Music While Studying?

Comments

• Derek Kunhee Kim Member

  November 2014 131 karma

  I like some soft music when reviewing; however, I try to mimic test conditions when doing preptests and practice problems, so I turn off the tunes then. But I will say I have found great benefit in taking PTs in various atmosphere (e.g. coffee shops, planes, libraries). So if I guess used to taking PTs in noisy environments then-as long as an atomic bomb or such doesn't drop in the vicinity of my testing center- I will be more used to the silence during test day. I hope that helps!
• 2 Likes

  Quick Silver Alum Inactive Sage

  November 2014 1049 karma

  Definitely not PT - only if studying (and even then I'm not sure). No words - love Mozart, Tsaikovsky idea
• 1 Like

  joegotbored-1 Alum Member

  November 2014 802 karma

  @Genevieve I recommend using a noise generator, like the test taking apps that are out there, or some noise track from YouTube if you think you need sound while studying. Derek and Quick are correct to point out that you don't choose your background sound during the test... and I agree with their conclusion that you shouldn't be listening to music during your studies.
  
  Here's what I listen to when I'm PT'ing.
  I've not tried it while studying (learning a new question type or something) but I do use it while drilling a section or question type.
  
  HTH
• 4 Likes

  danielkeithus Alum Member

  November 2014 21 karma

  If you study more effectively with music then play music. This like any test you have ever taken will not have music. If you want to play two chains, play two chains. If you like Fall Out Boy, listen to Fall Out Boy. Whatever helps you understand the material while you are learning do it. When you do Prep Tests simulate conditions.
• Genevieve Alum Member

  November 2014 53 karma

  Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
• 1 Like

  jaruiz924 Member

  November 2014 13 karma

  John Coltrane on Pandora is my go to LSAT study music.
• cpetran Alum Member

  November 2014 28 karma

  I love The 'Trane... his Village Vanguard sessions are truly the best... but for LSAT study ? For me, Coltrane is too distracting.
  
  I prefer ambient background music for studying the LSAT. Try Brian Eno.
  
  There's a website / phone app which mimics the background noise of a coffee shop without actually hearing any specific conversations - https://coffitivity.com/
  
  I agree with some here in this thread who suggest background noise is essential for your prep test - the "library noise" youtube clip that joegotbored posted is perfect. There's going to be noise during your actual test (coughing, pencils dropping... the lonely student in the back sobbing at the realization that all hope is lost...) so you should be ready & able to tune that garbage out. Prepping in dead silence ain't gonna prep you for life during the real test.
  
  
• ad.kenh99 Free Trial Member

  February 2015 2 karma

  Best Music For Studying Concentration And Relaxation |Study Music Alpha Waves
  
• sumbal.gilani Free Trial Member

  February 2015 3 karma

  I haven't started studying for LSAT yet but from past experience of studying for university classes I have found Western Classical Music to be a great cognitive enhancer.
• Nilesh S Alum Inactive ⭐

  February 2015 3438 karma

  You need to study in an environment where your cognitive functions are performing at their peak because you will need to grasp concepts fully if you are to do well on this test. That said, as you pointed out, the test itself will be taken in complete silence. Therefore I would suggest that you train yourself by working with your music on and testing in complete silence or in a library with a bit of noise etc.
• slipchum Alum Member

  February 2015 5 karma

  https://8tracks.com/paulair/leave-me-alone
• shine.on.me Alum Member

  February 2015 463 karma

  I listen to music for motivation before and after studying but not during. I find it distracting regardless on the genre. But I have been trying to do my PTs in a library and with the proctor app with distractions turned up.
• jdawg113 Alum Inactive ⭐

  February 2015 2654 karma

  yeah I would be weary of studying with music, I mean personally I dont think I could concentrate but thats just me lol, just make sure you dont listen while taking a PT
• harrismegan Member

  February 2015 2074 karma

  I have conflicting thoughts on music....
  I think, if you do listen to it often during your studying/PT, then maybe that might give you an edge during the exam. If you can get a great score with music, then you could get a great score with all the distractions on test day
• jdawg113 Alum Inactive ⭐

  February 2015 2654 karma

  eh not necessarily, if you get used to music/noise and it happens to be real quiet you'll screw yourself and get crazy distracted by the smallest thing
• hrjones44 Alum Member

  February 2015 323 karma

  yeah coltrane is way too distracting for me, as a fellow musician, i wanna focus on his playing which is immaculate.....very distracting.
• emli1000 Alum Member Inactive ⭐

  February 2015 3462 karma

  It all really depends on you. Everyone is different. But you just want to make sure that you mimic what test day will be like. Also, when you take the lsat there will be distractions such as people being sick blowing their nose, coughing, people tapping their pencils, and other little noises that you will not be able to control.