Score plateau. Can an increase happen this late in the game? Forum

mallyn · Post by **mallyn** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:57 pm

My PT scores are nowhere near where I'm aiming (168+). Diagnostic was 157, then practice tests: 155, 158, 159, 161. Not quite sure what's going on here. My games are ok (averaging -2 total), but RC and LR sections are hit or miss (averaging -6 per LR section). I've reviewed LR basics, currently working on RC techniques. Just feeling very overwhelmed and pretty down on myself in general. Timing isn't a huge issue, usually have 2-3 minutes on LR and RC sections.

Seems like things aren't "clicking". So the question is: is it REALLY possible to make a large jump in scores in the last 2 weeks before the test? Or should I really be thinking about December?

I'm at a loss. Advice is GREATLY appreciated.

Ruxin1 · Post by **Ruxin1** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:00 pm

mallyn wrote:My PT scores are nowhere near where I'm aiming (168+). Diagnostic was 157, then practice tests: 155, 158, 159, 161. Not quite sure what's going on here. My games are ok (averaging -2 total), but RC and LR sections are hit or miss (averaging -6 per LR section). I've reviewed LR basics, currently working on RC techniques. Just feeling very overwhelmed and pretty down on myself in general. Timing isn't a huge issue, usually have 2-3 minutes on LR and RC sections.

Seems like things aren't "clicking". So the question is: is it REALLY possible to make a large jump in scores in the last 2 weeks before the test? Or should I really be thinking about December?

I'm at a loss. Advice is GREATLY appreciated.

TBF, this is not really a plateau. You are really missing so many in LR that you cannot get a good score; what materials are you using. You should push back to december and the get the bibles and Manhattan LR book.

Psib337 · Post by **Psib337** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:06 pm

I'm in the same position. My games are fine, reading is fine most of the time but every now and then there's one that completely screws me up (can't tell if it's actually harder or if I'm taking them when I'm tired or just not reading carefully on some). For the next 2 weeks I'm alternating between drilling LR, LG (they seem to get away from me when I'm not always doing them), adn taking tests. I've had PTs where I've gotten -2 or -3 on a LR only to get -8 or -9 on the next section so I'm hoping drilling will get me down to missing only 2-4 (or none) on each section. It's cutting it close but I'm trying to just stay relaxed and focus. I freaked out before June and I'm pretty sure it made it impossible for anything to stick (and I'm pretty sure it just made things worse).

CorkBoard · Post by **CorkBoard** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:42 pm

mallyn wrote:Or should I really be thinking about December?

Yes. Don't take the test with those PT scores.

dba415 · Post by **dba415** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:49 pm

You're not going to get better, trust me. Don't hope for a miracle super lucky test day either, cause in all likelihood you will score lower than your average on your PTS up until now.

For example, last year I was aiming for 170 or higher, took the LSAT in December while my average test scores were around a 166. I had scored 170 twice in practice and was hoping for a lucky day, I ended up with a 163 because of test nerves/anxiety. Would have scored probably a 166 if I had no test nerves or anxiety.

It takes more time. I think there is a 90% chance or higher that you won't score a 168 on test day, that's just my opinion, based on your PTs

Conversely, since I started studying for the october test this year, I've seen myself becoming noticeably better than I was last year, with an avg PT of 170, 4 pts higher than last year. Unfortunately, now that I see what I can do I am hoping for a 175+ on test day. So I'm actually in your same position kind of, and may take it a 3rd time this December if I feel I can get that 175+.

I'm studying and hoping for a miracle increase like you are as well in these last 2 weeks. So I am a bit of a hypocrite, but my actions should have no impact on the strength of the advice I give you, that would be ad hominem.

objection_your_honor · Post by **objection_your_honor** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:33 pm

You have time to score more consistently on the high end of your average, perhaps even bring your average up a point or two, but a 10 point increase is likely unattainable.

Zensack · Post by **Zensack** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:02 pm

A breakthrough can happen at any time, but I wouldn't count on it. I had been in the 160-165 range until a few days ago, when I suddenly started completing LG sections and jumped to 167-170 during my last 3 PTs.

CorkBoard · Post by **CorkBoard** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:47 pm

Zensack wrote:A breakthrough can happen at any time, but I wouldn't count on it. I had been in the 160-165 range until a few days ago, when I suddenly started completing LG sections and jumped to 167-170 during my last 3 PTs.

Keep in mind that this is not the case for most people.

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