Self-study
Hello LSAT community!
I am writing to inquire about the accuracy and reliability of the "PT equivalent" calculation that is shown for drills and sections. Obviously if the sample size is larger it'll be more accurate and representative, and so the full lengths are more accurate, but how accurate is the ratings for during individual PT sections done in drills?
I ask because it would be nice to know whether I can be using these a guide for my progress. If I am averaging these PT equivalent scores around 160 with the range usually between 155-165, are these to be taken as progress indicators where I can expect to score around a 160?
For context, I am aiming for a 165 in the August LSAT, had a diagnostic of 149, and did my first real PT this week and got a 159. I understand I need to do more PT to get a good idea of my progress, but that is also why I am curious if I can put any weight into the PT equivalent scores during drills as I get those scores more frequently than the full PT scores.
Any tips or comments on how you use this metric would be helpful!
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2 comments
Hello!! I totally agree with Colton on using your full PT scores to gauge your level, because completing a short drill is a completely different experience with completing a full exam. When I didn't practice doing 2.5-hour exams at one seat, during my first real attempt, my brain went on strike by the time I reached the fourth section. Only after I regularly simulated the actual exam time did I stop feeling fatigued at the end.
That being said, I highly recommend taking them in one sitting to simulate the actual exam environment. This is to 1) see how you can actually perform in a real test setting and 2) build your endurance. I hope this helps, and good luck!
I think you're fine to use them to track your progress, but you should use your PT average (once you've taken enough for it to be representative) to gauge if you're ready for the real thing. There's a big opportunity for disconnect if you have issues with the length of the test or stamina. Say you can always get -3 on your first section, but as the test goes on you get -4, -5, -6. The PT equivalent on sections is only going to capture that -3 first section score, and not that you do worse over time. Hopefully that makes sense!