Already took LSAT - How Many Practice Tests til 2nd?

[verons914]

Hi, PowerScore Family!

So, I'm struggling with deciding how many practice tests I can and should take leading up to my test this June. The perfectionist/go-getter/competitive side of me feel believes twice a week will allow me to crush this test, but the realistic/full-time-working/analytical side of me is thinking once a week, sometimes skipping a week, along with going through the On Demand course - one lesson a week (and I just finished lesson four) may be enough. My goal score is 165+.

Here's some context:
I took the LSAT in February and was not happy with my score. I got a 152. I did NOT think I would get accepted into my dream school with this because the average LSAT score for this school was a 163 in 2019, but I had to give it a shot. I was hoping that including an addendum about improving my score in June on my application would land me on the waitlist, but surprisingly enough, I was accepted! *WOOT!*

Nevertheless, I was disappointed with the score because my practice tests leading up to the February LSAT (my first official administration) were as such:

Diagnostic: 151

PT scores (all timed):
Low score: 147: one time
150: one time
151: one time (not including my diagnostic)
152: one time
154: one time
155: twice
156: three times
157: once
158: twice
159: once
High score: 160: once - this was actually two weeks before my real test

152 was on the low side of my practice test results.

So now, why do I want a 165+ for my second score? (Why do I even want to continue with this second test? I already got in, right?) Because a 165 is the 75th percentile at this school, and the scholarship committee has told me that if I increase my score in June, they *WILL* consider me for a scholarship (YAY!) AND I have read that getting an above-average score is key for scholarships. I don't think striving to reach a 165 is unrealistic, especially given the fact that I was not able to go through the majority of PowerScore's materials before my test. I actually got my first PowerScore bible (The 2020 Logical Reasoning Bible) in January, a month and a half before my test. So, I didn't get to spend too much time with it, and I only finished about 1/3 of the book before my exam. Prior to January, I was using free resources since my diagnostic in July of 2019. Now that I've ramped up my studying again with better resources, I've taken a "second" diagnostic (untimed) and got a 163, and I took a timed practice test (after 3 lessons) and got a 159, which I was happy with as my first timed test since the February LSAT.

Moving forward, my plan is to go through the On Demand lessons - As I said above, I finished lesson #4 today, and I plan to continue through the lessons/readings/homework (as well as supplemental LR Bible reading) until the test.

I am worried that if I take *too* many practice tests before the June administration, I may get burnt out. And honestly, I enjoy reading, learning NEW things about the LSAT, and doing practice problems than doing practice tests twice a week (which is what I did in the weeks leading up to the February test).

So here's my question: What should I do? Is following the practice test protocol in the On Demand course enough (one "diagnostic" and five practice tests)? The June test is currently scheduled for June 8th, though this may change if the test "flexes." Is it realistic to strive to balance two practice tests a week with a full time job and with coursework to do?

Thank you!
Veronica

[verons914]

Update: I just took a PT today and got a 162!! My score seems to be improving as I learn and practice new concepts.

[Jeremy Press]

Hi Veronica,

Excellent questions here, and you're already on the right track with the schedule you've outlined!

It is very important that you finish your On-Demand course, and the homework associated with it. Just taking practice tests without knowing exactly HOW to take those tests and HOW to improve on question types/game types/passage types you're unfamiliar with isn't going to move you beyond your own current abilities (which appear to be quite substantial, but can always be improved!). The good news is it sounds like you enjoy the process of learning new concepts, so you'll hopefully find it easy to motivate yourself to continue with the On-Demand schedule, plus supplemental reading on the course topics from the Bibles. I might make one recommendation when it comes to the homework associated with the On-Demand course. Do the first portion of any set of problems untimed, so that you're mastering the process. But with some of the homework (somewhere between 25% and 50% of the problems on any given set), force yourself into "test mode," where you're incorporating a timing element to your practice. That way, even though you're not taking a full PT, you're still practicing what you need in a timed context.

Since you're working full time, and since you've already taken a fairly substantial number of practice tests, I think you're in good shape to see improvement by sticking to one practice test per week. You definitely have to manage your studying to avoid burnout, which is a valid concern for people who already work full time on top of studying. Several things with regard to that practice test: first, make it a full test with 5 sections (incorporate an extra section for any tests you do outside of those 6 diagnostics built into your course). Yes, June might be a Flex test with only 3 sections, but we don't know that yet, and you want to make sure you're building the endurance to do a full, 5-section exam with high-level performance on every section. Second, make sure you're doing a full review of each test using the guidelines here: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/the-be ... ice-tests/. Third, don't be afraid to "redo" elements of the test that don't go well the first time around, particularly the logic games.

Let us know if this triggers any other questions, and best of luck as you continue your study process (and great job on that 162!)!

Jeremy

[verons914]

Thank you for responding, Jeremy!
I did have another question. If I am struggling to balance all of the homework/readings, weekly lesson, and one practice test a week, what is best to prioritize?

[verons914]

Like, for example, if I'm running behind on my post-practice test review, but I'm already due for another practice test, should I finish the blind review, or should I do another test without finishing the full review?

[Paul Marsh]

Hi Veronica! Glad to hear your practice tests are going well.

Great advice from Jeremy up above; especially his point about how understanding the right method of doing these questions is more important than just practicing endless practice tests.

To that end - if you have to choose between doing the reading+homework, and doing a practice test, I would recommend prioritizing the reading+homework. You have taken many practice tests already, but it sounds like you haven't made it through most of the Lesson/Bible material. Reading through those and doing all the practice problems will allow you to learn the best ways to attack every problem type on the LSAT. Mastering the best method of dealing with all those question types is more important for your score than taking a ton of practice tests. If you do have to miss a practice test, make sure you follow Jeremy's advice above and time yourself for the latter part of the homework problems.

Just to be clear, I am not saying that practice tests aren't important (they are!). If you have time to take one every week on top of doing all the reading+practice problems, I strongly recommend it. But if there's a week where you're swamped and need to make a tough choice, learn the new material and do the practice problems. Learning the different types of Flaw questions that appear in Logical Reasoning or mastering the strategies behind Grouping Games will help you more than taking that 15th practice test.

The exception to this advice (reading+practice > practice test) would be the week before the LSAT. If you're super busy at that time, I'd prioritize the practice test.

Hope that helps!

[verons914]

Thank you, Paul! I appreciate the advice. I promise I won't slack on my practice tests, but it's good to know what is more important in case time is limited. Anyways, gotta go-- I'll get back to the books! Thanks again!

[verons914]

P.S. THANK YOU for making some of the On Demand tests available as LSAT Flex tests!