No prep, 159 LSAT, how much can I improve?

[fleaflicker]

I graduated in 2008 with a 3.79 (Business degree from a good state school).
I've been working full time, and I just decided to take the LSAT in the fall.  Blame me for being ignorant, naive, whatever, but I took one practice test to see what it was all about, and I went and took the test.

I got a 159.  I'd like to start in August 2011 at WUSTL, University of Illinois, USC, or UCLA.
I have connections in all three areas.

I realize everyone is different, but do I have a shot of improving my LSAT enough for those schools? 

[violaboy]

Yes. You just need to study a lot. I went from 152 to 171.

[elsattutor]

I graduated in 2008 with a 3.79 (Business degree from a good state school).
I've been working full time, and I just decided to take the LSAT in the fall.  Blame me for being ignorant, naive, whatever, but I took one practice test to see what it was all about, and I went and took the test.

I got a 159.  I'd like to start in August 2011 at WUSTL, University of Illinois, USC, or UCLA.
I have connections in all three areas.

I realize everyone is different, but do I have a shot of improving my LSAT enough for those schools? 

my starting point was in the low 50s. my two actual LSAT results have been 172 and 177. it's definitely doable but you have to be willing to put in the time. i believe i studied 40-50 hours a week for 3 months in order to get my 172. it took me another 8 months to get my 177. that's nearly a year combined.

[Thane Messinger]

my starting point was in the low 50s. my two actual LSAT results have been 172 and 177. it's definitely doable but you have to be willing to put in the time. i believe i studied 40-50 hours a week for 3 months in order to get my 172. it took me another 8 months to get my 177. that's nearly a year combined.

Congratulations, elsa.  And, yes, it can be done.

It's easy to see the LSAT as hard, random, unfair, biased, [fill in your favorite here].  In truth, the LSAT tests the same thinking skills that will be used in law school and in the law.

In part, studying for the LSAT breaks down the "trickery," or factor based on familiarity with the test.  In another sense, however, studying for the LSAT, like exercise, improves one's cognition.  Moreover, it expands those neural nets that are useful for logical thinking.

So, while you won't read a 3-12 month full-time prescription often, that's exactly right.  (And for those not yet to have taken it, that's a good benchmark.  Can one waltz into the test center and score a high 170s?  Sure.  But that's not the way to bet.)

This, too, is another reason the score factors so heavily into admissions decisions.  It is not only a cognitive test, it is a test of dedication and perseverance.

Best of all, once you've gotten that great score, based in large measure on real work, the feeling of accomplishment will be genuine.

[waxecstatic]

I don't understand these crystal ball posts.  If someone said "no, no chance" would you shut the book and say "well, if he/she says so, that's settled"?  Just study hard and see what happens.

[fleaflicker]

I don't understand these crystal ball posts.  If someone said "no, no chance" would you shut the book and say "well, if he/she says so, that's settled"?  Just study hard and see what happens.

Haha.  I've seen a few of your posts and you're quite the downer.

I posted here because I thought I might get some good information.
Maybe someone would provide statistics,
maybe I would hear some encouraging stories,
maybe all of the information will persuade me to take a scholarship at a t2 school instead of studying for months to retake the LSAT.

Of course I'm not stupid enough to act immediately on some stranger's advice, but discussing decisions with people sometimes helps me come up with good strategies.

But still, you're a gem, and I hope you get your 180.

[waxecstatic]

Haha, thank you!  Same to you 

[Thane Messinger]

maybe all of the information will persuade me to take a scholarship at a t2 school instead of studying for months to retake the LSAT.

Of course I'm not stupid enough to act immediately on some stranger's advice, but discussing decisions with people sometimes helps me come up with good strategies.

Fleaflicker -

Discussion is indeed a key, and the challenge is to know which opinions are worth taking. 

An initial question:  what are your goals?

Thane.

[Elizabeth999]

I am so happy that your baseline is 159.  The question is: Can you duplicate this?  To accurately know whether this is your baseline you should take another test or two.  And yes, yes, yes, you can improve your score.  I know you can.  I'd read all of the other posts on this site showing what is possible.  Many talk about the high scores but the reality is that many very very smart people don't score very high on this test.  With hard work, though, everyone can improve.  Good luck and I wish you the hest of success.  You can do it!!!