Score Plateau? Slow Down.

In a recent episode of LSAT Demon Daily, Erik Johanson and Nathan Fox explored a common LSAT challenge: the dreaded score plateau. Listener Matt, who began with a strong 161 diagnostic, has been chasing a 175+. Months of consistent study brought him to the 165 - 172 range, but progress has stalled. Frustrated and unsure how to push forward, Matt is looking for answers.

Why Plateaus Happen

Matt’s journey is familiar to ambitious test-takers. A diagnostic score of 161 shows strong reading and reasoning skills, but climbing from the mid-160s into the elite 170s often feels like searching for an elusive unicorn.

His practice results reveal the gap: he consistently misses three to four questions in Reading Comprehension (RC) and two to three in Logical Reasoning (LR). These errors suggest untapped potential, but his current strategy—rushing to finish every question—might be the culprit.

The Cost of Rushing

Matt’s email offered a telling clue: during review, he often immediately sees why his answers were wrong. This suggests he noticed doubts during the test but didn’t take the time to address them. Rushing through sections creates avoidable mistakes due to misreads and misinterpretations, with answers that seem obvious in hindsight.

The LSAT rewards precision. Spending just a few extra seconds to consider a tricky question could mean the difference between a guess and a confident answer selection.

Accuracy Over Speed

You don’t need to finish every question to achieve a top score. LSAT Demon Master Tutor Carl, who scored 179, didn’t even finish his Reading Comprehension section. What set him apart was near-perfect accuracy on the questions he did attempt.

Matt’s missed questions suggest that some correct answers may come from luck rather than understanding. By slowing down and solving each attempted question thoroughly, he can reduce errors and recover the points he’s leaving on the table. 

The Fear of Slowing Down

Matt admits his ego makes it hard to slow down - he worries that ignoring the clock will drop his score. But the LSAT isn’t about proving you can finish every question; it’s about proving you can think critically under pressure. 

Sacrificing short-term speed to develop long-term accuracy is the smarter, more effective path.

Final Thoughts

The LSAT isn’t a race - it’s a test of accuracy. It only awards points for correct answers. Matt’s journey reminds us that patience and precision are the keys to LSAT success. Breaking through a plateau requires slowing down, focusing on understanding, and trusting the process. Speed comes naturally as mastery grows.

If you’re facing a similar challenge, the advice is simple: prioritize accuracy, tune out the clock, and trust that progress will come. With consistent effort and a focus on clarity, the gap between a good score and a great one will close.

Have questions about your LSAT prep? Email daily@lsatdemon.com for guidance.