What to do the week of the LSAT

[kyen]

I'm taking the LSAT on September 16th and I was wondering how to study most effectively that week. I was thinking of doing three timed practice tests: one on the 10th with an experimental section, one on the 12th with an experimental section, and then the last one on the 14th without an experimental section, and review these tests on the days in between. Is that a good way to study? Is it too much?

[nicholaspavic]

Hi kyen,

That's a full 6 days, but doable. You may want to consider cutting back to 2 practice tests for those 6 days, but on the other hand, if you are comfortable with 3 tests and don't believe that you would burn yourself out, you can definitely do it. Just remember to take a break, if you feel stressed out and definitely take a full-day's break from the LSAT the Friday before.

Some people opt for a brief warm up the day of the test too by doing a section or even just a few questions to get themselves into the "zone." Make sure that you are well-rested the night of the test and that you are comfortable with getting up at the hour that you will need to get up to make it to the testing center. Have a healthy but typical breakfast the morning of so that there are not nervous stomach issues.

Above all, remember that you got this! Your practice tests should give you confidence and stamina above everything else. Best of luck!
Nick

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Kyen,

Great question! First, I like your dedication and commitment to studying here—that's always great to see and a strong sign of success.

Second, if possible, I would suggest that you use the 15th more as a rest and relaxation day and less as an actual study day. It's like tapering down the way swimmers do: you want to exert minimal effort that final day before the LSAT so as to have a maximum of energy for test day.

Third, the litmus test for reviewing LSATs is always what I call the Teaching Test: ask yourself if you could effectively teach each question to someone else. If the answer is no, then review it again! So, it obviously varies from person to person, but I would use that as your guide as to whether a day is enough time. I'd far prefer you take two LSATs and review them deeply than that take three LSATs and give them a more superficial review. Extracting maximum value from the effort you put in is the goal, and that's more important than sheer volume (not that this is a volume issue, that's not how I'm sensing you are viewing this).

One last thought: for many students, using that Thursday for concept review can be very helpful. I know a lot of students who will run through their game plan for each section about two days before the LSAT, double-checking their concept knowledge and re-affirming how they want to handle each section and what to do in case of anything unusual or unexpected happening. It's kind of like a coach drawing up an overall and situational game plan prior to a big game, and it can be helpful to run through all the ideas and double-check anything that that doesn't feel 100% solid to you.

Thanks and good luck!

[kyen]

Hi Kyen,

Great question! First, I like your dedication and commitment to studying here—that's always great to see and a strong sign of success.

Second, if possible, I would suggest that you use the 15th more as a rest and relaxation day and less as an actual study day. It's like tapering down the way swimmers do: you want to exert minimal effort that final day before the LSAT so as to have a maximum of energy for test day.

Third, the litmus test for reviewing LSATs is always what I call the Teaching Test: ask yourself if you could effectively teach each question to someone else. If the answer is no, then review it again! So, it obviously varies from person to person, but I would use that as your guide as to whether a day is enough time. I'd far prefer you take two LSATs and review them deeply than that take three LSATs and give them a more superficial review. Extracting maximum value from the effort you put in is the goal, and that's more important than sheer volume (not that this is a volume issue, that's not how I'm sensing you are viewing this).

One last thought: for many students, using that Thursday for concept review can be very helpful. I know a lot of students who will run through their game plan for each section about two days before the LSAT, double-checking their concept knowledge and re-affirming how they want to handle each section and what to do in case of anything unusual or unexpected happening. It's kind of like a coach drawing up an overall and situational game plan prior to a big game, and it can be helpful to run through all the ideas and double-check anything that that doesn't feel 100% solid to you.

Thanks and good luck!

Thanks for the replies! So for those two practice tests, should I add an experimental section to each?

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Kyen,

No problem at all, we're glad to be able to help!

Yes, I would definitely add an experimental to each exam, and frankly it doesn't matter much if you just pull it from another test and do the section out of a separate book (as opposed to the usual way of copying everything and creating one unified packet of five sections). I say that since the Exp sections will be from real exams, and you should strive to do just as well on those as the other four sections. Then you can review your Exp sections just like regular test sections. Doing both tests with Exp sections gives you 250 questions or so to review that week, which is a very solid number.

You might as well Blind Review those exams as well (see Method 1 in this article: The Best Way to Review LSAT Practice Tests) just to make sure you feel like your first take and your review take on the question are as accurate as possible. That might help to uncover and diagnose any last minute issues you weren't aware of.

Good luck!