If you've been studying for months and your timed practice scores are close to your desired LSAT score, just relax and take the day off. If you read my big list of LSAT Test Day Tips, you'll know everything you need to deal with Test Day.
However, if you haven't studied for very long, and if your practice LSAT scores are not close to your desired LSAT score, consider postponing your test date. There's no evidence that taking the LSAT before you're ready is any more effective or satisfying than setting your money on fire and stomping on it like a caveman.
Here are 3 quick tips to de-stress the day before (and day of) the LSAT:
1. Consider NOT using a timer.
Constantly being reminded of the passage of time can really stress you out. I like to think of a silent timer as a "Panic Attack in a Box."
People ask me, "How do I know when to go to the next question if I don't use a timer?" It's simple. When you think you should go on, go on. You're probably stressed about time without having a clock to remind you, so trust yourself to avoid getting stuck on any one question.
2. Focus on each LSAT question, not your overall LSAT score.
Thinking about your overall score and how each question affects it will only make you more nervous. This is the LSAT version of Lao Tzu's famous quote, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Treat each question (step) separately as you proceed through the test (journey). Briefly pause between each question if necessary in order to clear your mind.
3. Get a fresh perspective on tough Logic Games.
If you begin to become nervous during the exam, particularly during Logic Games, stop for a moment and breathe deeply. Looking back at the game after a minute or two may give you a fresh perspective on it.
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Good luck to everyone taking the LSAT tomorrow. Please let me know how it goes!
However, if you haven't studied for very long, and if your practice LSAT scores are not close to your desired LSAT score, consider postponing your test date. There's no evidence that taking the LSAT before you're ready is any more effective or satisfying than setting your money on fire and stomping on it like a caveman.
Here are 3 quick tips to de-stress the day before (and day of) the LSAT:
1. Consider NOT using a timer.
Constantly being reminded of the passage of time can really stress you out. I like to think of a silent timer as a "Panic Attack in a Box."
People ask me, "How do I know when to go to the next question if I don't use a timer?" It's simple. When you think you should go on, go on. You're probably stressed about time without having a clock to remind you, so trust yourself to avoid getting stuck on any one question.
2. Focus on each LSAT question, not your overall LSAT score.
Thinking about your overall score and how each question affects it will only make you more nervous. This is the LSAT version of Lao Tzu's famous quote, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Treat each question (step) separately as you proceed through the test (journey). Briefly pause between each question if necessary in order to clear your mind.
3. Get a fresh perspective on tough Logic Games.
If you begin to become nervous during the exam, particularly during Logic Games, stop for a moment and breathe deeply. Looking back at the game after a minute or two may give you a fresh perspective on it.
--
Good luck to everyone taking the LSAT tomorrow. Please let me know how it goes!
I'm pretty much rolling through all of your past posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this blog. Great tips!
do you think it is very detrimental to do a prep test the day before the real one? I have been doing them every day for the past 2 weeks and scoring between 172-180, i'm worried that if i take a day off i will lose momentum.
ReplyDeleteso, how'd you do? Which school did you enroll?
DeleteYou're the man!!!!!
ReplyDelete