Okay, so I'm really frustrated right now. I was getting 170s in my practice tests, followed the 7sage curriculum, just got my score back and it's a 159.
I studied every morning for 2-2.5 hours, and in the afternoon for 2 more hours. I cried more times than I could convey, but by the last 2-3 months wasn't ccoring below a 165.
I don't know what it is I'm supposed to do now. Where am I supposed to go from here? Yeah, okay, I have an opportunity in November, but is it going to get better in 2 weeks? I'm really really frustrated right now.
I hope I'm not alone here - but, if there's anything I can say that maybe first time takers aren't expecting that i wasn't told about at ALL is that, on the actual testing day, it isn't like you all sit down and start at your designated time. You all just each individually start when you show up, and people WILL be filtering in and out the entire time. You can't cross your ankles. You can't shirt around too much. A metal detector will be taken to you and they will check under every article of clothing.
I don't know if not knowing this is what threw me off, but if this could help anyone, well there you go.
If you have any advice for what tf I'm supposed to do in the next few weeks to get a better score, let me know.
8 comments
If you have been testing in the 170s, 2 weeks is more than enough! As Josephine mentioned, it sounds like the environment may have had some effect, and despite trying to replicate it, I understand that it still does not compare to test day. I just want to say though, it sounds like it will certainly get better. As a multiple test taker, the nerves do not always disappear the second time, but for me it was much easier to settle and focus come that second test. I also have tested at home, and the check in process is not good there either. All I can recommend for that is knowing what they will be asking/requiring. I also saw someone say that they took time before signing in to help ease their nerves. I am sure test centers are different, but it might be something available. I would maybe take a day or 2 for yourself, and remind yourself of your PTs. I think if you are still finding success, keep studying the way you have and dont be hard on yourself. You are capable of those scores come November! I wish you the best of luck and hope this was encouraging at least! Aside from the checking in things catching you off guard, did you feel ill-prepared in any way? Sorry this is alr long, the foot thing is absurd on their end, im sorry you had to deal with that and hopefully they avoid that your next test
@SamuelRamirez Thank you for this, seriously, it makes me feel a lot better after such an absolute disaster of a morning!! (And definitely not too long at all)
I don’t know if I felt ill-prepared, tbh!! I think it was more of an issue with focus because my mind was so all over the place and I felt so thrown off! I remember coming out of it being like “I don’t remember anything about those first two sections” lol
And about the feet thing - right?! I mean it just feels like overkill. The seat was too high for my feet to even touch the ground so I was just all-around very uncomfortable
@Morgeva Totally fair, I felt I was losing focus this recent test, took my break and stared at a wall trying to clear my head, and I honestly think that helped me a lot! I felt a lot more focused, but just something that might help if you want to maybe test it under a test simulation. Best of luck moving forward!!
Hi there! I'm really sorry to hear you're feeling frustrated, and I get it. Your PTs sound like they were really solid, so I'm sure your score came as a bit of a blow. That said: first of all, don't give up, and keep faith in yourself. Your PTs show that you clearly have a solid understanding of the test and can perform well under timed conditions.
One thing that I really recommend to students whose scores drop significantly on test day, especially since it sounds like you were pretty thrown off by the testing procedures and the environment/requirements: mimic that environment in your PTs! If you PT at home, see if you can find some sort of testing center ambient noise to play (people coughing, shuffling, sniffling, etc). Or, if you want to take it a step further, test in a library or other public space where people are quiet-ish, but where there will be interruptions and unexpected noises. Act like you're in the test center, too. I'm surprised you can't cross your ankles, because I think I probably crossed my legs at some point during my LSAT, so I would double-check whether or not that's actually a rule. A quick google says it's allowed, but perhaps call your testing center to inquire about their specific rules so you can practice with those in mind. The biggest goal is to mimic the things that threw you off when you're studying for November, so that by the time you get to your next test you feel more prepared. And, for what it's worth, even just having taken it once and knowing what to expect your second time can help a lot.
Other than that, there are a couple of things to check to make sure your PTs are representative: make sure you're taking PTs with the experimental section (I've had a couple of students leave it out and then wonder why their score dropped when they took a PT with the experimental section. It's all about endurance). And of course take them timed, don't pause for breaks outside of the usual LSAT ones unless you have accommodations, etc. You might start practicing a routine for your 10-minute middle-of-the-test break, too. I find that a clear timed routine for that break can really help you stay in the right headspace and gear up for the second half of the test. Go to the bathroom, have a snack, stretch, etc.
And my last big piece of advice: do not push yourself extra hard because of this. Burning out is a real danger, and you're already doing so well that it's probably not the material itself that's the problem. So take care of yourself and make sure you do plenty of fun non-LSAT things. This is SO important!! You want to be refreshed and feeling confident for test day, and burning out or pushing yourself too hard because you're disappointed will only hurt your next test. Take some time to recuperate, do some fun things, and then get back to studying in a measured, balanced way. Remember: you can do this!! Hopefully this helps!
@Josephine Yeah, luckily I was following the testing center layout itself to a T - doing the first two sections back to back, 10 minute break, and then the next two. My mom suggested trying to study somewhere noiser where people are moving around a lot also, so I definitely think I'll try that out! As for the ankle crossing thing, I don't know if it was just my location, but they heavily emphasized putting your feet flat on the floor - I think constantly having to check myself on that throughout the test also threw me off.
@Morgeva Ooh interesting! That's a really odd requirement. Might just be your testing center, but it's not a bad idea to call them and inquire about that before your next test just to confirm. And if it is indeed a requirement, then you can practice with that in mind and hopefully it'll become automatic!
I'm glad to hear you've been following the testing setup exactly, that is great! And I do think that studying in a noisier and less predictable place will probably help you apply your awesome PT scores to the actual test environment. Best of luck!
@Morgeva That's a wild requirement. I've been to two different test centers and I've been able to fidget as much as I want and even mumble to myself as I read through things without any issue.
Is it possible to test at a different location?
I have some advice that I'm planning on taking myself, for me all that noise was an issue , so soft foam earplugs feel like a good idea, tissues, and genuinely for me to find some techniques to ease my anxiety that I know that i will have during the test. a clear water bottle, snacks for your locker. These are all small things but they can affect you when taking your test.