Final Prep: September 2017 LSAT

[cdunne9]

Hi all,

I've been studying since the end of May and have managed to boost my score from my original diagnostic of 155 to consistently in the 167-173 (except for today which I scored a 164, which you could say has got my confidence down although I'm hoping it was reading comprehension as I usually average -3/-4 and today it was -9!!!) range in the past few weeks (and in the past week and a half consistently 172-173, other than today). I began taking timed tests mid July and have done 2-3 per week since then with review in between. My problem is that in 9 days I begin an intensive two-week long training session (August 20-September 5), with most days going from 9 am - 8 pm. We have a two day break so I intend to take two prep tests on those days, but does anyone have any suggestions for the most useful prep in the last month? If I can consistently keep my score above 168 I would be thrilled but I'm a) scared of burnout (thinking today might be a result of that) and b) keeping a somewhat consistent study schedule?

How many hours a week should I be prepping at this point, all things considered? With the training should I try and add in an extra prep test (although I'm not really sure how much time I would have)?

Any suggestions would be appreciated and good luck to everyone in the final month of studying!

[Stephanie Oswalt]

Hi cdunne,

Thanks for your question!

Generally speaking, you can check out our one-month study plan here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/studentcenter/ ... y_plan.pdf

But to give you the best advice that's more tailored to you, we're going to ask for a little more input from you first. Please take a look at this LSAT Blog post http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/need-ls ... s-help-you, particularly the last two points (Preparation Material and Problem Areas). It will be helpful for us to know what you've done in terms of studying thus far, and if there are any specific areas you feel you need work on.

Thanks!!

[cdunne9]

Hi Stephanie,

On average, I've been studying 15-20 hours a week since late June (I was travelling quite a bit in May/June), and my target score would be above 168 (really aiming for 170). For preparation material, I've been using lsat prep tests, the three bibles and the LR and LG workbooks. Problem areas (or at least the areas I miss on LR) are generally weaken, flaw in reasoning, parallel reasoning or method of reasoning (I tend to get most correct but miss 1 or 2 questions on an area depending on the test). RC varies and seems to depend on the passage. LG is pretty consistent for me and I'm not too worried. I also have been doing six section tests and my score tends to drop compared to a five section test (so working on mental stamina). Let me know if you need more info!

[Jonathan Evans]

Hi, Cdunne,

Thanks for providing us with this information!

I'm going to jump off what Stephanie indicated but try to tailor it slightly to your situation. You may want to consider taking the 1.5 month study plan (https://s3.amazonaws.com/studentcenter/ ... y_plan.pdf), also available for download here: http://students.powerscore.com/self-study/index.cfm

Since you've already got a head start, you might consider jumping in on week 2 of this plan. Yes, burnout is an issue, but you're roughly a month and a week out from the test; buckle down and stick with the study schedule. Give yourself a day off once a week.

Use the diagnostic test analysis tool (available at link above) to get an ongoing picture of your performance, strengths, weaknesses, where you're making progress, etc.

Don't slam tests on top of each other. Give yourself time to do proper review and diagnostic assessment of performance. Based on test performance and review, do targeted work in areas of difficulty.

For Method of Reasoning and Flaw Questions in particular, make sure you are making good, abstract, descriptive prephrases.

For Flaw Questions, make sure you know all the common flaws and what they look like cold.

This knowledge of flaws should help you improve prephrases for Weaken questions as well.

Please follow up with further questions. Thanks!