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Feeling frustrated and Stuck

sheistryingsheistrying Live Member
in November 2024 LSAT 18 karma

I took my diagnostic back in august and got 148. Since then I have been working through the curriculum. I made it through the foundations and first part of logical reasoning with the old version before I realized there was a newer one I should be on. since then I restarted the new version and redid grammar bc I felt I was shaky, I did all of the foundations and 22 percent of the logic part and 66 percent of the rc curriculum. About a month in I took another diagnostic (while at work and being interrupted) and scored a 149. I assumed that because I was at work that contributed to my low score and that it would generally show my improvement since then if I was in a controlled environment. However, after 3 months of studying as much as I could manage with working full time and being in grad school I scored yet again another 149 on the first round and actually blind reviewed the entire test and still only managed a 150. I am at a loss right now and feeling super discouraged. I only have a 3.3 from undergrad so I do need the lsat with my admissions. For reference I want to apply the year and not wait until next year bc I am currently working at a university that has free tuition for employees and a law school. I hate my job but that makes it worth it and everything would be so convent. I just am feeing discouraged right now and at a loss. I know I haven't finished the curriculum, but how is it possible that I am stuck in the same place as when I started. It makes me feel like all of this ha been for nothing.

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Comments

  • missjurisdocmissjurisdoc Live Member
    839 karma

    Don't give up and remember there is a score in the 150s that puts you above average at the very least. You are making progress. Also, if I read correctly, if you work at the place that has a law school is it not technically free and your basically focusing on presenting the best application you can make? or did you mean just the grad school aspect is free? Some people recommend 6 months study time but you definitely should keep in mind what your personal goals are overall.

  • sheistryingsheistrying Live Member
    18 karma

    I appreciate your kind words! I meant that tuition would be free if I got in but I would need at least a 160 for that given my gpa is below their 25th percentile. I am also retaking in January but applying to 2 schools in December that have early deadlines for financial considerations.

  • mas441mas441 Core Member
    44 karma

    Don't despair! This whole process is such a head game. I have been there and still go there sometimes, on my bad days. I just took the LSAT for the first time yesterday and am sitting it again in January. My first untimed PT was 150, then 153, then 156 over and over and over. Then I jumped up to 160, 162, and even miraculously pulled an untimed 171, which sparked my hopes as to what might be possible. I don't know what I scored yesterday, but I am going to keep studying and aiming to break 170 in January.

    In your particular situation, which does sound challenging, I would say: You will find a way to get what you need and meet your goals! The timeline might be different than you hoped, but you will do it! Let's say worst case scenario you don't make it this cycle; you will find another way. Maybe that way will be taking the time to get the score you need by quitting this job and improving the quality of your daily life. Then with more time to study and a better state of mind, you'll bump up your LSAT, and even get funding at the institution where you're anchored or at another school. In short, you can rethink your strategy and take the long view.

    Regarding where you're at now with this cycle: consider changing strategies there too: study the logic curriculum (supplementing it with Law Hub's free resources, i.e., Khan Academy), do focused drills, and then shift to untimed practice tests, and finally to roughly one to two timed practice tests per week. That incremental progress--getting a handle on the curriculum and focused drills, targeted to your weaknesses--will also build your confidence.

    Most of all, to preserve your sanity and self esteem, be kind to yourself, recognize that you have some structural limitations that are making it challenging to have the time you need to study. It might take time, but you can do it! Step by step, you'll get there!

  • JS199999JS199999 Alum Member
    35 karma

    I know the feeling of being stuck! I have been studying for the lsat for basically the past two years. Yes you heard that right.! 2 darn yrs. I reached the breaking point until recently I decided to go to a psychologist! It turned out that it is my anxiety that has prevented me from actually comprehending the material. I got some help regarding that and went through the foundation and got a good hung on lawgic language and my marks went from 140s to 160s. If I could just pull it up a little further might reach the 170 but that is just good enough for now bs I have already applied to Ontario schools and just waiting for the lsat in Nov. what I am trying to say here, that there is hope and it is great hope. you just need to reframe the way you look at the lsat. Do not view it as an enemy. I know this sound a little impossible, but try to love the lsat and enjoy it. Have fun with it. Take some time to study everyday, and do not panic. Have a good foundation and then start the material. Do not let your marks discourage you. You got this, we got this. Best of luck ;)

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