*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.
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.
