Spend the first week figuring out where you’re losing points, and use the second week to build consistency. Take one or two full PTs in realistic test-day settings, but focus more on reviewing them than just taking more tests. Go over every question you missed, flagged, or felt unsure about, and look for patterns in your mistakes. Use short, focused drills to work on those specific issues instead of trying to pick up a brand new strategy.
Plan to take your last full PT about five to seven days before the exam. In the final week, cut back on your workload and spend your time on timed sections, question types you know well, and keeping your confidence up. Try not to cram or take any full tests in the last couple of days.
Start getting into your testday sleep and morning routine now. Double-check your testing instructions, ID, transportation and anything else you’ll need ahead of time. The day before the exam, either take the day off or just do a few easy questions to warm up. Being well-rested and calm will help you more than trying to fit in one last long study session.
@Asma Hey Asma, thanks for the tips! Since you are a tutor you would be the perfect person to ask: Does it really help to let off the gas on the last day right before the exam? I know you already answered it (the answer is yes) but it is just really hard for me to wrap my head around the fact it is better to stop practicing right before the test. Wouldn't it be better keep learning more and potentially fix some mistakes rather than not? Did your students find success in taking the day off or reducing workload right before the test? Thank you for your insight!!
@Kyle180 Hey, I know it sounds scary to take the day off before the test, but from personal experience and what I've heard from students, studying and doing practice tests right before test day does more harm than good. I think it's important to remember that the LSAT is about skills you build over time, not something you can cram for at the last minute. Trying to tackle a tough section right before the test probably won't fix any lingering weaknesses, but it could leave you feeling tired and anxious going into the exam.
With that in mind, if taking a full day off makes you more nervous, I recommend spending 15 to 30 minutes on easy, familiar questions in the morning, then calling it a day. I wouldn't recommend a full practice test or switching strategies right before the exam, but doing a few questions to get in the mindset before and on test day won't hurt.
@Asma Thank you for the advice! What would you recommend on the day of the test? I've heard some people would do a couple easy warm up questions right before the test. Is that going to be more helpful or harmful? Thank you!
Hello! I would recommend spending one more week reviewing, doing heavy review of your previously missed questions (understanding why you missed them, etc.), and maybe do one more full PT in that time. Make sure to take it timed and during the time of day you will take the actual one! And for the second week, I would recommend taking some time off to recuperate and rest your brain immediately before the test. Take this with a grain of salt, but in studying I found that I always had a small score jump every time I took a break from studying, so I chose to give myself at least five study-free days before the actual test. Try to decompress and do something fun - you got this!
5 comments
Spend the first week figuring out where you’re losing points, and use the second week to build consistency. Take one or two full PTs in realistic test-day settings, but focus more on reviewing them than just taking more tests. Go over every question you missed, flagged, or felt unsure about, and look for patterns in your mistakes. Use short, focused drills to work on those specific issues instead of trying to pick up a brand new strategy.
Plan to take your last full PT about five to seven days before the exam. In the final week, cut back on your workload and spend your time on timed sections, question types you know well, and keeping your confidence up. Try not to cram or take any full tests in the last couple of days.
Start getting into your testday sleep and morning routine now. Double-check your testing instructions, ID, transportation and anything else you’ll need ahead of time. The day before the exam, either take the day off or just do a few easy questions to warm up. Being well-rested and calm will help you more than trying to fit in one last long study session.
@Asma Hey Asma, thanks for the tips! Since you are a tutor you would be the perfect person to ask: Does it really help to let off the gas on the last day right before the exam? I know you already answered it (the answer is yes) but it is just really hard for me to wrap my head around the fact it is better to stop practicing right before the test. Wouldn't it be better keep learning more and potentially fix some mistakes rather than not? Did your students find success in taking the day off or reducing workload right before the test? Thank you for your insight!!
@Kyle180 Hey, I know it sounds scary to take the day off before the test, but from personal experience and what I've heard from students, studying and doing practice tests right before test day does more harm than good. I think it's important to remember that the LSAT is about skills you build over time, not something you can cram for at the last minute. Trying to tackle a tough section right before the test probably won't fix any lingering weaknesses, but it could leave you feeling tired and anxious going into the exam.
With that in mind, if taking a full day off makes you more nervous, I recommend spending 15 to 30 minutes on easy, familiar questions in the morning, then calling it a day. I wouldn't recommend a full practice test or switching strategies right before the exam, but doing a few questions to get in the mindset before and on test day won't hurt.
@Asma Thank you for the advice! What would you recommend on the day of the test? I've heard some people would do a couple easy warm up questions right before the test. Is that going to be more helpful or harmful? Thank you!
Hello! I would recommend spending one more week reviewing, doing heavy review of your previously missed questions (understanding why you missed them, etc.), and maybe do one more full PT in that time. Make sure to take it timed and during the time of day you will take the actual one! And for the second week, I would recommend taking some time off to recuperate and rest your brain immediately before the test. Take this with a grain of salt, but in studying I found that I always had a small score jump every time I took a break from studying, so I chose to give myself at least five study-free days before the actual test. Try to decompress and do something fun - you got this!