LSAT Blog Update: June 2010 LSAT

Many of you took the June 2010 LSAT earlier this week. Hope it went well!

Some other bloggers reported the following news:

Claire blasted Party and Bullshit in the USA while driving through the projects on the way home from her test center. She also wrote that many at her test center didn't do so hot:

One thing is for certain: I did better than the woman near me who ran out of the room screaming and crying during hour 4. And the 27 people who bailed out at the break!

Cushman passed the time by picturing everyone in suits (I thought you're supposed to picture everyone naked, but whatever):

I mean, since we were all there to take the LSAT, which is to get into law school, which produces lawyers who wear suits, I figured it’d be fun to see what everyone looked like in a suit.

Christian's Test Day featured several celebrities:

-Augustine of Hippo during breakfast
-Josh Ritter on the drive to Test Day
-Jesus, among working other miracles, helped Christian cheat (irony?)
-Bono joined all the others in an impromptu concert

Choice quote:

Jesus is in the desk next to me. He looks pretty calm, but I know deep down he would rather not take this test.

Elizabeth said:

I peed five times in the 30 minutes I had before starting the test.

Clay kept things in perspective with his religious beliefs:

who cares if I blow this test out of the water and get a 170-something or if I bomb it completely. As long as I wake up tomorrow and know that God loves me, is saving me, and I worship him with my life then anything else really is just....something else.

Greg took the LSAT the day after competing in a triathlon. Needless to say, he had a tough time doing both:

I'm not taking the LSAT the day after doing any race again.

Juan Diaz, the boxer, decided not to take it yet, having similar difficulties balancing his training with LSAT prep:

I wanted to make sure I was scoring a little higher than the average so if something was to go wrong on test day, I've already calculated those factors...I don't think I was prepared to the fullest capacity I could've been. I started training and working out, it started getting a little tougher.

***

How'd the big day go for you?

Photo by 10350347@N06 / ATT by N.C.

How to Wait a Long Time for Your LSAT Score

LSAT scores will come back in about 3 weeks.

Until then, how do you keep busy so you don't go crazy?

The following are a couple of random suggestions in no particular order:

-Take up a hobby like model trains or scrapbooking (kidding).

-Beat the Pac-Man game on Google without losing any lives.

-Catch up on all the current events you missed out on while studying.

-Catch up on TV shows.

-Catch up with friends.

-Exercise. I read the book "Born to Run" in March and it inspired me to take up long-distance running. I'm now training for a marathon. Exercise also really boosts your mood to get those endorphins flowing. I've found running to be very rewarding because you improve your ability to run long distances remarkably quickly (among other reasons, of course).

-If you're one of those people who just can't relax, you may want to research law schools, start thinking about your personal statement (also see these personal statement tips), and figure out what kind of LSAT score you'll need given your GPA. Law School Predictor is a great tool for this.

Read random websites. (See 7 Ways to Waste Time During LSAT Prep.)

Photo by sebastianfritzon

LSAT Test Day Tips Summary

Get lots of sleep, eat a good breakfast, do something to warm up before walking into the test center (like a photocopy of a favorite logic game or two, or a few LR questions), and don't count on the proctor to give you a 5-minute warning.

Final tip for the super-neurotic:

Take your final practice test with your shoes covered in dog poo. That way, if you step in it on the way to your test center, but you don't have time to clean it off, you won't be affected by the smell.



(That was a joke, people. Relax!)

See all LSAT Test Day Tips.

Have fun!

(I don't speak, read, or write Chinese. However, judging from that photo's tags on Flickr, I believe we're looking at the door of an LSAT test center in Beijing - Peking University.)

Photo by qiaomeng / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

LSAT Test Day Luck

Personally, I don't believe in luck any more than I believe in the Tooth Fairy or Hanukkah Harry.

I believe you make your own luck.

That being said, a good luck charm or two probably couldn't hurt.

Other than filling your pocket with marshmallows from a box of Lucky Charms, what are you doing to improve your luck on Test Day when it comes to the stuff outside your control?

***

Judging from the below ad, it looks like Lucky Charms have come a long way since 1964.

The newer ones might help more on Test Day than I initially thought:














Photo by jbcurio / CC BY 2.0
Photo by call-to-adventure / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Is LSAT Studying in the Early Morning Good?

Studying for the LSAT when you first wake up is not a good idea. It doesn't matter whether you wake up in the morning or afternoon.

Why? Because your brain needs time to get out of sleep mode. It's called sleep inertia.

One of my LSAT students emailed me with the following:

I was trying to take your most recent advice to heart: study 2-3 hours a day. One way to do this is to get up early and practice in the morning before work/school.

Any researcher of sleep physiology will tell you that your brain is not fully awake and capable of operating at its optimum capacity until 90 minutes after you have awoken.

More important than the actual preparation is your test day "readiness", one aspect of which is your clarity of thinking. Getting on a schedule where you are used to being up and "fully awake" in the sense described above would be important for your actual performance.

Some of your students most likely are used to sleeping from 12-1-2 am to 7:30-8 am. It would be a terrible mistake to keep this schedule the day, week, even fortnight before the test date. Establishing a schedule that allows your brain to be fully awake at 8 am on LSAT test day will be an important contribution to your performance.

Of course, that last part doesn't apply to all you June test-takers because the June exam starts in the afternoon.

However, even if you're taking the June exam, this still means you shouldn't study when you first wake up in the morning.

Here's an example of research supporting this:

Grogginess, Disorientation On Awakening More Debilitating Than Sleep Deprivation

Excerpts:

The study showed test subjects had diminished short-term memory, counting skills and cognitive abilities during the groggy period upon awakening known as sleep inertia...

For a short period, at least, the effects of sleep inertia may be as bad as or worse than being legally drunk...

The most severe effects of sleep inertia generally dissipated within the first 10 minutes, although its effects are often detectable for up to two hours...

Another study referenced in that link indicates:

[C]ortical areas of the brain like the prefrontal cortex take longer to come "on-line" following sleep than other areas of the brain...The prefrontal cortex is thought to be responsible for problem solving, emotion and complex thought."

So, if you wake up at 7AM, you're probably not going to operate at 100% until close to 9AM. While most of the effects of sleep inertia go away pretty quickly, it's the prefrontal cortex that you really need for your studying.

Problem solving and complex thought sound like LSAT-related tasks to me.

When you first wake up, do other stuff before you start your LSAT studying. Eat breakfast, shower, exercise, check email, etc.

If you do your LSAT studying as soon as you wake up, you're likely to do less than your best. The LSAT can be frustrating enough without sleep inertia - don't make things harder than they have to be.

Photo by fofurasfelinas / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Best Answer Choice to Guess on the LSAT

Because there's no guessing penalty on the LSAT, you should fill in a bubble for every answer.

I recently analyzed the LSAT PrepTest Answer Keys from several different angles.

This blog post contains my findings.

I'll start off with my most-significant findings, which you will find useful.

The rest of the blog post is the data I've analyzed, along with some less-significant findings.

Most of that data isn't too useful, but it's there if you want to look at it and obsess over the details. If you have an amazing memory, you might want to note some of the more specific findings, but the "most significant" ones are probably enough for 99% of people reading this to remember.



Most-Significant Findings

1. Overall, D is most likely to be the correct answer on the LSAT, and E is the least likely to be the correct answer.

Looking at every released PrepTest answer key from June 1991-December 2009, D is 2.1% more likely than E to be the correct answer.

(However, the variation in likelihood of each letter being the correct answer has grown less extreme over time. Looking only at the answer keys for the last 10 years, D is only 1.7% more likely than E, and over the last 5 years, D is only 1.26% more likely than E. That's still a significant-enough difference to be worth knowing, though.)


Take-away:
When guessing randomly between a few choices, if you haven't eliminated D, choose D. Don't choose E when you're down to a few choices and can't decide between them.

If you have to randomly fill in bubbles, choose D.

***
2. In the last 5 answer choices of a given section, D is more likely than others to be the correct answer. A is the least likely.

Take-away:
When guessing randomly on any of the last 5 questions in a section, if you haven't eliminated D, choose it. Whatever you do, don't choose A if guessing randomly.

If you run out of time and have to randomly fill in bubbles, choose D. The probabilities vary depending upon the section type, so feel free to look at the data below if interested in the nitty-gritty.



Answer keys from every released PrepTest, from the past 10 years, and from the past 5 years:

Using answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest (June 1991-December 2009):

D = 21.2%
B = 20.5%
C = 20.1%
A = 19.2%
E = 19.1%


Using answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 10 years (June 2000-December 2009):

D = 21.2%
C = 20%
B = 19.8%
A = 19.6%
E = 19.5%


Using answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 5 years (June 2005-December 2009):

D = 20.8%
C = 20.2%
B = 19.8%
A = 19.8%
E = 19.5%



Answer keys by section from every PrepTest, from the past 10 years, and from the past 5 years:

Logic Games

Not too much in the way of useful trends here.

Using Logic Games answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest (June 1991-December 2009):

B = 20.5%
E = 20.3%
D = 20.1%
C = 19.9%
A = 19.3%


Using Logic Games answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 10 years (June 2000-December 2009):

C = 20.6%
A = 20.4%
D = 20.3%
E = 19.5%
B = 19.2%


Using Logic Games answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 5 years (June 2005-December 2009):

B = 22.1%
C = 20.9%
E = 19.8%
D = 19.2%
A = 18%



Logical Reasoning

In Logical Reasoning, B and D have consistently been the most likely correct answer choices overall, over the past 10 years, and over the past 5 years.


Using Logical Reasoning answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest (June 1991-December 2009):

D = 21.6%
B = 20.6%
C = 20.3%
E = 19%
A = 18.6%


Using Logical Reasoning answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 10 years (June 2000-December 2009):

B = 21.2%
D = 21.1%
C = 20.1%
E = 19.3%
A = 18.3%


Using Logical Reasoning answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 5 years (June 2005-December 2009):

D = 21.2%
B = 20.1%
A = 19.9%
C = 19.7%
E = 19.1%



Reading Comprehension

While D and B have been the most likely answer choices overall in RC, B has shifted to become the least likely answer choice over both the last 10 years and the last 5 years. A has risen to become the second-most common answer choice over this period.


Using Reading Comprehension answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest (June 1991-December 2009):

D = 21.5%
B = 20.1%
A = 19.9%
C = 19.8%
E = 18.6%


Using Reading Comprehension answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 10 years (June 2000-December 2009):

D = 22.3%
A = 21.3%
E = 19.6%
C = 19.1%
B = 17.7%


Using Reading Comprehension answer keys from every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 5 years (June 2005-December 2009):

D = 21.3%
A = 21%
C = 20.3%
E = 20.1%
B = 17.3%


***

Looking at the last 5 answer choices per section:

Using only last 5 answers from every released LSAT PrepTest section (June 1991-December 2009):

D = 22.1%
E = 21.3%
B = 20.2%
C = 18.8%
A = 17.7%


Using only last 5 answers from every released LSAT PrepTest section over the past 10 years (June 2000-December 2009):

D = 21.4%
B = 21.4%
E = 20.4%
C = 19.4%
A = 17.5%


Using only last 5 answers from every released LSAT PrepTest section over the past 5 years (June 2005-December 2009):

B = 22%
D = 21.3%
E = 20%
C = 20%
A = 16.67%



Please note that there is a great deal of fluctuation when looking at the last 5 answer choices per section by section type. This is likely due to the fact that we're working with a very small sample size (in the hundreds, which is very few questions compared to the number of LSAT questions overall - nearly 6,500 in total).

Logic Games

Using only last 5 answers from only the Logic Games section in every released LSAT PrepTest (June 1991-December 2009):

A = 22.5%
D = 20.3%
B = 20.3%
E = 19.4%
C = 17.5%


Using only last 5 answers from only the Logic Games section in every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 10 years (June 2000-December 2009):

D = 22.7%
B = 22%
A = 20.7%
C = 18%
E = 16.7%


Using only last 5 answers from only the Logic Games section in every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 5 years (June 2005-December 2009):

B = 25.3%
D = 24%
E = 20%
C = 16%
A = 14.7%



Logical Reasoning

Using only last 5 answers from only the Logical Reasoning section in every released LSAT PrepTest (June 1991-December 2009):

E = 23.3%
D = 22.7%
B = 19.5%
C = 19.5%
A = 15%


Using only last 5 answers from only the Logical Reasoning section from every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 10 years (June 2000-December 2009):

B = 23.1%
E = 21.7%
C = 21.1%
D = 19.7%
A = 14.4%


Using only last 5 answers from only the Logical Reasoning section every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 5 years (June 2005-December 2009):

C = 22.7%
B = 20.7%
E = 20%
D = 19.3%
A = 19.3%



Reading Comprehension

Using only last 5 answers from only the Reading Comprehension section in every released LSAT PrepTest (June 1991-December 2009):

D = 22.8%
B = 21.3%
E = 19.1%
C = 18.8%
A = 18.1%


Using only last 5 answers from only the Reading Comprehension section in every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 10 years (June 2000-December 2009):

D = 23.3%
E = 21.3%
A = 20.7%
C = 19.3%
B = 19.3%


Using only last 5 answers from only the Reading Comprehension section in every released LSAT PrepTest over the past 5 years (June 2005-December 2009):

D = 22.7%
B = 21.3%
E = 20%
C = 18.7%
A = 17.3%


Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Photo by johnwardell / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Chances of Same Answer Choice in a Row on the LSAT

Looking through the LSAT PrepTest answer keys, I found only 9 instances in modern LSAT history (June 1991-December 2009) where the same answer choice appeared 4 times in a row.

2 of these instances occurred in the same LSAT section.

Now, you might have thought LSAC artificially increases the number of 4-in-a-rows to throw test-takers off - to make them second-guess themselves. However, it appears that LSAC artificially decreases the number of 4-in-a-rows. (I've explained the math supporting this below.)

First, why am I even talking about this?

1. To remind you that it's possible to have 4 of the same answer choice in a row - even for it to happen more than once in the same section.

2. To tell you that if you have 3 of the same answer choice in a row and have to randomly guess on the next question, you may want to consider guessing something other than that letter simply because LSAC appears to purposely avoid 4-in-a-row.

Of course, focus on the content of the exam above all else. Patterns and probabilities should always come second to content. However, it's still useful to be aware of them for random guessing purposes.

Note: Since the cat's now out of the bag, it's possible that LSAC may change its strategy. Don't blame me if your exam's answer key has a 4 in a row or two, but if the 64 released PrepTests are any indication, there probably won't be a single 4-in-a-row.

Cases of same letter 4-in-a-row:

PrepTest 8 (June 1993), LR1, Q4-7 - answer C
PrepTest 12 (October 1994), LR1, Q11-14- answer D
PrepTest 14 (February 1995), LG, Q13-16 - answer D
PrepTest 19 (June 1996), LR2, Q18-21 - answer C
PrepTest 22 (June 1997), LG, Q6-9 - answer B
PrepTest 22 (June 1997), LG, Q20-23 - answer E
PrepTest 24 (December 1997), LG, Q18-21 - answer E
PrepTest 36 (December 01), LR2, Q18-21 - answer B
PrepTest 45 (December 04), LG, Q7-10 - answer A


If anyone's interested in the math behind all this:

Actual occurrences where a section contained at least one sequence of 4 in a row in the 64 released LSATs = 8

Chances of (at least) one 4-in-a-row in any particular section = ~16.2%

# of sections one would expect to contain (at least) one 4-in-a-row in the 64 released LSATs = 41.472
(4 sections per exam * 64 exams) * 16.2% = 256 * 16.2% = 41.472, which is over 5 times the actual number of occurrences.

The odds of finding 4 questions in a row with the same answer is (1/5)^3

This is because, given some answer for a question, the odds that the next question will have that same answer is 1/5. Then the odds that the 3rd question will also have that answer is 1/5 and finally the odds that the 4th question will too have the same answer is also 1/5. By multiplying, you find that for a set of 4 questions each with 5 possible answers, the odds of them having the same answer is 1/5 * 1/5 * 1/5 = (1/5)^3

Statistically, 1 out of every 125 sets of 4 questions (if the answers were truly random) would have 4-in-a-row of the same answer choice.

Thus, the odds of a set of 4 questions NOT having the same answers is: 124/125

Because there are 22 sets of 4 questions in an LSAT section (questions 1-4, 2-5, 3-6…22-25), we calculate the odds that for all of those sets of 4 questions, no set share the same answers: (124/125)^22 = 83.802464%

This means that the odds of at least one of those sets of 4 questions having all the same answer is 1-.83802464 = 16.197536%

There have been 256 individual sections of the modern LSAT given. In theory, approximately 16.2% of those sections should have contained at least one string of 4 questions with the same answers. 256 * .162 = 41.472, we’ll round that down to 41 sections that should have contained a string of at least 4 questions with the same answers (statistically speaking of course).

(I said above that there are 22 sets of 4 questions in an LSAT section because there are 22 possible sequences of 4 in a section of 25 questions. Sure, there are many sections that have a greater or lesser number of questions per section, but let's assume those differences cancel each other out.)

Bottom line: There appears to be a conspiracy to decrease the number of 4-in-a-rows.

***

Discussion of the two 4-in-a-rows in PrepTest 22's Logic Games section:

If you've done a few Logic Games, you may have noticed that LSAC often presents the content of answer choices in either alphabetical or numerical order.

I find it curious that in PT22, LG, Q20, the answer choices are presented in reverse alphabetical order, leading to a 4-in-a-row sequence of Es.

Call me crazy, but I'm entertaining the possibility that this exception to the traditional alphabetical presentation of choices was intentional in order to create 2 sequences of 4-in-a-row in the same section.

There have been 256 LSAT sections, so it's not that unlikely that we'd see a case of 2 4-in-a-row sequences in the same section by now. However, given the sketchiness of the reverse alphabetical ordering in PT22, LG, Q20, I'm calling foul play.

***

Cases where girls named Becca were likely to freak out:

PrepTest 16 (September 1995), LR2, Q13-17 - BECCA
PrepTest 44 (October 2004), LR1, Q1-5 - BECCA
PrepTest 57 (June 2009), RC, Q12-16 - BECCA


Actual occurrences where a section contained at least one sequence of BECCA in the 64 released LSATs = 3

Chances of at least one BECCA in any particular section = .67%

# of sections one would expect to contain (at least) one BECCA in the 64 released LSATs = 1.7152
(4 sections per exam * 64 exams) * .67% = 256 * .67% = 1.7152, which is pretty close to the number of actual occurrences


The odds of finding a particular 5-letter sequence is (1/5) ^ 5 = 1/3125

Statistically, 1 out of every 3125 sets of 5 questions (if the answers were truly random) would have a particular 5-letter sequence.

Thus, the odds of a set of 5 questions NOT containing a particular sequence is: 3124/3125

Because there are 21 sets of 5 questions in an LSAT section (questions 1-4, 2-5, 3-6…22-25), we calculate the odds that for all of those sets of 5 questions, no set contains a particular 5-letter sequence: (3124/3125)^21 = 99.330146%

This means that the odds of at least one of those sets of 4 questions having all the same answer is 1-.99330146 = .669854%

There have been 256 individual sections of the modern LSAT given. In theory, approximately .67% of those sections should have contained at least one particular 5-letter sequence the same answers. 256 * .67% = 1.7152, we’ll round that up to 2 instances where sections that statistically should have contained a string of at least one instance of BECCA.


(I multiply by 21 because there are 21 possible sequences of 5 in a section of 25 questions. Sure, there are many sections that have a greater or lesser number of questions per section, but let's assume those differences cancel each other out.)

# of sections containing (at least) one particular 5-in-a-row sequence one would expect over the course of 64 LSATs = (4 sections per exam * 64 exams) * .67% = 256 * .67% = 1.7152. Round that to the nearest whole number, and we get 2, which is 1 fewer than the actual number of occurrences. Nothing shocking or scary about that.

***

Bottom line: If the answer choices spell your name, don't freak out. If the answer choices spell the word "DEAD," don't freak out. This sort of thing can, and does, happen.

Photo by unloveable / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The June LSAT Test Date is on a Monday?

As I mentioned recently, the June LSAT is the only LSAT that's regularly held on a Monday. In October, December, and February, the LSAT is held on a Saturday. (Sabbath observers can always take it on weekdays.)

Test-takers are usually happy that the June LSAT is unique because it's the only exam that starts at 1PM, rather than at 9AM.

However, one blog reader recently wrote to me:

Today, I was looking at my registration, and I swear that I had registered for Saturday, but the test is on a Monday. I am really annoyed, since this is not very accommodating for working professionals like myself. Is it normal that all WORKING people have to take a Monday (vacation day) to take the test? Sorry to vent!

I suggested:

You could always email LSAC from several pseudonymous email accounts. I estimate it would take 20,000 emails to get them to change the date of the June exam.

What do you think?

Will those of you in the 9-to-5 grind be complaining to LSAC about the injustice of having to use a vacation day?

Will those of you working the retail/service industry grind be thanking LSAC for allowing you to take it on a day off?

Leave comments!

Photo by meddygarnet

Free LSAT Proctor mp3 Download

Blog reader Ryan recently emailed me:

I think that using the LSAT Proctor DVD can be a great asset during studying, but I also can't justify spending $25 dollars on it. This led me to create a similar mp3 with the Proctor prompts and noise distractions built into it. I have thrown the mp3 up on my blog for free download /or play.

The mp3 version for free download is "good if you are going to play it on an mp3 player, iPhone/iTouch or want to always have access to it."

The version for streaming play is "good if you are at a computer that you can't download to or are away from your main computer."

Of course, this is sound-only, so it lacks the visual component that the SimuGator LSAT Proctor DVD has.

However, it's still a good alternative to the DVD if you:

-don't have $25 to spend for the DVD

-want to try out something with distractions before getting the DVD

-want to take PrepTests while traveling but won't have a DVD player/laptop with you


The mp3 is only 35 minutes long (the length of one LSAT section). However, if you download the mp3, you can "loop" it to repeat. This will allow you to take LSAT sections back-to-back with distractions. Alternatively, if you're only streaming the mp3 from your computer, you can take a second or two to click and replay the mp3 to do multiple sections.

The mp3 doesn't have various levels of distraction like the DVD does. However, you can adjust the volume level of the mp3 depending upon how much you want to be annoyed while you're taking a practice test.

Big ups to Ryan for creating this mp3!

Photo by liveu4

Self-Control: Smoking, Eating, and LSAT Prep

Studying for the LSAT is exhausting and time-consuming.

Why are some people able to study for hours on end while others can't stand more than a half-hour at a time?

The answer may lie somewhere in the concept of "ego depletion."

Basically, the idea is that you only have a limited amount of energy for focusing on something you don't enjoy.

This suggests some people who (productively) study for the LSAT are probably spending most/all of their "self-control" energy on the LSAT.

People who can't focus on the LSAT for too long may be dividing their self-control energy among multiple tasks that require self-control.


Let's say you're trying to get your life in order, so your New Year's resolutions were to:

1. quit smoking
2. lose weight
3. study for the LSAT


You really want to do all these things ASAP, so you attempt to fulfill all 3 of these resolutions at the same time.

However, what you love more than anything is:

1. smoking menthols
2. sitting on your ass and eating fried Twinkies
3. watching the Kardashians


According to the researchers in the article linked above, you only have a limited amount of energy to invest in each of these acts:

1. chewing gum/your pencil, biting your nails, and doing anything instead of smoking those menthols

2. eating "healthy foods" instead of fried Twinkies (despite what the "American Twinkie Fryers Association" claims, they're not actually healthy)

3. sleeping with your LSAT books under your pillow...er...I mean...actually staring at the pages of those books


If you spread your limited willpower around and attempt to quit smoking, lose weight, study for the LSAT simultaneously, you're not likely to successfully achieve any of these goals.

You're better off tackling one goal at a time and focusing all your willpower on it.


So which one should you attempt first?

My take - focus on the LSAT and don't stress too much about the other stuff.

You can get healthy when you're a lawyer.

(Your doctor would probably feel differently.)

Whatever you decide, focus your self-control on one thing at a time.

The alternative to all this, of course, is to "brainwash" yourself into enjoying the LSAT. In that case, the above would be irrelevant.

***

Cigarettes are both physically and psychologically addictive, while fried Twinkies and the Kardashians are only psychologically addictive (as far as I know). The smokers out there might be concerned that they won't be able to smoke during the LSAT.


For this reason, a few thoughts on...

Quitting Smoking

Everything above suggests you shouldn't try to quit smoking while you're studying for the LSAT. At least, you shouldn't try to quit cold-turkey.

Some folks might feel differently, but this is my opinion based on the information above.

Your health is probably more important than your LSAT score, so if you're going to quit cold turkey, do it before you start serious LSAT preparation. Otherwise, you'll probably find it difficult to focus on the LSAT.

I'm not a smoker, and your smoking habits are none of my business.

However, if you're a smoker who wants to quit, the LSAT might be the push you need to actually make it happen.

If I were a smoker who was studying for the LSAT and wanted to quit, I'd *gradually* decrease the number of cigarettes I smoked each week.

I'd start the process now and continue straight through until the exam (and beyond).

Also, I'd try to avoid smoking during the time of day at which I'll take the exam.

The June exam starts at 1PM, while the February, September/October, and December exams start at 9AM.

LSAC doesn't officially let you leave the building for smoking breaks (enforcement varies). The LSAT is over 4 hours, and that's assuming everything goes well.

One last thing: this should go without saying, but don't smoke while you're taking full-length practice tests, since you won't be able to on Test Day.

You can still keep watching the Kardashians, though. I'd never take that away from you.

***

Also see: Are Cigarettes, Coffee, and Gum Allowed on LSAT Test Day?

Photo by santos / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Simugator LSAT Proctor DVD Review

*Update: Free LSAT Proctor mp3 Available*

No matter how much I write about preparing for LSAT Test Day, people still want tips and strategies for dealing with Test Day nerves.

And there are companies that make products to help people deal with those nerves.

No, I'm not talking about the pharmaceutical industry.

I'm talking about the Simugator LSAT Proctor DVD (alternate link / other alternate link).

The DVD simulates what it's like to take the LSAT on Test Day. It contains a video of a classroom where a bunch of people pretend to take the LSAT, and someone attractive pretends to proctor it. It's meant to help you get used to the distractions of taking the LSAT around other people - the proctors and other test-takers. (Perhaps having a hot proctor is intended to be part of the distraction.)

You pop it into your computer or DVD player when you're ready to take a timed full-length practice exam (or section).

The videocamera's set up so that you're facing the proctor and are surrounded by fellow test-takers. The proctor on the DVD gives a 5-minute warning and moves from one section to another without a break, just like the real thing. (Of course, you still get a 15-minute break between sections 3 and 4.)

The DVD has a "Distractions Mode" setting where they increase the annoyingness of the other "test-takers" and "proctor" to help you get used to what you might face on Test Day.

Just like a fighter pilot might use a simulator to practice, this DVD allows you to simulate the Test Day experience.

Does this DVD give you anything you can't get from a friend or a public place? At first glance, not really, but it does have some unique benefits - primarily, the fact that it offers test proctoring "on-demand."


Alternatives to the LSAT Proctor DVD:

Friend
You can have a friend proctor you, and it might be a little more real, but your friend might not always be available, and he/she probably isn't going to proctor dozens of PrepTests without asking for favors in return. Or maybe you don't have any friends.


Library / Starbucks
You can take your practice tests in a slightly distracting and noisy setting like a library or Starbucks, but maybe you're too lazy or those settings are too distracting and noisy. Or maybe you live in a part of the U.S. / the world that doesn't have places like libraries or Starbucks. However, even if you do live near a library or Starbucks, they're not open 24/7, and they don't always have seating available. A librarian or barista isn't likely to proctor your exam and call out a 5-minute warning.


Free LSAT Diagnostic Tests From Prep Companies
Many prep companies offer a free LSAT diagnostic test in a crowded room. This is as close as you can get to an actual LSAT experience. I recommend going to as many of these as possible in the month leading up to your test date. You can bring your own PrepTest and take it instead of using the one they give out. The prep companies don't mind. The downside of this option is that the diagnostics may not be offered frequently enough, and they may not be on your schedule.


So, should you get the LSAT Proctor DVD?
This DVD isn't for everyone. However, it might help you feel like you've been through the "experience" of taking several practice LSATs under test-like conditions.

Coming soon:

For $1000, your future LSAT proctor will come to your house and proctor a practice LSAT for you. He/she will also bring 20 friends to make noise and seduce you while you take your practice tests.

LSAT Test Center Inclement Weather Closings Due To Snow

UPDATE: I have created a new blog post about this for those taking the February 2013 LSAT.

The blog post applies to some test-takers taking the February 6, 2010 LSAT. If you're in an area potentially affected by snow or other "inclement weather," keep an eye on LSAC's website and check your email regularly.

(Note: Inclement weather is a major reason that LSAC does not release February LSAT exams - they're saving them for future make-up test administrations.)

As of Saturday 9:00AM EST, the following test centers were closed according to LSAC's website:

IMPORTANT! Inclement Weather Closings

The following LSAT centers are closed for the February 6, 2010 exam due to inclement weather:

Delaware

* Center 1330 - University of Delaware, Newark, DE
* Center 1331 - Delaware State University, Dover DE

Indiana

* Center 4761 - Indiana University - Purdue University (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN

Kentucky

* Center 5910 - Gateway Community and Technical College, Edgewood, KY

Maryland

* Center 1364 - Towson University, Towson, MD
* Center 1366 - University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD
* Center 1369 - University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
* Center 1371 - University of Maryland-College Park, College Park, MD
* Center 1372 - University of Maryland (Overflow)-College Park, College Park, MD
* Center 1377 - Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
* Center 1381 - Towson University, Towson, MD (overflow)
* Center 1382 - Towson University, Towson, MD (overflow)
* Center 1386 - Montgomery College, Rockville, MD
* Center 1392 - McDaniel College, Westminster, MD
* Center 1393 - Hagerstown Community College, Hagerstown, MD
* Center 1394 - Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

New Jersey

* Center 1001 - Rutgers University, Newark, NJ
* Center 1004 - Rutgers - The State University, New Brunswick, NJ
* Center 1007 - Richard Stockton College of NJ, Pomona, NJ
* Center 1011 - Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ
* Center 1012 - Rutgers University – Camden, Camden, NJ
* Center 1027 - Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, NJ
* Center 1039 - Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ

New York

* Center 3617 - South Shore High School, Brooklyn, NY
* Center 3633 - Wagner College, Staten Island, NY

North Carolina

* Center 5309 - University of North Carolina/Asheville, Asheville, NC
* Center 5311 - University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
* Center 5321 - Appalachian STATE University, Boone, NC

Ohio

* Center 4500 - Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
* Center 4501 - University of Akron, Akron, OH
* Center 4502 - University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
* Center 4505 - Ohio State University, Columbus OH
* Center 4509 – Miami University, Oxford, OH
* Center 4511 - Youngstown University, Youngstown, OH
* Center 4520 - Wright State University, Dayton, OH
* Center 4528 - Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH

Pennsylvania

* Center 2004 - Lincoln University, Lincoln, University, PA
* Center 2006 - Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
* Center 2009 – University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
* Center 2011 – Pennsylvania State University, University park, PA
* Center 2012 - Villanova University, Villanova, PA
* Center 2014 - Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
* Center 2017 - Cheyney University, Cheyney, PA
* Center 2019 - Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA
* Center 2020 - Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
* Center 2025 - Millersville University, Millersville, PA
* Center 2035 - Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, PA
* Center 2401 - University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
* Center 2403 - Holy Family College, Philadelphia, PA
* Center 2408 - Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
* Center 2409 - Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
* Center 2506 - LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA

Virginia

* Center 1580 - University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
* Center 1582 - Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA
* Center 1584 - University of Richmond School of Law, Richmond, VA
* Center 1585 - College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
* Center 1587 - Hampton University, Hampton, VA
* Center 1588 - Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA
* Center 1589 - Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale, VA
* Center 1594 - Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden Sydney, VA
* Center 1597 - University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA
* Center 1598 - Northern Virginia Community College, Springfield, VA
* Center 1609 - Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

West Virginia

* Center 1882 - West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
* Center 1885 - Mountain State University, Beckley, WV

Washington, DC

* Center 1550 - American University Washington College of Law, Washington, DC
* Center 1556 - Howard University, Washington, DC
* Center 1568 - University of DC School of Law, Washington, DC
* Center 1569 - Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

Canada

* Center 0975 - Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NF CANADA

Please continue to check this website alert for any additional test center closings due to inclement weather. LSAC will contact you via email as soon as possible (most likely the week after the test date) regarding other options, including a make-up test.

For the December 5, 2009 LSAT exam, when some test centers were closed due to inclement weather, affected test-takers received the following email:

Dear Candidates:

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) will not be administered on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 8:30 am at ________, test center # ____, because of inclement weather. The Law School Admission Council will make arrangements for a make-up test. Our goal is for this to occur within the next two weeks. Keep your admission ticket. We will contact you via e-mail with further information.

If you have any questions, please contact LSAC 215-968.1001 or by email at LSACinfo@LSAC.org.

LSAC regrets any inconvenience caused by this change.

Thank you,

Test Administration Department
Law School Admission Council

Photo by bakingproject / CC BY-NC 2.0

Average Number Of Hours You'll Be There On LSAT Test Day

The LSAT is a long exam, totaling just over 4 hours from start to finish, if everything goes according to plan.

Here's how I arrived at that number:

Getting started (housekeeping stuff):
Listening to rules
Bubbling-in name and address
Filling out "Certifying Statement" in cursive (stating you won't cheat):

Total: 30 minutes


4 scored 35-minute sections:
2 Logical Reasoning
1 Logic Games
1 Reading Comprehension

Total: 140 minutes - 2 hours, 20 minutes


2 unscored 35-minute sections:
1 Experimental (could be any of the 3 scored types above and any of the 1st 5 sections)
Writing Sample (taken after the 5 regular parts of the LSAT - LG, LR, and RC)

Total: 70 minutes - 1 hour, 10 minutes


Break between 3rd and 4th sections:
10-15 minutes

(Note: There is no break between sections 1-3, and no break between sections 4 and 5. Sections 1-3 are all back-to-back, and sections 4 and 5 are back-to-back.)


Altogether, this is about 4 hours and 15 minutes.

(Your mileage may vary - sometimes the proctors don't know what they're doing, can't find the booklets, etc. If this happens, you might be there much longer.)

Even if everything goes according to plan, this is still a long time, especially for smokers and other drug users.

It can be difficult to get through such a long period without a fix, especially when the first section begins at 9AM (February, September/October, and December). The June exam is the only one that begins at 1PM.

Here's LSAC's policy on bringing cigarettes, gum, nicotine patches, and coffee to the test center.

Photo by molinarius / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Are Cigarettes, Coffee, and Gum Allowed on LSAT Test Day?

I recently asked LSAC which of the following items are allowed in the test center on Test Day:

-Cigarettes
-Regular Gum
-Nicotine Gum
-Nicotine Patches
-Coffee

I expected to get a "no" on bringing all of these items, but I was pleasantly surprised to receive the following response:

Test takers may bring into the test room only a clear plastic zip lock bag, maximum size one gallon (3.79 liter), which must be stored under the chair and may be accessed only during the break. So, these items can be in your zip lock bag, but you would not have access to the items during the test. You can keep your coffee in plastic container (20 oz./591 ml maximum size) that you would also keep in your zip lock bag and would not have access to during the test.

The first sentence of the LSAC representative's response appears to be directly copy-pasted from LSAC's Day of the Test article (under "Items Allowed in the Test Room").

However, the rest of the LSAC rep's response above contradicts the remainder of the following paragraph on LSAC's website:

The ziplock bag may contain only the following items: LSAT Admission Ticket stub; valid ID; wallet; keys; analog (nondigital) wristwatch; medical or hygiene products; #2 or HB wooden pencils, highlighter, erasers, pencil sharpener (no mechanical pencils); tissues; and beverage in plastic container or juice box (20 oz./591 ml maximum size) and snack for break only.

This paragraph doesn't mention cigarettes, gum, nicotine patches, or coffee (assuming most people don't typically pour coffee into a plastic container or juice box).

Now, I suppose that cigarettes and coffee could be considered medical if you would suffer severe withdrawals without them, but good luck finding a doctor to write you a note.

Obviously, gum, coffee, and cigarettes won't do you much good if you can't actually use them at all during the exam or during the break. However, enforcement of the rules varies significantly.

The following is just my common-sense speculation, so don't hold me to it, but...

Cigarettes
While you almost definitely won't be permitted to smoke during the exam, there's a decent chance you'll be able to smoke during the break (just be sure to ask the proctor before you leave the room).

Gum
In a separate email to me, LSAC said, "[Y[ou may not want to chew gum because it may be annoying to other test takers." However, you'll probably be able to chew gum during the exam unless another test-taker complains.

Nicotine Patch
In a separate email to me, LSAC said, "You can wear the nicotine patch." However, it's probably best to put on your nicotine patch before walking inside the test center.

Coffee
You might even be able to drink coffee during the exam itself.

I doubt you really need to pour your coffee into a plastic container and keep it in a ziplock bag.

A regular coffee cup will probably be fine.

***
Also see Why Not To Use Adderall and NoDoz to Study for the LSAT.

Photo by sheehanpaul

LSAT Analog Watch / Timer for Test Day

LSAC's Test Day FAQ mentions that LSAC doesn't allow digital watches or timers on the exam. Whether or not this makes sense, it means you can use an analog watch or just go without.

Most test-takers feel more comfortable having some kind of watch.

Using a regular watch means:

1. you need to turn the minute hand back to 12 before each section

OR

2. you need to do math to determine how much time you have left in a given section

Neither option is ideal.

#1 isn't a great option because you'll typically have only 3 to 30 seconds between sections (excluding the break, of course). This time is best spent recuperating, clearing your mind, and preparing yourself for the next section - NOT fiddling with a tiny watch dial.

#2 isn't a great option because it would force you to add/subtract whenever you want to know how much time you have remaining. This energy and time are best spent answering questions.

So where does this leave you?

There is a watch out there that satisfies LSAC's security requirements without either of the disadvantages I outlined above.

Here is a watch that has a rotating bezel, so you can easily see how much time you have left.

(The bezel is the thing with the markings that go around the watch's face.)

Before each section, just turn the "0" part of the bezel to wherever the minute hand is. When the minute hand hits 30 on the bezel, you have 5 minutes left. At this point, it might be a good idea to bubble in your answers if you haven't already. When the minute hand hits 35 on the bezel, your proctor will likely announce that time's up (if he/she hasn't already).

Whichever watch you use, make sure you're comfortable using it during at least a few timed practice exams.

Jay-Z's Blueprint and LSAT Test Day Tips

On The Blueprint's second track ("Takeover"), Jay-Z raps:

Hey lil' soldier you ain't ready for war
R.O.C. too strong for y'all
It's like bringin a knife to a gunfight, pen to a test
Your chest in the line of fire witcha thin-ass vest

Contrary to popular belief, this song isn't ONLY about Nas.

After I told Jay-Z that some test-takers weren't prepared for Test Day, he became angry. At my urging, he added the lyrics above to diss those test-takers with some analogies (a classic argumentative technique) and offer his advice on getting ready.


LSAT Test Day Tips from "Takeover":

-Make sure you bring several pencils with good erasers to the LSAT. In fact, make sure you use pencils for all your practice tests, too.

-Don't bring a knife to the LSAT (or to a gunfight). Save knives for knife fights and chopping food. (Disclaimer: LSAT Blog does not endorse knife fights or chopping food and is not liable for any injuries incurred during knife fights or while chopping food.)

Want more? See all LSAT Test Day tips.

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

Test Day Stress and Anxiety? | Tips, Links, and mp3

I recently wrote a bit on preparing for Test Day in LSAT Test Center Problems | How To Prepare For The Worst, and I've written several other articles with Test Day Tips in the past.

However, reader Wei W. requested some tips on dealing with Test Day stress. The fact that she posted her comment at 3AM Eastern indicates that she might already be losing sleep over this (or just that she lives in another part of the world).

Just in case it's the former, I've decided to grant Wei's wish and do an article on this. I'm not a psychologist, and I'd rather not join the oft-sketchy self-help industry or peddle CDs with the sound of waves crashing, so I've compiled several links on the topic of Test Day stress and anxiety.

The following resources are not LSAT-specific and contain some generic advice. However, since test anxiety is not an LSAT-specific issue, you may find some nuggets of wisdom within the following links.

I hope to feature some LSAT-specific advice about these issues on LSAT Blog in the near future, but in the meantime, I'd love to hear your tips on dealing with test-related stress and anxiety. Please share them!

The LSAT, Meditation, Concentration, and Focus

Test and performance anxiety

Information about Test Anxiety

Test anxiety / relaxation podcasts (mp3s)

Test Anxiety, University of Buffalo

Understanding and Overcoming Test Anxiety

How to Keep Calm During Tests (PDF)

Reducing Test Anxiety (PDF)

***

Also see the free LSAT proctor mp3 for something that can reduce Test Day stress.

Photo by brymo

Creating an LSAT Test Day Playlist | Songs and mp3

One way to reduce Test Day stress is to listen to music that will PUMP. YOU. UP.

Listen to these before taking a practice test, and listen to them on the way to your test center, if you like.

Besides, creating a playlist isn't procrastinating if it helps you do well on the LSAT, right?

If you're too lazy to create your own playlist, or you don't know what an mp3 is, Jock Jams works well. If you're really short on time, I highly recommend the 3-minute Jock Jam Megamix (wiki). I guess you could always just listen to that on repeat, but you'd probably get sick of it before long.

These sites are good if you'd rather just have some white noise:

http://www.rainymood.com/
http://simplynoise.com/

A few weeks ago on the LSAT Blog Fan Page, blog reader Justin suggested the following songs for "getting you pumped before a practice test":

1. CAKE - "The Distance"
2. Survivor - Eye of the Tiger (Rocky 3)
3. Paul Engemann - Push it to the Limit (Scarface) (1983)
4. Europe - The Final Countdown (also see this, Arrested Development fans)

I agree - these are all great choices. I'd like to add anything by Rage Against the Machine, particularly "Wake Up" and "Vietnow," A-Trak's remix of Stronger by Kanye West, I Run This by Birdman, and Planisphere by Justice. I could go on and on, but I'll let you make your own playlist.

Tip - only listen to the songs on your playlist before taking each practice test and on Test Day. You want to train yourself to associate these songs with rocking the LSAT.

I'd love to hear your recommendations. What songs will you include in your LSAT playlist?

Photo by 41636321@N00

LSAT Test Center Problems | How To Prepare For The Worst

Tip: Take practice LSATs at your LSAT test center.

How? Well, LSAT test centers are often within your local college, university, or law school. This means that they're often fairly easy to walk right inside, so many of you will be able to go there and take practice tests before your exam. I'd recommend doing this for at least a few Saturday mornings leading up to your test date, if you can.

Ideally, you'll be able to take it in the very room where you'll take the real thing. If not, at least try to get a look at the room so that you'll be able to take your practice tests in a similar environment.

Now going to the effort to take it in the same room seems like a lot of work (and a little weird).

Why would you want to go to all that effort?

Because rooms often have little quirks of their own. You'll hear noises in some when the heating turns on/off (especially for December / February test-takers living in parts of the world with seasons). Think about all the noises that boilers and pipes make (hissing, etc.). Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that you'll get extra time just because there's a disruption.

So do June and September test-takers have an advantage? Are you better off taking the LSAT in one of those months instead?

No, they don't get a free pass either. Some rooms might be over-air-conditioned and feel like walk-in refrigerators. Others might have no AC at all, feeling like an NYC subway platform in the summertime (trust me - it's like a furnace).

One test-taker recently wrote to me with the following:

I live in Cairo, Egypt, and I took the LSAT here in June...A woman randomly walked into the room while the exam was being administered and just started chatting with the proctor. They were whispering, but it was still audible and very distracting. Also, the electricity in the building went off for around the length of a section, so we resumed taking the exam in the dark with no AC (in Cairo in June...). Needless to say, I canceled my score on the spot.

Of course, electricity can go out anywhere, and the best you can hope for is a free retake a few months later with the original test removed from your record entirely. However, there's a very good chance that LSAC might give you nothing at all for your trouble.

Unfortunately, an uncomfortable room isn't the only obstacle you might face.

The Most Common LSAT Test Center Problems:

Time
-proctors not giving enough time per section or for the break (proctors giving too much time is not a common complaint, although it happens from time to time)
-proctors failing to give a 5-minute warning

Noise
-proctors talking to each other or talking on their phones
-proctors' cell phones ringing or beeping
-other test-takers passing out or leaving in the middle
-other test-takers making too much noise while writing
-room being too noisy
-noise from the hallway or outside

Room
-room being too hot or cold
-desks being too small

Miscellaneous
-other test-takers talking about how much they studied before the test or during the break
-proctors forcing you to eat a live spider before the start of each section

Kidding about that last one - this isn't Fear Factor.


Why I am telling you all this? Do I get a kick out of scaring already-nervous test-takers?

Nah, I'll leave that to LSAC.

I just want you to be prepared ahead of time in case any of the above happen to you on Test Day.

What's the cautious test-taker to do?

Prepare for the worst. Just about anyone would retake if the lights went out, a tornado hit, or a terrorist took everyone hostage, so I'm not going to recommend that anyone take a practice test under those conditions.


How To Prepare For The Worst

Time
-Confirm with the proctor beforehand that you'll get 35 minutes per section, a 5-minute warning before the end of each section, and a 15-minute break between the 3rd and 4th sections.

(Be very polite about this. Proctors are the police / dictators of the room. Their word is law, so respect their authority. However, this doesn't mean you can't say something if they're cutting you short on time.)

Anecdotal evidence (reports from students and blog readers) indicates that LSAC generally does nothing for people shorted on time or not given a 5-minute warning. Of course, most test-takers probably don't experience this problem, but if it happens to you, it'll be a big deal.

Noise
-Do at least one or two practice tests in somewhat noisy environments. A coffee shop or library is good for this.

Room
-Practice at least once or twice on a small desk.
-Bring layers in case the room is too hot or cold.
-Practice in rooms where the temperature is slightly uncomfortable.
-Again, try to take a few practice tests in the very room where you'll take the real thing.

Miscellaneous
-Don't talk to anyone during the break - unless you want to.

***

Check out all LSAT Test Day Tips.

***

Anything I didn't cover? Those of you who've taken the LSAT already, did any of the above happen to you? What are your tips on preparing for Test Day, and what do you wish you'd done differently?