Taking the LSAT for the first time in November and I can't seem to bridge the gap between my BR scores and timed scores. Tbf I started doing practice untimed and then moved to doing timed last week but I'm feeling super discouraged about my timed scores and don't know what to do. Any advice for getting better at timed is v appreciated
2
1 comments
Hello! First of all, your near-perfect BR score proves that you have the necessary logical gears in place! Since you just transitioned to timed practice last week, it is completely normal to see a temporary score drop.
To ease the panic, start by giving yourself a lenient timer. Give yourself 5 to 10 extra minutes per section for now. Once you get comfortable performing with that buffer, gradually reduce the extra time by a few minutes until you hit the strict 35-minute mark. With a month left before November, you have plenty of time to adjust.
To speak more generally about the gap, to close the gap between your timed and BR scores, you need to pinpoint exactly what you do differently when the clock is off.
As an example for LR, for which specific flaws do you fail to notice at first? Do you usually miss a Part-to-Whole or False Dichotomy flaw initially, but easily spot it during BR? Build a 'checklist' of your most common blind spots. Next time you are having a hard time locating a flaw in a stimulus, run through that checklist.
As an example for RC, do you usually get a Stated question wrong at first but later find a relevant place from the passage and correct it? In that case, you can try going back to the stimulus as soon as finishing reading a Stated question and find a relevant information, instead of staring at the ACs and trying to recall any information from your head. Like this, try to do what you do during the BR during the actual exam.
So for now, try giving yourself a few minutes more to get used to performing under a timer, and during BR, ask yourself what you're doing differently! I hope this helps, and best of luck!