Self-study
Hi all, I am *literally* just starting out, like 2 hours in... I think I'm initially overwhelmed and a bit pessimistic that I'll be able to do this. Even stuff as simple as argument structure is making me feel like I bit off more than I can chew. I know I am capable, as I am a good/great student, and a generally well rounded person (I have to give myself credit somewhere, right?) Did anyone else experience these first day feelings? Will I be okay? Are we all floating on a giant rock through space?
Any tips? Any and all are appreciated!!!
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9 comments
I am just starting out as well and just wrapped my first two hours of studying. I also get overwhelmed easily and was not the best student so have just been encouraging myself to take everything one step at a time!
Don't worry! We all started like that. And I'm not going to lie, it gets harder more often than easier from here. BUT, that rush of dopamine that you get when you get a 5-star question right? Or when you get a drill 100% correct with good timing? That feeling of success is intoxicating, and with hard-word and dedication, you can reach it! I hope you can!
Keep at it!
Just keep at it. The start for me was tough too. Watch the core videos and then take notes on the transcript even if you think you fully understand. I just got into a top 25 school with a 3.3 GPA. I only had one month until I took the test but I still made it work. YOU GOT THIS!
Heyyy, that feeling is so mutual to us all studying. Im 2/3 months in and i am overwhelmed but to get over that, you have to bite smaller pieces. Please keep in mind, to go fast, is to go slow. pace yourself. everyone saying that, knows that this is a lot of material to study. a lot of information to take in. Each week bite off a new topic so your brain isn't overloaded with same information. Keep swimming. you'll see progress even if it's 1%. the LSAT is totally different from any test taken in high school and college, so don't beat yourself up if its not clicking right away. youre retraining your brain to think differently, so it is hard, but it will get easier. you'll have you "aha" moment and it'll all make sense.
DO NOT BLOW THROUGH STUDY MATERIAL. GO SLOW, REVIEW EVERYTHING, TRACK ALL YOUR WRONG ANSWERS, PT WHEN YOU'RE CONFIDENT.
I can't say I felt the same way in the 'biting off more than I can chew' sense, although I think 95% of people studying for this test feel overwhelmed in at least some capacity during their LSAT journey. Just stick with it. Once things start to click and questions become intuitive, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. The one tip I can give you (take it with a grain of salt, I still have a ton to learn) is that this test is not like most undergrad tests where memorization is the key. The LSAT is like learning an entirely new form of English, where even the swapping of the same 2 word, or the difference of one word, can greatly affect the correct answer choice. Be very observant and precise in the way you read, do the foundationals, learn how to translate things into logic, then focus on reptition and you will crush this test.
I think everyone who's here definitely been in those same shoes. It really takes patience with yourself and it takes time. But, the more you are exposed to it each day, and the more you take time to absorb all these different concepts, the more familiar this will all become. Don't go overkill with studying and make sure to take breaks! Everything is going to be new for you and it'll take time to adjust, but I'm sure you'll do just fine!