Welcome to the latest installment of Law Admissions Q&A, a feature of Law Admissions Lowdown that provides admissions advice to readers who send in questions and admissions profiles.
If you have a question about law school, please email me for a chance to be featured next month.
This week, I will answer questions about effective LSAT prep.
[Explore how law schools evaluate LSAT scores.]
I am preparing for the Sept. 24 LSAT, and until last week things were going well. I took an LSAT course and began tutoring, and my score increased from the low 140s to the mid 150s, but last week I took two tests and scored in the high 140s and then in the high 130s. This sudden drop in scores has made me nervous about September and I wonder if I am doing the right thing in terms of my preparation. Do you have any advice about what I can do to bring my score back up to where it was before this week (and higher)? — Discouraged LSAT Tester
Dear Discouraged LSAT Tester: First, it is completely understandable that the LSAT results you had last week would shake your confidence. It’s always difficult to see a drop in scores — and the drop you describe is significant.
I want to remind you that it is extremely unlikely that you have lost your ability to take the test, much less lost knowledge that would lead to a 15-point drop in two tests. Your scores in the mid-150s were not flukes — so don’t lose heart.
It is, of course, impossible for me to know exactly what explains your dip in scores, but it is possible that your self-confidence dropped after the first score and that this significantly affected your next test.
To see whether this is the case, I encourage you to review your second test, focusing on two things:
· Did you answer questions incorrectly that in retrospect seem very easy?
· Did you get down to two answer choices on many questions and then choose the wrong one, with the right answer remaining?
These two questions will help you determine whether the second score was the result of a drop in confidence.
[Learn to study effectively when retaking the LSAT.]
After you review the test, I encourage you to take a break from studying. Give yourself at least four or five days to clear your head and not think about the LSAT. This way you can come back to your test preparation fresh and with those low scores far from your mind.
Finally, remember that you still have a long time until the September LSAT, so don’t feel that all is lost. You have approximately 10 weeks, which is plenty of time to continue practicing and improving.
Best of luck, and don’t let this temporary setback shake your confidence.
I am beginning to prepare for the LSAT and I am wondering whether I should take an LSAT course or use a tutor. Which one will help me get the best score? — Best Test Prep
Dear Best Test Prep: The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, how strong of a standardized test-taker are you?
If you are naturally good at standardized tests, then you likely will not need the comprehensive LSAT strategies presentation that an LSAT course would offer. Rather, you would benefit from a more narrowly focused, tailored approach that a good tutor would provide.
However, if you have struggled on standardized tests in the past, taking an LSAT course is likely your better option — at least initially.
Think about your experience with the SAT, ACT, GMAT or GRE. What was your score, and how much work did you need to devote to the test to earn that score?
[Read about five things to look for in an LSAT class.]
Second, are you self-motivated or would you benefit from having someone keep you accountable for completing your work?
Accountability is one benefit of having a tutor. By having regular sessions with a quality tutor, you are committing yourself to completing the assigned work.
Think of a tutor as similar to a fitness trainer — some people can get out of bed every morning and work out without any external motivation, but others need an appointment, guidance and external accountability to achieve results.
Finally, what is your learning style? Some people prefer to learn in a group setting where they can benefit from working with other students and hearing their questions on the material. Others are more comfortable learning and asking questions in a private setting.
There is no right answer to your question — and remember, some people benefit from using both options — but answering these additional questions should lead you to the option that is best for you.
More from U.S. News
Law School Q&A: Criminal Record, Gap Year Considerations
Pros, Cons of Retaking the LSAT in September
Conquer Logical Reasoning on the LSAT With a Sample Question
Law School Q&A: September LSAT Preparation originally appeared on usnews.com
