I posted this on a similar forum, I hope it may help you a little bit:
I'm slotted for the April exam, too, and I began studying in January. For context, I'm an active Army officer who just moved to Europe with a baby on the way and took a command position, so I can understand some of the stressors you might be facing. I've found success through a disciplined schedule. I've carved out two periods of my day that I dedicate for studying: 530-630 AM when I get to work, and whenever I finish I study for another hour before I head home. On Saturdays I take a PT, Sunday’s too if I’m feeling froggy. It was painful for the first few weeks, but humans are creatures of habit, and when a person creates a routine, from my experience, the mind and body are ready to go and you maximize your study efforts. It also helps you feel in control. That schedule helped me study and progress despite moving, change of command, and being in command, and creating something similar you can adhere to may help with your situation, too. Success, fun, and sleep are all part of that triangle where you can only have 2 of 3 at any time. Figure out where you can sacrifice from, find that time, and make it routine. I've always sacrificed sleep, but that's just me.
I also like to use an analogy to help with preventing burnout. If you're into Crossfit, endurance events, weightlifting, etc., you've probably heard the saying "listen to your body." I've found studying for the LSAT is quite similar. If I'm studying for 5 minutes and literally nothing is clicking, I take a second and determine whether I need a break or not. If there's a lot of work stress or whatever sometimes I opt to do something else, or bust a workout to clear my head. That doesn't mean only study when you feel like it; it just means be self-aware.
If you have any questions about the balance please feel free to shoot me a DM. I’m really hoping that my April score went well cause I do not want to take the June test which is 2 days before the baby’s due date, or August test and leave my wife with a 3 month old when I’m already working all day anyways. But that’s my problem to deal with.
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@ I will look into it, I never even considered it an option before. I thought the bikes and helmet and shoes and stuff were crazy expensive, but I did some googling and there are not nearly as expensive as I thought, I think a used bike would be fine for me to see if I actually like doing it before I plunge head first in. I do like challenges that push my bodies endurance and mental toughness.
Great. Totally agree, definitely start with something used. You’re going to wipe out, that’s inevitable, so better on a starter used bike than a brand new Bianchi. If you have any questions shoot me a DM.
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@ I've been to Mount Rainer, I've been to the Panorama point and stayed in a ski lodge near there.
I would have guessed that it took a lot longer than 3 hours to go 60 miles.
I use to go to the gym everyday before they shut down, but now I try and powerwalk/jog and do pushups sit-ups to get my exercise in. I like to run, however, with the road being much harder than a treadmill, it kills my ankle. The cartilage/liquid in my ankle is barely there since I broke it, so its more so, bone on bone but once the gyms open back up I want to get back to lifting!
You should look into road cycling. It still stresses your body in different ways but it's a lot easier on the joints. I've done a lot of training in the military (Ranger School, Airborne, many unit training events and hundreds of miles of rucking), and my knees and back are pretty worn out, and even though I enjoy running, cycling has given me that endurance outlet without the stress on my joints since its low impact. I love to lift and Crossfit, too, and fortunately my job gets me access to the gyms, but cycling is a great endurance option.
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@ I enjoy driving though the mountains of west coast. But I could never imagine cycling though them...
I'm trying to do some long endurance events and cycling through hills is great training. It's also great mental toughness and resiliency training. I have found that the lessons I get from physical stressful training are extremely helpful in LSAT prep and on test day believe it or not.
Also, it depends on where you're biking, but if you're on flat ground 50 miles takes roughly around 3 hours. I did a 60 mile ride in 3:15 with a friend, but we also were doing more of a bike tour across the countryside so we stopped often at little cafes and sights to take pictures and I didn't have my computer set up so it kept time running a few times. If you're in the mountains that time gets a lot slower.
I actually was assigned at JBLM in Tacoma so I am very familiar with the west coast mountains. Proposed to my wife on Mount Rainier!
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Long distance endurance training and traveling. Going to travel Europe and cycle through the mountains while I live in Italy on the Army's dime.
@ This sounds like a great life!
I can't complain, got very fortunate in the assignment lottery. But the Army can definitely still be the Army, and Soldiers will always do Soldier things and ruin your day...
Long distance endurance training and traveling. Going to travel Europe and cycle through the mountains while I live in Italy on the Army's dime.
I got hit by a car while riding my bike. I’m good but my left arm had some severe trauma and needed two surgeries. I’m going to have some difficulties writing and I want to stick with the June test: I’ve been consistently PTing 170s and feel confident. Will LSAC accept a late accommodations request? If this even something warranting accommodations. Otherwise I might just suck it up buttercup.
Shoot me a DM. If my June score comes back where I want it I’m going to be done studying, but I’m more than happy to chat about studying on active duty and the different things I’ve done to improve my scores. I’m currently in command and understand the many constraints the Army imposes on life. Would be glad to share my insights and chat about ways to navigate the chain of command to help you out. I’m not sure what your rank or MOS is, but it’s possible and if this is what you want to do with your life your CoC should support you, regardless if you’re an Officer, NCO, or Soldier.
I'm slotted for the April exam, too, and I began studying in January. For context, I'm an active Army officer who just moved to Europe with a baby on the way and took a command position, so I can understand some of the stressors you might be facing. I've found success through a disciplined schedule. I've carved out two periods of my day that I dedicate for studying: 530-630 AM when I get to work, and 5-6 PM before I head home. It was painful for the first few weeks, but humans are creatures of habit, and when a person creates a routine, from my experience, the mind and body are ready to go and you maximize your study efforts. It also helps you feel in control. That schedule helped me study and progress despite moving, change of command, and being in command, and creating something similar you can adhere to may help with your situation, too. Success, fun, and sleep are all part of that triangle where you can only have 2 of 3 at any time. Figure out where you can sacrifice from, find that time, and make it routine. I've always sacrificed sleep, but that's just me.
I also like to use an analogy to help with preventing burnout. If you're into Crossfit, endurance events, weightlifting, etc., you've probably heard the saying "listen to your body." I've found studying for the LSAT is quite similar. If I'm studying for 5 minutes and literally nothing is clicking, I take a second and determine whether I need a break or not. If there's a lot of work stress or whatever sometimes I opt to do something else, or bust a workout to clear my head. That doesn't mean only study when you feel like it; it just means be self-aware.
That all being said, I do agree with the above comment about your UGPA. Once you graduate your GPA is locked. The LSAT is not going anywhere, and you have time to prepare for that. Prioritize your effort. I would definitely put everything into my GPA while I could still impact it. My UGPA is great, but I do look at some of my grades and wish I cared a little more about that class and less about that Thursday beer. But, I digress.
If it were me, I'd go for the June exam, create a schedule for myself to adhere to, attack my GPA, then crush the test. If I bombed the April test I'd feel like I would be put into recovery mode and that would detract from everything else in my life. And I'd feel like I wasted money. You have time on your side, use it to your advantage to attack the LSAT at 100% or as close as you can be. It's your decision, but as I like to tell my Soldiers, I want to help you make an informed decision. Hope that helps.
I graduated from a service academy in 2016. I actually tossed my cap 5 years ago today, didn't realize it until started typing this comment. My active duty Army commitment is complete today, but I'm going to do a few more years to maximize my GI benefits. Been interesting studying for the LSAT; last time I studied for standardized tests was over 10 years ago. Now I'm in command of a unit in Italy, married, and our first is due in June, way different experience. I've been studying since January when I moved to Europe, so if you need any advice on studying during a full-time job and other craziness let me know, always glad to chat!
@ understanding what you can and cannot control helped me relax, sleep, and stay calm. You have studied hard, put in the work, and exhausted yourself preparing for this exam; you've done all you can control.
The content on the exam is out of your control. While uncertainty is nerve-wracking, you have taken the steps necessary within your control to prepare. You are not simply taking the LSAT tomorrow, you are attacking it. You've studied and created strategies to set the conditions for yourself to win. While you don't know the exact questions you're going to see, you are taking the test on your terms thanks to the preparation, not the LSATs. You're well prepared and should be confident in your preparation and yourself. You can do this.
The best way to overcome anxiety is practice. The amount of practice required is different for every person; the LSAT may require minimal, some, or a lot of practice. Just remember nothing worth doing in life is easy and keep working hard.
As to your time issue, I think you need to develop an LSAT taking strategy; answer the questions you are strongest in first. For example: I was struggling quite a bit on the tests with my LR. After reviewing my analytics I was struggling notably with necessary assumption questions. Therefore, I practiced NAs a lot, but when I took my PTs I skipped every NA question I saw. That way I got to the questions I knew how to do and got through the entire section faster and built back a lot of time to review. With that extra time I would then more carefully review my NA questions. I no longer found myself guessing on my NAs and guessing on easy questions I had no time for. The result: I did dramatically better on LR and my NAs. I still address my NA questions that way even though I'm far better at them now because I'm super comfortable with the strategy. When you let hard questions sink your time you leave a lot of questions on the table. Don't let those questions that hurt you take time. Make a strategy, test it, and if it works use it. I think the confidence in a strategy that shows tangible results could help with your test taking anxiety. You are no longer taking the LSAT; you are attacking it after setting the appropriate conditions for success.
I found that strategy especially helpful and applicable to all 3 sections. I hope you find it helpful as well.
Some international test takers may have ended up with the -9. I had both the origami LG and the carpenter bees/leopard LR on Tuesday. There’s a possibility there.
Totally agree. I'm not looking at anything LSAT until I get my score back. The LSAT came right in a perfect storm with a busy time at work so I'm enjoying my time.
While it's important to study and work, it's also important to take time for yourselves. I'm in the Army (as I've stated on multiple comments so sorry for the repetitiveness). If I learned anything, the Army and all jobs will take and take and take and take. Don't let the LSAT do the same. Take the time now for yourself when it comes. And, learn to say no to some things to take time for yourself. Otherwise they'll take everything from you.
About to take my test, was just going to rip a shot of Jack but these are far superior options. In all seriousness, thanks for posting. It's important to reinforce these messages.
Would love to participate if there are any people who can accommodate a European timezone. I received an EE BS from a service academy and I'm currently a company commander stationed in Italy; I'd classify myself as an atypical law candidate, too. I take my first LSAT tomorrow so I'll have a baseline to work off of. I'm anticipating needing to retest. Considering my wife is due in June with our first I'm probably going to look at the October test for the next opportunity, so my timeline would align well with yours.
That would be great, I appreciate it! If not though, like I said it's not a problem.
Is there a chance this 6 MAR session will be recorded? I am on assignment in Italy so it will be at 0100 my time. Would love to watch a replay and take notes on the tips and tricks. Not a big deal if not, my situation is unique and my responsibility to work with. Thanks!
I just got my best PT score after leaving the hospital Thursday. Maybe I need to get hit by a car during test week, too. Lol.
In all seriousness, I’ve done mostly everything I can do within my control to succeed while balancing everything else in my life. I feel good. If you’ve done the same, you should feel good, too. Don’t let what you can’t control ruin your mindset. You can do it; believe that.