Exam Curves Forum

[Enektal]

Hi TLS,

I was wondering which administration/date is the "best" one. I'm thinking along the lines of pros/cons and was hoping that someone could tell me about the statistics in curves for each test date (i.e.: which one has been noted to be the more generous/harder one).

I was originally going to take the test in October, but decided to take a gap year instead of applying straight after undergrad. I thought of rescheduling for June 2014, but then decided against that because I anticipate that the Spring semester of my senior year will be too crazy (writing a thesis). So now I'm deciding between December and February.

I know it ultimately comes down to when I feel ready, but I'd like to hear some thoughts from the TLS boards because you guys are always full of great advice.

Much appreciated!

[09042014]

Doesn't matter at all, the test is designed to give you the same score whenever you take it.

/thread.

[Enektal]

I thought that the curve depended on the strength/scores of everyone taking the same exam? i.e.: stronger pool of test takers, different curve. No?

[09042014]

I thought that the curve depended on the strength/scores of everyone taking the same exam? i.e.: stronger pool of test takers, different curve. No?

No. Everyone could theoretically get a 180 if everyone who happened to take it was that smart.

[wtrc]

I thought that the curve depended on the strength/scores of everyone taking the same exam? i.e.: stronger pool of test takers, different curve. No?

No. Everyone could theoretically get a 180 if everyone who happened to take it was that smart.

Yep, it's not a curve in that sense... everything is predetermined.

If everyone got a 180, someone at LSAC is gettin fired though...

[malleus discentium]

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/ls ... -lsac.html

[mosessta]

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/ea ... -june.html

[Skill Game]

Doesn't matter at all, the test is designed to give you the same score whenever you take it.

/thread.

Sure, it may be designed to do this, or intend to do this. But it definitely doesn't. After 37 timed tests, my average is 174.4, with a standard deviation of 3.5~ and lowest score is 167. Highest score is 179. FYI the 167 happened fairly recently.

[wtrc]

Doesn't matter at all, the test is designed to give you the same score whenever you take it.

/thread.

Sure, it may be designed to do this, or intend to do this. But it definitely doesn't. After 37 timed tests, my average is 174.4, with a standard deviation of 3.5~ and lowest score is 167. Highest score is 179. FYI the 167 happened fairly recently.

Have you considered that part of this has to do with you (being more tired than usual, unprepared, distracted, etc.)?

[haus]

I thought that the curve depended on the strength/scores of everyone taking the same exam? i.e.: stronger pool of test takers, different curve. No?

No. Everyone could theoretically get a 180 if everyone who happened to take it was that smart.

Oh the poor suckers who'd have to take the test comprised of that group's experimentals.

-3? You get a 142 you dumb fuck

[Clearly]

Doesn't matter at all, the test is designed to give you the same score whenever you take it.

/thread.

Sure, it may be designed to do this, or intend to do this. But it definitely doesn't. After 37 timed tests, my average is 174.4, with a standard deviation of 3.5~ and lowest score is 167. Highest score is 179. FYI the 167 happened fairly recently.

Have you considered that part of this has to do with you (being more tired than usual, unprepared, distracted, etc.)?

Lol it's like a flaw question. Fails to consider...

[Skill Game]

My 4 lowest scores are 167,168x2, and 169. It's unlikely they are all the result of fatigue.

[Mal Reynolds]

Doesn't matter at all, the test is designed to give you the same score whenever you take it.

/thread.

Sure, it may be designed to do this, or intend to do this. But it definitely doesn't. After 37 timed tests, my average is 174.4, with a standard deviation of 3.5~ and lowest score is 167. Highest score is 179. FYI the 167 happened fairly recently.

You're assuming the difficulty of the test is giving you an inconsistent score.

[Mal Reynolds]

Doesn't matter at all, the test is designed to give you the same score whenever you take it.

/thread.

Sure, it may be designed to do this, or intend to do this. But it definitely doesn't. After 37 timed tests, my average is 174.4, with a standard deviation of 3.5~ and lowest score is 167. Highest score is 179. FYI the 167 happened fairly recently.

You're assuming the difficulty of the test is giving you an inconsistent score.

Also lol at your sample size.

[NapoleonXV]

I would recommend December. The down side about Feb is that you will not get your full score report.

If (only IF) you need to retake, then knowing which problems you got wrong in your test might be helpful.