Realistic Goals for Three Month Prep

taber605

I decided that I am going to take the lsat in January 2020 so that I can at least make an attempt at being accepted somewhere for Fall 2020. I took the PT and got a 141 without any prior knowledge of the test. All of the schools I am looking at have median lsat scores of 158 or lower. The highest ranking one is in the low 60's. I would like to set a goal for myself of getting between 155-160. Given that I have a 12 week window, is that a realistic goal? I purchased the Powerscore Bible Trilogy and two books with 10 practice tests a piece. I also plan on dedicating 3-4 hours a day M-F, as well as 6+ hours per day on Saturday and Sunday. I also plan on using the 7Sage LSAT Starter. I have no intent on trying to get a scholarship. I just want to be able to submit competitive applications. I have an undergrad GPA of 3.33 and a graduate GPA of 3.53 (I know these don't really count for much).

Long story short, is it realistic to think that I could obtain a score in the mid 150's with a three month study window?

lexxx745

Why not delay one cycle and try to really devote time to get a high score?

taber605

I have the opportunity to apply this year so i am going to give it my best effort. Should things go horrible I will be able to reevaluate and prep much more thoroughly for the next cycle. I would be very happy with any of the schools I have in mind so if there were any chance that i got accepted to one of them this year I am going to take it.

sietesabio

I would:

1) Proceed through one curriculum.
2) Use one test to practice using that curriculum's methods (especially important for AR).
3) Take a timed practice test to get an informed diagnostic score (but not until you complete blind review!).
4) Add just a few points to the score- this is your short-term target score goal.
5a) Drill logic games to stay sharp.
5b) Identify and address weaknesses in question types.
6) Determine timing/skip strategies according to your identified weaknesses.
7) After sufficient preparation of 5) and 6), go back to 3).

I could make a lot of qualifications to this list, but I will simply say that the 7sage Analytics could help you achieve 5b.

studyingandrestudying

Maybe try the trial membership on here and see what you think. It's free and it has no risks.

noonawoon

I definitely think you can hit that because a starting score that low probably just denotes that you are unfamiliar with principles of logic, diagramming, etc that can easily raise your score. However, if you received a PT of 141 because you didn't have enough time to answer all of the questions, then I'm not sure you can improve that quickly in 3 months.

taber605

I definitely understand that there very few variables that I will be able to have an influence over in that amount of time, such as things that simply require more repetition and practice over time. I am hoping that some familiarization with the different sections of the test will give me a better idea about where I will be able to make the most improvements.