Hello. So basically, what the title says. I have been studying for over a year now (diagnostic was a 139), and a year ago I was PTing at 146. I completed the 7Sage curriculum, read the Loophole, read both LR and RC Powerscore Bibles, and have once again finished the 7Sage curriculum for the second time. The grand finale after all that... another 146 UNTIMED. I am so incredibly heartbroken. I only actually locked into this exam 3ish months ago after a friend also studying for the LSAT convinced me to finally take it in November to help get over my fear of the exam (I had been signing up and pushing it back/canceling for months). I even had a tutor during this time, and he didn't quite help as much as I had hoped. I was also keeping a wrong-answer journal for a short time, but I was getting so many questions wrong and not fully understanding the reasoning why that I got so irritated and stopped.
My most recent timed PT was a 144. I know at this point I have no choice but to retest-- probably in February. Honestly, I'm not sure if I have it in me to keep studying after November and humiliating myself like this. Honestly, I'm probably half-assing my studying compared to others, but I'm not sure what to do, or if I even want to continue this career. Nothing has stuck, I don't know how to effectively study because I've never had to (not that it's an excuse), I've never been good at exams, and this test is just an accumulation of all these things. I keep being told to stop thinking so negatively and that it's all in my head, but I think anyone with this experience would eventually reach this mentality. I don't necessarily want to switch career paths and give up, but I also don't know how much more I can take. I have the grades, LORs, work experience, and an awesome PS, but the only thing holding me back is just a number. I've had to lower my goal score from a 160, knowing that anything lower obviously wouldn't get me into my top school (GSU). What more can I do?
I apologize for the rant, but I just wanted to keep it real in case others were also struggling like this.
2 comments
I think you should give yourself a break give yourself like a two week break.... go on some hikes/bike rides/ dance it out. Do something physical get out of your house. Put the study material away and out of sight don't even think about the LSAT don't allow anyone to mention it to you -tell them you're taking a mental break.
When you do come back, if you're like me and think you have a smidge of adhd/add and are a bit antsy and chaotic. Set a small accomplishable amount of studying per day. Quality>Quantity. ( I went from an antsy 2.5- hour mistake riddled studying to a really focused hour - you can even break it up into 25 minute bites) With this you may also want to reconsider your test day.
You should read everything/Watch the videos even the boring lessons , that you may think you know. There are some good explanations and reasonings you may not have accounted for.
Slow down. It's not a race it may feel like it but practice for accuracy , before adding a timed element. Also try studying at a time when you don't have to worry about other commitments.
In addition, don't worry about your score or predicted score, just worry about one question/question type at a time. I would before choosing a program just use my lawhub prep , pick a random Test , untimed and do a section for 1-2 days and then review it after completing the full test it allowed me to see more growth than just using my preptest books.
Mark up your practice sets- come up with a color code system pink=premise, yellow=conclusion, green=support etcetera. It's time consuming but if you find yourself constantly in the same score range its worth it to start here and then ditch the stuff you don't need.
If you have squireel brain try and get medicated. I started taking berberine and l-theanine mushroom supplements I'm not sure if it's placebo or not but my mind feels calmer and I am able to get more in the groove. You could also set a routine of meditating and tea, or lighting a candle - just get into a routine that signifies study time.
Quick question: You noted that you've read The Loophole so I just want to confirm your assessment of it. Did you hit the translation drill benchmark speed that Cassidy talks about in the book? In my opinion, just working on your ability to process the stimulus alone should yield some nice gains. I don't think you need to hit the goal she sets but it's a great benchmark to use before trying to drill questions.
I can absolutely empathize with feeling like you don't know how to study as I've also had to build up a study habit from near scratch. However, if you're going to be a lawyer, the ability to self-assess yourself might as well be necessary. I can't speak for you but I feel like you're counting yourself out when there's no reason to do that. I know you've said that you've been studying for over a year but that doesn't mean that you aren't capable of more with some breakthroughs that are absolutely possible at your score range.