To take or not to take: that is the question. Forum

[Grunt2Grad]

So, I am currently PTing about 165-167. I feel like I am on the cusp of getting in that 170+ club. I am scheduled to take the September test but just don't feel quite ready. I have received mixed advice on whether to just take it and see what happens or prep some more and sit for the December LSAT. I am pretty confident that the thing that held me back from being there already is I was all over the place. I started with Blueprint online course, then started the LSAT trainer and manhattan combo and then went to Testmasters live course (I never completed any of the programs). I am thinking of just starting from page one of the LSAT trainer and working through it from start to finish. Is there any value in taking the test even though I am not ready? I have a fee waiver, but I just feel like December is the way to go. Any advice? Opinions? Recommendations?

[dontdoitkid]

I would need more info to really give better advice. How is your score distribution looking? Any issues with timing?

It's ok to start another course regiment, but don't look at it as a golden ticket. No one "graduates" a course with the automatic ability to score 170+. I'm not saying that you are thinking this, but I did and that was a massive mistake. However, that helped me develop my ability to think introspectively and become more honest with myself about where I was.

It sounds like you are already set on waiting until December, but I guess it would depend on what your score goals are (you said 170+), what your weaknesses are, and how long it would take to improve them.

[unodostres]

hgow many exams are you at with 165-167

if you don't hit 170 a couple times, it's hard to feel what its like. granted there are people that do with the pressure of test day, it would be hard to say you should take it.

edit: nvm ur last lines make it seem as if you're not taking it. there is no benefit of taking it if you're not ready.

[Rigo]

I'm not sure if the answer is another course. Mid-160's indicates that you're pretty good with the concepts. Not sure a "back to basics" approach would yield the results you're looking for. Pushing a mid-160's score into the 170's is largely a matter of drilling your weaknesses.

The CW is you shouldn't take the test if you're not ready. However, the value would be that if you would already have a score on record just incase something crazy happened in December. HYS are the only schools that really consider retakes. If you want to try for those schools, it might be best to wait until you are more confident in your abilities.

You still have time to decide on the September test. You can withdraw up until midnight on September 26th. So give yourself more time to think on it if you're simply in a funk. Or if you're sure December is the right bet, then more power to you!

[Grunt2Grad]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'm pretty set on waiting. My distribution is 163-167 over the last 6 or 7 PTs. Timing is not an issue for LR and RC but I rarely complete a LG games section. I typically miss 3-5 in each LR section, 3-5 in LG and my RC is all over the place. I don't think there will be some magic that gets me up in the high 170's but thanks to some generous benefits I don't need any money, so just getting in the door at a T14 is my goal ( I hope adding a few points can accomplish that). The frustrating part is I don't really have trends in what I miss. There is not a specific LR question type or LG type that trips me up.

[Grunt2Grad]

Also, taking a course is not an option. The live courses just do not work for me, it was a waste of time (in my opinion, not saying they don't work for some) and the online course can basically be found for free with 7sage and Manhattan forums so it will be self study this time around. I still haven't cancelled anything for September, I could just be bummed because my last PT kicked my butt and I really expected to at least have hit 170 once by now! I just feel like I am one ah ha moment from getting into the 170 range. Like I just need a couple more questions.

[unodostres]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'm pretty set on waiting. My distribution is 163-167 over the last 6 or 7 PTs. Timing is not an issue for LR and RC but I rarely complete a LG games section. I typically miss 3-5 in each LR section, 3-5 in LG and my RC is all over the place. I don't think there will be some magic that gets me up in the high 170's but thanks to some generous benefits I don't need any money, so just getting in the door at a T14 is my goal ( I hope adding a few points can accomplish that). The frustrating part is I don't really have trends in what I miss. There is not a specific LR question type or LG type that trips me up.

dont take a class.

get all the games 1-40

drill the hell out of those. take 41-72. redo any games where you miss more than 1.

but then agian, you really can't conclude you don't see a trend with only the last 6 or 7. take 20-25 and then see what you're getting. im sure you'll see a pattern of misses. do you use a score thing like 7sage provides? it breaks down your misses over time. that helps a shit ton.

[Rigo]

Also, taking a course is not an option.

In my previous post, by course I was referring to The Trainer. Sorry for not being clear with my word choice.
The Trainer is awesome for starting out, I just think you may be at a level where it'd be redundant and not all that helpful. It certainly won't be hurtful though.

[Grunt2Grad]

I still have access to the blueprint online so I score my PT's through the website and they break down question types. It just seems kind of inconsistent. Although I nail the first 12-15 questions and then miss like 4 in a row! (Logical reasoning) for games it's almost exclusively a timing issue. When I go back after I'm able to solve the games (not always, but more often than not).