The LSAT is taking over my mental health

mollyotoole9

I've been studying for the LSAT since the summer and am taking it in June. I'm also currently in my third year of univeristy with a full course load, sports team volunteer work, etc. so I'm feeling a lot of stress. I know that's not uncommon when studying for the LSAT and that many test-takers embark on their LSAT journey while having really full plates. But I think the stress of it has gotten to me more than I expected. It's added a lot to my daily life and weighs heavy on my mind, it's something I'm constantly thinking about. Every grade I get back feels like the end of the world, like if it's not nearly-perfect there's no chance I'll get into law school and I'll be a failure. Every PT I do feels super important, like I need to show myself that I'm improving. I know I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself, but the LSAT and the law school application process just feels so all encompassing. I feel such anxiety about my GPA and my PT scores, it's impacting every other area of my life. Part of it is that I don't have any friends who are also taking this test, so I feel a little isolated from my friends, who are constantly asking me: "Why are you taking so long to study for that test?" and "Don't most people only need like three months?"
Any tips on not feeling like your life revoloves around academics and the LSAT?

180orclose

Get your mind back; for the most part I have times where I don't really care what people have to say - as long as I'm authentic, not hurting no one and live right. Mental health is definitely always #1. The test will be around for now but your actual relationships with family/friends-that R&R time with them- are a different story. You are irreplaceable. The LSAT is only one step and law school is going to add so much more stress so you really don't need to do this to yourself at this stage of the game. Take it easy because I know firsthand haste makes waste. There's absolutely no need to rush, although you have the drive. Feel free to DM me. I'm planning to retake in June myself right now.

natemanwell1

push the date. take it in September. then you'll have 3 months where you can focus on the lsat.

natemanwell1

also confused why you would need "near perfect grades" to get into law school. plenty of law schools have a median gpa of 3.5 and below, and plenty of kids with high lsat scores go to the best schools in the country with that gpa.

HarveyBirdman AttorneyAtLaw

I'm no pre-law advisor, but I'm inclined to think that if your GPA is still within your control (i.e. you're still working on your undergrad), then don't risk your GPA for your LSAT. Get that GPA as close to perfect as you can get it while it is still within your domain to do so. Walk the stage, get the diploma, and then do hard pivot back to LSAT Prep. My sense is your GPA and LSAT will both probably be better for it.

MattyCzar

It might not work for everyone, but I went from having a 3.6 GPA after my first year to graduating with two majors and a 3.9 GPA simply by changing my mindset and approach to grades. I began approaching classes with the mindset of 'I'm going to do my best in this class, and whatever grade I get, if I gave it my all, won't disappoint me.' I began checking my grades less frequently (still check to make sure a teacher doesn't miss something) and think that that simple mindset change relieved a ton of pressure for me and may have actually allowed me to do so well my final three years.