Hey Alex,

Full-time worker here. Between work and studying, I’m on 60- and 70-hour weeks.

It’s going to be difficult, but you will learn to manage if you want it bad enough.

Set a weekly schedule that takes you through to test day. Make sure you account for necessary changes along the way (when you will start taking timed PTs, etc.). My advice would be to set a test date, commit to it, and do everything you need to do to get where you need to be by that date. You may never feel 100% ready, but test day will come regardless. It’s been really tough for me, but every time I hit a roadblock, I assess my current needs (Do I need some encouragement, a break, or maybe to push harder?) and take it one step at a time. When I get passed that particular block, I feel even more excited and proud of myself that I’m one step closer to my ultimate goal.

Utilize the free tools available to you. I’m currently using Manhattan Prep’s LSAT Navigator and that’s helped me visualize my strengths and weaknesses. I’ve been able to take my struggle questions/sections one step at a time and am knocking them down one by one. If I come across a concept that’s particularly difficult, I read, search, and test until I’ve found a strategy that works for me.

Be in tune with your personal needs. A while back I was really struggling. It seemed like my brain had stopped working, and I could see my score being affected. I was absolutely exhausted and decided to take a break until I could get myself together (and some rest). The break ended up lasting two weeks. I was really nervous and a bit discouraged in anticipation of seeing whether or not the break had set me back. I ended up coming back stronger and had taken my RC from -10/12 to -3/4 (btw, the strategy that is helping me overcome RC is to read the questions first). I listened to my body, and I was rewarded.

What kind of encouragement works for you? Figure that out and surround yourself with it. For me, it’s reading stories of others who’ve been in similar (or worse) situations and have come out on top (top-law-schools is great for this). I’m also constantly reminding myself of why I want this and that this is just a stepping stone to the next phase of the journey (which is going to be even more difficult). I’m also encouraged by overcoming difficult concepts. Now that I’ve experienced this a few times (feeling so defeated I wanted to quit), I look forward to crushing the next task and getting even better.

If it helps you any, I’m pushing 30. I completely understand your concern about time. Just know that time is on your side, but don’t allow it to become a crutch. Set that date, make your schedule, and commit. You’ve got this!! Many in your shoes have accomplished their goals, and you will too!

Best of luck.

Wow! Thank you!!!!!!! Congratulations on your victory. Stories like this are so refreshing when times are getting tough. You're definitely an inspiration to keep pushing. Thank you again.