How realistic is a 170?

[nowornever]

I keep seeing/hearing people throw around 170 as a target score.
(ie on the Flex-related podcasts, they use the scaling in reference to what it takes to a 170). ie "minus 7 to get a 170"

I just did my first timed test last week and scored a 151. I'm registered for the August Flex.

Two questions (maybe I'm just looking for encouragement and motivation more than anything else):

1) Is a 170 realistic for most students if they put in the time to study and prepare? Are there a lot of students who simply can't reach this target regardless of how much time they put in?

2) Should I plan on delaying until the October LSAT, or still aim for August?

I *know* I can improve my 151 (I had some internet connection issues, as well as just the stress of actually doing questions under timed conditions for the first time). I know it's not reflective of what my final score will be.... But what is actually a realistic score-improvement at this point given the fact that the August test date is only 4-5 weeks away? I have been getting into more of a rhythm with my studying/prep the last couple of weeks, but I know it's getting late.

Are you all rolling your eyes at me right now?

[Jeremy Press]

Hi nowornever,

Before addressing your specific questions, a couple things. Yes, 170 is a score you'll see thrown around a lot, because it is (of course) a great score, and it makes a convenient reference point for our score predictions, etc. But do keep in mind (big picture, long term!) that many students every year accomplish their goals in the legal world without having attained that specific score. Keep your eye on the big picture, always remember that improvement (whatever it is) counts, and your future (and your worth as a lawyer) are not defined by that number.

Now, on to your specific questions. A 170 is a lofty goal for anyone. Is it achievable for someone starting from a first timed test at a 151? Of course, and I see students every year who make that jump. A couple things to bear in mind. It will be more challenging to make that jump if you've already been doing a significant amount of studying, and it might require a thoughtful adjustment to the WAY you've been studying (something a tutor could certainly help you with). But if you're just starting out with serious study, then the gains will be easier to come by (at least at first).

As to timing, it's ambitious, to say the least, to move from a 151 to a 170 in 5 weeks. Is it impossible? Of course not! But it will take a serious time commitment, as well as adherence to a well-defined study plan (more on that here: https://studentcenter.powerscore.com/se ... ns-section). In my experience with students, most will need more than 5 weeks to see a 20-point improvement. So make plans with that in mind. Give your all to studying for the August test. You'll see substantial improvements by then. Maybe you'll even hit that 170! But be realistic, and expect to have to take the test in October (or maybe even November). Plan with that in mind. Don't burn every recent practice test before August (you'll want some to use in the run-up to October or November). Don't neglect review of practice tests just because you feel you're crunched for time before August. The only way to learn from practice test mistakes is to give each test a serious, time-intensive review. Follow this review method for as many tests as possible: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/the-be ... ice-tests/.

Let us know if you have further questions, and stay the course! With the right time commitment, and most importantly the right mindset, you can get there (whether or not it takes a little longer to do that)!

I hope this helps,

Jeremy

[nowornever]

Thanks a lot for the thoughtful and helpful reply, Jeremy.
You said what I expected to hear after I thought about my post a little more. I think I will just give it hard for the next five weeks and see where I'm at. I was always planning on writing again in October, so I may just use that as my first test date if I don't see meaningful increases in the next couple of weeks.

Side question - how are test date changes and/or withdraws recorded on my LSAC record? Will law schools be able to see if I changed my test date, or canceled my registration altogether?

Thanks again for your help.

[Stephanie Oswalt]

Side question - how are test date changes and/or withdraws recorded on my LSAC record? Will law schools be able to see if I changed my test date, or canceled my registration altogether?

Hi nowornever,

Thanks for the post! If you changed your test date or withdrew from the LSAT prior to the withdrawal deadline, this will not show up on your record, and schools won't know that you were registered that test. However, if you are absent from the day of the test, or if you cancel your score following the test, it will show up on your record.

You can find more information here: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/bid-33 ... ifference/

I hope this helps clarify! Thanks!

[nowornever]

Thanks, Stephanie.

I ended up deciding to change my test registration date (before the change deadline) and moved it to October. I think an extra month or so will be beneficial for my score.

Cheers!