How are other busy folks managing their study schedules?

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• 2 Likes

  GNA451-- Alum Member

  June 25 edited June 25 79 karma

  Good question and definitely a real challenge with no easy answers, but I'll take a stab - I work full time as a senior manager at a big tech company that can often be 50-60hrs and am also an officer in the Army Reserve in a leadership role (variable extra hours, but definitely some extra hours per week).

  I would say the consistency is a key foundation, but two other tips:
  - Getting in the right head space makes the time more value-add so that you're getting more bang for your buck (it's not just about raw hours count). E.g. For me, I studied in the evening primarily, but coming from intense/taxing days, I needed to usually go for a run or lift before even trying to start studying or else my brain would feel like mush.
  - Going 3-4hrs every single day probably isn't realistic - your job will require some long hours, you'll need to study for an upcoming test, etc., so be charitable there when you can't, but also on the flipside, hunt for extra time when the opportunity appears. E.g. If I had a quiet day at work, I'd do a few logic games during lunch. For you, maybe after a test when you can back off the studying for a moment, try to ramp up studying if you can, etc.
• 5 Likes

  catbelly Alum Member

  June 25 229 karma

  Working full time and trying to study is super hard! I learned that I can't hold myself to such a rigorous standard as X number of hours. Instead, I try to value what I got out of studying. Sometimes I study for 5 hours on a weekend and feel like I did nothing productive. But other times I study for one hour and feel like I learned a lot.

  Here's what I've been doing: I wake up at 5:30, go to a coffeeshop and start studying by 6 am. I work 9-5 (sometimes longer). I try to get an exercise in every other day in the afternoon. I try to eat healthy. I see my friends. I take Saturdays off. I think this helps with burnout! Good luck
• 1 Like

  The OGSum Live Member

  June 25 18 karma

  I'm in the same boat! I'm a product manager working 40 hours a week and it's been admittedly tough maintaining the energy to stay consistent with studying. I try to study ~2-3 hours a day by sneaking in studying - some video explanations, a problem set here and there etc. - while at work. And then I study after work and on weekends. I find it easiest to study after work when I WFH as I have most energy then when commuting isn't a factor.

  Something I've learned is it's better to not study at all rather than study when you're tired / drained. It's just been a waste of resources for me to study when I'm unfocused. Better to take a break and return later.

  If you have the flexibility, I would suggest breaking up your work as a student and intersperse it with LSAT study. As in, if you're hyper productive 10am to noon, dedicate that window of time to the LSAT, and then reallocate those 2 hours for LA work to some other point in the day.

  It's exhausting, I admit. But you're not alone
• whistlingplant Live Member

  June 25 108 karma

  @catbelly love the note about going out of the house! Will try doing this more
• 1 Like

  pareenmhatre Core Member

  July 11 10 karma

  Hi! I work in healthcare and my hours/day vary based on how many surgeries we have and how long they are (it comes down to 40-50 hours/week). If I'm working for 10-12 hours in a day, I take the evening off because I know it will be difficult to focus and learn. Better to rest and recharge, instead. If I'm working 5-8 hours in a day, I'll study for 1-3 hours after work. On the weekends, I tend to study for 3-5 hours each day to make the most of my time. Other things that help me with burnout: take a day off if needed, move my body (especially after sitting in a chair for 8 hours), and schedule times to see loved ones.
• 1 Like

  Sharon Rema Free Trial Member

  July 11 10 karma

  Hi there, Balancing a full schedule with LSAT prep is challenging, but here are some tips that might help:

  Time Management:

  Use a Planner: Schedule study sessions, work, and breaks.
  Prioritize: Focus on high-impact tasks.

  Study Efficiently:

  Quality Over Quantity: Use active learning like practice tests.
  Short Sessions: Break study time into 1-hour blocks.

  Avoid Burnout:

  Rest and Exercise: Ensure you get enough sleep and regular exercise.
  Healthy Diet: Eat well to maintain energy levels.

  Get Support:

  Communicate: Talk to your employer and professors for flexibility.
  Study Groups: Join or form study groups for motivation.

  I’m managing a similar workload, and these strategies help me stay on track. You’re not alone—keep pushing!