I've started studying since January with a score of 158. After a few practice tests, I had some scores in the low 160s - I had a 162, 165, and 163...and then suddenly one day it went down to a 157...157...153....158....157 (i've taken 12 PTs so far). I just took one today and it's a 157 again, which is lower than my initial diagnostic. I'm so frustrated and June is just around the corner. Is it even possible to go up to a 165 at least in the next 4 weeks? (out of my 12 PTs....3 were in the 160's and the other 9 was in the 150's....)
My worst section is unfortunately RC (I can miss anywhere from 9-14). Games is my best section - if I have a very good LG section I will miss 1 or 2. When I do poorly I'll miss like 4-5. LR (I miss like 5-6 on one section, and then the other LR sections always sucks...miss 8-9). When I do timed sections 35 sections during my study - I tend to get more correct.
Also - when you do BR....which is essentially answering the questions untimed after taking the PT. Do you have to do a BR for the whole test in one sitting? or even the section in one sitting? or is it just untimed anytime I want?
Some encouragement or advice is much needed...please...
Comments
If there is one piece of advice I can give for you: ROUTINE. If you already scored in the 160s, I have to assume that you have achieved some solid theoretical understanding of the exam. I assume you have drilled countless times, etc etc etc. These may be fallacious assumptions but I am going to assume them eitherway. Anyways, the most important thing is a) routine and b) simulating real life test taking conditions. Get your diet down. Lots of anti-oxidants (salmon, walnuts, berries, etc). Lots of carbohydrates and protein for breakfast on exam days. Adequate sleep. Exercise. Wake up at the same time everyday for a month prior to the exam, no exceptions, weekends too. Oh, and go to bed at around the same time as well. Your life belongs to the LSAT. Fuck friends, other obligations (if possible), and all other stuff. You want to do well and score with all the other big boys and girls, work hard(er). Oh and most importantly, take this test regardless if you are ready, and feel free to cancel it and take the LSAT again. You will be much more familiar with how the actual test day goes by doing this and it will easily help you improve your score. Direct message me if you need further advice.
For logical reasoning, what personally worked best for me was Manhattan. Lots of the strategies for LR are pretty similar but I found that Manhattan spoke to my unconscious understanding of the test better. For instance, I could feel that an answer choice was wrong because it was attempting to weaken the premise or the conclusion, instead of weakening the gap between the two but I had no idea how to articulate that. Now, whenever I see that on the test, I can write P- or C- . I also spent time asking myself: (1) what is the stimulus trying to convince me of? (2) what makes the answer choice right? (3) what makes the others wrong? While it'd be awesome if you had the time to review every single LR and BR it, my belief is that the best review is the one you'll do consistently. If you can't make it through an entire LR section, then at the very least review the ones that you missed. Then, try to apply your understanding using Cambridge packets and drilling question types. How you drill is up to you -- just do as much as you can because some practice is better than non/minimal practice.
For RC, honestly, I wish I had the answer to this. I've looked through Manhattan, LSAT Trainer, 7sage, Blueprint, TM, and PS and have found nothing to be tremendously helpful so I've tried to come up with my own system to play to my own strengths. Perhaps when you're trying to get those last points, it'll come down to that for you as well.
TL;DR: Drill LG, gain a better understanding of the LR section, understand your strengths/weaknesses (don't mention timing as one) and try to find a method that works for you in RC. Be flexible, open-minded, and reflect constantly.
OP—give yourself some space. You just might not be ready yet. Evidence? You don't feel ready. Do what @blah170blah has advised and analyze where the problems are.
Also, given that you are taking in June, I very strongly recommend that you join our BR group tomorrow night at 7pm EST. Hearing the way we discuss matters (and joining in!!) will help you assess your own grasp of the material and readiness.
PT62 this week. You need to take advantage of all of the resources at your disposal ... And this is a big one.
@nicole.hopkins I should really try the BR group. I actually took PT 62 a few weeks ago - should I just come to the review anyway and look at questions that I wasn't comfortable with??