Week Before Exam

[NickSabanIsGod]

Hello Powerscore,

I have been trying to figure out how or if I should be studying the week leading up to the exam. I typically find myself 5 incorrect questions away from 170, which is my goal for the LSAT.

Do you suggest taking it easy during the week leading up to the exam and letting the cards fall where they may or trying to get some lsat minute studying in?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Kristina Moen]

Hi Nick (or fan of Nick!),

I'm guessing you know this, but the LSAT is not a test for which you can cram. However, one week still gives you time to correct some issues before test day. The key here is quality over quantity. I'm going to refer you to an excellent blog post written by Jon Denning, one of the creators of our LSAT class, on this very subject.

A Two-week LSAT Study Decision: Quantity or Quality?

Since you've been doing some practice tests, you may have an idea of which LR question types, game types, or RC questions you miss the most frequently. Focus on those. Ask yourself: What was the source of my difficulties, why did it cause so much trouble, and how should I respond differently to this scenario when I inevitably face it again? Use the Forum to ask about specific LSAT questions or strategies.

Also ask yourself if it's a time issue. Five questions means you only need to get 1-2 more correct questions correct on each section. Are you using the contenders/losers method and quickly eliminating answer choices, or do you spend too much time on each answer choice? Do you find yourself stuck between two answer choices and debating them for too long, or do you pick one, let yourself move on and note it in your book in case you have time to come back? On logic games, could you speed up your setup time? Are you stalling on inferences? These are the types of timing questions you could be asking yourself.

Finally, on the day before test, we recommend that you relax and prepare for the logistics of test day. You don't want to feel rushed or stressed about something like parking on test day. So review what is allowed and pack! Visualize yourself getting to the testing center, going through the registration process, and doing exactly what you've trained yourself to do: ace the test! Good luck!