Considering Retaking-Tutor/test prep advice needed

[tri189]

Hi,

I scored considerably lower on the June 2018 LSAT than I was PTing. I went over my score report and performed as expected in RC, but in my first LR section I missed twice as many questions as I usually do and in LG(-0/-1 during practice) I missed 4 questions. It was my first time taking the test and I was really anxious and had problems with timing before the break so I think that might have contributed to a lower score so I'm contemplating retaking in either September or November.

I self studied for about three months with the bibles and took about 15 timed practice tests in the last 1.5 months of studying.

Which brings me to my question: Should I invest the money in a private tutor or test prep class to figure out how I can improve from here?

[Adam Tyson]

It sounds to me like you've identified the problem, tri189, and it has little if anything to do with your knowledge of how the questions/games/passages work, and is all about test anxiety. To check that, answer the following questions (for yourself, not necessarily for us, but you can share if you want to):

When you took your practice tests, were you strict in the timing, simulating the real test conditions as close to perfectly as possible? No breaks between sections except 10 minutes between sections 3 and 4? Pencil down at the 35-minute mark, not continuing to bubble in? No interruptions for the phone, a snack, etc.?

Did your practice tests include a fifth section to simulate the experimental section and build stamina?

Did you take those PTs in an environment that was somewhat unfamiliar and perhaps a little distracting (as opposed to in your kitchen or in a silent study room in a library, neither of which is comparable to real testing conditions)?

Did you take those tests around the same time of day as your real test, having established a routine of getting to bed early, getting up early, getting a decent meal and perhaps a little exercise, and maybe a warm-up of a few questions or a game before starting the PT? Did you then replicate all of that the day before and morning of the real test?

Replicating the real testing conditions in practice can do a lot to relieve that anxiety by making the process routine and familiar. Being mindful of things like sleep, diet, exercise, and mental prep the day before and morning of the test will take care of most of the rest.

If you did all these things, then IMO a course or tutor won't do you much good, and you should instead focus on dealing with that anxiety. Consider relaxation techniques, such as meditation or controlled breathing, to remain calm and focuses during the test. More PTs in realistic conditions will continue to build your comfort and familiarity with the test, so that the real thing ends up feeling like just another day at the office instead of a cause for stress.

If, on the other hand, your PT scores were perhaps inflated by doing things a little less strictly (like noting the time but continuing to answer all the questions after time has run out on a section, or taking more breaks than you would be allowed to take), then perhaps some tutoring would be a good idea, as that might help you find ways to be more efficient in your process while maintaining high accuracy.

Just my two cents here, for all that's worth! Good luck with your continued studies!

[Lawheart]

Is your score not in any school range you want to attend?

How is the real day compared to taking it at home at kitchen table? Asking for a friend lol

You bring snackor no? Talk to anyone or just stay in focus?