Take the Oct test or push to Dec

Ron Swanson

Hey Everyone,

Began studying for the LSAT March 1st 2015. Did the bibles and numerous PTs (about 17) in anticipation of the June 2015 test. My cold diagnostic was 148 but I was consistently PTing 158-162 (Most of PTs 19-28 and 62-71) when I decided to postpone until October. At that point, I studied much less from mid-May through mid-July because I had a solid grasp on fundamentals but knew it was important to save the later preptests that I accidentally burned so early.

Then I found 7sage.. This program has been awesome at renewing my confidence and giving me the tools to attack this test. The straightforward way that JY teaches is superior to powerscore. I'm 45% through the core curriculum and cruising (I study about 3 hours most days). I'm hoping to be done with it in mid-August and move on to taking 4 PTs per week right up until the test.

Do people think I have enough time to max out my score? My benchmark minimum is 166, but the ultimate goal is a 170. I'm prepared to go all in for October, but if it's not worth it I'll restructure and go December...although I may not have the luxury of a retake at that point.

Thanks for any and all feedback!

nicole.hopkins

@kconnolly said:
move on to taking 4 PTs per week right up until the test.

I think 4 is too many. 3 is a pretty hefty max in my experience. Either you will burn out, fail to properly BR, get demoralized by diminishing returns ... And most likely, a combination of all 3. You want to taper DOWN right before the test—not amp up.

@kconnolly said:
Do people think I have enough time to max out my score?

I'll put it out there ... I do not. It sounds like you're rushing and setting yourself up for burnout. Your brain just won't be in peak condition, having gone at this proposed breakneck speed leading up to the test.

@kconnolly said:
if it's not worth it I'll restructure and go December

Restructure. Finish course as you have described and then do 2 or a maximum of 3 PT's per week leading up to December. I hesitate to even recommend 3 at all.

harrismegan

I wouldn't recommend 3/4 prep tests either. Nicole is totally right. You won't have enough time to properly BR and then brush up on your fundamentals between your PTs.

kittyahmed

I can't stress enough how strongly I agree with the comments here. To improve meaningfully on the LSAT, you need time to digest the concepts and processes you're learning and for that you need resting periods. A schedule like you've proposed (I think) runs the risk of limiting your performance rather than maximizing it. I also think it's a good idea to not sacrifice targeted drills or individual sections and do nothing but PTs in the later stages. PTs are great for getting a sense of timing and for increasing stamina, but accuracy is a crucial factor and individual sections work just as well for that while still saving your brain from overload...

Pacifico

2-3 PTs per week with excellent BR (think 175+) is much better than 4 PTs per week and mediocre BR (<170). For now just focus on finishing the curriculum and taking the time to absorb everything. Prep with the urgency of an October test, with the knowledge that December is there as a backup plan. You only have until September 9th to change the test date and not lose money, so you probably won't be able to ascertain your skill set before then, but if you're like me and leave everything to the last minute, then pretending you're taking it in October should at least keep that fire burning inside you.

GSU Hopeful

Great advice.

Ron Swanson

Everyone,

Thanks for the great advice. Helps a lot to take a step back from my LSAT world and get some unbiased opinions.

Only question though: wouldn't taking the Dec test and applying later put me at a noticeable disadvantage compared to applying right after getting back a *hopefully* satisfying Oct score? Say 167 in October vs a 170 in December

Pacifico

No... December is not late... February/March is late... 170 might be above a 75th and a 167 is at 25th so there is a big difference there... 167 in October might get the app held or pushed back until Janury when everyone can read it anyways...

Ron Swanson

@Pacifico, I really appreciate the perspective. Going to see how I fare over the next few weeks and adjust my plan accordingly.

Thanks again to all other commenters

Pacifico

Take GU for example... They're at 163/168/169 this year so a 167 would be below their median but a 170 would be above their 75th... So that is the difference between a probable ding and a possible admit (at least a wait list) depending on other factors of course...

nicole.hopkins

@kittyahmed said:
A schedule like you've proposed (I think) runs the risk of limiting your performance rather than maximizing it.

VERY well put.

DumbHollywoodActor

If you have to ask, December. This test is about confidence.

nicole.hopkins

@DumbHollywoodActor said:
If you have to ask, December. This test is about confidence.

TRUTH BOMB.

bedneydo

This has been extremely helpful for me. Just started studying in July and thought I'd have enough time to be ready for the October exam, but it's turning out to be more challenging than I orginally thought. I'm to the Boston area and plan to apply to BU, BC and HU, but if I'm not in the high 160's or low 170's I don't want to take October. Thanks everyone.

Moosader

"If all you dream about during practice is the water break, you'll never be thirsty enough to win." - Myself, just now