Are there any tips to successfully combat test day?

[oychoi]

So I know this isn't a traditional study question but I can't help but feel that the mental aspect of the game is hugely important.

I just took the August LSAT and came out of it feeling awful. Granted, I felt a very similar way in January and got a 166 but I can't for certain that it'll be the same again. I was shooting for 170+ and felt far more prepared heading into this exam. But I felt awful after the exam and was very disappointed the rest of the day.

It's odd. On test-day, it's like I can barely understand what the RC passages are saying or have to keep flagging and skipping LR questions because I am not seeing it easily. That's exactly how I felt during test day and I could feel the pressure weighing on me. I try to stay focused but it was very challenging.

There is a very strong possibility that I will need to retake for October. I have 2 PT's left (May 2020 and the upcoming PT 90 to be released). I have poured hundreds, if not thousands of hours, into the exam. I have hit 170's a few times before so I know I have the potential. I honestly think at this point, it's the ability to show up and do my best on test day that is holding me back.

I have taken a total of 5 times with a personal best of 166 and will now have only 1 final chance left at the LSAT in October before I'm locked out for good (5 years is pretty much a done deal). This is my final chance of getting a good score to make me competitive for a T-20.

Are there any tips you would recommend for someone like me to overcome test day anxiety and perform at my peak?

Thank you.

[Stephanie Oswalt]

So I know this isn't a traditional study question but I can't help but feel that the mental aspect of the game is hugely important.

Hi oychoi!

Thanks for the post, and you're right — test mentality is hugely important! So much so that we even have a blog post compiling our many articles on the topic: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/the-ultimate-test-mentality-resource-list/. Dave and Jon also touch upon it in a lot of their podcasts:
https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/podcast/90/
https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/podcast/61/
https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/podcast/34/
https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/podcast/9/
https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/podcast/7/
https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/podcast/3/

Hopefully, these resources will be enough to help you get started in the right direction. Don't let the nerves from the August test get you down! Many, arguably even most, students feel that way coming out of test day, even after several retakes. You got this!

I have 2 PT's left (May 2020 and the upcoming PT 90 to be released).

I'll add a quick note on this: even if you've taken the majority of the tests, there is still a lot to learn from the tests you've already taken! I'd give this blog a read: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/bid-23 ... questions/.

I hope this helps! Let us know if you have any additional questions!

[menkenj]

Hi there,
As someone who also experiences test anxiety I thought I would share.
It's so great that you see how important test mentality is for the LSAT! It took me a little bit to recognize that but since taking steps to work on the mental aspect, I've found the LSAT less scary.

A few things that have helped me:

- I develop a test day routine including a 15-20 minute low intensity workout and a really good breakfast
- Before PTs and the real thing, I spend a few minutes focusing on breathing. My heart is usually racing from anxiety so this really helps me come back to center.
- The night before, I write down values that resonate with me and remind me of the fragility of life. It not only gets me feeling good about myself but also creates some distance from the test. Ultimately the LSAT score does not define my worth, even if may determine scholarships.
- Right before the test, I play a song that reminds me to DOMINATE and enter the test confident. I will dance around to release any anxious or negative energy. It really helps!
- During the test, when I feel panic rising, I remind myself to focus. When I am feeling crunched, I take a deep breath and remind myself, I can do this.

Hope this helps!