When should I take my first practice test?

[mollyrosel]

I'm seeking advice regarding my test prep strategy for the upcoming September LSAT. I've been studying since March, but I didn't take a diagnostic prior to that, and I still haven't taken a full exam to gauge where I'm at. Part of this is a sad attempt to stay blissfully ignorant; I'm terrified to see my score. Beyond that, though, I'm not entirely clear about when and how many full practice exams I should take prior to the actual test. I've spoken to people who took an exam each day for a full two weeks before the LSAT. I've also heard people say they only took three practice tests prior to exam day.

Did I make a critical mistake in not taking a diagnostic? How many full practice exams should I take prior to September, and when?

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Molly,

Thanks for the question! Let me share a few thoughts on taking practice tests that might help you here.

First, have you made a mistake? Not really. While I would have preferred you take a test earlier, it's not something catastrophic to have not taken an exam yet. But, you have robbed yourself of the chance to see appreciable increases from your work thus far. Based on what you said about scores, that concerns me a bit. Just knwo that when you do take a test, you've probably progressed a fair bit already.

Second, you should indeed be taking practice tests regularly from here on out, and the more the merrier. I would begin slowly given where you are know, with one a week, and then later progress to 2 a week, before perhaps ending with 3 a week at the end. The idea of taking a test every day in the 2 weeks prior to the exam is an extremely ill-advised one, for numerous reasons.

Last, these links might help with taking tests:

• How to take an LSAT practice test
  
  
  The Best Way to Review LSAT Practice Tests

Please let me know if that helps, and good luck!