LSAT Anxiety and Procrastination Tips | Interview

I recently interviewed Kelly Roell, from the Test Prep About.com site, via email. Our discussion follows.

1. Many people have difficulty sitting down and focusing when it's time to study for the LSAT. Suddenly, checking Facebook, cleaning out the spam folder in your email, and baking bread from scratch all seem like immediate concerns. What are some ways that test-takers can force themselves to sit down and look at their LSAT books?

A test-taker has to learn how to focus. First, set yourself up for success by getting rid of obvious distractions like the cell phone and t.v., getting yourself a beverage and snack beforehand, and choosing an appropriate time to study. Once you're settled, do something physical while you're studying if you're antsy and train your mind to get rid of distractions.


2. Given that the LSAT is such a high-stakes exam, what are some ways to make the stress manageable?

Best stress busters:

* Go for a run – Science has proven that a good sweat session positively uses the adrenaline that leads to physical stress symptoms. Take a run early on the day of the exam to calm the nerves

* Practice yoga – The deep, stretching movements and the meditation that goes along with yoga can calm the mind, thus reducing stress. Only do this on the day of the exam, though, if you're practiced. If you try it without knowing what you're doing, you'll only add to the stress.

* Be confident – If you've prepared well, there's no reason you shouldn't do your very best on test day. Go in with a confident attitude. Tell yourself that you're the smartest you've ever been and can do anything you set your mind to – whatever it takes to boost your self-esteem. Those with the highest self-esteem will succeed when no one else does.


3. What are some ways test-takers can cope if they freeze up on Test Day?

Set realistic expectations, envision something positive, use positive language, repeat an uplifting phrase, and shoot down negative thoughts.


4. How can test-takers make the 3-week-wait for their test scores more bearable?

First, you should get support. Let people know that you're anxiously awaiting your scores. Post it all over Facebook. Call your mom. Get your friends and family to rally around you so you have a support system if the scores aren't what you want.

Secondly, go out and celebrate with those friends and family. You did it! You took the LSAT. Regardless of your test scores, you have to be proud of yourself for having the guts to do it. Not many people do!

Last, distract yourself with something fun. Chances are good you've spent the last few months holed up in a room studying yourself sick. Relax. Go do something fun you've never done before. The adrenaline rush you get from experiencing something new and exciting will lessen the anxiety of the wait.

Photo by uaeincredible