Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic?? Forum
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- Posts: 6
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Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
I just recently took 2 sample LSATs (October 1996 and June 2007) and scored 163 / 165.
I'm considering writing in February 2010, but the exam is only 5 weeks away.
My goal would be a 170-175.
In my opinion, I need to improve on is primarily Critical reasoning, and getting quicker in the RC.
Any feedback on whether this is realistic or not?
Thank you!
I'm considering writing in February 2010, but the exam is only 5 weeks away.
My goal would be a 170-175.
In my opinion, I need to improve on is primarily Critical reasoning, and getting quicker in the RC.
Any feedback on whether this is realistic or not?
Thank you!
- voice of reason
- Posts: 264
- Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2009 12:18 am
Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
No, it isn't realistic at all. It's possible, sure, but it's very unlikely. Having done two practice tests, you presumably understand the directions, know how to pace yourself, and are familiar with the general format of the test. Moreover, the RC and LR sections are harder to improve than the games. A 10 point jump is not likely to happen, especially in 5 weeks.
- OGR3
- Posts: 881
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
If it was 153 to 160-165 I'd say you have a good shot.
It's my opinion you should take the test in June or October. It's much easier to get a jump like that in 6 to 10 months than 5 weeks (though still extremely difficult).
It's my opinion you should take the test in June or October. It's much easier to get a jump like that in 6 to 10 months than 5 weeks (though still extremely difficult).
- AngryAvocado
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
I think it depends on how much prep you've done. If those two scores are completely cold, then I'd say you have a chance to make that jump. If you've done a good bit of prepping/studying already, I don't think it's likely you'll suddenly see a big jump over the next five weeks.k2ubc wrote:I just recently took 2 sample LSATs (October 1996 and June 2007) and scored 163 / 165.
I'm considering writing in February 2010, but the exam is only 5 weeks away.
My goal would be a 170-175.
In my opinion, I need to improve on is primarily Critical reasoning, and getting quicker in the RC.
Any feedback on whether this is realistic or not?
Thank you!
There is hope, though. My first few practice tests were in the low 160s and immediately after I read the Powerscore LR and LG Bibles, my score jumped to the mid-170s and stayed there. If you haven't already read those, I would definitely do so.
- DoubleChecks
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- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:35 pm
Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
+1AngryAvocado wrote:I think it depends on how much prep you've done. If those two scores are completely cold, then I'd say you have a chance to make that jump. If you've done a good bit of prepping/studying already, I don't think it's likely you'll suddenly see a big jump over the next five weeks.k2ubc wrote:I just recently took 2 sample LSATs (October 1996 and June 2007) and scored 163 / 165.
I'm considering writing in February 2010, but the exam is only 5 weeks away.
My goal would be a 170-175.
In my opinion, I need to improve on is primarily Critical reasoning, and getting quicker in the RC.
Any feedback on whether this is realistic or not?
Thank you!
There is hope, though. My first few practice tests were in the low 160s and immediately after I read the Powerscore LR and LG Bibles, my score jumped to the mid-170s and stayed there. If you haven't already read those, I would definitely do so.
were the two recent tests in the middle of your studying or your cold diags? (or rather the 163 being your cold diag)...if they were cold, i def think you can do it -- i started w/ a diag around there and ended up w/ a mid-170s score after 6-7 weeks of casual studying...so if you stepped it up, very realistic.
if you've already been studying for awhile as AngryA mentioned...then i dont think it is a very realistic goal to set, esp. since RC is so hard to pump up in score
best of luck
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
AngryAvocado wrote:I think it depends on how much prep you've done. If those two scores are completely cold, then I'd say you have a chance to make that jump. If you've done a good bit of prepping/studying already, I don't think it's likely you'll suddenly see a big jump over the next five weeks.k2ubc wrote:I just recently took 2 sample LSATs (October 1996 and June 2007) and scored 163 / 165.
I'm considering writing in February 2010, but the exam is only 5 weeks away.
My goal would be a 170-175.
In my opinion, I need to improve on is primarily Critical reasoning, and getting quicker in the RC.
Any feedback on whether this is realistic or not?
Thank you!
There is hope, though. My first few practice tests were in the low 160s and immediately after I read the Powerscore LR and LG Bibles, my score jumped to the mid-170s and stayed there. If you haven't already read those, I would definitely do so.
Thanks AngryAvocado.
These were the first two LSATs I've taken.
I recently wrote the GMAT, so was familiar with format of the material, although the LSAT is considerably more challenging.
I'll take a look at the powerscore bibles and make my final decision next week.I have a fairly clear schedule for the next month or so, so this is probably the best opportunity for me to prepare for the LSAT.
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
Thanks for the insight Voice of Reason!voice of reason wrote:No, it isn't realistic at all. It's possible, sure, but it's very unlikely. Having done two practice tests, you presumably understand the directions, know how to pace yourself, and are familiar with the general format of the test. Moreover, the RC and LR sections are harder to improve than the games. A 10 point jump is not likely to happen, especially in 5 weeks.
Any suggestions for good resources to improve my RC and LR ?
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
Thanks OGR3!OGR3 wrote:If it was 153 to 160-165 I'd say you have a good shot.
It's my opinion you should take the test in June or October. It's much easier to get a jump like that in 6 to 10 months than 5 weeks (though still extremely difficult).
- TheWire
- Posts: 479
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
i went from a 158 baseline to 171...i think u have a good shot if u make this your life for the next 5 wks (which it should be). With that being said my friend is a genius and he had a baseline 164...didnt study too much and ended up with a 166. It all is going to be up to you...so get it done
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
Thanks DoubleChecks,DoubleChecks wrote:+1AngryAvocado wrote:I think it depends on how much prep you've done. If those two scores are completely cold, then I'd say you have a chance to make that jump. If you've done a good bit of prepping/studying already, I don't think it's likely you'll suddenly see a big jump over the next five weeks.k2ubc wrote:I just recently took 2 sample LSATs (October 1996 and June 2007) and scored 163 / 165.
I'm considering writing in February 2010, but the exam is only 5 weeks away.
My goal would be a 170-175.
In my opinion, I need to improve on is primarily Critical reasoning, and getting quicker in the RC.
Any feedback on whether this is realistic or not?
Thank you!
There is hope, though. My first few practice tests were in the low 160s and immediately after I read the Powerscore LR and LG Bibles, my score jumped to the mid-170s and stayed there. If you haven't already read those, I would definitely do so.
were the two recent tests in the middle of your studying or your cold diags? (or rather the 163 being your cold diag)...if they were cold, i def think you can do it -- i started w/ a diag around there and ended up w/ a mid-170s score after 6-7 weeks of casual studying...so if you stepped it up, very realistic.
if you've already been studying for awhile as AngryA mentioned...then i dont think it is a very realistic goal to set, esp. since RC is so hard to pump up in score
best of luck
I started cold on those two tests, and I do have a fair bit of time to dedicate to the LSAT over the next month. Do you mind sharing what resources/books you used to study, and how much time you put in over those 6-7 weeks??
Thanks!
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
TheWire,TheWire wrote:i went from a 158 baseline to 171...i think u have a good shot if u make this your life for the next 5 wks (which it should be). With that being said my friend is a genius and he had a baseline 164...didnt study too much and ended up with a 166. It all is going to be up to you...so get it done
How much time did you spend to make the jump to 171?
What resources did you use?
Thanks!
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
It's not going to happen. If you are smart, you will cancel February and do it in June.
- PoorOrpheus
- Posts: 240
- Joined: Wed Aug 12, 2009 8:57 pm
Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
I'm not a proponent of long-term LSAT study. I think a committed, properly scheduled two- or three-month schedule is the way to go. I recommend checking out this thread to get a feel for the variety of time-frames and techniques people used to prepare and their results.OGR3 wrote:If it was 153 to 160-165 I'd say you have a good shot.
It's my opinion you should take the test in June or October. It's much easier to get a jump like that in 6 to 10 months than 5 weeks (though still extremely difficult).
Good luck.
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- TheWire
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
I took my first diagnostic on august 1st and the real deal was sept 26th. I used testmasters prep which i really liked. What ultimately is going to make the difference is this:
- Know every type of logical reasoning question that is possible (it is generally agreed upon that there is about 15 "types" of LR problems.
*essentially you should be familiar with the mindset that you should have for each type of these problems...for instance, a question that asks you to weaken the argument requires a different thought process from one that asks you to identify the main conclusion of the passage.
- Know how to tackle each type of logic game that they can throw at you...i.e, how do you set them up? what are some common inferences? Is this a type of game that I can completely solve before getting to the problems?
-Do as many RCS as possible...this is a hard section to improve on because the passages are different, and the questions can be tricky.
Generally, I would advise that you prepare for the test by studying for accuracy first. Become familiar with the test and master the thinking process. After that it is important to practice in game-day conditions. Times, all kinds of distractions, there's an online proctor if you google "online proctor" try to take PTs in the morning to become familiar with waking up and getting in the mode.
In the end, the practice makes all the difference...pretend like you are playing in an NBA championship game in FEB. put everything on the line, and study your heart out. Best of luck, PM me if you have more questions
- Know every type of logical reasoning question that is possible (it is generally agreed upon that there is about 15 "types" of LR problems.
*essentially you should be familiar with the mindset that you should have for each type of these problems...for instance, a question that asks you to weaken the argument requires a different thought process from one that asks you to identify the main conclusion of the passage.
- Know how to tackle each type of logic game that they can throw at you...i.e, how do you set them up? what are some common inferences? Is this a type of game that I can completely solve before getting to the problems?
-Do as many RCS as possible...this is a hard section to improve on because the passages are different, and the questions can be tricky.
Generally, I would advise that you prepare for the test by studying for accuracy first. Become familiar with the test and master the thinking process. After that it is important to practice in game-day conditions. Times, all kinds of distractions, there's an online proctor if you google "online proctor" try to take PTs in the morning to become familiar with waking up and getting in the mode.
In the end, the practice makes all the difference...pretend like you are playing in an NBA championship game in FEB. put everything on the line, and study your heart out. Best of luck, PM me if you have more questions
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
What was your SAT/ACT? If you are a 99%er on most standardized tests, yes. If not, wait til June.k2ubc wrote:I just recently took 2 sample LSATs (October 1996 and June 2007) and scored 163 / 165.
I'm considering writing in February 2010, but the exam is only 5 weeks away.
My goal would be a 170-175.
In my opinion, I need to improve on is primarily Critical reasoning, and getting quicker in the RC.
Any feedback on whether this is realistic or not?
Thank you!
Even if you are a 99%er its iffy as hell and I'd still wait until June. But at least you'd have a shot at Feb.
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
Things just need a little time to percolate. Unless you are going to try and start school this year, I say wait and give it a little more time.
- DoubleChecks
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
i took a short prep class (any will do, Testmasters, PR, Powerscore, etc.) that lasted the whole time (the 6-7 weeks) but i only found the first half helpful on getting the basic strategies down. i just went to the classes for the first 4 weeks, learned what they taught, did the hw in the books they gave us (which pretty much was real LSAT questions from semi-recent tests broken down into question types).k2ubc wrote: Thanks DoubleChecks,
I started cold on those two tests, and I do have a fair bit of time to dedicate to the LSAT over the next month. Do you mind sharing what resources/books you used to study, and how much time you put in over those 6-7 weeks??
Thanks!
last 2-3 weeks i just self studied by taking practice tests. imo, thats all you need to do if you cold diag a 163. get the basics down either via the powerscore bibles or an accelerated prep course (if you have the cash/inclination), then just do practice tests (go over what you missed and why, work on your weak areas)...
most of my practice tests i took the week of the LSAT, though some recommend a relax approach 2 days before the actual LSAT (varies from person to person, stepping it up works for me).
just make sure you get good rest the night before so you wont misbubble on game day like i did oh and i scored my PT average, which i was hitting a week or two before the actual LSAT...so you should know. i would never count on miraculously hitting a higher score you've never gotten before on game day...if you're a good test taker, expect your avg.
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- Jackie O
- Posts: 223
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:34 am
Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
Yeah, pretty much do this which you can accomplish with the bibles (and of course a lot of PTs). It's definitely doable and I disagree that your performance on the SAT will necessarily predict your LSAT performance - you just have to learn the test and practice a lot. If you're diligent 5 weeks is plenty of time - good luck.TheWire wrote:I took my first diagnostic on august 1st and the real deal was sept 26th. I used testmasters prep which i really liked. What ultimately is going to make the difference is this:
- Know every type of logical reasoning question that is possible (it is generally agreed upon that there is about 15 "types" of LR problems.
*essentially you should be familiar with the mindset that you should have for each type of these problems...for instance, a question that asks you to weaken the argument requires a different thought process from one that asks you to identify the main conclusion of the passage.
- Know how to tackle each type of logic game that they can throw at you...i.e, how do you set them up? what are some common inferences? Is this a type of game that I can completely solve before getting to the problems?
-Do as many RCS as possible...this is a hard section to improve on because the passages are different, and the questions can be tricky.
Generally, I would advise that you prepare for the test by studying for accuracy first. Become familiar with the test and master the thinking process. After that it is important to practice in game-day conditions. Times, all kinds of distractions, there's an online proctor if you google "online proctor" try to take PTs in the morning to become familiar with waking up and getting in the mode.
In the end, the practice makes all the difference...pretend like you are playing in an NBA championship game in FEB. put everything on the line, and study your heart out. Best of luck, PM me if you have more questions
- 84Sunbird2000
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
I'd say wait until June, too. I'm a 98-99 percenter for every test I've taken besides the LSAT, and I only moved 6 points in five weeks of study.. I had a diagnostic of 160 in late October. After that, took 7 prep tests, did about 50 pages of the LG powerprep over the five weeks and got a 166 on the real test (high of 169 in PTs). I'd say my total studying time was less than a week's worth, and even then casually. So if you really devote yourself, get on a good sleep schedule, and actually work through your weak spots in detail, I'd say you have a shot at a 170 plus by Feb.Desert Fox wrote:What was your SAT/ACT? If you are a 99%er on most standardized tests, yes. If not, wait til June.k2ubc wrote:I just recently took 2 sample LSATs (October 1996 and June 2007) and scored 163 / 165.
I'm considering writing in February 2010, but the exam is only 5 weeks away.
My goal would be a 170-175.
In my opinion, I need to improve on is primarily Critical reasoning, and getting quicker in the RC.
Any feedback on whether this is realistic or not?
Thank you!
Even if you are a 99%er its iffy as hell and I'd still wait until June. But at least you'd have a shot at Feb.
However, February is still very limiting for applications, so there is no real advantage to taking the Feb exam if you want a T14 school.
- kswiss
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Re: Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??
Why not register and study really hard for a couple weeks and see if you improve.
Are you perfect on LG? If not you can make up a lot of points that way.
I went from -6+ per LR section to -2 max per section after a week of intense LR studying (LR Bible), which was a really quick 8 points added to my raw score. IMO RC is much harder to get significant gains. I started at -2 on my diagnostic, so I drifted through. Keep in mind the RC seems a tad harder on the last couple tests.
So, depending on where you are dropping points, it can or can't be done.
Also, make sure your baseline as actually accurate. There is a propensity to give yourself a few extra points by pushing timing limits and crediting bubbling errors or silly mistakes. Have a friend proctor a test for you after a week of intense studying and see how you feel about your chances.
Are you perfect on LG? If not you can make up a lot of points that way.
I went from -6+ per LR section to -2 max per section after a week of intense LR studying (LR Bible), which was a really quick 8 points added to my raw score. IMO RC is much harder to get significant gains. I started at -2 on my diagnostic, so I drifted through. Keep in mind the RC seems a tad harder on the last couple tests.
So, depending on where you are dropping points, it can or can't be done.
Also, make sure your baseline as actually accurate. There is a propensity to give yourself a few extra points by pushing timing limits and crediting bubbling errors or silly mistakes. Have a friend proctor a test for you after a week of intense studying and see how you feel about your chances.
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