Bombed in September

[dwkelly7]

Hello everyone my name is Dan. I took my first lsat in september, scores were released today and I did not do well. I scored about 6 points lower than the diagnostic tests I took. I also attended a popular prep course last year but it didnt help me much. My worst area is logic games so my preparation in the last month focused on that. I made an effort to study, but I think I could have applied myself more and I know I can do better. I purchased all of the powerscore bibles and workbooks, and I am signed up to retake the test in November. I am struggling with a couple of things. First, how should I proceed studying? Should I read a bible through, then do the entire workbook, and then take practice tests and track my weaknesses? Or should I take practice tests/questions and just focus on the things I really do badly? Also, am I better off just canceling november and signing up for january in order to give myself more time? This was a big reality check for me and I'm pretty disappointed in myself. I'm determined to do better the next go around. I'd really like to improve by at least 6 or 7 points. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks - Dan

[Jeremy Press]

Hi Dan,

Thanks so much for your questions! First, don't be too discouraged by a single test that's out of line with your normal diagnostic test results. By all accounts, the logic games section on this September test was especially difficult, and that can have the unfortunate effect of pushing you outside your normal score range (more on that here: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/bid-31 ... at-casino/).

You're already taking the right steps to put you on the path to success. I'm going to answer your questions in reverse order: with six weeks to the November exam, I would ordinarily advise someone who still needs to review fundamental concepts (the things the Bibles introduce) to wait until the next test administration. So, yes, I think you should register to take the January exam. Hold on to your November date until closer to exam time. You can withdraw your registration the day before the November exam without it showing up on your record, so wait until the week before the November test to make that final decision. There's always a possibility you'll have a "light bulb" moment before November, and you want to preserve the opportunity to take that test if that happens.

But plan your study schedule for your "ideal" test-taking date, meaning, for you, plan your study schedule to put you in an ideal position for the January exam. You have three months until January, so put yourself on this three-month study plan: https://s3.amazonaws.com/studentcenter/ ... y_plan.pdf. You'll notice the plan takes you through the fundamentals from the Bibles in an order that makes sense, and sprinkles in an appropriate number of diagnostic tests along the way. This is, in my personal experience and the experience of PowerScore more broadly, the ideal way to see consistent progress.

Let me know if this raises any additional questions for you. I hope this helps, and best of luck as you dive in for the November and January exams!

Jeremy

[dwkelly7]

Jeremy thank you so much for your feedback. I don't have anyone to talk to about this stuff so your response and the several other forum threads I have read through have given me a much more positive perspective. I decided to sign up for an upcoming live online course in addition to following the 3 month plan, and will be registering for the January LSAT. I am going to apply myself 110% for the next 3 months. Thanks again.