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Travis' LSAT Diary (Part 2):
A few things I think are important for all studiers to realize is first and foremost, patience. You can't expect a 10 point jump over the course of a week. The biggest increase I saw in one week was 5 points, but usually found an increase of 2-3 points per week. What this translates to is if you want to score 165+ on your actual test, and you are scoring at 150, you need to dedicate at least 6 weeks to studying, at least at the pace I was going. Remember, studying for the LSAT is a marathon, not a sprint. If you pace yourself over the long haul, you can surge towards the finish line in victory rather than just trying your hardest to win at the end.
Second, truth. Be truthful to yourself. Don't claim sitting in front of the TV for 3 hours casually reading your book is actually 3 hours of studying. You're not very focused and aren't really studying. You're just passing the time.
Third, have fun. I do find the LSAT to be fun, and because of that I find myself enjoying and looking forward to studying. Prepping for the LSAT is much easier when you take a fun approach to it, rather than viewing it as a chore. This doesn't mean thinking Logic Games are all fun (although some of us crazies do think that), but that the challenge that you are putting yourself through is fun. If you like rock climbing, or biking, etc. All of those are different challenges that you enjoy overcoming, the LSAT is just another challenge and viewing it as an obstacle to overcome rather than a dreadful test to study for.
Fourth, don't let anomalies get you down or excited. About two weeks ago I scored a 157, about 13 points lower than my average at the time. Conversely, I scored a 180 a few days later, about 10 points higher than my average. The 157, although it was discouraging, is inevitable to happen. I was also burning out at the time, so 3 days off and I was back up at 170. It happens, you can't score your average every time. Don't get discouraged, learn from it and shrug it off. Dwelling on it will keep you down and make you not want to get after it. Similarly, with a super high score. Don't take it as a good sign. Although it is good to enjoy it, it is just as much an anomaly as a low score. Likewise, learn from it. What did you do different to score that high? Learn from it, don't just pass it off because you did well. Unless you are consistently scoring that high there is always something to learn from it.
Fifth, and finally, have fun with it. Studying doesn't always have to be done the same way, or in the same location. The variety helps to make it more fun! I scheduled one test a week (usually Tuesdays, since I have no class) to study in a "worst case" environment. Sometimes this was in a coffee shop, which beats the dullness of the house. I took a few road trips, and would do a test prep in the car which is challenging to figure out a surface and such to write on. I also simulated worse than possible situations. I've taken the test after a few nights of drinks, sometimes the next morning with a bad hangover, etc. While some may call it stupid, I find it gives a better evaluator of your bottom level and how good you can do should everything go massively wrong on test day.
It has been a long journey, hopefully soon coming to an end. Good luck to everyone taking the test this weekend!
Photo by bobaubuchon
Thanks for the detailed tips!
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