So what are your thoughts? Have I really set myself back for getting from my official 159 to a 165 retake by using so many PTs?
Well! I have to say that I was pretty happy with my independent improvement from first PT (146) in August to official LSAT (159) in December. However, towards the end I was scoring mostly low160s and even a 165 so I really believe I am capable of a 163+ score. The fact that RC is my strongest section and that I studied without a proper curriculum to this point only strengthen my belief.
But now I am in, what feels like, an unideal position: I've drilled with or taken almost every PT from 52 through 75.
In the opening lessons of 7Sage core curriculum, JY says burning through PTs like that can do "irreparable damage". That language scares the crap out of me! I know that there are PLENTY of questions in those PTs which I have not yet mastered and there are lots of test taking strategies which I've yet to master as well, but I can't help but feel that having used so many PTs will only add to the difficulty of improving my score.
Comments
Absolutely. I've drilled every LG I saw to perfection during my initial prep and I'll continue to do that.
Thanks!
@jkatz1488 Why are you re-taking? Doesn't that mean you forgo ability to apply for Fall 2017 admittance? I have a similar score from Dec test. If I re-take wouldn't that set me back on application schedule? Most schools require scores by now. Or am I missing something?
@garlos26 I'm retaking in 2017 to apply for 2018. The difference between a 159 and a 163 is tremendous -- more than enough to make me comfortable forgo 2017 admittance.
I have burned through most practice tests, I have like 5 left for June. I was reading how even though your score will be inflated, retaking exams you have already taken are invaluable. If you focus on the reasoning behind each answer choice and why its wrong and write. The practice is still there. Just make sure you are focusing on "skills not scores" as I have read somewhere on a discussion board before!
Retakes will be invaluable to your prep, and they're actually tremendously beneficial for anyone. So while you have done irreparable damage, your road to your goal score isn't impossible, just a bit harder, and that's okay.
I myself was in a similar situation and finished the last six months or so of my prep with only a handful of tests. In some ways, it was a blessing in disguise, as retakes allowed me to truly understand the questions I initially missed as well as questions I luckily got right the first time around. Retakes also enable you to experiment a bit more with habits and strategies.
It isn't ideal to have no new material, though that doesn't preclude you from reaching your goal score. Invest in retakes and really study the newest material when two months or so are left before your real test day.