Frustration with scores

[camnov]

I am now approaching lesson 7 in the online live course. I took a PT today, I was feeling really good about it, finally get to apply some of the skills we have been learning in class... well I did not expect to see these results. This is the second PT I take (not counting the diagnostic), 1st time I took it, after lesson 4, the second just today after lesson 6 - both times, my score has gone down. The first time only by a point, this time by 3 points from my diagnostic. I feel very defeated, I am putting in so much work, doing all the homework assigned each week...which is pretty significant. I haven't reviewed the answers to the PT quite yet, so I can't identify a problem exactly. Some of the immediate issues I observed 1.) I really screwed up the set up of one of my logic games and one I know I could and probably should have totally nailed. I realized a couple of questions in and had to go back and correct it, this really flustered me and made me lose unnecessary time 2.) I constantly run out of time, today I decided to chill a little more about time, since it's always my biggest source of anxiety, but maybe I chilled too much?

My biggest frustration is that I thought I was doing pretty well on what I did answer, and while I can't fully disprove that yet because I haven't reviewed the test, I can't help but feeling I could have totally done better on this test. My overall question is, at this point if I think I could do better, should I retake the same PT (timed again) to see if I do better? Or is this just silly and I should put my pride aside and just review? I am feeling a little defeated that the work that I am putting in isn't really showing its fruits. Any advice is super appreciated.

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Camnov,

Thanks for the message. We're in the middle of an LSAT administration and I'm evacuated due to the Napa fires as well, so I'll post a quick reply and then let one of our other instructors provide more of a detailed reply for you later.

In the meantime, what you are experiencing isn't really unusual. I know it's incredibly frustrating, but learning a new skill tends to really slow things down at first for most people, causing a score drop. In your case, these drops aren't large, and you WILL rebound, often in a giant steps. I wrote about it here, and the ideas apply to our discussion: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/why-di ... -studying/

So, for now, try to keep positive and realize this isn't unusual at all!

Thanks!

[tretch_778]

Plenty of people don't see ANY improvement in PT scores from their diagnostic until a couple months out for their prep journey, only to get a score of 170+ on the real thing. The LSAT isn't a linear journey where you can expect X amount of improvement after Y amount of practice. You're gonna definitely hit some lows here and there, as well as points of stagnancy. It's all a part of the process tho. Trust me, I've been there. Stick w/ it, and it will eventually get better.

[KelseyWoods]

Absolutely, Eric. It isn't a linear process. Understanding the concepts is the first step, but it takes time and practice until you are really able to apply them quickly and consistently. Training for the LSAT is like training for an athletic event, learning a new language, or learning an instrument. It takes patience, repetition, and conscientious practice. At times, it can be a discouraging process. But it's important to keep at it. The LSAT is a definitely a challenge that requires a lot of hard work to overcome. But so is law school! In that respect, the LSAT is preparing you for some of the challenges you'll encounter when you begin law school. You're up to the challenge. Just have to keep at it!


Best,
Kelsey