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lhellman
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so frustrated with big score setback

by lhellman Fri Aug 31, 2012 11:50 pm

I've read some of the other posts and I understand that it's normal to drop a couple of points when you first start practicing and trying new strategies. Do you have any words of advice though for someone who has dropped significantly since her first two practice tests? I took two tests about a month ago, before studying at all, and got 171 on both. I then started studying to improve my score a few points, but my more recent tests have all been 165 or below.
I took longer breaks during my first two tests, but otherwise finished with several minutes of time leftover in a few sections. On the test I took today I ran out of time on one of the sections. I know taking longer breaks may have helped my score a bit on the first test but surely not by over ten points (as the test I took today would indicate it did?!). And if endurance is really the issue, then what can I do to improve that?

Any advice you have would be helpful!
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demetri.blaisdell
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Re: so frustrated with big score setback

by demetri.blaisdell Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:47 pm

Maybe the first thing to acknowledge is that you are in position to get a great score. If you are routinely scoring in the 160s and breaking in to the 170s, you are clearly on the right track.

But I understand that it must be frustrating to see your score jump around. What you said about the breaks is a good reason why I tell students to always "practice like they're going to play." You should try to make as many things as you can match the experience of taking the test (taking it in the morning, turning off your phone, using the virtual proctor, etc). That will make the scores you get the most predictive of your score on the real LSAT. You want to be confident that you will score within a range of scores so you don't feel like you are going in on test day with no idea of where you stand.

As for stamina, I learned a trick from another LSAT teacher. If you want to become "LSAT Rambo" (his words), put two experimental sections in to a practice test. Limit yourself to just the one break as usual. That way, when you get to the actual test and there are only 5 sections, you will think it's easy by comparison.

I hope this helps. Studying for the LSAT can feel like an impossible task. Hopefully, posting on the forums and getting support from other students and instructors helps make it a little easier for you. Good luck and happy prepping!

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Re: so frustrated with big score setback

by jelgamal Thu Nov 01, 2012 5:09 am

Demetri, since you mention the experimental sections, i don't understand how to include them? Where would I get those sections??
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demetri.blaisdell
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Re: so frustrated with big score setback

by demetri.blaisdell Fri Nov 09, 2012 1:36 pm

Because LSAC doesn't release the experimental sections (they will tinker with them and use them in future tests), you have to include a section from an earlier exam. Choose a few of the early exams, divide them up, and include one with each test you do.

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