Feb. vs. June LSAT Forum

[RamTitan]

Okay, I know I've been posting a lot of topics lately, but I'd like to make my test date concrete ASAP so I can move forward accordingly.

I've been studying for the LSAT since late May for about 8-10 hours a week. Most of my time has been spent drilling and learning the fundamentals. I've taken 13 practice tests, and have scored in the 166-171 range as of late. My goal score is at least a 175; I want a score that will be good enough to get me into Harvard with a 3.66 GPA. The following are the courses of action I've been contemplating:

Option A - take the Feb. LSAT
I would spend the next two months primarily taking practice tests. I've scheduled my calendar to take 21 of them. I'm about to start a new job which will offer me a decent amount of time to devote to the test. If I'm not feeling good by late Jan., I can always cancel the test. However, if I've taken that many tests at that point I'd rather not cancel, as I know there is a limited amount of tests I can actually take. This is why I'm afraid of blowing the modern tests before a faulty first-take if I need to retake it in June.

Option B - take the June LSAT
Spend the rest of this year lightly drilling like I have been, and then begin the New Year taking a test every single Saturday, doing my routine just like I would in June. This would come out to about the same number of tests (maybe one or two more).

[lymenheimer]

Strictly speaking for the test day, I quite enjoyed the June test. Although there was ample time to get nervous after waking up, I felt a lot more alert and awake in midday than I do in the mornings (though I'm sure I could have adjusted my schedule if I wanted). It's also not a closed examination like the the Feb test so having those CR was nice to go back over the test. I would probably try and take the Feb test though. Study hard and get where you want to be and if you need to retake, you have the June test and even October to fall back on without having to push your apps into January of the next year (assuming you are trying to apply in 2016).

[RamTitan]

Strictly speaking for the test day, I quite enjoyed the June test. Although there was ample time to get nervous after waking up, I felt a lot more alert and awake in midday than I do in the mornings (though I'm sure I could have adjusted my schedule if I wanted). It's also not a closed examination like the the Feb test so having those CR was nice to go back over the test. I would probably try and take the Feb test though. Study hard and get where you want to be and if you need to retake, you have the June test and even October to fall back on without having to push your apps into January of the next year (assuming you are trying to apply in 2016).

I am; I wanted to use the summer to finish all of my apps so I could submit them by early September.

[lymenheimer]

I am; I wanted to use the summer to finish all of my apps so I could submit them by early September.

Well...All of your PS/DS/LOR/etc. Apps don't open until August/Sept. But yea, in that case, you probably couldn't go wrong with Feb or June, but the later you take means the later you would be able to retake if you needed to. That doesn't mean take it early if you're not ready, but keep it that fact in mind.

[RamTitan]

I am; I wanted to use the summer to finish all of my apps so I could submit them by early September.

Well...All of your PS/DS/LOR/etc. Apps don't open until August/Sept. But yea, in that case, you probably couldn't go wrong with Feb or June, but the later you take means the later you would be able to retake if you needed to. That doesn't mean take it early if you're not ready, but keep it that fact in mind.

Yeah, that's what I meant; would I have access to application instructions at the least so I know what I'm doing beforehand?

[lymenheimer]

I am; I wanted to use the summer to finish all of my apps so I could submit them by early September.

Well...All of your PS/DS/LOR/etc. Apps don't open until August/Sept. But yea, in that case, you probably couldn't go wrong with Feb or June, but the later you take means the later you would be able to retake if you needed to. That doesn't mean take it early if you're not ready, but keep it that fact in mind.

Yeah, that's what I meant; would I have access to application instructions at the least so I know what I'm doing beforehand?

Unfortunately not. It's really basic though. Very simple. If you fear confusion, feel free to open up an application now and work your way through it. Also that way you will have most of the information already auto-filled. (You may have had to purchase CAS before you can open up an app but idk for sure)

[RamTitan]

I am; I wanted to use the summer to finish all of my apps so I could submit them by early September.

Well...All of your PS/DS/LOR/etc. Apps don't open until August/Sept. But yea, in that case, you probably couldn't go wrong with Feb or June, but the later you take means the later you would be able to retake if you needed to. That doesn't mean take it early if you're not ready, but keep it that fact in mind.

Yeah, that's what I meant; would I have access to application instructions at the least so I know what I'm doing beforehand?

Unfortunately not. It's really basic though. Very simple. If you fear confusion, feel free to open up an application now and work your way through it. Also that way you will have most of the information already auto-filled. (You may have had to purchase CAS before you can open up an app but idk for sure)

Would you advise waiting to write a personal statement until applications are open? Are there other major components of an application? I know some schools have a "why this school" portion.

[lymenheimer]

Would you advise waiting to write a personal statement until applications are open? Are there other major components of an application? I know some schools have a "why this school" portion.

I would advise the opposite. Start working on a PS so that you can cycle through some ideas and drafts, that way you're not rushing and settling last minute. You don't have to spend your nights sitting up writing one, just yet, but at least get some ideas down. You can wait to write a "why X". They don't have to be long and you may change your mind on some schools through the process. Other than that, make sure your resume is polished. The rest is basically fill in the blank which gets autofilled for each app with the same question requirements.

[RamTitan]

Would you advise waiting to write a personal statement until applications are open? Are there other major components of an application? I know some schools have a "why this school" portion.

I would advise the opposite. Start working on a PS so that you can cycle through some ideas and drafts, that way you're not rushing and settling last minute. You don't have to spend your nights sitting up writing one, just yet, but at least get some ideas down. You can wait to write a "why X". They don't have to be long and you may change your mind on some schools through the process. Other than that, make sure your resume is polished. The rest is basically fill in the blank which gets autofilled for each app with the same question requirements.

Thanks for the advice! I've looked through some personal statement prompts, and am starting to formulate ideas.

I think I'll plan to sit for Feb., but I'd love to hear other opinions!

[Blueprint Mithun]

Okay, I know I've been posting a lot of topics lately, but I'd like to make my test date concrete ASAP so I can move forward accordingly.

I've been studying for the LSAT since late May for about 8-10 hours a week. Most of my time has been spent drilling and learning the fundamentals. I've taken 13 practice tests, and have scored in the 166-171 range as of late. My goal score is at least a 175; I want a score that will be good enough to get me into Harvard with a 3.66 GPA. The following are the courses of action I've been contemplating:

Option A - take the Feb. LSAT
I would spend the next two months primarily taking practice tests. I've scheduled my calendar to take 21 of them. I'm about to start a new job which will offer me a decent amount of time to devote to the test. If I'm not feeling good by late Jan., I can always cancel the test. However, if I've taken that many tests at that point I'd rather not cancel, as I know there is a limited amount of tests I can actually take. This is why I'm afraid of blowing the modern tests before a faulty first-take if I need to retake it in June.

Option B - take the June LSAT
Spend the rest of this year lightly drilling like I have been, and then begin the New Year taking a test every single Saturday, doing my routine just like I would in June. This would come out to about the same number of tests (maybe one or two more).

From what I see, Option A will involve 2 months of intense prep (~3 PTs a week or so?). That could be good idea, if you can handle it and not burn out. Remember that reviewing PTs carefully and effectively is 50% of the battle. If you burn through PTs and don't learn as much as you can from your mistakes, you'll be wasting tests and time. This is the potentially more efficient but riskier option.

Option B sounds more manageable, however, you will have to keep up your studying for another 6 months. One of the big benefits is that you'll have plenty of space to reflect on your scores/performance and you should have the time/energy to address. This sounds like the safer option.

It's impossible for us to predict which one will turn out better; it's ultimately up to your preference. Personally, I'd go for option A, because I generally work harder when the pressure's on. Also, remember that hitting plateaus is very common at the level you're at right now, since increases come harder and there is less room for mistakes. Don't let that dishearten you. Focus on your reviewing and analyze your weakness at each step of the way.