Diagnostic of 167. How should I study from now on? Forum

[beetle]

Took my first diagnostic test a few days ago and received a 167. It was a cold, timed test under the new August format since I plan to take the test next June (at the latest, earlier if I reach my goal score before then). My section scores are:
24/27 RC
19/25 LR
22/27 RC*
22/26 LR

I bought the Powerscore books, been reading all 3 + The Loophole. I plan to use Lawhub, LSAT Demon, and 7sage for drilling after I get a good sense of the test down from the books. However, I’m worried that reading too much basic info might be a “don’t fix what ain’t broken” situation and confuse my intuitive style. What do??

[talons2250]

People whose diagnostic scores are in your ballpark generally do well by just taking a bunch of practice tests and carefully reviewing all answers you got wrong afterward. Do that enough times and your score should improve as much as it's going to realistically improve. Once it starts plateauing and not improving further, you're ready to take the test.

[Munchy Macaroni]

Respectfully, I completely disagree with the above post. Going straight into practice tests is a waste of time and precious resources (tests).

You need to start with the books. Even though you have a great diagnostic score, you're obviously missing some areas. The books are fantastic for tackling advanced questions / teaching you helpful techniques. For example, the Loophole is AMAZING — I went through it cover-to-cover before anything else, and was at -1 to 0 on LR by the end. IIRC the Loophole also lays out a great drilling plan.

At the beginning, you should be spending 95% of your time reading the books / drilling (maybe with a practice test per week to keep things sharp). That ratio should gradually change so that by the end of your studies, 95% of your time is spent on practice testing.

You're looking at a 175+ if you master the material — do not just aimlessly take practice tests! Bad, bad idea.

[beetle]

Respectfully, I completely disagree with the above post. Going straight into practice tests is a waste of time and precious resources (tests).

You need to start with the books. Even though you have a great diagnostic score, you're obviously missing some areas. The books are fantastic for tackling advanced questions / teaching you helpful techniques. For example, the Loophole is AMAZING — I went through it cover-to-cover before anything else, and was at -1 to 0 on LR by the end. IIRC the Loophole also lays out a great drilling plan.

At the beginning, you should be spending 95% of your time reading the books / drilling (maybe with a practice test per week to keep things sharp). That ratio should gradually change so that by the end of your studies, 95% of your time is spent on practice testing.

You're looking at a 175+ if you master the material — do not just aimlessly take practice tests! Bad, bad idea.

Thank you so much for your response!

That's kind of what I was thinking as well. Getting familiar with the test and how it operates will surely help me more than just PT's, drilling, and BR.

Taking your advice as we speak!

[crownlsat]

I have helped scorers with very high diagnostics like yours get to the 175-180 range with regularity. 5+ years of experience teaching this test. My most recent student to get a 180 did so on the June 2024 LSAT. He started far lower than you did. I have a JD from Georgetown and multiple 170+ scores. Feel free to reach out. My email is crownlsat@gmail.com and you can check out my website: crownlsat.com