Hi all,
I've been studying consistently six days a week since February. I first started studying in May 2025 and was consistent through August 2025, but I was very inconsistent from September through January. I've mentioned before that I made multiple sacrifices to be able to apply this year, so I worry that continuing is just the sunk cost fallacy.
In July I was consistently hitting high 160s, with one 172. I scored a 158 in August (anxiety, among other things) and then a 164 in September, which felt much better. I've essentially run out of new material from PT 130-158, and I'm extremely burnt out. I've been juggling the LSAT with personal issues, school, internships, and extracurriculars.
I took two sections today, and the results matched what I've seen since September: I'm scoring -4 to -6 on LR and similarly on RC. My scores are regressing. I feel like I've done everything right. I didn't intern this summer so I could focus on studying, wrote a WAJ for every missed question, reviewed in detail, and even tried the Socratic method, but I haven't improved past 168. I also haven't had a real break. I took about three days off after August and three after September.
I really wanted to apply as a KJD, but I don't think it's worth continuing to push just for that, especially since KJD odds are already lower than for other applicants. I feel like I'm doing something harmful to myself to prove a point, and honestly, there's an ego piece to it too. This decision took a lot of courage, because I've been preparing myself to apply this year, but everything points toward applying next cycle.
I plan to take the February or April exam. Next year I'll have five classes and an internship but no extracurriculars, so I expect to feel much better, especially with the lower pressure of having February, April, and June as options.
What do you all think? Has anyone been in a similar position?
5 comments
Hey, ever since i took the official lsat in september I have been scoring 6 points lower than my official score. I am happy with my official score but I wanted a few extra points in October. I would recommend to put the LSAT aside for at least a week. Dont even think about it, go get a massage, chill with friends. If you are not registered for november, register for January, its still not too late. The only reason I would encourage a little bit to not wait for next cycle is because they might score the writing section and who knows what other changes they will do and theres the possibility it might get even more competitive. You know the test right now, 172 pt shows me you know it. Burnout is very very real but usually one week is more than enough to get the rest necessary for your brain to recoup. I wish you the best of luck in any decision you make, trust yourself, you got this.
I’m planning on taking the February exam. They don’t change the test that dramatically in the middle of a testing administration year, do they?
It sounds like you're on the ragged edge of burnout. You don't want to hear this with the exam right before you, but Peter888 is right. You need to take some time away from the test. When you come back to it after some time away, things will feel different.
i’m considered withdrawing from October because I am really dreading sitting down for an exam that I know I feel very unconfident for. I feel like I should take at least a month’s break and aim for spring 2027 exam. What do you think?
A month is probably on the long end for a potential break, but it can work. Definitely, I'd take some time off. You should take tests when you feel ready. If you don't feel ready, don't take the test.