Idiot seeks LSAT help

[daveo20]

Here's my story...I've been studying now for over a month...with my highest score on a self-administered (using the cell phone timer, didnt cheat i promise, probly should have though) practice test being a 147. WTF?! First off, i took a free practice test from Kaplan in February that was proctored in an environment similar to the real LSAT and got a 150. Ok great I thought, I don't know s*** and I got this, the sky's the limit after I study. Nope, I'm still stupid.

I know all of you on here are really smart, and I like to think that I am too (Economics major, 3.2)....but WTF!? I would KILL for a 160. What's your strategy? I've tried slowing down and not rushing, doesn't work...I'll go through a test UNTIMED and get a 153. My arguments are hovering around 50-60% right. I kick ass on RC, games are a female dog. I talked to a lawyer and he said just relax, have a beer and go take it. I'm starting to wonder if there's any way you can dramatically increase your score on this test, almost as if its pre-determined on how inherently smart you reallly are. I'm taking the test on June 14th, and I'm considering going in wasted, I'd probly do better without any inhibitions. Damn this test man. Does anyone else want to break something at some point during studying?

I need to chill out I know, but I just can't fathom scoring a 160 and being like, "well coulda been better". I'm obviously in a different percentile rank, but hopefully some of you will throw some advice my way. I'm not lookin to get into Harvard here, I just want to go to a decent law school. You LSAT vets know better than I do, so share the knowledge. I'm gonna go burn the Princeton Review book that I bought.   

Pissed off David

[dta]

Try taking a test completely UNTIMED. What do you get? Until you get a 176 or above taking the test untimed, it's not even worth trying them timed IMHO. But basically, you want to first test yourself untimed in order to see if your problem is A) not conceptually understanding what's going on or B) not able to go fast enough. The prescription about what to do next varies greatly depending on A or B, and you won't know for sure which you're in till you take an untimed exam.

[marista]

When are you taking the test? If you have a while take a course--they usually guarantee to raise your score so if that didn't work at least you'd get your money back.

[midnight oil]

Hmmm...i'm not sure if they give your money back, or just allow you to re-take their course.

[bushasshole]

CONTINUE TO STUDY!

You can raise your score by at least ten points ... and one of the fellas here, I think it M2, she has been able to raise the score by 18 points ..,.

[M2]

CONTINUE TO STUDY!

You can raise your score by at least ten points ... and one of the fellas here, I think it M2, she has been able to raise the score by 18 points ..,.

Yep indeed...hopefully I can do this well come test time

My first score was 154...and my highest was 172 (my average is somewhere around 168 now..as you can see below)

keep studying...get every possible practice test if you can afford it.

[ocelatl]

STUDY, STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!!!!

A month is a short amount of time to be studying for the LSAT (unless you are spending a lot of time on it).  Seriously consider postponing the test date to Oct. if you feel as though you are not completely ready.  It sucks taking it once!  I imagine it really sucks taking it several times!! 

The games section is definitely the easiest to crack.  Spend your free time setting up diagrams for the games (make sure you use every rule) and answering questions.  You will eventually be able to recognize game patterns and, in turn, be able to answer the questions faster and more accurately!  Good luck!!

BTW you are far from an idiot!! 

[daveo20]

Good point on postponing the test, and I have considered it...but I mean the feminine hygiene product bags at LSAC charge you 30 bucks to change it. Also, in the fall I am taking 15 hours of school with a very difficult load (senior year). I would have to put my preparation on the backburner. I mean the potential is there for me to put all my eggs into one basket, then royally @#!* up and be screwed for applying for fall 05. I could take it now, screw up, then take it again and risk the averaging of my two grades...i dunno. Why can't I be taking the SAT again.

Does anyone have experience moving the test date to October? I've been told June is the best time to take it, but if all these people are right, then I can bring my score up 15 points between now and then if I keep on truckin. I'm two weeks away and not feelin too good. I mean I just can't afford to get a 149, although my buddy got that and got into law school. Who knows. Any insights are greatly appreciated! (is anyone in Atlanta having a massive kegger after the LSAT?)

David

[planejane]

Don't worry.  I feel your pain.  I am in the same situation.  I have a 4.0 undergrad and my practice LSAT's, needless to say, suck big time.  It is a shame that it all comes down to a test.  I am going to take the test June 14th with a big smile on my face.  Like my shipmate always said in bootcamp - "Remember, they can't eat you"!. 

There is only so much I can do.  I have a great aviation career, I have worked in an aviation law firm before, and I intend to go to law school.

We are all wound up right now.  An ex-Marine always told me - "KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid".

In other words, look at it for what it is worth.  It is an admissions test.  We know we are worthy people with great expectations.  Maybe looking at it from a simpler point of view again will help us keep focused on the bigger picture.

Best of Luck!

[M2]

Great post planejane.

So much of success is attitude. Go in there on test day knowing that you will kick the test's @$$!!