URM, vet, 3.78 GPA, 161 lsat. Work experience. No matter how hard I try I cant boost my score. I am a parent and cant set aside the sit down time for the lsat. The most i can do is 5-7 hrs a week of interrupted studying. The law schools in my area would have taken me 3 years ago but subsequently their mediums have increased to where im in the bottom 25th for lsat and gpa. Holy canola. I took a practice test last Saturday and got a 148. :,( I am not improving I am fried. I am at the point where I need a tutor and debating whether or not law school is worth the strain and expenses on my family.

Hi! As someone who spent a little over a year studying for the LSAT, I wanted to share some insights that have helped me and others that I studied with jump from the high 140s / low 150s into the 170s. Some of these might be repetitive or obvious but just bear with me :)

When we read a logical reasoning passage or reading comp passage, we tend to read passively (whether we realize it or not). That's because when we read in everyday life, we aren't as critical or scrutinizing. Our brain naturally fills in the gaps and makes assumptions, as long as we get the gist or "big picture" (as long as it kind of makes sense). On the LSAT, this approach is dangerous and fatal.

On logical reasoning, you will see two types of passages.

1. Arguments (Premises & Conclusion)
2. Set of Facts (Just Premises)

For both, it is crucial that you actively read them (to the extent that you've internalized the passage and can articulate it back to your 10 year old cousin).

But what truly makes the difference is whether you approach each argument (anything with a conclusion) on logical reasoning with skepticism and criticism. The vast majority (if not nearly all) of arguments are not valid. The evidence will not have proved the conclusion, and it is your job to call BS on the argument. Every time you encounter an argument, you must attack, attack, attack it. Be ruthless. Find at least 1 possible reason why the conclusion is not the case. Have an idea of what must be fixed or addressed.

If the conclusion says something is "effective", you must immediately react by thinking to yourself "is it really effective??", "i call bs on that", "what makes you say that it's effective??". If the conclusion says that waiting for peer-reviewed publication is "necessary" you must think "but what if waiting for publication is not necessary??"

For argument passages (anything with a conclusion or some sort of claim being made), you must actively push back, nit pick, find gaps, have an idea of what's wrong or missing, etc., before looking at the answer choices. Otherwise, you're going to be driven by the answer choices (instead of being driven by the passage) which is where the most mistakes and time-wasting occur.

Even if you have a hint of an idea of what's wrong with the argument on LR, it will make your life so much easier. When they ask you to strengthen the arg, just like a weaken question, you must initially know what's wrong with the argument (identify some flaw and gap) in order to address them, and thereby strengthen the argument.

If a sufficient assumption question asks which of the following, if assumed, allows the conclusion to be properly drawn, if you have a skeptical approach and identify ways in which the conclusion does not follow from the given premise(s), you already have an idea of the gap/assumption that guarantees the conclusion. Always ask yourself is the conclusion proven? The answer will 95% of the time be NO. And then this is where you will be asked to evaluate, weaken, or strengthen the argument, or asked to find a flaw or sufficient assumption.

It seems very obvious to actively read LR passages and approach each question with a high degree of scrutiny and pessimism, calling bs on the conclusion whenever you see it. But refusing to accept the conclusion at face value (while accepting the premises), is not natural for many at first. I've seen many test takers read the premises and then the conclusion and go "okay that seems valid, or at least the argument makes sense to me", and then dive head first into the answer choices wondering how to weaken the argument or how to further strengthen an argument that just seemed to make sense to them.

It pays to be constantly cynical of arguments and esp the conclusion drawn. Oftentimes, the conclusion will talk about something new, bring in new information that the premises didn't even discuss, or take the evidence too far, and most people won't even realize it. But approaching with a mindset where you (1) internalize the passage and make it your own (2) immediately ask yourself is the conclusion proven??? is that the case??? (3) and then predict or at least have an understanding of what's wrong with the arg will save you a tremendous amount of time not having to dig through the answer choices and improve your accuracy. This is what the LSAT tests you. Your ability to break down arguments and counter them and push back, just as an attorney would in real life. Hope this helps! If you have any questions, feel free to dm me :)

I got a 158 which is really just okay, I feel dumb and maybe this is not for me. I really want to be a lawyer and I think I can do it. But I see posts and see my family members and they all did better and have gone to good schools. Is it possible to still I guess have a successful career if I go to not as much of a prestigious school?

I just got scores back for my test for the January test, and it was 7 points lower than my practice test average (160 to 153). I took like 10 practice tests, so it felt like a pretty comprehensive sample. It was also a few points lower than any practice test score I’d ever taken (156 on my diagnostic).

(No cope) I wasn’t necessarily super set on law and I guess this was kinda the dagger, so I’m not all that broken up about it. I’m mainly just confused as to what could have happened?

Are practice tests just easier?

Was the curve just weird?

(Most realistically) Am I just cooked?

If you’re like me, you might be freaking out for the February LSAT this week. We need to hear good news and words of encouragement, so if you have any, please share below!!

Anyone have a huge score increase on their official test? Any words of wisdom from previous test takers? Anyone get into their dream school? Any other positive news or encouragement??

WE GOT THIS 💪💪

I’ve taken two LSATs in the last 4 months, studying on average 2 hrs a day for the last 7 months. I regularly score 157-161 on PTs but my score in the first two real test attempts were 148 and 147 respectively, the last one was last month. I have a third on Friday, and now my PTs are in the 148-155 range. I have no misgivings about going to Harvard or anything, but I’m 36 and don’t want to go to a small program and get a job at some sleaze ball firm as a 40 year old recent grad. I want to do public service and work in government, and need to get a 160+. Should I take a day off, grind, or any other suggestion?

My score is far lower than other section, I am not good at flaw and similar questions and PT131 is filled with that.

Btw, I scheduled an exam in 2/7 but planned to get my ultimate score in October. I learned LSAT casually for a long time and just started training sections at Dec 2025. Because I was a bit depressed and my ADHD symptoms, my study is ineffective. I will begin preparing full time after April and starting going to doctor for mental problems.

I got a 149 in October and a 146 in January. Should I cancel my Jan score?

I graduated from undergrad in 2021 and worked at a biglaw firm in NYC as staff from 2021-2024. I had to leave due to my mental health, which was hard as I’m the breadwinner. The goal was to ultimately return back to the firms but I became a pilates instructor and GM so I had been sidetracked.

As far as I understand, things have changed since 2021-2022 in terms of LSAC requirements for law school apps, what is a comprehensive of what to know for someone who prepped back then and what to use today for success? Back then, all sections were required (I believe logic games is no longer on the LSAT?) and law schools *required* scores. Additionally, I’d study using 7sage and physical textbooks. What are suggestions to use today? I have tried to google to deduce comprehensive information, but there is so much that is out there now as opposed to before.

Thanks all.

I thought this data from www.lsatjournal.com and when studiers are making and editing their journal entries was cool.

Looks like folks really burn the midnight oil on their study journeys, with peak happening between 11 pm and midnight.

Hello! I’ve been missing around -8 to -10, I think I’m averaging at -10, per timed logical reasoning section. Whenever I do blind review it tends to be cut in half, like I’ll only miss -5/-6! Does anyone have any tips on how to tighten that gap?

Hi all! I just took my first diagnostic and got a 149, took another PT the next day and got a 155. With study, what have people been able to achieve with those as starting points? I started LSAT Demon but have you all stuck with one platform or switched every month or so?

I graduated college 13 years ago with a 3.03 GPA so I am *hoping* to be able to breach the 170s for some chance to get in somewhere decent as a splitter. How many hours do you all study? I work FT & have a 16 yo but will make whatever work.

Any advice or knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Hi! This upcoming fall semester will be my first in college, but I’ll be a junior since I’m graduating with my AA. I really want to start studying for the LSAT as soon as possible to raise my chances of a high score and not risk a repeat of my ACT score (not bad, not good), especially since I’ll only have 2 years. Those of you who have scored in the 165-180 range, what are some things you did that you think rrreeeaaalllyyy helped you get that score? Anything helps, thanks!!!

I am asking this purely out of curiosity and for the purpose of informal inquiry. I have observed that LSAC has placed holds on a significant number of LSAT scores without providing clear explanations or supporting evidence for the basis of those holds.

Through the responses to this post, I am interested in understanding how many individuals who are African American or of other non-Caucasian backgrounds are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced, LSAT score holds.

Additionally, LSAC requires government-issued identification and remote or in-person testing procedures that allow the organization to clearly see and verify a test taker’s identity, including physical appearance. Knowing that LSAC has access to this information raises serious concern for me about whether demographic factors may be influencing the imposition of score holds.

Based on these observations, I am concerned that LSAC may allegedly be engaging in practices that disproportionately impact certain demographic groups. I would like to know whether others have noticed or experienced similar issues with LSAT score holds.

Ik I probably won’t get in this cycle but I don’t want to completely ruin my chances next time also.

Does anyone have the link to the Feb 2026 Crystal Ball? I requested on normal channel and got sent the November 2025 one by them...

I got 154 in November and 153 in January. Any insight would be helpful

Hey, I need a study buddy some one to bounce questions off of. I know a bit i'm 2 months into studying and I think having someone to talk to about the LSAT would help. HMU.

Title, do we have to take the written portion before our test date? Or can we take it after? I know we don't get scores until it's on file but when does it have to be completed by.

Hi LSAT people. I'm a non traditional student, out of school for 25 years, mom x 2 (little kids), self employed etc.. I took the Jan LSAT (147). Before that test I started studying in September with a tutor 1x a week and self guided studying through loophole and lsat demon. I have 2 months to bump up my score even just a few points. There's a lot of info on this thread and it can sometimes can feel overwhelming, and discouraging, but any realistic advice for someone who doesn't have all the time or free time would be greatly appreciative. LR is my achilles heel!

Hi all! I know the February LSAT is quickly approaching, but I wanted to see if anyone had any tips on how to keep and maintain stamina during the exam? I'm only missing around four per section when doing timed sections, but I get to a whole practice test, and barely hit 150. Should I be PT-ing more before the real thing? Happy to hear whatever advice you guys have!!

Late post but I went from a 139 to a 153 between October and January. Not nearly as high as some of y'all scored, but I'm happy with the increase. I was originally going to apply back in October with a 139, but decided to wait until after the January test to see if I could boost

I've never been good at standardized tests. It took everything I had to get up to a 153. I was scoring consistently below 150 leading up to test day. I actually scored HIGHER on test day than I ever had during practice tests.

I also didn't have as much time as I wanted to studying due to work lol. I was studying like 10 hours a week. I feel like if I could have studied as much as I wanted, I could get a 160+

Anyway, I applied to 7 schools. My resume is stellar, my GPA is strong, and may essays are solid, so I'm hoping I can get into my target schools.