Is going from 163 baseline to 170-175 in 5 weeks realistic??

[k2ubc]

I just recently took 2 sample LSATs (October 1996 and June 2007) and scored 163 / 165.
I'm considering writing in February 2010, but the exam is only 5 weeks away.

My goal would be a 170-175.

In my opinion, I need to improve on is primarily Critical reasoning, and getting quicker in the RC.

Any feedback on whether this is realistic or not?

Thank you!

[LSAT Eliminator]

The good news is that your starting scores are really good, and I can definitely see you scoring in the 170s. I think hitting 170 is very possible, but 175 much less so. At least in 4 weeks total. Over the long haul, the sky is the limit.

Overall, I say it is possible because I don't want to be a pessimist, and because part of doing well on the LSAT is keeping positive and feeling good about the test. To make it happen, you would need to study a lot and have very few distractions. If you are going to school or have a job, then it would be very tough to get enough free time to make anything over happen.

Going higher into the 170s seems less likely to me because there is very little room for error as you get close to the top of the scale. Usually, the testers scoring in the 170s are rock solid and lightning fast in terms of recognizing concepts and applying techniques. To get that way normally takes some heavy study time because the LSAT isn't a cram-type of test. It involves principles and strategies, and seeing patterns during the test. Understanding those things, adopting them for yourself, and then applying them quickly during the test takes a lot of study and practice.

So, I'd say go for it and give it a shot. Get some LSAT prep books or take a course and start crunching away on those as soon as possible. From where you are you definitely have a shot.