LSAT PrepTests 72-81 Predictive Value for June 2018 LSAT

[harvoolio]

Over the years (assume a significant sample) have you found that practice tests accurately predict real LSAT performance or is there historically a drop-off (call it nerves)? Also, are any of these exams better in terms of predictive value (i.e potentially the more recent ones)?

I have had a remarkably narrow band in my overall and raw scores on LSAT PrepTests 72-81. After completing my reading of all 3 Bibles,I have now taken timed and proctored (online) 8 of 10 exams (got started a little late on self-studying) averaging a 166 across all 8 exams always scoring between a 164 and 168 with always a raw score of 81-86.

If I could take my best score on each section, I would be golden (46 out of 51 in Logical Reasoning on PrepTest 73 - Sep 2014; 25 out of 27 in Reading Comprehension on PrepTest 76 - Oct 2015 and a perfect Logic Games score on PrepTest 80 - Dec 2016). But alas, when I do better on one section, I regress on the the other sections. I plan on completing the two remaining PrepTests 79 & 81 along with 82 and 83 before the exam.

Thanks in advance (also to the moderators feel free to move the post if this post belongs in another place).

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Havoolio,

The PTs in 72-81 are generally good predictors, but keep in mind that any given test can produce a result at, below, or above your "expected" score. This is because the test is made by humans and because each test will strike you somewhat differently (and play differently to your particular strengths and weaknesses). I talk more about this here: Welcome to the LSAT Casino. check that out—I think it will help explain those variations you see at times, and also show why the various tests that produce your different "best" result in each section also are accompanied by a regression elsewhere. This might help too: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/bid/17 ... Difficulty.

Thanks!

[harvoolio]

Thanks Dave.

Has there been any noticeable differences in trends between the more recent LSAT tests given since 2017 and say PrepTests 72-78?

Consistent with my consistent scoring, I just took Prep Test 77 and got my average of 166. I still have PrepTests 79, 81, 82 and 83 left (completed 80 out-of-order).

Side note: There must be something with LSAC and bicyclists (much as there is with LSAC and bird migrations). I was last posting about another question while listening to you in the Advanced Reasoning Course humorously remark as to how LSAC shows no hesitation subjecting animals to levels of cruelty that LSAC would never do to a small child riding a bicycle. I am now in the Advanced Causal Reasoning module listening to you discuss a Method/Flaw question which is on ... drum roll ... bicycle accidents.

[Adam Tyson]

I think one year isn't really enough to indicate any new trend with any degree of certainty, harvoolio, That said, we've noticed a few things, many of which were discussed in our recent "Crystal Ball" webinar. You can watch a video of that webinar here: https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/help/

2017 was full of mostly benign logic games, with no curveballs or surprises. Reading Comp was particularly challenging, which was a trend that had been building for a few years. Check out the video for some of the data on specific LR question types, as well as predictions for July and September. I realize you were asking about June, and we are still catching up on a large backlog of questions in this Forum, so perhaps by now you have taken the test, crushed it, and are eagerly awaiting your score to be released later this week so you can move on to other aspects of your application, but if you decide to keep studying and try again, we will still be here to help!