Stop studying?

[Nadia0702]

Hi PowerScore,
I'm looking for some advice on what to do regarding my studies from here until Saturday. I took a practice test today and scored 4 points lower than my target score. (I've only come within 2 points of my target score, have never reached it). I was feeling pretty crappy while taking the test, just very tired and a little defeated, so I'm actually a little impressed that I didn't completely bomb this practice test. I am starting to feel overwhelmed and a bit sickened by the LSAT. As a result, I thought about just reviewing this practice test today and doing no more studying until a Saturday warmup right before the test. Is taking two days completely off right before the test a really bad idea? Should I force myself to do more review, at least tomorrow? Or skip tomorrow and review Friday?

All advice appreciated Thanks!

[KelseyWoods]

Hi Nadia!

Here are my thoughts:

I definitely wouldn't take another practice test before Saturday. You took one today, and that's great. Trying to squeeze another one in tomorrow would be too taxing this close to test day.

But while I don't think that taking the two days before the test off is a terrible idea, I think doing some review tomorrow would be beneficial. Forcing yourself to work through some problems tomorrow will keep your brain working hard and could help it function better on test day. I also think that doing some review tomorrow would help you feel more confident going into the test. I would suggest working on the section or a few question types that you struggle with the most as well as the section or a few questions types that you feel pretty good about. Your goal here is not to end your LSAT study on a low note. Try to remind yourself how much progress you've made, how much you've learned over the past several weeks, and how many pretty awesome LSAT test-taking skills you now have!

At this point, your main concern should be on getting into a good mental space so that you don't go into the exam feeling tired and defeated. Your goal should be going into test day feeling like you've been preparing for weeks (which you have!) and pumped to finally have a chance to put that hard work toward hitting your target score. Don't let the fact that you haven't reached that target score in your practice tests discourage you. Getting within two points is really close and research suggests that test day anxiety can actually help your score. I personally know several people who scored higher on their real LSAT than they had on any of their practice tests. So go into the test feeling optimistic

Hope that helps! And best of luck on Saturday!

Kelsey

[Nadia0702]

Thanks for your response Kelsey! I am going to take your advice and do some studying today but definitely bring it down a notch in terms of intensity. Most importantly, I'm going to work on getting my mind together, as I know I have the skills and ability to get my target score. I have already improved 15 points, and I KNOW I can get those last two with my awesome and hard-earned test-taking skills . Thanks again!