<p>I'm a freshman in undergrad right now and I'm definitely interested in law. I had some time on my hands today so I decided to print off LSAC's June 2007 LSAT and give it a shot. </p>
<p>So I took it totally cold (haven't begun looking at any prep materials, I am still a freshman after all), adhering casually to time constraints (I let myself have a few extra minutes if I needed them, but I made sure to move at a fast pace). I scored a 164 (84 raw, 21/23 LG, 39/50 reasoning). </p>
<p>How much could I bring this up? Is it feasible to aim for the mid 170s by the time I take it for real? I'm obviously not going to begin studying for quite a while, but I just thought I'd ask for some feedback since I devoted a few hours today to trying the LSAT on for size.</p>
<p>Over 30 views and no feedback...:(</p>
<p>Yes, it is reasonable to aim for the mid 170s. BUT bear in mind that it is just as feasible that you'll wind up with another 164, or even a 162. Studying is certainly helpful, but it's not a guarantee of anything (speaking from experience).</p>
<p>What were your Critical Reading and Math SAT scores? What sort of prep did you put in for the SATs?</p>
<p>Excellent test-taking skills indicate that with serious study, and if your SAT is representative, and if you happen to get not-bad luck on test day, mid-170s is not a bad goal.</p>
<p>The formula I have been quoted is SAT (out of 1600) divided by 21.5 plus 101.5. This formula is obviously not exact, or else law schools would just ask for your SAT scores. It should, however, center around a roughly correct estimate if it's a good formula. It worked pretty well for me.</p>
<p>Remember, though, the SD of an LSAT administration is about 3 points. So the exact same kid has a 5% chance of scoring 6 points below what he's capable of based on random chance alone. He also has a 5% chance of scoring about 6 points above what he's capable of. (Providing, of course, that his capabilities are not 175+.)</p>
<p>A realistic goal is ~175. You could potentially max the LSAT though, if you get lucky (most people who do get 180 likely did get lucky).</p>
<p>Thanks, guys. I appreciate the feedback. It's nice to know that I'm in decent shape so I can relax for a year or so before thinking about the LSAT.</p>
<p>Well, regardless, here's one piece of advice...</p>
<p>As you begin to research various schools, DO NOT stake your research on such a score increase. Make sure that you look at schools that are appropriate (and even "safe-ish") for your current score, as well as those which are more in line with your goal. </p>
<p>I personally made the mistake of assuming that all of my study, course, etc. would let me raise my score to a certain range (very similar situation to your own), and I took the test in fall of my senior year. When I didn't reach that level (or particularly close to it), I was left with a lot of research and planning to do in a very short period of time. It all worked out, but I wish I had better realized (and prepared for the fact) that studying--however diligently--and practice test score (even under realistic conditions) were not a guarantee of anything.</p>
<p>Well, depending on how much time you have left, an alternative piece of advice might be: don't start researching schools until you have an actual LSAT score in hand.</p>
<p>Of course, timing constraints might make this unrealistic.</p>