What is the LSAT Goal Calculator?
Who should use it?
How does it work?
How do I know the recommendation is right for me?
How do I use the recommendation for Games/RC?
Does the LSAT Goal Calculator work for other tests?
Help, I'm not getting any better!
What is the LSAT Goal Calculator For?
The LSAT Goal Calculator is a tool for determining the ideal speed one should approach a given section of the Law School Admissions Test. The Calculator uses information about the student's most recent PrepTest and sets a speed and accuracy goal for the next test.
Who should use it?
Anyone preparing for the LSAT. Very few test takers have a perfect balance of speed and accuracy. The Calculator helps adjust for even minor pacing problems.
How does it work?
Taking into account the probability of guessing correctly on any given question as well as the amount of time per question saved/lost by changing one's speed, the LSAT Goal Calculator uses a mathematical formula to move students as quickly as possible toward their maximal scoring point. The formula used assumes two things:
- First, that there is an inverse relationship between speed and accuracy. Slowing down, to a certain extent, should increase accuracy, while speeding up should decrease it. Slowing down, of course, means attempting fewer questions, and speeding up means missing more questions, so in both directions there is a point of diminishing returns.
- The student's previous PrepTest reflects their current skill level taking the test. The numbers used should NOT include guesses, right or wrong, as a lucky or unlucky streak can skew the results.
You don't, but the only way to know is to try. By attempting the number of questions recommended, your results will be compared to goal you were given. If you meet the goal exactly, the Calculator will challenge you with a slightly more difficult goal. If your results are drastically different from the goal (better or worse), the Calculator will adjust accordingly. When you meet the goal exactly, you know that you are at your maximal scoring point. (Please note that the results from lucky or unlucky guessing may alter your actual score slightly.)
How do I use the recommendation for Games/RC?
The Goal Calculator isn't as precise on Games and Reading Comprehension because you have less control over how many questions you attempt. Adding an additional games question, for instance, my require setting up an entirely new game. It does help, however, let you know if you are in the ballpark with the number of games/passages you are currently attempting. Often times someone will be attempting, say, only 3 games, but their accuracy justifies doing more questions. Unless that person feels comfortable attempting all four games, he could try to work three fast enough to have a little time to snag a couple spefic questions on the fourth game without doing a full setup. Similarly, on reading comprehension, he might attempt a line-number or main-point question after just skimming pieces of the last passage.
Does the LSAT Goal Calculator work for other tests?
The Calculator was designed specifically for the LSAT, but will work for any test in which
- ...there is a set number of questions.
- ...all questions have 5 multiple choice answers.
- ...all questions are weighted evenly.
- ...there is no penalty for wrong answers.
- ...you can skip questions.
The LSAT is a difficult test that requires lots of practice. The LSAT Goal Calculator is only designed to maximize your score at your current skill level. Real improvement requires lots of work. I recommend you visit Top-Law-Schools for the best free LSAT help on the web. It is also advisable to find a good class or tutor. Feel free to contact me on Twitter (@EarlDoesLSAT).
