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Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sat Jun 29, 2013 4:59 pm
by aboo5674
I've taken a couple of diagnostic tests (timed, of course) and got a 165 on the first one and a 163 on the second. My biggest weakness is logic games; I have a lot of drilling to do on my time. Realistically, how much can I improve my score without a formal prep course between now and October?
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sat Jun 29, 2013 5:04 pm
by TheMostDangerousLG
aboo5674 wrote:I've taken a couple of diagnostic tests (timed, of course) and got a 165 on the first one and a 163 on the second. My biggest weakness is logic games; I have a lot of drilling to do on my time. Realistically, how much can I realistically improve my score without a formal prep course between now and October?
With that diagnostic and three months to study, you should be aiming for a 180. Mid- to high-170s is very realistic, if you're willing to put in the work.
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sat Jun 29, 2013 5:07 pm
by NoWorries
180
And don't do a prep class.
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sat Jun 29, 2013 5:42 pm
by UnderrateOverachieve
Were these diagnostics completely cold. Meaning, did you look up any information whatsoever other than the timing?
If they were cold, then 180 is absolutely what you should set your sights on. Don't blindly pick a structured course, but don't blindly not pick one either.
Figure out what is best for you. If you need the kick in the butt and have the money then shelling out 2k for one of these courses could really help you. If you are a self-studier, then do that. Good luck! Scoring that high on your first diagnostics is extremely admirable.
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sat Jun 29, 2013 5:51 pm
by aboo5674
Thank you all so much!
No, they weren't cold. I wish I were that smart! I'd taken one test untimed, glanced at some logic games books (really just thumbing through, didn't spend more than five minutes on it), browsed around forums like this one for general advice, talked to all my friends that took the LSAT in June, etc. Do you think high 170s is still attainable, and if so how much time would that take?
I really can't afford a prep class, but I have three of the "actual LSATs books" and am planning to work through all of them, and order the fourth and more tests when I finish them. I'm not sure what other books yet, but I hear PowerScore is the way to go.
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sat Jun 29, 2013 5:56 pm
by TheMostDangerousLG
aboo5674 wrote:Thank you all so much!
No, they weren't cold. I wish I were that smart! I'd taken one test untimed, glanced at some logic games books (really just thumbing through, didn't spend more than five minutes on it), browsed around forums like this one for general advice, talked to all my friends that took the LSAT in June, etc. Do you think high 170s is still attainable, and if so how much time would that take?
I really can't afford a prep class, but I have three of the "actual LSATs books" and am planning to work through all of them, and order the fourth and more tests when I finish them. I'm not sure what other books yet, but I hear PowerScore is the way to go.
Even though your diagnostic wasn't completely cold, it's still a good indicator of potential for a high score, given that your exposure to material was seemingly quite limited.
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sat Jun 29, 2013 7:09 pm
by myscoreonmysleeve
aboo5674 wrote:I've taken a couple of diagnostic tests (timed, of course) and got a 165 on the first one and a 163 on the second. My biggest weakness is logic games; I have a lot of drilling to do on my time. Realistically, how much can I improve my score without a formal prep course between now and October?
.
Look up "7sage logic games" and see if their approach can augment your own after doing a few more games. See if you can borrow a few better habits.
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 1:40 am
by rftdd888
you should definitely aim for a high 170s score, or getting everything correct. I cold diag'd a 153 before I started college and then after limited book work (like you) got a 163 and 168 on my first two PTs a few weeks ago. if you're around the 165 range before you really get into the books aiming for anything less than perfection is a waste of your time, especially since we have 3 full months to work it out. good luck to you!
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 3:34 am
by heythatslife
The fact that LG was your weakest section is actually encouraging news, because it's the easiest section to improve upon. Definitely aim for 175+.
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 4:15 am
by Br3v
NoWorries wrote:180
And don't do a prep class.
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 10:11 pm
by aboo5674
Thank you all for the feedback and advice. 7sage is great, I'll definitely be using that. As I was reviewing I realized that I made a one problem scoring error on each test - one in my favor, one against me. So I actually got a 164 on both. I'm just glad the errors didn't change it substantively! I'd be devastated if I'd somehow done significantly worse than I thought.
Re: Setting an LSAT goal from mid-160s diagnostics
Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 10:30 pm
by Dog
Shoot for the moon. You should definitely get to the point where you get quite a few PTs in the high 170s. I started out low 160s and hit a 178 after only a couple months of studying.. And then I studied a couple more months. But really I will be totally thrilled with anything 175+ on the June LSAT. I think RC might have screwed me.