CANNOT IMPROVE LR: PLEASE HELP!! Forum

[sp1860]

Hi all December 2014 LSAT re-takers,

I am literally devastated, and feel like there is nothing else that I can do at this point.
I took the LSAT for the first time in December 2013 and received a 159. After taking a few months off, I studied intensely and took the September LSAT,
and, again, I received a 159. I read the powerscore, LSAT trainer and Manhattan LSAT.

Maybe I am not meant to be a lawyer. But I can't figure out what I can do at this point to improve. I have a solid GPA, and was originally shooting for a 170+. But obv that's not a realistic option for me.
I am retaking the December test before I apply this year, but I don't know what I am doing wrong, and what I can do to improve.

Here is the brief breakdown:

- LR is my biggest concern: 3-6 wrong per section (Strengthen,Resolve, Necessary assumption are my weakest; also I have noticed that I am getting easy Qs wrong.
- Game (0-3 wrong)
- RC (3-7 wrong)

I feel like there is nothing that I can do to dramatically increase my RC score at this point.
What devastates me the most is that I GET half of the LR Qs wrong not because I don't know the logic, but because I didn't catch something when I first read the stimulus (not understanding the argument or just freezing,my brain just becoming numb during the test). And when I review them, half of the time (when i am looking over the wrong Qs, I don't even know why I chose the answer that I chose cause when I read the one that I chose, It's obv not the right answer) and so I feel even dumber and super frustrated...

Has anybody encountered a similar situation? How did you overcome? What is my PROBLEM?!?!

Any tips or advice seriously needed.

Thanks so much.

[Lying Lawyer]

Try taking a test without the timing. When you are worried about timing in the back of your mind you're going to go over things at a faster clip and you may miss things. That urgency may force you to freeze up at times. If you get a significantly higher score then your issue is timing and you have to find way to stay calm to maximize your score. For the vast majority of people there is going to be a little drop off with that. If you are still missing the same types or number of questions, then you don't have the level of understanding that you think you do. I am having a similar problem. When I was testing I couldn't see the gaps or find the pieces I was supposed to connect for lets see a necessary assumption question. I have slowed down and forced myself to find it regardless of time. I have improved a few points. Now I am going over some level 4 questions and I noticed my score inched up a few more points. My issue I am starting to notice is more of a focusing and concentration issue. You might have a similar issue.

[iluvcash]

Would anyone recommend "prephrasing" for op?

[blueberrycrumble]

Try taking a test without the timing. When you are worried about timing in the back of your mind you're going to go over things at a faster clip and you may miss things. That urgency may force you to freeze up at times. If you get a significantly higher score then your issue is timing and you have to find way to stay calm to maximize your score. For the vast majority of people there is going to be a little drop off with that. If you are still missing the same types or number of questions, then you don't have the level of understanding that you think you do. I am having a similar problem. When I was testing I couldn't see the gaps or find the pieces I was supposed to connect for lets see a necessary assumption question. I have slowed down and forced myself to find it regardless of time. I have improved a few points. Now I am going over some level 4 questions and I noticed my score inched up a few more points. My issue I am starting to notice is more of a focusing and concentration issue. You might have a similar issue.

Agreed. I found that quite a few of the mistakes I made when I was preparing were due to impatience and not taking the necessary time to consider all the small tricks of each question in LR. Obviously, speed is necessary as well if you're going to finish in time, but try taking as long as it takes you to answer each question for now (read the question 5 or 6 times if you have to!) - once you get better accuracy, then you can work on timing.