<p>How much can one expect to improve on their score in the LSAT? I took a practice LSAT this past summer (I'm going to be a junior) and scored a 162. </p>
<p>Can I honestly count on raising my score to 173+? I'm going to do all the test preps within my budget, maybe even a full Kaplan course. All responses are appreciated, thanks.</p>
<p>Score improvement on the LSAT is based on both your natural ability and the amount of time/effort you can put towards preparation. I myself scored a 161 on my very first diagnostic test ever, spent 3-4 months of pretty intense self-study, and ended up with a 180 on the September 2007 exam.</p>
<p>My suggestion is to buy the Logical Reasoning Bible and the Logic Games Bible from PowerScore. They're by far the best self-study guides on the market, far out-performing anything put out like companies like Kaplan or The Princeton Review. Also, as you're already a fairly high-scoring individual, please avoid Kaplan. Their methods are mediocre at best and would likely only hinder your true potential. If you have the discipline, go with self-study. Otherwise, look for a prep course with PowerScore, Test Masters, or Blue Print. Those are the three best companies in the country for LSAT prep.</p>
<p>Here's the measure I use. It is very imperfect.</p>
<p>Take your math and verbal scores on the SAT. Divide by 21 and then add 101. Going up or down by 5 points gives you a ten-point range.</p>
<p>Take your first diagnostic LSAT (in your case, 162). Add ten to fifteen points. That gives you a five-point range.</p>
<p>If the ranges overlap, then that's your expectation. If the ranges do not overlap, then you're on the very low (or very high) end of the first, ten-point range.</p>
<p>173+ is always very hard to guarantee -- basically unless you're already starting from that point.</p>