LSAT BOOKS AND SCORE PACING

[Matt_JB]

I have been studying for a few months and am almost done with my 4th lsat practice test book. Currently, my score fluctuates a lot, but is consistently in the 160’s with my highest score being a 168. My question is, if I intend to take the test in the summer(May) and want to get a 170 on test day, do I have enough tests left to make that 10 point jump in average? What I mean is, since I am about to be done with the fourth practice test book, there are only three more books left that I have not seen. Once I retake tests it will be harder to gauge my score.

I know this is a broad question, but I am curious as to whether or not I can get any guidance. I typically get 1-2 wrong on games, 4-5 on reasoning, and reading comprehension fluctuates a lot from 5-12 at times. Keep in mind I have a few months to go before the test. Does anyone have any insight that they can offer me?

[Dave Killoran]

I have been studying for a few months and am almost done with my 4th lsat practice test book. Currently, my score fluctuates a lot, but is consistently in the 160’s with my highest score being a 168. My question is, if I intend to take the test in the summer(May) and want to get a 170 on test day, do I have enough tests left to make that 10 point jump in average? What I mean is, since I am about to be done with the fourth practice test book, there are only three more books left that I have not seen. Once I retake tests it will be harder to gauge my score.

I know this is a broad question, but I am curious as to whether or not I can get any guidance. I typically get 1-2 wrong on games, 4-5 on reasoning, and reading comprehension fluctuates a lot from 5-12 at times. Keep in mind I have a few months to go before the test. Does anyone have any insight that they can offer me?

Hey Matt,

Thanks for the question! It's not an unusual one at all, and the gist of what you've asked comes up consistently.

First, for some thoughts on improving scores as well as working with practice tests, see: Retaking the LSAT? What To Do Differently To Raise Your Score. don't worry about the "retaking" part, what is in there applies to every student taking the LSAT at any point. Specifically, for you first question, look to focus on Step 6 in there. I always give the same challenge to students who come to me and say they've gone through every LSAT: I'm going to open any given LSAT here, and select a question/game/passage. I'll give you a few minutes to review it, but then you have to teach it to me, and nail not just what it says but how it relates to the whole of the LSAT canon of methods, concepts, and techniques. Will you be able to do it? I don't expect perfection, but too many students "do" tests without really pulling the full value from them. Each question has a wealth of info about how the test makers think, so make sure you squeeze every drop!

Second, for the fluctuation in scores and misses, review Step 4 in that article. Try some of those tests and drills and see if they help identify problems. That is a good place to start to test yourself on the things you should be good at.

Hopefully that gives you some answers as well as things to consider. Thanks!