How To Effectively Improve Your LSAT Score
With the next LSAT just one month away, many test takers are gearing up to improve their score. Many may be going in thinking that they only need to refresh their knowledge in order to improve.
Experts say, however, that consistent, rigorous study is the most important aspect when looking to improve your LSAT score.
Stratus Admission Counseling recently discussed how applicants should approach studying if they are looking to improve their score.
A Rigorous Schedule
Experts suggest applicants to develop a rigorous testing schedule when preparing for the exam.
“It’s equally important that successful test-takers consistently take two or three tests per week, not just because it’s great practice, but also to get as comfortable as possible with taking the test under timed, simulated conditions,” according to Stratus Admission Counseling.
Having a consistent schedule for testing can ensure that you’re ready come test day.
“The more you do this, the more comfortable you’ll be on test day. I recommend that my students continue to take three tests per week, including the week of the test. Make sure to leave the day before the test completely free to relax, clear your head and rest.”
Identify Areas of Improvement
Simply refreshing your knowledge of the exam won’t be enough to improve your score.
Rather, Stratus Admission Counseling recommends applicants to analyze their score report and see what areas they can improve upon.
“The first thing to look at when reviewing your score report is whether there was a significant problem with timing. If you ended up guessing on a significant portion of any section of the test, some of your preparation should be devoted to taking timed individual sections, focusing on slowly improving your timing for that section.”
Applicants should also review the questions they got wrong and determine whether or not the type of question is something they consistently struggle with.
“If most questions are of those types, you should come up with a different strategy for those questions,” according to Stratus Admission Counseling. “If not, it’s possible that you were thrown off by the pressure and environment of the real thing, and you should take as many practice tests in simulated environments and with precise timing.”
Practice, Practice, and Practice
Stratus Admission Counseling suggests that applicants try to take as many practice tests as possible.
“Fortunately, the LSAC has published more than 70 practice tests, and most students have not taken all of them. However, it is important to take 20 or so of the most recent tests, as these tests will be most similar to the next administered LSAT and there is likely to be significant overlap in most students’ preparation.”
Having consistent testing will give you more familiarity come test day.
“Furthermore, although the LSAT never recycles entire questions, passages or games, the test is formulaic, so taking a test that you have already seen will continue to reinforce your recognition of the formulas and patterns that the LSAT employs, which will ultimately improve your score.”
Sources: Stratus Admission Counseling, LSAC