Withdrew September, Advice for Dec?

[YaraH]

I made a decision last night to withdraw my registration after getting a much higher score on an untimed PT (-3 LG, -8 LR, and -5 RC) than my usual timed PT (-19 LR, -5 LG, -7 RC). I've taken the full PowerScore course, and it helped a lot with LG/LR and even RC! I know it's not a good measure to do untimed PTs, but it gave me confidence to say I can def get into the 160s range if I pick up my speed (Currently averaging 154 timed). I gave myself 10 extra minutes per section.

I had a diagnostic of 147, and have been prepping for about 10 weeks. I feel like I have a solid enough grasp to score in the 160s if I can only pick up my speed!!

I am taking the test this december and it's the lastest I can take it for fall admission. Any suggestions of those in the same spot? I need advice on speed and strategies to consistently score in the 160s, timed.

Any help is appreciated! I've been working really hard on my LSAT prep but need a solid plan moving forward so I know I gave it my all towards achievning that 160+!

[James Finch]

Hi Yara,

Speed is the most difficult part to improve, since the only sure way to improve overall speed on a section is to either skip question/game/passage types that you find difficult, or improve enough across the board to be able to answer all questions within the time limit. While the second scenario sounds daunting, it's far from impossible, especially with an extra ten weeks to practice!

At this point, it sounds like you know the techniques, so the first piece of advice I have is to make sure you are implementing them.

Having trouble picking between two answer choices? Use the Assumption Negation technique.

Are Method-Argument Parts a consistent struggle? Make sure you are always identifying the conclusion in the stimulus (or lack thereof) and work backwards, noting the roles each statement plays in reaching that conclusion.

Are games difficult? That almost always comes down to setup and getting comfortable with how and what to diagram, so practice setups and how to quickly figure out inferences.

Lastly, don't ever let yourself get bogged down in a difficult or confusing question. No matter the section, if you feel like you're losing focus, take a mini-break, look up, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you can and will do well on this test. Then take a look at the next question with fresh eyes, and don't let worries about past or future questions ever take you out of the moment.

Hope this helps!