Bouncing Back from a Low Score

In a recent episode of LSAT Demon Daily, Erik Johanson and Nathan Fox tackled a common but frustrating experience for LSAT takers: scoring lower than expected on the official test despite solid practice scores. 

They responded to a question from Robin, a student who’s been working hard but hasn’t seen the desired improvement on her official exams.

Robin first took the LSAT in April and scored 158, the low end of her practice range (158-164). She wasn’t too worried, as it was her first test. But after studying throughout the summer and improving her practice test scores to the 164-168 range, she took the test again in August and, once more, scored 158. This left her feeling discouraged, despite improving in her practice sessions.

How can Robin bounce back?

Getting a Low Score on Multiple Tests is Common

First, for some much-needed perspective, it’s important to be aware that many people take the LSAT multiple times before they achieve their best score.

For most people, the LSAT isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. So, you need to keep the study process sustainable. Preparing for the LSAT shouldn’t feel like a constant burden. Instead, it should become a manageable part of your daily routine, allowing her to balance your life with your study goals.

The Right Mindset is Key

It’s possible that you might be approaching the official tests with a different mindset than you do with your practice exams. 

Maybe you’re taking extra care (and therefore wasting time) or pushing too hard to score higher. Changing your attitude could explain the disparity between what you’re achieving in practice and your official results. 

It’s important to treat the official test like any other practice session, avoiding the trap of overthinking or trying to do something differently just because it’s "official." When you take a practice test or section, put your phone away, have your partner watch your kids, and keep pets out of the room. Do everything you can to make your practice feel like taking an official LSAT. This will help you focus and help you acclimate to the test-taking environment.  

Focus on Quality Study Time Over Quantity

One key piece of advice: avoid relying solely on full-length practice tests every week. Students frequently overestimate the value of timed practice tests. We recommend timed sections throughout the week instead, leaving weekends for family time or relaxing. 

Quality study time matters more than quantity. A single hour of focused work each day, reviewing mistakes and drilling questions, can be more effective than marathon practice sessions that lead to burnout.

If you’re similar to Robin, with a diagnostic score in the 150s and scores of 170+ in practice, you’re on track to reach your full potential—but patience is key. It’s best to plan for all five official attempts, knowing that your goal is within reach.

Takeaway

Underperforming on the LSAT is frustrating, especially when you have proof that you can perform better. But if your progress shows that you’re moving in the right direction, use it as motivation to continue pushing. 

By making your study habits sustainable and focusing on consistency, your official scores should soon reflect the improvements you’ve already achieved in practice. And with continued effort, you’re well-positioned to eventually reach your goals.