Advice on score swings Forum

[Dkdrums23]

Has anybody got tips on how to stabilize your practice test scores? My pt scores have almost always been above 165 but every like 5th pt is just terrible for me. The last one I took I got a 154. I'm just wondering why this happens and if anyone else with this problem has figured out a way to deal with it. It just feel like every 5th test I take I just bomb no matter what progress I have been making.

[shump92]

How frequently are you taking PTs. I only did 4 before my LSAT, so I cannot really relate to your situation. But with running I can tell you that if I have too many hard days in a short period of time, my performance suffers in some races and workouts. The other issue I have with that is thinking too much about problems I have had in previous races while I am running. So maybe you are too concerned with your ability to handle those 5th PTs.

[malleus discentium]

The week before my LSAT my PTs ranged from 170 to 180. Don't worry about it; all you can do is perfect your skills and hope the LSAT you sit isn't one that you just for whatever reason don't gel with.

[Manhattan Prep Matt]

It's important to note the source of a swing:
1) Is it an overall decline in all sections?
2) Did you have a bad Game/Passage?
3) Did you have a bad streak (at the beginning or end of a section, or a distraction that persisted in the middle)?

The first is the hardest to diagnose, because it could be psychological (you were stressed out), physical (you were tired), or a test-based (it just so happens that this test had a higher percentage of what you're weak at).

The second tends to be the case for people who are streaky - they do generally well, unless they bomb a game or passage. That says that the variance comes from a limited weakness in that section that has to be fixed.

The third usually comes down to focus, or an outside distraction, or a question that you just couldn't let go. We all get into a funk at times.

Take a look at the tests, see where the drop in score is coming from, and report back!

[ihenry]

I wouldn't worry about it. If you have 4 consecutive, consistent high ones, you are probaby OK regarding your skills; the plummet on the fifth is merely for psychological reasons. On the test day you will be with your maximum energy and concentration knowing it is for real.

Once you stop worrying, your 5th will go up to normal too.

[BasilHallward]

That point swing is concerning. Are you taking ALL of your tests under real-testing conditions and being honest with the clock? It does raise my eyebrows to see that point swing; that's a whole 20 questions of difference. It could have been a dreadful day with the test and I am sure that you felt it while taking the test.

Just be sure that you are being real when taking practice tests. Trust me. I would lie to myself a little bit in the beginning and this would happen.

[pta]

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