Prep Test scores keep dropping

[wamstutz]

Hello all,

I have been studying for about 1.5 months now. I took a diagnostic (154) and then began studying with Khan academy in early October. I felt like there wasn't sufficient information for me to understand the test with Khan, and after about 2 weeks and a practice test (153), I moved on to the Powerscore Bibles. Today I took a practice flex test (PT 73) because I was curious as to my progress, and I felt like I had grasped a couple new concepts that had alluded me before. Well, I absolutely bombed. I got a 150, improving my score to -7 in LR, but doing worse in both LG and RC. I do not come close to finishing either LG or RC within the time limit, but that has been the case before as well. This time I performed worse on the ones I was able to consider and answer to the best of my abilities. I am feeling very stupid and very dejected. I know it is normal to experience an initial score dip, but I just keep dipping lower and lower with every PT. Is this normal? Should I be doing something other than completing the chapters outlined in the 6-month study guide? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Dave Killoran]

Hi wamstutz,

Thanks for the message! I know things may feel a bit grim right now, but this is not abnormal at all. So, let's talk about it a bit

First off, 1.5 months isn't all that long, especially when you've been moving around a bit in your studies as far as what you are using (I know 1.5 months with the LSAT can feel like forever though, so I understand your frustration).

Second, your score movement isn't as bad as you think it is. LSAT's have a standard error of measurement of 3 or 4 points, and your scores so far are all within that normal range. So what feel like drops to you because of the actual score are not really unusual. you can easily see similar increases next time out.

Third, you made a comment in your spot that I think bears referencing: "I was curious as to my progress, and I felt like I had grasped a couple new concepts that had alluded me before." The positive thing here is that you felt like you were making progress; that's critical because it means you are learning, and you knew you were. So, why didn't your score automatically increase? I explain why here: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/why-di ... -studying/.

The above will hopefully give you some context to realize that what's happening is normal, and that you are not in any way stupid. the key is to not let what is normal get your down or dejected!

Last, you ask about what you could be doing differently. It's obviously hard for me to answer that since I can't see exactly what you are doing right now, but the key to improving on the LSAT is first to learn about the ideas they use (via studying the LSAT Bibles, etc), then learn to recognize them in action (via doing questions), and then to learn to do it all faster (via more practice and deep review of the questions). Track everything you miss so you can keep review it, and most importantly, take your time when reviewing what you did wrong. Your mistakes ironically provide the best pathway toward getting better!

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

[wamstutz]

Thank you, Dave!

Your thoughts were reassuring, and getting a day's distance from that disappointing PT score was helpful, too. I'll save future panic posts for farther down the line.