Volatile practice test scores

[garrett0530]

My practice test scores have become volatile and unpredictable and I don’t know why.

I started my prep at a 156, and my score steadily rose through the 160s and all the way to 170. Then I got a random 159, back up to a 167, and today a 158. I’m confused and frustrated, and I can’t figure out why as soon as I had the best score of my prep, two of the next three tests were the worst in months; especially considering my progress has been fairly steady and linear for the last few months.

Is this normal at all? Is there an explanation for it or any way to fix it in a week?

[Stephanie Oswalt]

My practice test scores have become volatile and unpredictable and I don’t know why.

I started my prep at a 156, and my score steadily rose through the 160s and all the way to 170. Then I got a random 159, back up to a 167, and today a 158. I’m confused and frustrated, and I can’t figure out why as soon as I had the best score of my prep, two of the next three tests were the worst in months; especially considering my progress has been fairly steady and linear for the last few months.

Is this normal at all? Is there an explanation for it or any way to fix it in a week?

Hi garrett,

Yes, this can be totally normal! Please rest assured that it’s not uncommon to see a score plateau (or even a decrease!) at varying points during your studies. This is often because as you learn new concepts, your timing is slowing down as you learn to practice and apply the new concepts efficiently. If you find that your score has plateaued or decreased, make sure that you are actively analyzing your performance. I would first suggest taking a look at your progress on specific sections and concepts in the practice tests you are taking.

You might find the following PowerScore Blog and Forum posts helpful:
• https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/how-to ... are-stuck/
• https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/how-to ... sat-study/
• http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/why-did ... d-studying
• https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/did-yo ... t-practice
• http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/bid/333 ... d-Now-What
• http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/how-to- ... oblem-sets
• https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/bid-15 ... ice-tests/
• https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/the-be ... ice-tests/

I hope this helps! Thanks!