Hello all, I'm currently 2 weeks away from testing and FREAKING OUT. I was getting mid 160s in my PTs all summer long, and got 169 on my PT last week which I was super happy about! This week I did my PT and got 158....which is what I got as my diagnostic score 4 months ago. I noticed that in my last two sections I got around -10, which is really abnormal for me.
I really think that this is due to fatigue. I'm working 20 hours a week at my job plus studying a lot and am really burnt out. I'm having trouble focusing and studying for the LSAT which is reflecting in my PTs. I wanted to know if anyone has any advice, since it is really hard for me to take rest days and I want to bring my score back up before I test Sept 12, but also don't want to tire myself out more. Any advice is appreciated!
8 comments
Heyy! August test taker here that was in a very similar boat. I was so freaked and burnt out leading up to the exam. The week before the test I took 2 PTs, one of which was my lowest score since my diagnostic (low 150s). I was so panicked it’s unreal.
After that test, I decided to call it quits till the LSAT as to not burnout further. Light review was the maximum. Day of the test I scored the highest I’d ever scored (about 8 pts above my average) because I was rested. There isn’t a lot you can cram in two weeks and retain. All it will do is stress you further. My advice is dwindle this week, then the days before your exam just rest and take care of yourself. Test day you will thank you!
You clearly have the knowledge!!! Don’t make it harder for your massive and amazing brain to perform well on the test by burning out more. You got this in the BAG!! 🎉
@mia0655 Thank you so much for this, it's definitely scary to take a break and trust in my knowledge to get me there, I tend to be more of a proactive study a lot person but I realize now this will only hinder me. Congrats on getting a PR on your test day!!
you need to chill out: thats the reason you're doing badly on current tests, not bcs your logic or head is wrong. let your brain relax and dont exhaust yourself. focus on a hobby, your relationships, or even your job. read for fun. exercise. come back to studying just for a few drills per day or looking over notes.
It sounds like you already know the answer - take it lightly the next two weeks. My PT before my August test was a 165 and then two days before the test I was not doing well on practice sections (I was also studying a lot). I ended up scoring around my PTs on the test (163).
It will all be okay, your brain will lock in on test day. You won't just forget your skills and intuition.
@nr thank you!
I just wanted to chime in and say that I am in the exact same boat! Sept 12th test date, feeling burnt out leading up to it. My advice, which I'm also giving to myself, is that this is an exercise in trust - trust in your abilities and all the training and practice you've put into this so far. Studying harder is tempting because it feels like an action item, but resting can be as, if not more, productive despite the fact that it's passive rather than active. As an example, I took a day off for the first time in months this past weekend, and the LR section I did the next day felt smooth as butter. I find a lot more mental resistance starts to build up when you just grind and grind and grind.
You're not alone!!!
@kmbabcock I'm also testing sept 12! I appreciate your advice and totally agree with what you're saying. I hope you have a great test day!! We got this!!
@Chebebe Same to you! You're right, we do got this!!