Will I be okay? Forum

[pkpapn]

So, I'm registered to take the LSAT on June 9th. About a year ago, I did a lot of research about the LSAT, what it consisted of, and how to practice. I told myself I'd have plenty of time to study for it. I ordered a lot of prep materials (the Powerscore Bibles, the Manhattan books, LSAT practice tests) but I never actually studied.

Here I am, less than 6 weeks out and only now am I just beginning to study. I don't know how I let time slip away. I guess it's because I'm in school, but even that is a poor excuse.
I did take my first and only practice LSAT test a year ago. I timed myself and I was able to score a 168. I think that made me too relaxed and confident.
Ideally, I want a 170+ on the actual test.

If I really started studying now and studied hard, would I be okay? Or would I be wise to cancel and take it in October instead?

[Kellanj]

First things first. Take a timed practice test and see how you do. I know that I was able to make pretty considerable gains in 6 weeks time, but really you just need to know how far away you are from where you need to be before I can answer.

[BPlaura]

It's definitely possible to prepare yourself in six weeks - Matt Shinners, who used to post for Blueprint a lot on this forum, actually prepared for the LSAT in a month and got a 180. Obviously, that's a very atypical case (and he strongly advises against anyone else taking the same approach - it wasn't a fun month). If you got a 168 on a timed diagnostic under strict conditions, though, you likely have the aptitude for the LSAT, so I wouldn't say it's impossible.

The short answer is that you're not necessarily screwed, but there are no guarantees, and you'll need to do pretty much nothing but the LSAT for the next six weeks.

[TLSanders]

I agree with the other posters who have said that you need to take a current, timed practice test before making any decisions. If you're still in the range you reported from your diagnostic a year ago, it's very possible to improve your score in six weeks. You absolutely WILL NOT have to "pretty much do nothing but the LSAT". But, any advice about exactly what you do need to do would depend on a current diagnostic.

If you have not taken the June 2007 LSAT that LSAC makes available for free on their website and want to use that as a diagnostic, feel free to message me your answers on that test and I will break out the patterns for you and let you know which handful of skills will net you the greatest score improvement if you need to work quickly.

[BPlaura]

I agree with the other posters who have said that you need to take a current, timed practice test before making any decisions. If you're still in the range you reported from your diagnostic a year ago, it's very possible to improve your score in six weeks. You absolutely WILL NOT have to "pretty much do nothing but the LSAT". But, any advice about exactly what you do need to do would depend on a current diagnostic.

Whoops, yeah, now that I think about it, it was definitely an overstatement to say that OP would need to do nothing but the LSAT - especially if s/he is still at 168 level and just wants to get into the 170s. That said, OP, don't underestimate how much work it will take either. Time has already slipped away from you a bit (in the sense that you intended to start your prep earlier), so you'll want to make good use of the time remaining.

[paayter]

i say why take the chance just sign up for september, you'll still get your scores in time to get your apps out early. don't be a fool..some people like me would KILL to have a diag score of 168.