Should I Take More Than Two Relaxed-Timing Practice Tests Before Going Normal Testing Conditions?

[cs176513]

I’m currently working through the PowerScore 6-Month LSAT Study Plan and had a question about the recommended pacing strategy.

The plan advises taking two practice tests under relaxed timing before transitioning to a full-timed practice test. I just completed my first relaxed-timing test using 55 minutes per section and scored a 169. I plan to take my second relaxed test using 40–45 minutes per section to begin easing into timing pressure.

My question is: should I stick to this two-test progression and move to 35-minute sections for my 3rd test, or would it be better to take more than two relaxed-timing tests and gradually work my way down to standard timing over several steps?

Would love to hear how others approached this transition—especially if you found success easing into full-timed tests more gradually.

Thanks in advance!

[cs176513]

Meant to add this but it took me about 45–55 minutes per section, depending on difficulty for the first test.

[cs176513]

I just finished my second relaxed-timing practice test. I gave myself 45 minutes per section but ended up finishing each one in around 40 minutes. My score dropped a bit to a 164 (from 169 on the first test).

Given this, do you think I should go ahead and take my third test under standard timing (35 minutes per section), or would it be better to continue easing into it—something like 40 minutes for test 3, 37 for test 4, and then 35 for test 5?

[hiraka45]

I was in the same situation as you when I first started. I found it more effective to reduce the time gradually than to jump from 55 minutes to 35 minutes. I tried about 4-5 tests with time points like 50 minutes, 45 minutes, 40 minutes before going down to 35 minutes. This helped me not to get shocked and still maintain accuracy. The important thing is that you feel comfortable with the new speed before pushing yourself.

[Luke Haqq]

Hi cs176513!

Hiraka45 raises a good point about feeling comfortable with the new speed before pushing yourself.

At the same time, I'd add that it's important to take as many tests as possible under exam-like conditions. If you only planned to take half a dozen tests, for example, then it might make sense to do one with relaxed timing but then the rest within the actual testing conditions of 35 minutes per section.

If you plan to do a lot more practice tests than that (which I encourage you to do if possible), then it's fine if you work more gradually into actual testing conditions. If you're already down to 35 minutes by test 5, that gives you plenty of remaining tests to take using actual timed conditions.