LSAT PREP FOR NOVEMBER

[patriciamasur]

Hi there, I'm looking for general advice on my situation.

I began studying for the LSAT last September (2017). I did about three weeks of unfocused studying and improved my prep test score from a 147 to 150. I stopped and resumed my studying this September on the 19th and have registered for the November sitting of the LSAT. My studying is a lot more focused and I can dedicate about 5-6 hours a day. My first practice test I scored a 155 (untimed). My goal is a 165 and with such a short period of time I'm wondering what my best course of action is. I’m currently using Mike Kim’s trainer and I also have both the PowerScore logic games and logical reasoning bible. My only concern is that during my initial period of studying in 2017 I went through the bibles (I don't think I retained much) but I'm worried going through them again I won't be as diligent since I've seen the material before. Is my situation hopeless?

[Lauren Hartfiel]

Your situation is not hopeless at all! I am an LSAT instructor/tutor for PowerScore, and raising your score 10 points is totally within your reach. I went through almost the exact same situation when I took the LSAT in 2010. First, you need to identify your weakest sections and go back to your materials and reread the sections on those areas with intent to retain the material. As far as time management the more you practice real test sections, the faster you will become. If you have a reason why you need extra time on the test, you can also ask LSAC for accommodations, and they may give you extra time. Another way to utilize time more effectively is by doing the games you identify with the most first (perhaps only completing 3 out of 4 but with more accuracy) or doing the reading passages with the most questions first to get more bang for your buck, so to speak. Most importantly, believe in yourself. A positive attitude goes a long way on test day, and I think if you can truly devote 30 hours or so a week to study you will be able to achieve your goal or perhaps even exceed it! My last piece of advice is to try to take a timed practice test every week. When I first started I would set the timer for 35 min. When time went off I marked where I got to on my answer sheet and then set a stop watch to see how much extra time I needed to complete the section. I would score myself both within time and with the completed test. This gave me an idea of how much speed could increase my score, and let me know which sections were taking the longest. When you get to within a few weeks of the test, start limiting yourself to the time allotted, and make sure to guess on any questions you don't get to to get an accurate idea of where you will be on test day. I hope this helps Best of luck! Your goal is within your reach.

[patriciamasur]

Thank you so much for your feedback, I'll be sure to take your advice!