Hi All, I took my first lsat in December 2013 after 4 months of studying. I have a bad case of test anxiety and during the LSAT in December 2013 I freaked out and decided to cancel my score. To my horror, I received an email from LSAC three weeks later with a 145 test score. I thought it was a joke, but turns out my proctor didn't properly explain how we should fill in the cancellation bubbles and since it wasn't properly filled in LSAC counted the score. I took a year break since I had to plan my wedding and move overseas and now I am back in full swing on LSAT studying so I can retake the LSAT in October 2015. I think I have been able to suppress my anxiety, but I have been studying about 6-10 hours a day for the last month and a half (following 7sage and PTing religiously) and my highest PT score was only 153. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and bummed with the reality of my scores and want to know if anyone has any suggestions on how to deal with this or if anyone has had similar experiences? With a month and a half to go before the exam I'm already thinking I need to take it in December -_-
Comments
I can totally relate to your situation - I've been devoting 4-6 hours to studying every day for the past three months and lately my scores have been worsening. My diagnostic was 156 and my past three PTs have been in the 140s range. I'm as disappointed and bummed out as you are.
I've been studying using the Powerscore bibles, 7sage, LSAT trainer, plus taking a well-reviewed LSAT prep course. While doing the 7sage curriculum I get everything right - but every single PT I just choke and end up getting -7 or -6 in every single section. For some people, 3 months is enough. I think maybe we're just the kind of people that need more time.
I changed my test date to December and I feel so much better. I know there's no guarantee that I will be ready by December, but I'm hoping the extra time will help me realize my true potential.
So hang in there! We can do this!
Just my humble 2 cents.
I agree that mindset is important, however, the LSAT rewards those with skill sets that have been reinforced with consistent practice. As an example, plenty of people improve by learning and utilizing formal logic and see a boost as they approach logic games and SA/NA questions correctly. The questions, games, passages, etc. are very formulaic and those that practice the appropriate habits and skills are rewarded on the test.
My intention here is not to be combative, only to prevent the dissemination of potentially discouraging information.