Study Materials: Practice Tests vs. Review Books

[AR60611]

Hello!
I'm currently enrolled in a Full-Length Powerscore Prep Course, which starts April 15th. I've been studying for the LSAT consistently since February, but was having some trouble figuring out how to use my time in the next few weeks before the course starts.

I've taken a few practice tests and consistently scored around 160. I've been frustrated because even after doing a lot more untimed review, my practice scores haven't changed much and I still tend to run out of time on the Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections. Up to this point I've been using a Kaplan general LSAT review book, but didn't like it much (which is one of the main reasons I'm enrolling in a Powerscore course).

My question is, what's the best strategy for me to hone these skills up until the course starts? I can keep taking timed practice tests, but I don't want to run out of materials too quickly. Or would I be better off buying review books for just Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning? I feel like timing is an obvious issue for me which would be helped by taking practice tests, but I also recognize that I could understand how to answer the questions better too.

Many thanks,
Alex

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hi Alex,

First of all, congrats on your decision to enroll in a Full-Length LSAT course! It's a step in the right direction for sure. Also, it's great that you've been putting a lot of hours towards LSAT prep since February... you will doubtless be familiar with at least some of the concepts you guys will cover in class (at least in Lessons 1-3), which will make your homework a bit more manageable. Although your scores haven't improved, 160 is a great start!

Now, I have serious reservations about how you've been prepping since February. First, taking a lot of practice tests, without a solid conceptual foundation, is a bad idea. At best, you are becoming familiar with the test format at the expense of burning through a limited number of practice tests. At worst, you are reinforcing the application of suboptimal strategies that you will need to unlearn if you are to take full advantage of the PowerScore course. The fact that your scores haven't improved is clear evidence that the review books you've been using aren't working. Part of the problem is that you're already scoring at the high end of the curve, where a Kaplan review book is unlikely to be particularly helpful.

The best strategy would depend on how much time and resources you are willing to invest here. What I would do, if I were you, is simply get one or two of the PowerScore bibles and read them cover-to-cover before the course begins. They will provide you with a solid foundation that won't conflict with the techniques studies in class, while also giving you numerous drills that won't compromise the practice tests you'll be taking as part of your course. In fact, I recently wrote a blog on this very topic, which you are welcome to read here:

http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/bid/336 ... SAT-Course

Let me know what you decide to do, and best of luck with the course!!

[AR60611]

Hi Nikki,
I really appreciate the quick feedback and direction.

One thing I failed to mention is that I actually did buy the Powerscore Logic Games Bible and that is the one section that I am consistently scoring highly in. So I think your argument is one that I am in fact, already benefitting from.

I don't think I realized that Kaplan is more orientated towards middle of the road scores, but I agree that it has not been helpful in moving past the 160 range. I'm going to take your advice and use my remaining time focusing on the Logical Reasoning Bible until the class starts, and hold back on forcing regular practice tests.

Many thanks again, and thanks to the Powerscore service representative who sent me to this forum!