I'd be interested as well!

I can relate. I had been studying for the LSAT since February, finished the CC over the summer, and thought I could balance studying and returning to work in September full time (I'm a high school teacher). I was wrong- work was absolute chaos, and I was taking work home constantly and I couldn't commit to my studying in the way I needed to. I wrote the October LSAT anyways because I had already registered, but I'm happy to have had the experience of writing it. I ended up taking some time off work to commit to studying, and I wish I had done it sooner. I agree with others, it is a part of life and you have to learn how to balance, but I also realized that half-assing my effort into LSAT was not going to help me move forward with my future, and If I wanted to give law school a real shot, I was going to have to commit the time.

I realize also that not everyone has the luxury of taking time off work, in which case you have to set realistic expectations for yourself and a realistic schedule. When I first started studying, I thought I could write by spring and then by summer (lol) but with working full time, and still wanting to prioritize my own sanity, I had to create a schedule that worked for me, and that meant waiting longer to write the test. What made me take off work is seeing a lack of progress and knowing I needed to crack down on certain skills I was lacking. It sucks to bump your expectations of when you want to write or when you want to apply to schools but sometimes that's the healthiest thing you can do, and what is most beneficial for the results you want.

Also- we haven't gotten our results yet for October- maybe you did okay. No point dwelling on something you don't know yet or can't control, it's not helpful to you/ your mental health. Take some time to rest, be kind to yourself, and then make a plan :)

Confidence & Positive mindset is everything! I struggle with anxiety and I tend to be more pessimistic. If I have an anxious thought, I can spiral easily. This is something I was really struggling with leading up to my November test and it was killing my PT scores. I would find myself thinking about the test as a whole, how I'm doing, etc. and that would take away from time I need to focus. My tutor reminded me I can't think about progress- a good feeling on the LSAT doesn't always mean a good score (something I've also experienced) and I can only focus on one question at a time and that's it. Once I've answered, I need to move on, and not think about it.

I spoke to a friend of mine who isn't writing an LSAT, but she's a very positive person and uses positive affirmations. I felt a bit silly, but I figured, hey, I'll do anything to get out of my head at this point. So, I took a few days off before the test, then did some light drills with my tutor, and wrote one PT (which I didn't score) a few days before just to practice focusing. I meditated before the test and during the break (just to focus on being present and in the moment) and every time I would start to think about "how I'm doing", I told myself NO. One question at a time. I did all of this exact stuff on test day. Before the test, I wrote out a list of positive affirmations like "I can do this" "I have done everything I can to prepare for this moment" etc. It sounds corny, but it helped. My November test was the most focused I've ever been and all of this really helped me change how I take the test.

I scored 158 in November which I was happy with as it was a big improvement from my first score, but I'm still writing in January. I took two weeks off while I waited for my score, and now I continue to meditate before I PT, take time to exercise, and take a day off a week to socialize with people who aren't writing the test, just like others have recommended. I am feeling way less stressed and confident, and seeing big improvements in my scores. Your mindset really is half the battle with the LSAT. You got this :)

@ The proctor will ask you to momentarily stand in front of a mirror holding your laptop (or I guess you could hold a mirror to the laptop if you don't have one on your wall) so that they can see your screen and keyboard.

First, I want to say I am so sorry for all of the loss you've experienced. I cannot even fathom what that must feel like, especially being so far from home. It's huge that you have been able to even study at all through all of that, let alone get those types of scores! Recognize that, you should be proud of yourself and remember to be kind to yourself.

I am also writing in January, and though I have not experienced your level of loss mixed with that kind of distance from those I love, I've dealt with other types of struggles this year stemming from Covid and it's been quite the journey (I'd venture to say many people have had some struggles this year that they didn't expect to throw such a wrench in their plans). Anyways, it's also been causing some struggles for me in motivation and focus for a test that's just a few days away and that's so important as it's the last go for 2022 admission. Personally, I've been journaling lots lately to remind myself why I am taking this test, and to give myself credit for the work I have done despite the obstacles that have come my way, instead of being hard on myself, and trying to remind myself that it's just a test. If it doesn't work out, I will be devastated, but I will make it through that and figure things out because I've been doing that all year. Reading my thoughts when I'm having a low moment works for me, personally.

I know it's not the exact situation you are experiencing, but maybe sharing might help you shift your perspective or apply what you need to your own experience. You wrote that you're first gen- so am I :) That comes with it's own pressure. As hard as it must be for you and your family members to be apart from one another, I am sure both those who are present and those you have lost along the way are very proud of you and would want to see you succeed, whatever that means for you!

Sending you lots of love and positivity. Remember to give yourself a few days rest before the test. Hang in there!

lol...lesson learned.. I saw the word "EXCEPT" and assumed I would be eliminating "could be true" answer choices and one AC that contradicts, not looking for MBF (that contradict) and one that echoes the stimulus.. woops