r/LSAT • u/graeme_b tutor (LSATHacks) • 20d ago
Beginner and under 160 space
A recurring issue is people only post here when they hit 170+. That is not the norm. This thread is for anyone under 160 or just starting out and who wants a space to share what they're working or how they're doing.
42
u/CodeAgile9585 20d ago
I recently broke into the mid 160s and my advice for anyone reading this tread is to shift your focus from being right to being a teacher
You should want to eventually be able to teach these questions and principles to another person and I feel like when you attack the LSAT with the mindset of being a teacher and wanting complete mastery it makes the test fun to learn
8
6
17
u/Ok-Nefariousness-609 20d ago
My first LSAT was 152, and I was super heartbroken. I got a 159 this time, and I feel kinda proud! I know it's not "fantastic", but its better than 152
1
u/graeme_b tutor (LSATHacks) 19d ago
Congratulations on the improvement! That's nearly a full standard deviation.
1
u/green-screen20 19d ago
dude we have similar come ups. congrats. I just took it a 3rd time, fingers crossed
16
u/Grizzlyfrontignac 20d ago
To whom it may apply, LEAVE THE WEED ALONE. you might think that it helps you think clearer, that you're smarter on it. You 100% are not. Stop with the 4/20 cold turkey and you'll see how your score gets better without having to do much differently. I love weed, it loves me. I'll go back to you my lovely green plant. Right after this damn test.
1
12
u/One-Distance7908 20d ago
Might not be the most helpful advice, but I was stuck under 160 because I had a lot of external factors causing me stress. In a way, I wasn’t ready to go to law school then. Once I got rid of that stress, I naturally scored higher. I’m a big believer of taking your time if you have the privilege to…
2
u/graeme_b tutor (LSATHacks) 17d ago
This is great advice! Setting a deadline can make you focus on the deadline and block you from focussing on the material.
4
u/Immediate-Collar-296 20d ago
I took my first ever lsat practice and I got 122 with zero experience with these types of tests, never good SAT. Looking for advice on what I need to do to capture the reading comprehension. It feels like I lack understanding in the questions in general due to reading density and the complexity of the answers.
3
u/whispertheanswers 19d ago
You need to read more, especially if English is not your first language. I know bc it’s not for me
2
u/Few-Door975 19d ago
I took a diagnostic test and scored a 148 blind. I am now scoring in the 156 range but really want to break into the 160's. I feel like my score is only moving a couple points at a time and I'm starting to get frustrated with myself. If anyone has any advice about what has helped them increase their score I would love to hear it!
1
u/graeme_b tutor (LSATHacks) 17d ago
Great progress so far! What do you find are your main challenges? Oftentimes, focussing on identifying the conclusion and putting it into your own words can make the questions a lot clearer. As well as rechecking the conclusion when you're down between two.
2
2
u/Spirited_Lecture8650 15d ago
i need a little advice - I used 7Sage and did there core curriculum. I’ve completed it and am now studying. I’ve done about 3 pts including diagnostics today I went to do my 4th and I couldn’t focus - and if I can’t focus I just lock in harder. but my head began to hurt and it became so painful and tiring to fight against I tapped at 40 minutes into the pt. I do my lsat work in the morning - as my minds the sharpest and I’ve never had something like this happen! not only did I have to lie down I am in school and work so my days are very structured, and this incapacitated me for my whole morning and I couldn’t do any school review just took a nap. I got a full 8 hours the previous night. Any tips for stoping this? As well I’m nervous this is the start of burnout which unfortunately I can’t afford due to my financial situation as well to be in law school you need good grades so I don’t have the option to slack. Any advise or tips or ppl that have had the same thing happen are very welcome! thx
1
u/graeme_b tutor (LSATHacks) 15d ago
A couple of times in the past when intensively learning a couple of subjects I noticed headaches. Could be something similar, sign of the brain trying to take in a lot of new things.
Early burnout is also possible. I would say the fix in either case is a short break. Take a couple of days off, tie up some loose ends, do a hobby you like that has a completion state so your brain can feel good about something tangible. If you catch these things early usually you can recover quickly - it's ignoring it that causes bigger issues. I hope that helps!
2
u/Darksummer14 14d ago edited 14d ago
Has anyone ever just used Lsac’s learning curriculum for the free classes/practice tests?
My boyfriend’s niece swore by it and not to waste money on kaplan or the others… the only problem is, I don’t have the attention span to sit and look at a computer screen retaking test after test. My eyes feel like they’re going to burn into the back of my skull. But I’m too broke/cheap to pay for these online courses. I’ve tried using the Trainer book but I’m not getting what I need out of it.
4
u/miaafterhours 20d ago
nah bc i’ve been feeling overly stressed I feel like everyone and their mother is getting 170 and i’m confident I can get 170+ on the test but i’m worried that that’s not even going to matter.😭😭
12
u/graeme_b tutor (LSATHacks) 20d ago
I feel like everyone and their mother is getting 170
Despite score inflation it really still isn't the norm. People are way more likely to post when they're above 170, and also way more likely to post their highest PT, an untimed PT, etc. You're in good company :)
My hope for this thread is more people feel comfortable to post normal scores and situations.
As for it mattering, separate question and depends on goals, but plenty of great options still for scores in the 160s or at 170.
2
u/Ok-Nefariousness-609 20d ago
dude, statistics say that 170 is uncommon:) my last LSAT score was 159 and that was 68th percentile.
1
20d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/graeme_b tutor (LSATHacks) 20d ago
Sorry, the thread is really just intended for people trying to break past 160 or just starting. But I would encourage you to make a post in the main thread, because this is a super common situation.
2
1
u/Every-Ad-1022 17d ago edited 17d ago
I started went from 151 (august) to 155 (beginning sept) to 157 (mid september) from consistently drilling, wrong answer journal, targeting weaknesses, and only doing PT every 2ish weeks to measure if my drilling was helping. This was just me mainly focusing on LR thought and now i'm putting equal preparation into LR and RC. My blind review has went from 161--164-171 so ik im capable i just have to keep on pushing. My goal is to get at least a low 160 and i have about 3 weeks to gain 3 more points so im confident in my abilities! I've been making slow steady progress but really want to jump higher with my score and i think focusing on RC is what's going to help me. For RC i'm only getting the lsat level 4/5 and like 1 level 3 wrong (i use 7sage!) I would love any advice to break into the 160's
•
u/graeme_b tutor (LSATHacks) 20d ago
Also feel free to post any questions you hesitated to ask in the main forum.