I've registered for the September LSAT on the 11th and have been preparing actively until last week. I was pretty confident about my everyday progress and was hitting my target scores frequently until last week.
A week ago, I had a mental and physical crisis. Mentally, I was trying to do some detailed analysis to improve my RC by spending a whole afternoon reading and taking notes on a few of the hardest passages, and then I felt like I couldn't read English anymore — I felt like the words were floating in front of me and didn't make any sense anymore.
Physically, since I have a 9-5 job that requires me to sit at my desk all the time stressfully, and I have to sit for a few more hours before and/or after work for LSAT prep, I had the most serious neck and back pain of my life. I couldn't sit, lie down, or sleep with that pain. Going to urgent care tomorrow.
This is my first official LSAT, and now I really don't think I can hit my target score this time. I've only studied for a few months (along with my 9-5), and I seriously couldn't commit more time to the LSAT. I've also registered for the June LSAT but canceled it at the last second — I wasn't prepared well for that one and was really uncomfortable taking it without any confidence.
I plan to apply next cycle, and I think the September one is probably worth a shot. Even if I can't hit my target score, here are some pros:
I can become more familiar with the test center environment. I have ADHD and my 150% accommodation has been approved, but I'm not sure if I can perform well when people are walking, typing, and just breathing around me. So I can collect data this time to see if I should ask for other accommodations.
I don't wanna bail again this time — last time I was only about 35% prepared, but this time I was at 90% until last week. I don't expect a miracle to happen this time, but bailing on myself feels bad too.
I can cancel my score anyway, though it would use up one of my LSAT attempts.
Well... didn't realize I've written so much already, and sorry for bringing some negative energy... I probably just want to vent and can't find anybody in my real life. Looks like I've already convinced myself to take the September one, but still wanna hear your thoughts!
For the people who are on the same boat, you are not alone — here's another broken soul (and body). Let's just hang in there!!! We will be fine!!
2 comments
Can you take a break for a night or two and reset? When if the lsat? I skipped two evenings of studying and feel more ready to tackle my studying my now for the long weekend. I also work full time usually 50 ish hours and I understand that test anxiety plus littles running around. I’d probably take it to see what you get. You can always schedule for another test and then will give you a good baseline, if you do feel you need to improve.
@S.Val. Thank you so much for your comment! I've stopped studying for almost a week, which is pretty risky actually.. Yes I think I will probably still take it. I aim to apply next cycle so looks like I have plenty of time to fix/improve, even if this September one is not ideal (which I am sure it won't be). Good luck on your upcoming exam!!