In this article, I'm sharing how to rock LSAT Test Day.
Did some digging through my LSAT course materials and pulled out a few nuggets to share with you today:
*** What to do RIGHT before test day ***
Take the most recent PrepTest as a full-length timed exam a few days before.
Why? Because it's most likely to resemble the current "direction" of the LSAT as it's slowly evolved (like a virus), and gives you the best indicator of how you'll do on Test Day.
(The most recent exam is ALWAYS the best available representation of the current LSAT - that's why I can't stand it when students come to me with the oldest book of 10 exams and don't have any others.)
If you're taking the LSAT on a Saturday, I'd review the mistakes on Thursday, do nothing Friday, and do a favorite game/LR question or two as a warm-up on Test Day.
But for your warm-up, remember, the moments before you enter the test center are NOT the time to review things you got wrong. They're the time to massage your ego with things you rock at.
The other thing to do before walking in is to watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wRkzCW5qI
*** When to wake up ***
You don't want to wake up right before the test. Your brain takes a few hours to fully wake up in the morning. I'd suggest waking up at the time you currently are to ensure that you're fully awake and have plenty of time to get to the test center and eat a good-sized breakfast.
Try to avoid major fluctuations in your sleep schedule, or you risk not operating at 100% while studying and on Test Day itself
*** When to eat breakfast (and what to eat) ***
Everyone's body is different, but I wouldn't try to eat breakfast outside of your "normal time."
It seems to me that the sooner you eat, the sooner you can go to the bathroom and get things out of your system before walking into the test center.
As for WHAT to eat, I wouldn't eat anything sketchy the morning of the exam (or the night before). Eat foods that you know won't give you stomach problems, and preferably include something with protein, like eggs. (Click here for more tips on what to eat.)
Try different things out in the weeks leading up to the test and see what works for you.
*** Random question: Can you smoke during the test itself? ***
LSAC has told me via email that you can wear a nicotine patch (even though that's not mentioned in their Day of the Test article).
If you want/need to smoke during the break, consider a nicotine patch. Although LSAC's rules state that you're not allowed to leave the test center, I've heard of proctors allowing test-takers outside to smoke. Just make sure to ask before you leave the room. However, your best option is to go for a nicotine patch.
And, in general, you'll probably be able to chew gum, nicotine or otherwise, unless another test-taker complains.
*** What to do if you have a bad test center experience ***
You can complain to LSAC or write an addendum about it, but admissions is still a numbers game. And, believe it or not, whatever happened, there's always someone who's had much worse test center experience than you.
I'm honestly not sure how much an addendum in this situation will really help. Some admission consultants would probably tell you not to call attention to it, others might tell you that including more info is better.
This sort of thing is really not much of a science. I'd say it's a toss-up whether you should write an addendum or not, but I'd lean toward not. Better to focus on writing the best personal statement possible. (Or decide if you should retake.)
*** What to do AFTER Test Day ***
Celebrate that it's over, obviously!!!
Then email me to let me know how it went :)
If you found this helpful, then you might want to join my LSAT courses, which contain my best material on every aspect of preparing for the big day, from dealing with nerves and anxiety to simulating Test Day conditions. I've got you covered from every angle.
Talk soon,
Steve
P.S. Reach out and let me know your biggest struggle as you prepare for Test Day.
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