How Many Practice Tests?

[cmorris32]

Hi PowerScore!!

I am going into Lesson 8 of my live online PowerScore class, and I am registered for the August 29th LSAT. I am doing full-time studying throughout the summer, so I have a lot of time dedicated to studying every week. I am basically studying 9-5 Monday-Friday, with my PowerScore class on Saturdays. My goal score is 167 and my most recent test score was 160.

My question is, how many practice tests should I be taking per week? As of now, I have taken one full timed practice test per week, and my score has increased every time! I was thinking that after I completed Lesson 8, I would move to taking two practice tests per week. I will eventually move to more practice tests once I get into the home-stretch (maybe 3 practice tests per week in August). Am I behind in taking practice tests, or does this seem like a good plan? Can you provide any suggestions?

Thank you!
Caroline

[Jeremy Press]

Hi Caroline,

The good news is that you're not behind on taking practice tests! With your study schedule, it's realistic to continue taking 1 practice test per week until you finish your course. If you decide to take 2 practice tests per week through Lesson 10, make sure you're able to accomplish all of the following each week:

1. Complete all course-related homework
2. Schedule 2 practice tests at times when you have the best frame of mind and energy level to devote total focus and a solid performance to the test.
3. Complete a full review of the 2 practice tests, using the advice outlined here: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/the-be ... ice-tests/.

That's an ambitious schedule, so if anything should be sacrificed, it should be the second practice test.

Once you finish your course, it is realistic to use practice tests to structure your study time, taking 2-3 practice tests per week until the August test (I wouldn't recommend taking more than 3, because it's very unlikely you'll be in position to devote a full review to more than 3 practice tests in a week). Aim to complete somewhere in the range of 15-25 full practice tests by the time you sit for the exam the first time. This ensures that you will see the broad range of test forms and difficulty levels the LSAT uses, and will be exposed to the most-commonly tested content along with a very solid array of the less-frequently tested content.

Let us know if you have further questions!

Jeremy