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Hi guys, so I just took PT "79" since my buddy wanted to retake it (he took the LSAT in September).

Lately I've been scoring between 169-173 and 176-180 on PTs I've seen before/retaken. On 79 I missed 5 questions total between both LR and the games section, yet missed TWELVE on reading comp. admittedly I was probably not in an ideal mental state while taking the exam, but even for me, -12 is extremely bad. Had I missed even half as many I would be sitting in the low 170s but I digress. I thought I was getting better and more comfortable with these disgustingly challenging modern RC sections but clearly this is not entirely the case. Granted, it could have been a bad test day but I usually miss between 4-7 on newer RC so that cannot account for this kind of drop.

I guess my question is how can I best mitigate the damage done by this section? I understand I won't be able to master it given the timeframe and the effort I've already put in but this is single handedly holding me back from a 170+ score with these recent tests. I do just fine on LR and (most) games but THIS...this is brutal and my confidence is severely shaken.

As always, I appreciate any input that can be provided

It's more of a mental game at this point. You know how you typically score on that section, so chalk it up as a bad test. Definitely review the fuck out of it, even if that means redoing bad passages every day until the test. If you can understand the structure of one tough passage and how the answers were formed, there will be some (please note some, not all) future crossover. But you know what you're capable of, so don't let it jostle you.

RamTitan wrote:It's more of a mental game at this point. You know how you typically score on that section, so chalk it up as a bad test. Definitely review the fuck out of it, even if that means redoing bad passages every day until the test. If you can understand the structure of one tough passage and how the answers were formed, there will be some (please note some, not all) future crossover. But you know what you're capable of, so don't let it jostle you.

It's likely just an anomaly. OP, Why in your opinion are the most recent RC passages more difficult? IMO the most recent reading portions seem to be easier. Just at a glance, they have only 27 questions rather than some of the older ones with 28.

Develop a strategy to best use your time in the next 7 days. Don't focus on the points.

SunDevil14 wrote:

RamTitan wrote:It's more of a mental game at this point. You know how you typically score on that section, so chalk it up as a bad test. Definitely review the fuck out of it, even if that means redoing bad passages every day until the test. If you can understand the structure of one tough passage and how the answers were formed, there will be some (please note some, not all) future crossover. But you know what you're capable of, so don't let it jostle you.

It's likely just an anomaly. OP, Why in your opinion are the most recent RC passages more difficult? IMO the most recent reading portions seem to be easier. Just at a glance, they have only 27 questions rather than some of the older ones with 28.

I never was particularly bothered by the quantity of RC questions. It's the (seeming) complexity of the passages/viewpoints, coupled with the specificity of the questions presented. Early RC (think maybe 50 and before) seemed straightforward in their presentation of ideas and opinions. Questions may not have been 100% apparent but much easier to quickly refrr back and answer. Nowadays I find it tough to do so, even in cases where I know where to look.

Granted, my blind review almost always is correct and in no more than 45-60 seconds per question but nonetheless I miss these questions when doing them in real time.

WiltyMIZ wrote:

SunDevil14 wrote:

RamTitan wrote:It's more of a mental game at this point. You know how you typically score on that section, so chalk it up as a bad test. Definitely review the fuck out of it, even if that means redoing bad passages every day until the test. If you can understand the structure of one tough passage and how the answers were formed, there will be some (please note some, not all) future crossover. But you know what you're capable of, so don't let it jostle you.

It's likely just an anomaly. OP, Why in your opinion are the most recent RC passages more difficult? IMO the most recent reading portions seem to be easier. Just at a glance, they have only 27 questions rather than some of the older ones with 28.

I never was particularly bothered by the quantity of RC questions. It's the (seeming) complexity of the passages/viewpoints, coupled with the specificity of the questions presented. Early RC (think maybe 50 and before) seemed straightforward in their presentation of ideas and opinions. Questions may not have been 100% apparent but much easier to quickly refrr back and answer. Nowadays I find it tough to do so, even in cases where I know where to look.

Granted, my blind review almost always is correct and in no more than 45-60 seconds per question but nonetheless I miss these questions when doing them in real time.

To each their own. I find that I do much better on the recent RC sections. Perhaps it is because I am improving. I cannot really determine the reason why but IMO the most recent tests seem easier.

I was around the same pre-September test. I was 174-175 in the mid 60's. Then I entered the 70's and started dropping to 164 :/. I scored a 167 on the actual test.

SunDevil14 wrote:

WiltyMIZ wrote:

SunDevil14 wrote:

RamTitan wrote:It's more of a mental game at this point. You know how you typically score on that section, so chalk it up as a bad test. Definitely review the fuck out of it, even if that means redoing bad passages every day until the test. If you can understand the structure of one tough passage and how the answers were formed, there will be some (please note some, not all) future crossover. But you know what you're capable of, so don't let it jostle you.

It's likely just an anomaly. OP, Why in your opinion are the most recent RC passages more difficult? IMO the most recent reading portions seem to be easier. Just at a glance, they have only 27 questions rather than some of the older ones with 28.

I never was particularly bothered by the quantity of RC questions. It's the (seeming) complexity of the passages/viewpoints, coupled with the specificity of the questions presented. Early RC (think maybe 50 and before) seemed straightforward in their presentation of ideas and opinions. Questions may not have been 100% apparent but much easier to quickly refrr back and answer. Nowadays I find it tough to do so, even in cases where I know where to look.

Granted, my blind review almost always is correct and in no more than 45-60 seconds per question but nonetheless I miss these questions when doing them in real time.

To each their own. I find that I do much better on the recent RC sections. Perhaps it is because I am improving. I cannot really determine the reason why but IMO the most recent tests seem easier.

You're not alone. I too find them easier. But, like you said, we could simply be getting better.

My situation is exactly the same as yours. I had to check your id to see that I did not post this. Looking for advice as well. All the best!