157 to 175: Laura’s LSAT Success Story

The LSAT journey can be overwhelming, especially when balancing personal and professional commitments. Laura’s story, however, proves that significant improvement is possible with perseverance, strategic preparation, and patience. Her rise from a 157 diagnostic to an official 175 highlights the power of focused effort and a commitment to long-term goals.

Starting the Journey

Laura began her LSAT journey in November 2022 with a diagnostic score of 157. Inspired by her lawyer friends and her ambition to attend law school, she committed to the path. Through self-study and books, she improved to a 160 on the February 2023 LSAT—a respectable score but one that left her wanting more.

Laura’s early experience illustrates an important lesson: while self-study can be a solid starting point, structured programs often provide the resources and guidance necessary for more significant improvement.

Turning to LSAT Demon

Recognizing the limits of self-study, Laura turned to LSAT Demon, a platform she had been following through podcasts since mid-2022. By August 2023, her score improved to 165. While this was a significant milestone, Laura chose to resist external pressures to apply immediately. Instead, she set her sights on the 170s, knowing this range could open doors to better schools and scholarships.

Her decision to delay her application reflects a crucial aspect of LSAT success: understanding when to wait and invest in further improvement.

The Breakthrough

In April 2024, Laura achieved a 167, followed by a breakthrough 172 in June. While thrilled to join the 170s club, she wasn’t ready to settle. Determined to maximize her potential, she took one final attempt, culminating in an impressive 175.

Laura’s progression from a 157 to a 175 is a testament to how consistent practice, strategic preparation, and effective resources can elevate performance to the highest level.

Addressing Challenges in Logical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning (LR) proved inconsistent for Laura throughout her prep. Her scores fluctuated between near-perfect and significantly lower performances.

Laura addressed this by drilling specific LR question types and focusing on solving each problem thoroughly, prioritizing accuracy over speed. Her success highlights the importance of adaptability and the value of consistent, deliberate practice in achieving LSAT mastery.

Beyond the LSAT: Preparing for Law School

For Laura, the LSAT was just one piece of the puzzle. With a 3.1 undergraduate GPA, she knew her high LSAT score would need to stand out in her applications.

While working as a nonprofit fundraiser and a court-appointed special advocate, Laura carefully evaluated her reasons for pursuing law school. Inspired by her experiences in family law and reproductive justice, she crafted a narrative that demonstrated introspection and a clear sense of purpose - qualities that admissions committees value.

Advice for Future LSAT Takers

Laura’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone aiming to improve their LSAT score:

• Strategic Preparation: Focus on identifying weaknesses and turning them into strengths.

• Patience Pays Off: Delaying an application cycle can open doors to better opportunities and reduce stress.

• Relax on Test Day: Treat the LSAT like just another practice test to help manage anxiety.

• Stay Persistent: Improvement requires consistent effort, even when progress feels slow.

A Final Takeaway

Laura’s LSAT success story is a powerful reminder that significant improvement takes time, effort, and the right mindset. By focusing on her long-term goals, staying adaptable, and using effective resources like LSAT Demon, she overcame challenges and unlocked her potential.