[Systematic1]

I am now strongly considering taking the December LSAT instead, but using pithypike's study plan while also taking the prep course reading LRB, LGB, and Manhattan RC Guide.

[Verity]

First, don't worry about the diagnostic, it usually sucks even for 170+ scorers.

Second, DO NOT APPLY UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR FULL LSAT POTENTIAL. Seriously. With a 4.0, you're looking at YHSCCN and T14 with serious money if you can just get that LSAT under control. This is one thing you have complete control over. The number of opportunities and the amount of money you will save is unbelievable considering the minimal relative effort that will go into LSAT prep.

Third, if your instructor is not paying you any attention, put this prick in check immediately. Part of being a good lawyer by the way is GETTING ATTENTION when you need it. You're PAYING for his/her services. Don't just sit there and let things happen. Get the instructor's attention and maximize the value of that class.

Fourth, take the LSAT only when you are confident you will do well. If it is December, then December it is. Wait until February if you have to. Again, this is one thing you have total control over. Make sure you do it well. If things don't turn out as planned, retake. But don't stop until you have as high an LSAT as you can.

Fifth, if you need help on LSAT stuff, use TLS. Ask us questions. It's almost like a free course, and some regular posters can be pretty darn helpful.

[August]

First, don't worry about the diagnostic, it usually sucks even for 170+ scorers.

Second, DO NOT APPLY UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR FULL LSAT POTENTIAL. Seriously. With a 4.0, you're looking at YHSCCN and T14 with serious money if you can just get that LSAT under control. This is one thing you have complete control over. The number of opportunities and the amount of money you will save is unbelievable considering the minimal relative effort that will go into LSAT prep.

Third, if your instructor is not paying you any attention, put this prick in check immediately. Part of being a good lawyer by the way is GETTING ATTENTION when you need it. You're PAYING for his/her services. Don't just sit there and let things happen. Get the instructor's attention and maximize the value of that class.

Fourth, take the LSAT only when you are confident you will do well. If it is December, then December it is. Wait until February if you have to. Again, this is one thing you have total control over. Make sure you do it well. If things don't turn out as planned, retake. But don't stop until you have as high an LSAT as you can.

Fifth, if you need help on LSAT stuff, use TLS. Ask us questions. It's almost like a free course, and some regular posters can be pretty darn helpful.

Thank you very much for your advice and concern, I really appreciate it. I've talked to some of my classmates in the prep class and they agree that teacher is being very unprofessional so we will be getting his attention promptly. I've noticed that TLS has great resources for LSAT prep, I just wish I would have found it before registering for this class.

What's done is done and I can only move forward from this recent experience.