Categories: LSAT Prep, Multiple LSAT scores
Tags: LSAT self study plan, LSAT self study program, Manhattan LSAT, Manhattan LSAT tutor, self study for LSAT
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If you are getting ready for the October LSAT and studying on your own – without help from a tutor or prep course – you need to make sure you’re following a strategy and not wandering aimlessly. I asked Noah Teitelbaum from Manhattan LSAT to share some tips for how to know whether you’re self-studying the right way. His suggestions follow:
Some people choose to go it alone with their LSAT prep. Understandable – if you can be successful studying on your own, why not? If you’re going this route, here are some ideas to help guide you.
1. LSATs are not enough for the LSAT
Every LSAT season we see a few poor souls wander into our door a few weeks before the LSAT with some version of this sad tale: “I have done every single LSAT ever released in the entire history of human existence, and I’ve been stuck at a 150 for the last 3 months.” Unfortunately, the truth is that there’s not much to do to help these particular folks. What they should have done – and what you should do – is a comprehensive program. This includes a) learning some strategies – from a book (we like our guides), b) practice them using sets of questions that are broken up by type, and c) doing full preptests. If you want to get serious, do deep review of your work. Here are some ideas on how to review your work .
2. Get a map
Somewhat less sad than the soul described above is the LSAT prepper that buys some books and some LSATs and then just starts reading. For some folks – particularly those who have a knack with standardized tests – this is just fine. But for us mere mortals, it’s great to have a more organized plan. There are a few free self study plans out there (e-mail us <mailto:info@manhattanlsat.com> and we’ll send you one). The idea is to attack the question types in an organized manner, and push yourself to keep to a schedule. If you want some serious structure, you can buy a self-study program and follow the videos and other resources – that can be an inexpensive way to benefit from the wisdom of LSAT geeks.
3. Have an escape plan
Not everyone can find success with a self study plan but it can be hard to know that until you’ve given it a try. So set some benchmarks that will help you decide if it’s working. For example: “I need to have improved 5 points by August 20th.” If you miss your goals, start up your other prep options (join a class, get a tutor, go to med school instead, etc.). Don’t corner yourself by waiting until the last month to reach out for some help.
4. Be mean
There are plenty of horror stories of folks who end up scoring 5-10 points worse on the real LSAT than their incredible preptests. Why? Nerves is one explanation. But, there are also a lot of students don’t take realistic practice exams. Even though the published LSATs have 4 sections, the real ones you take on test day have 5 (there’s an extra experimental section thrown in an undisclosed location in your exam). So, make your practice tests real – here’s an online proctor <http://www.manhattanlsat.com/LSAT-proctor.cfm> to keep you honest. Turn off that cell phone, don’t drink water except for during your one measly break, and don’t check your answers between sections!
5. Be nice
If you haven’t taken a practice LSAT yet, you’re probably in for a surprise, it’s a tough test! Don’t freak out if you’re used to acing every test – this one is set at a higher level of difficulty than the SATs and other tests you might have taken. This allows law schools to differentiate between lots of really smart candidates (let’s face it, a lot of brainiacs become lawyers). To keep your sanity, be sure to set realistic goals – baby steps. If you score 2 points higher on a practice test, awesome! That’s how people generally improve on the LSAT, a sprinkling of points at a time. So, set your sights a few feet ahead of you, and celebrate each time you hit a slightly higher score (and expect a few dips along the way).
Good luck with your self-study program! Reach out if we can be helpful – info@manhattanlsat.com – we have self-study programs , and we host some online self-study groups (yes, that seems very much like an oxymoron).
Categories: Low LSAT, LSAT, LSAT Prep, Multiple LSAT scores
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The following is a guest post by Greg Smith, an LSAT instructor at Alpha-Score.com. He has been teaching the LSAT since 2003 both in class and online.
Thinking of retaking the LSAT? Here’s a few things to consider:
Are you insane?
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results – Rita Mae Brown.
If you didn’t do as well as you’d like this time around, what is going to change next time? You need a new plan of attack, something needs to change. This could be as simple as reducing your stress, studying harder, or not staying out until 4 am the night before the LSAT, but something needs to change. If you have a plan and you can make significant changes than retaking the LSAT may be in your best interest.
How did you prepare for the LSAT?
If you spent months poring over LSAT text books and reviewing practice exams in preparation for the exam, it is unlikely that a few more months of study will have a significant effect on your score. However, if you avoided LSAT questions in favor of nights out with Jagermeister or even spent your time studying for midterms and writing essays, then you might have some room for improvement. If you don’t think you studied hard enough the first time are you going to commit to a different study plan for a retake?
Did something go wrong?
I’ve heard terrible stories of what can happen on LSAT day. Everything from construction in the room next door to heat waves, panic attacks and illness. If your test day was a disaster you’ve got a great reason to retake. Also, if there were extenuating circumstances during your first LSAT you may want to notify any law schools you apply to of this fact, BUT only after you have proven you can score higher.
Check your score?
Check your LSAT score against your scores on your home practice tests. If there’s a significant difference then something went wrong. If it wasn’t a the testing conditions, illness floods or some other natural disaster then the most likely cause of your downfall is stress. It is possible to overcome this and even turn it to your advantage, some students perform better under stress. Check this guide on stress reduction for the LSAT.
Statistically speaking
LSAC provides substantial data on students who repeat the LSAT and the results they see. In summary, only about 30% of students retake the LSAT. The ones that do, are more likely to see their score increase than decrease. Approximately 67% of repeaters saw their score increase, 8% experienced no change, and 25% received a lower score.
Effect on Applications
You should also consider the delay of re-taking the LSAT on your applications to law school. Many schools admit students on a rolling basis so it is actually easier to get in if you apply earlier. One option is to apply with your lower score to take advantage of the rolling admissions and then if you get a higher score, alert the school and have another shot at admission. You may also get accepted to a school that is not your first choice based on your initial LSAT score. At this point you can take the LSAT again, stress free because you know you are already accepted to at least one school. Then, if your second score is higher, you might get into the school of your choice. Stress is a very significant factor in how students perform on the actual LSAT so whatever you can do to reduce or eliminate stress is a good thing!
Ann Levine can probably provide better input on how a second score affects your application with respect to rolling admissions.
Average or Highest LSAT Score?
Check with your target schools (usually on their websites) to see if they average your scores or take the highest one. Even schools that average scores can occasionally be persuaded to take your highest if there were special circumstances at the time of your lower scored LSAT. (note by Ann: since schools only have to report the highest of multiple scores to the ABA, they have incentive to rely on your highest score). Law schools are increasingly taking the highest reported LSAT score for applicants as it helps their law school rankings when they report the average LSAT of their admitted students.
Let your schools know!
If you do decide to retake the LSAT, make sure to let your school know about your new score. You need to make sure your new score gets to them. (note by Ann: schools make mistakes about this all the time, so take control of your process and be proactive about making sure schools have your new score.)
For more information about online LSAT prep courses
For more information about the likelihood of raising your score on a second try, see this law school expert post.Here is more about whether to retake the LSAT.
Here’s an application timeline for December LSAT takers.
For more about why Ann Levine considers the December LSAT the “LSAT of LAST RESORT” see The Law School Admission Game: Play Like an Expert. (Also available on download from iTunes or in MP3 format on Amazon.
Categories: LSAT, Multiple LSAT scores
Tags: Cancel LSAT score, cancelling LSAT score
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Did you feel just a bit ill yesterday during the LSAT? Were the desks so small you were in a bad mood the whole time? Did the proctor start the test two hours late? If you’re applying for Fall 2011 admission, and the June LSAT works for your schedule, cancelling and retaking the LSAT in June is probably a great idea. Here’s a collection of some of my previous posts on cancelling an LSAT score:
Deciding Whether to Cancel Your LSAT Score
Considerations in Cancelling Your LSAT Score
For details about how to cancel your LSAT score, click this link.
If you have decided to retake the LSAT but you are not not sure whether to cancel your score on the February LSAT, be informed about which law schools average multiple LSAT scores for their index formula and which law schools count the highest of multiple LSAT scores.
Also, here’s a post that talks about taking the LSAT multiple times.
Be sure to read the comments of each post too because I give advice to readers that might apply to your specific situation.
Categories: Low LSAT, LSAT, LSAT Prep, LSAT; Rolling Admissions, Multiple LSAT scores
Tags: re-taking the LSAT
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I hope everyone had a good weekend, but since LSAT scores came out I’m sure a lot of you were distracted and unable to enjoy your normal pursuits.
A common question over the weekend was, “If I take the LSAT again in December, is it too late to be competitive for Fall 2010 admission?”
No. It’s not too late. I had clients last year who were admitted to Harvard and Columbia with December LSAT scores. It’s not too late. The key is deciding whether you are set up to be successful with an LSAT that is only 6 weeks away. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Was the problem with your LSAT score in September a lack of sufficient preparation? If so, December is too soon to make a dramatic improvement in your score.
2. If the problem with your September LSAT result was a strange testing circumstance (illness, medication side-effects, noise, terrible proctors, missing an uncharacteristic amount of questions on a particular section, etc.) then it is feasible to raise your score significantly.
The next thing you’re going to ask is: Do I submit applications BEFORE I take the December LSAT? Here are the factors to consider:
1. You only have 6 weeks to maximize your December LSAT score? Why would you cut into such a short time frame by spending time on applications? Especially when those schools aren’t going to review your application without your score. And especially if you have other obligations (school, work, family) that are going to demand your time in the next 6 weeks.
2. You can work on applications starting December 6th and still get things submitted sooner than most December LSAT takers.
For more about your decision regarding retaking the LSAT, see “Re-taking the LSAT“
Categories: LSAT, LSAT; Rolling Admissions, Multiple LSAT scores
Tags: canceling LSAT score, keeping LSAT score, LSAT, Multiple LSAT scores
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Ok, it’s over. It’s done. Today was LSAT day.
What do you do next?
1. Decide how you feel about keeping your LSAT score:
“Canceling an LSAT Score: Will this hurt you? No. It just puts that much pressure on you for next time. So, when should you cancel? If you completely screw up by leaving an entire section blank, misbubble the last ten questions, or become violently ill in the middle of the exam, you should probably cancel. This is especially true if the score would be so demoralizing to you that you would be unable to live with yourself. Another reason to cancel is if you already have one LSAT score that you’re content with and you’re pretty sure you don’t want to have to explain to law schools why the second score is lower.” (The next paragraph goes on to discuss reasons not to cancel an LSAT score)
Also see my previous post on this subject:
2. Stay away from discussion boards. It doesn’t matter what some anonymous person says about what answer was right to which question. This will only make you crazy. The only person you should be speaking to about your LSAT test is your tutor. Stay away from anyone else who took the test and start to think about the next 3 weeks and what you can accomplish to be productive (work on LORs, personal statements, resumes, etc.
Good luck – and feel free to ask questions!
Categories: Low LSAT, LSAT, LSAT Prep, LSAT; Rolling Admissions, Multiple LSAT scores
Tags: Cancel LSAT score, Cancelling the LSAT, LSAT, LSAT noshow
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What a great radio show this morning! Wow!
We heard great tips for the week before the test from 4 very experienced LSAT tutors:
Josh Morrison of LogicPro, Donald Viscardi of Inspirica, Bara Sapir of TestPrepNY, and Paul Siemons of Advantage Testing.
Listen to this morning’s program at my BlogTalkRadio show. It’ll be the best 45 minutes you’ll spend in the week before the June LSAT. If you’re taking the September 2009 LSAT, it’ll really help you decide how to pick an LSAT tutor/prep program because we highlighted four very different (and each effective for the right person) approaches. You can listen on your computer or download it to your iPod.
Thanks also to Bara Sapir for offering a wonderful 30-minute sample of TestPrepNY’s sample LSAT exam preparation audio program.
If you have questions based on anything discussed in the program, leave a comment here. You can ask the question to me, or to a specific tutor from our panel. I look forward to your questions and comments! And, if you find the show helpful please let me know that too. Your feedback helps me determine future blog and radio show topics.
Categories: Advice, List: Law School Admission Advice Books, LSAT, LSAT Prep, Multiple LSAT scores
Tags: Blog Talk Radio Show, June LSAT, Law school admission guide, LSAT Preparation, The Law School Admission Game: Play Like an Expert
No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome!
We’re about 2 weeks away from the June 8, 2009 LSAT. You should be scoring pretty consistently on practice tests, and you may be wondering whether to go ahead and take the LSAT or wait until September 2009. The following is a brief excerpt from my book, “The Law School Admission Game: Play Like an Expert“ addressing this issue:
How do you know if you’re really ready for the LSAT? If you don’t feel ready to take the LSAT, your instinct is probably right. You have a few options. You could take the test and if your score is halfway decent, you can apply. This is a poor strategy that usually goes worse than you expected and becomes something you have to later explain on your applications. Plus, it’s a huge ego-deflater to see a low score. Make sure to take many timed practice tests with five sections. It’s an endurance test and a speed test, so you must practice under these conditions. Practice in distracting conditions, not in ideal ones. It is better to take a test in a noisy coffee shop than in the silence and ideal environment of a library carrel of the 7th floor of your campus library.
The book is coming out tomorrow (!!!) and will be shipped on Tuesday. It can be ordered through “The Law School Admission Game” site for FREE SHIPPING or through Amazon.
For concrete tips and strategies for the week before the LSAT, listen in to my 45-minute BlogTalkRadio show on Monday, June 1st at 1 p.m. EST (10 a.m. PST) called “Last Minute Tips for LSAT Takers.” It will feature three LSAT tutors: Donald Viscardi, Master Tutor at Inspirica, Josh Morrison, owner of LogicPro LSAT Tutoring, and Bara Sapir, director of Test Prep NY. We’ll be talking about tips for the week before the test and deciding whether you’re really ready to take the exam. There will be time for questions from callers. If you can’t listen in at that time, you’ll be able to listen to the program anytime after by visiting this blog or by going to my page on BlogTalkRadio. I’m really excited about this show – we’re pulling together 3 of the premier LSAT strategists from outside the “big” prep companies and giving readers of the Law School Expert blog a unique opportunity to hear insights from real LSAT experts.
Click here for more tips about getting ready for the June LSAT.
Keep up to date with all new posts to the Law School Expert blog by subscribing. (The sign up button is EASY and on the right side of the screen)
Oh, and I LOVE comments so please consider yourself invited to leave comments and ask questions on the blog – that’s what it’s here for!
Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!
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Ann K. Levine, Esq., former director of law school admissions for two ABA approved law schools, is a law school admission consultant and owner of Law School Expert,
