Self-study
Hi everyone! I just recently (about 2 weeks in) started studying for the October LSAT and I was curious about everyone's study schedules. I want to know how many days you guys study and how you take breaks. I'm asking because I would love to get more structure for my LSAT prep and avoid burnout. I have heard a few people say they got burnt out because they would study every day, so I want to create a better study schedule for myself. All answers are welcome and appreciated!
Fellow 7Sager,
Alia
2
6 comments
heya we're on a similar schedule (also started around the same time too)
i've only taken 2 full PTs (ideally would like to get to this on a weekly basis for the end of the week before a break)
i usually drill about 3-5 questions at a time when practicing but looking to get up to sections (these are done as breaks from modules or at the end of the day)
usually about 3-4 hours on modules 5-6 days a week. i usually can go for about an hour really locked in and then i'll take a short break to walk or go outside. usually done in 2 hour blocks but if the weathers good, the suns out, the seat is comfy, then i'll go longer~
we got this!
@yesterdayseeker Hey! I'm doing something similar (obviously) to you, except I think I average around 7-9 hours of studying (not efficient do not recommend!). I take a break on Saturdays, since that's usually when I like to go out and have a day for myself, and then back to studying on Sunday. If I come home a bit early on Saturday, I even start Sunday's stuff lol. Not much of a break, but I just want to keep my mind working so I don't forget. We totally got this!
Hi Alia! I would recommend finding your own studying "threshold" that works with your schedule. This means figuring out how many hours you can realistically do before you start getting diminishing returns. It's not productive to study once you're feeling really tired, and it could just lead to exhaustion and burnout. Additionally, make sure you have a proper rest day every week! This means putting aside all LSAT studying for the day and preferably doing something that is fun/relaxing or "replenishing" your energy. The quality of your studying is much more important than the quantity -- 2 hours spent understanding concepts and drilling challenge areas will be much more productive than 4 hours of mindlessly drilling or watching videos. Make sure to find a sustainable threshold for yourself -- 3-4 productive hours is a good baseline, although everyone's schedules are different and tons of people do more or less than that. Make sure you're also incorporating breaks within your study days!
Hope this helps, and happy studying!
@AsemanShahsavand Hey Aseman, your advice definitely helped! I fully agree that 3-4 hours of studying is a good baseline, because that is what I do and I found it to be a good amount of time. Any studying I do past the 4th hour leads to those diminished returns you mentioned. I appreciate your help!
Hi Alia - welcome to LSAT studying! Not an expert by any means, but I try to study 6 days a week for 1-2 hours during weekdays and then usually go for closer to 3-4 on the weekends. I try to stick with this, but I work full-time, so realistically, some days it's harder to find the time. I think you have to figure out what works best for you as an individual. There are people on here who do an hour a day and find success, and then there are people who study full-time. It will likely take some trial and error to figure out what is best and feasible for you. One tip that really helps me that I got from these boards is that a shorter period of productive studying (no distractions, I literally hide my phone) is much better than more hours, but not giving it your full attention. I hope this helps - wishing you the best of luck studying!
@Dagny thanks so much for your response. I definitely agree on your point about shorter period of productive studying. I've been averaging 9 hours a day of lsat prep...definitely not ideal as it has been starting to cause a bit of burnout. Right now I'm literally trying the pomodoro technique (25 min of studying, 5 minute break, for 2 hrs) and I feel a bit of an improvement. Like you said, I have to find what works for me. Thanks again and best of luck in your studies!!