Test is 2 weeks away - Freaking out and need help/advice!

SanFran · #1

Hi there, I am new to this board so I apologize if this is similar to something recently posted.

For the past 6 weeks, I have been studying pretty diligently for the October 4th LSAT. I signed up for a course through TestMasters, and have found it very beneficial. I have gone to every class and while I am in class, I completely understand what we go over, and I rarely get an answer wrong.

When I study on my own, I always understand the concepts, and when I get something wrong, I go over it until I have a clear understanding of what I did wrong, etc.

On the first diagnostic test I did, with absolutely no knowledge of what this test was like or any preparation before hand, I scored 153. Not a good score, but I figured it wasn't a bad score to start off with. I assumed that once I started studying and learning the fundamentals and applying the concepts, I would easily be able to get at least a 160.

At first, time was my major issue. I was finding that I would get all of the answers right that I did, I would just run out of time and not finish all of them. So, then I started timing myself. I would take a section of an lsat and do it on my lunch break, giving myself exactly 35 minutes to complete it. I have done this for the past couple weeks, and have seen a lot of improvement. I started off getting quite a few wrong, but have done really well since then and have recently been getting only about 4-5 answers wrong each section.

Now, this is my problem, and I am starting to freak out. I have done WORSE on every single LSAT practice test I have taken. I don't understand what I need to change. I have since taken 3 additional practice tests. The first one I scored 148, the second one I scored 148. Last night I took a third test, and I was positive that I would do better since I have really been improving on my speed and accuracy, and I scored 152! I am really frustrated with this and myself and starting to get incredibly disheartened. I just don't know what to do. The test is 2 weeks away and I am really getting into panic mode. I don't understand how I am doing so horribly on the practice tests, when I do so well in class and on my own.

I have had friends that have suggested that I wait until December, but right now, that is my worst case scenario. I would like to take the test in October. I can't imagine studying like this for an additional 2 months.

Does anyone have any suggestions, tips, advice, help that they can give me? I just don't know what to do. I am reaching the pinnacle of frustration and starting to really freak out. Just thinking about it is now stressing me out. I have never been a bad test taker, and I have always done well whenever I apply myself, so this has been such a humbling experience for me. I am really trying to stay positive, but it is so frustrating to work hard yet not see any improvement. I don't understand how I am doing WORSE than my original diagnostic test.

I realize some of this is just me needing to vent, but any advice at all is greatly appreciated!!!

Autif · #2

I'm in roughly the same situation as you. I'm going to give you a very simple suggestion. If you aren't ready for the LSAT yet, then don't take it. I see very little point in applying to law school early if your score isn't good. Getting a bad score will make you worse off in the long run (unless you don't care what law school you get into.). Assuming you want to go to a decent school and assuming that school is demanding in its LSAT scores, you need to take your time and take the test only when you are ready (in relation to the LSAT score that you desire). I want to get things moving too. I don't want to slow down. I want to complete all the tasks already (which it sounds like you have a similar line of thought), but if we do these tasks wrong, it will just take us longer to accomplish whatever other future tasks we have (worse than that, it could make it more difficult for us). It will make our life harder for us if we don't do this well (again, depending on what you want as your LSAT score) (Makes life harder in terms of job opportunity and probably income). This is an important test, so only take it when you are ready. Make your first time you take the LSAT the last time you take the LSAT. That is my suggestion, but I am open to any rational disagreement.

DCisforme · #3

This thread might be of use to you: Improving LSAT Time Management, as it discusses how to master self pacing on the LSAT and how by doing that, you can avoid panic, stick you your game plan, and score higher on test day.

I think pinpointing your weaknesses is crucial to raising your score. It is not enough to go over incorrect answers. You have to go above and beyond that and try to identify patterns in the questions you get wrong. Do you consistently get a particular question type wrong? If so, working hard on those question types can remedy this, and in turn raise your score a lot. This is just one example of how small changes can make for big improvements in score.

LSATinator · #4

Quote:

I have had friends that have suggested that I wait until December, but right now, that is my worst case scenario. I would like to take the test in October. I can't imagine studying like this for an additional 2 months.

I can sympathize with you not wanting to take the test over again.

Having said that, your scores on the most modern practice tests that you take a few weeks before your October LSAT will be most reflective of the score that you will get on test day.

So if your practice test scores are not where you want them to be by test day, then it would be wise to postpone.

natalie86 · #5

I have been studying intensely for the past 3 months and taking a prep class. I have been scoring 154 three times in a row and it is very frustrating given how much time and effort i have been putting into it. The Oct test is 2 weeks away and I would just die thinking of another 2 months of torture to take the Dec LSAT instead. I weighed out my options: a 154 for the rest of my career and a lousy law school vs. a higher lsat score and a better law school but just 2 more brutal months. It's worth it. I am cancelling October's date and scheduling Dec.

jenn828 · #6

Quote:

Originally Posted by natalie86

I have been studying intensely for the past 3 months and taking a prep class. I have been scoring 154 three times in a row and it is very frustrating given how much time and effort i have been putting into it. The Oct test is 2 weeks away and I would just die thinking of another 2 months of torture to take the Dec LSAT instead. I weighed out my options: a 154 for the rest of my career and a lousy law school vs. a higher lsat score and a better law school but just 2 more brutal months. It's worth it. I am cancelling October's date and scheduling Dec.

It sucks to reschedule but in the long run it will pay off for you. I wish you luck!!