Self-study
Hi! This June LSAT will be my first time taking the test. I am wondering what people recommend doing the week before the test? I have consistently been taking two full practice tests a week and drilling throughout the week. Currently, I am scoring where I would like to be.
For those who have taken it before or have more knowledge on this, what would you recommend doing to feel best on test day? I do not want to burn myself out before the test, but I definitely do not want to lose any progress I have made.
Any recommendations would be super appreciated!!
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4 comments
After some 15-20 yrs of LSAT prep, I've concluded that there really is no one-size-fits-all answer for how somebody should handle the final few days before the test. Everybody has different instincts, different strengths and weaknesses, different prep histories, and quite simply, different preferences.
Personally, at this stage, I tend to see more value in leaning into the analytics, targeting weaker areas, and solidifying organized top-down processes than in continuing to pile on more and more PTs and practice questions. But again, that’s not necessarily the right approach for everybody.
If you asked 20 different people, you’d probably get a wide array of opinions on what the “best” final-week strategy is. But none of that automatically means it’s the best approach for you specifically.
If you (or anybody else) have questions about how to handle these final few days, feel free to ask below or message me. I’m around if needed.
@SCOTT_LEBO hi Scott, I was wondering what you meant by organized top down processes? Were you referring to reviewing approaches to question types?
@angantous Great question, and no the top-down process does not mean reviewing approaches to question types.
A top-down process is really any organized system that governs how you move through the question from beginning to end, rather than just “figuring it out” as you go in real time.
For instance, somebody might have a locked-in 5-step process that makes sure they always properly identify the question type, isolate the conclusion, determine the task, pre-identify the likely gap/flaw, and then use a consistent answer selection process.
Notice everything listed above references a specific process that varies from question to question (approaches to question types is another example). A structured top-down process ensures that you always handle those specifics with proper precision, in proper sequence and without any hesitation or improvisation. The actual learning and application of those individual processes is not itself the top-down structure; those represent the “question-level” prep that we all tend to focus on.
I think this top-down process is typically assumed to build itself, but my experience is in many cases it does not. And under timed conditions this frequently prevents people from performing consistently and up to their potential.
The specifics can vary from person to person, but the overall goal is the same: creating something organized and repeatable enough to hold together under timed conditions and pressure.
I hope that helps!
Scott
@angantous I'd also say that in the specific context of this thread, the last week of prep is a little to really begin building the top down structured process. Notice I said in my original comment that the last week is a good time for 'solidifying' your top down process. You can still start from scratch and put a skeletal process in place, but you'd probaly want to limit it to the basics at this point. It takes a solid 7-10 days of standard prep and study to understand the ins and outs of a well built top-down structure.