Self-study
I have been studying for months, i finally decided to take a month or so off and continue harder in the summer so i can focus on undergrad studies, and I haven't touched the LSAT in two weeks and I've been at peace. I decided today to maybe do a few drills.... My stress, frustration, irritation, self hatred, imposter syndrome, the feeling of just impending doom and dread all came back to me. I have to keep reminding myself without the LSAT I wont get into law school, wont get any scholarships, I NEED to do well on the LSAT. I also have to remind myself that I am still only 19, I graduate next spring at 20 and i apply to law school this fall, and hopefully ill be starting law school at 21. Idk like the LSAT test, the whole process is one of the hardest things I've ever experienced and I was feeling good, and the second I looked at this damn test again it all crumbled.
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15 comments
Regarding "imposter syndrome": Borrowing from a concept in (Army) selection processes, do not self-select. You do your best to prepare, and stick through to the end. In other words, if you quit on yourself - you guarantee a negative outcome. Whereas if you prepare and show up, the odds of success go up dramatically.
Hey! From burning out twice in a three month period and thinking that I need to go to law school before I'm thirty (I'm currently 25) you need to take it easy. I was feeling the same emotions like you when I first began studying, but I took a week off to reformat my study plan to better suit me. You need to take at least a year off to enjoy you, something you like to do! This is what I am planning on doing after I leave teaching this year. You at least need to do an hour of studying on days you feel you can. With time and patience you can accomplish great things! Good luck! :)
If you're doing that well at your age already, give yourself a major pat on the back. I regret not treating myself that way at your age. For what it's worth, I'm finally going to Law School at 36 years old after feeling pretty much exactly like you when I was 24 and wanted to go the first time. I actually believe I'll perform 100x better with going now than I would have as my younger self.... I've worked in advertising, commercial insurance, and the production industry, getting to the top of my game there, and got married and had two kids. It's amazing what time will do to bring your confidence up.
I promise if you give yourself a break, you'll thank yourself later.
Please do not rush law school. If you do not feel ready or feel more time could help improve your circumstances, trust your gut! It only gets more complicated and more difficult as you continue through this process.
I'll just echo what lots of people here are saying, and what I've heard various LSAT test prep professionals say, don't rush it, you can, and really should, take a year, especially if you are not scoring the best you can possibly do. Just keep studying until you get your best possible score, then sign up for the test. No need to rush it.
You’re not alone. I got so frustrated that I stopped studying for two weeks and I felt so much peace just like you did. The breaks are needed sometimes to help us reset. Good luck and I hope you get a well deserved scholarship.
You don’t have to listen to this, but I’d strongly consider working for a few years over rushing to law school.
Being out of school for a year or two will help build your confidence and remind you that you don’t have to rush the LSAT.
I also say this because law school is a whole different ball game than undergrad: you’re entering a program for a professional career. The curve is ruthless, your professors are often working professionals, and your imposter syndrome will get in the way. You’re applying for internships where they expect you to carry yourself in a different way. I made a lot of early career mistakes that I now know what not to do as I look to transitioning to law.
I know a lot of people on here are really young, but so many people apply to law school mid career and are significantly older than you. This is tough love for you: but you have to build up your own self confidence before you place yourself in an environment that will not be as forgiving.
Unless you're a glutton for punishment, stop what you're doing and focus on finishing undergrad and enjoying your youth. Law school will still be there and it won't be the end of the world if you start law school at 25 or even 30 (not advising you do but just saying).
Literally chill out, finish undergrad and then get back on the studying horse while understanding that this will take time. Get some work experience while you're at it and save some money. Unless you have an extremely solid understanding and or background in the sort of concepts that the LSAT tests you on, you will need to spend a good amount of time on this process (at least 1 year - maybe less depending on how you structure your study time). Do the entire Core Curriculum.
This is a hard test but with time you will get there if this is really what you have your sights set on.
Good luck.
Why are you pushing yourself to go to law school at 21?
Hi! I'm currently a PhD candidate (STEM), I'm 28 and taking my first LSAT in June. Given my life plan for the next few years, I won't actually start law school until after I turn 30! The more time you give yourself the better, don't put so much pressure on yourself. I'm treating this like a game that I can improve on in any spare time I have. It's really fun when you take the pressure off - I swear. Anxiety will only psych you out and slow you down. If absolutely necessary, nobody will care if you need to take a gap year bartending to get a better score that gives you a chance at a better school and scholarship opportunities. It will not set you back at all.
Have you been utilizing the study plan? I just started and on week 2 and the foundations have really helped and also joining in on the live virtual classes help too. Some of it has clicked and I have been passing the imbedded drills in the study plan. I keep forcing myself to focus on the study plan and zoom classes and to let myself learn the basics before taking another practice tests. I'm going to take a practice test next week to see if I improved also, I am turning 30 and taking the LSAT in August. You can do it! You might need to slow down and give yourself some grace. You are obviously intelligent. Just take a break and some deep breaths. The LSAT is very difficult and tricky and the pressure is on. I feel you in the need to do well since I'm aiming for the top 10% for scholarships. You can do it! It will click for you! You have time!
Hi there, I just wanted to say that I am 26 years old and I am going to take my first LSAT in June. You got this, you are young and intelligent. Do your best, but don't stress, things will happen as it supposed to. Best luck!