Noticing Pattern- consecutive wrong questions

[AskBelieveRecieve180]

Hi there,
(please disregard the spelling in my username lol-- somehow overlooked that...)

Anyways- I am due to take the test on 11/17. I was having steady progress and hit my peak score (mid 150's) last week. I was feeling great-- finally feeling excited for test day! Since, I have taken two more practice tests and my scores have fluctuated to high 140's (my diagnostic score) and this absolutely broke me.

I am almost certain this has to do with some kind of confidence issue- as I struggle not only with severe test anxiety, but also with general anxiety on a day-to-day basis. I noticed on the last two tests, I kept having an internal dialogue that consisted of fear and uncertainty as I went through the questions and I am trying to work on that.

I also noticed something else, my original reason in writing this post--when examining my answer sheets I noticed in LR, I get a bunch of questions right and then I get my first incorrect one, which is then followed by about the next 5-6 (sometimes even more) also being incorrect. It almost looks like a domino effect; I get one wrong and then the subsequent questions are also wrong. This usually happens around #13 or #14. Is there any way to make sense of this?!

I have really dedicated the last 3 months to this test- live online course, webinars, tutoring, practice tests, you name it! I am trying to stay positive but it's so discouraging when just one week before test day I am noticing a fall from my peak performance, putting me right where I started when I first began my studying. thank you so much in advance- this forum has been so helpful!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi there,
(please disregard the spelling in my username lol-- somehow overlooked that...)

Anyways- I am due to take the test on 11/17. I was having steady progress and hit my peak score (mid 150's) last week. I was feeling great-- finally feeling excited for test day! Since, I have taken two more practice tests and my scores have fluctuated to high 140's (my diagnostic score) and this absolutely broke me.

I am almost certain this has to do with some kind of confidence issue- as I struggle not only with severe test anxiety, but also with general anxiety on a day-to-day basis. I noticed on the last two tests, I kept having an internal dialogue that consisted of fear and uncertainty as I went through the questions and I am trying to work on that.

I also noticed something else, my original reason in writing this post--when examining my answer sheets I noticed in LR, I get a bunch of questions right and then I get my first incorrect one, which is then followed by about the next 5-6 (sometimes even more) also being incorrect. It almost looks like a domino effect; I get one wrong and then the subsequent questions are also wrong. This usually happens around #13 or #14. Is there any way to make sense of this?!

I have really dedicated the last 3 months to this test- live online course, webinars, tutoring, practice tests, you name it! I am trying to stay positive but it's so discouraging when just one week before test day I am noticing a fall from my peak performance, putting me right where I started when I first began my studying. thank you so much in advance- this forum has been so helpful!

Hi Ask,

A few thoughts for you! First, score fluctuation is totally normal, and is a result of the Casino Effect. You should not let a score drop bother you at all because you've already proven you have the ability to score higher. Plus, keep in mind that the LSAT isn't a perfect measuring tool, and the makers of this test talk frequently about the fact that scores move around. So, don't let this rattle you!

Second, the misses that you are seeing sound like they are appearing as difficulty rises in the section. Meaning, I see this as less a domino effect and more a higher difficulty effect (yes, I just cited an alternate cause to you ). The point you reference in these LR sections is right where they start moving up the scale, so take this for what it is: you now know that when you reach those early teens, you need to bear down a little bit more and really read closely. That shouldn't strike fear into your heart, by the way; it should instead make you feel better to know that you simply need to be even more on your guard. It's kind of like driving down a road: I'd much rather know that potholes are coming that not know and just slam into one!

Last, the anxiety factor is real, and I'm sure you are doing all you can to keep that in check as the exam approaches. The best advice I can give here is two-fold: 1. no matter what happens on Saturday, you have another chance to take this test in January if needed, and schools only care about the high score, so there is no pressure at all on you to somehow perform perfectly; 2. everyone feels the same anxiety (I do, in fact, and I don't know a single test taker who doesn't feel it to some degree). I try to use the anxiety as extra energy, and others have different strategies (for more on that, see The Ultimate Test Mentality Resource List). I realize those are very small pieces of advice, but every bit helps (and we'll have a blog on mediation posted later this week as we try to explore every possible solution to what is a widespread issues for all test takers).

Again, don't worry about those score variances—they aren't meaningful, and you've shown already you have the ability to score higher!

Thanks and good luck!

[T.B.Justin]

They have a blog that talks about strategies to deal with panic and choking, which really helped me and I practice daily.

I believe for panic its focusing on breathing and for choking its a mental reminder of "I am focused" or something similar they suggest, and its not only them there is tons of research out there about mindfulness (meditation).

That has worked to mitigate test anxiety for me its not 100% but it helps.

[AskBelieveRecieve180]

Awesome- I already feel better. Thank you so much!