From Now till Oct 3 Forum

[dunks91]

What's up TLS,

First time posting, however, I've been reading TLS off and on for the past couple months.

Wanted to see if any LSAT alumni/re-takers may have any suggestions on how I should approach my final week of studying before the Oct 3 exam (8 days out).

Currently, scoring around ~10/12 total wrong on LR. ~1/2 wrong LG. and about ~7/10 wrong on RC... My goal is to to hit at least ~162/163+ on the real deal. I know that with only 1 week left, I can't expect to make any drastic improvements, but I really want to improve my LR sections... In my past few PTs, my mistakes in LR have been somewhat varied and it's been difficult to gauge what particular question type to focus on (seems to be a trend for some other TLSers as well). I don't know if taking PTs everyday until the test is the smartest route to take, although many people I've talked IRL has recommended this route.

Any advice?

Thank you!

[TheProdigal]

Taking a daily PT would probably never be the answer, maybe three, going every other day. And if your issues aren't with timing or stamina, you may be better served by focusing on drilling still. But, what's your average PT running? I'm guessing you're roughly 3-4 questions away from goal?

You're right in that you aren't likely to see huge improvement in the next week - would pushing back your take to December be feasible?

[seashell.economy]

I'm going to daily PT. I think it will be good for me, but everyone is different. I'm also doing 50 pages of the LG bible daily in this last week. Meant to finish that by now, but haven't...I already finished the LR bible.

[dunks91]

Taking a daily PT would probably never be the answer, maybe three, going every other day. And if your issues aren't with timing or stamina, you may be better served by focusing on drilling still. But, what's your average PT running? I'm guessing you're roughly 3-4 questions away from goal?

You're right in that you aren't likely to see huge improvement in the next week - would pushing back your take to December be feasible?

Pretty much. I'm bordering between ~3-6 questions away from reaching my goal. Timing may play a small role since when I BR the Q's I got wrong, I tend to understand why I got the question wrong and understand the right AC (also probably cuz there is only 4 AC's to choose from). My RC consistently hits around 7-10 wrong (which is awful, but it is what it is at this point). If I can improve my LR sections by 2 questions per section, I will be very content. I have heard people say they've made improvements to their score within the last 1-2 weeks of studying, and I'm striving to do so as well...

As far as pushing the test date back... I'm pretty set on taking it on October (trying to have my applications done/sent to schools by mid November). It's my first time taking it though and if need be, I'm willing to retake in December.

[TheProdigal]

I rather inexplicably went from a max of 170 when prepping for February, and with a week of study prepping for September was hitting 174. Only changes were finally reading the Manhattan RC book, and wearing nicotine patches (I don't smoke, and wasn't wearing them for the LSAT, but I'll take help where I can). So your goal score is absolutely doable.

TL;DR: you still have time, and I wouldn't write off RC so easily.

[dunks91]

I rather inexplicably went from a max of 170 when prepping for February, and with a week of study prepping for September was hitting 174. Only changes were finally reading the Manhattan RC book, and wearing nicotine patches (I don't smoke, and wasn't wearing them for the LSAT, but I'll take help where I can). So your goal score is absolutely doable.

TL;DR: you still have time, and I wouldn't write off RC so easily.

Yeah, I don't own the Manhattan RC book, but do own the Powerscore version, although I've read here and there that the PS RC book isn't of that much help... I'm going to go with your advice and lean on drilling more so than taking full timed PTs. But I'm going to include timed-sections within my drilling.

And seriously Nicotine patches (first time hearing of its use on test day)? I'm assuming it helped alleviate test nerves/anxiety?

[TheProdigal]

The patches are... well. I use them since I can't afford medication for a disorder ($300-$700 per month, with insurance), and they seem to really help my concentration and attention. Though I tend to find the 21mg too strong, the 14mg are pretty good. No real issues with anxiety, though I seem to be mildly allergic to the adhesive (I look like a patchwork monster).

I wouldn't necessarily say I endorse them as a test aid, but they seem to be working for me.

[Alpal29]

I'm PTing every other day averaging 165-168 but if the test is built well for me I have scored over 172. I'm PTing and then reviewing in depth the next day and just hoping that test day I don't go below 165.

It's not ideal, but retaking is always an option. I'm not anticipating making major progress in 8 days. Just trying not to stress to hard