Currently in a 173-174 rut (past 4 PTs). Need to climb to 176+ consistently before the November exam (so around 2.5 weeks). My blind review's are consistently in the 176-180 range, so I know that I'm conceptually adept and not lacking in understanding.
My main issue is fatigue. Around the 2nd-3rd section, I get fatigued and find it slightly more difficult to stay honed in on the next 2-3 sections of the exam.
Looking for general tips on how to build fatigue resistance / be able to stay dialed in on all 4 sections without a drop in focus and vigor.
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2 comments
Hi there! If you're already scoring in the mid 170s, that is awesome! Clearly, you've got a really solid understanding of the material. To build up your test taking endurance, I recommend doing drills that are longer than a standard section (so 30-40 LR questions, or 5-6 RC passages). Don't do too many of these, but some sprinkled into your practice routine may help you get used to staying focused and energized beyond what your brain is expecting to do. You can also drill/study at times of the day when you'd normally be tired, to work on being able to reason when you're fatigued without having to take a whole PT.
When you're taking a PT and start to feel the fatigue (or start to lose focus), close your eyes, take a deep breath, and reset. It's okay to do this any time you need--when I took my LSAT, I would sometimes even do this in between every question (especially as I got tired and the test wore on). It only takes a second or two, and can help reset your brain to focus on the next question. Make sure you're energized before PTing as well, and plan out your 10-minute break in the middle of the test! I recommend a bathroom break, stretching to keep your body and mind warmed up, and a snack that will fuel you. That worked very well to keep my energy up, and has worked well for my students too. That, combined with some endurance drilling and practicing staying focused when you're tired or it's been a long day should hopefully bring your endurance up in time for test day!
2nd the snack and quick little walk around the hallway. Some sugars and physical activity can do a lot to combat fatigue. You got this. Good luck to the both of us. Also, maybe only eating a light meal before the exam? So you don’t get tired from being too full.