I Can't Focus

Comments

• 10 Likes

  lkmin Core Member

  July 17 14 karma

  Hey Emma. I am still studying for the LSAT and not close to an expert by any means, but I would suggest working in smaller increments. Do 5-10 question drills and take breaks frequently. Try to work in small blocks rather than taking long section after long section (it can get exhausting). I would spend time watching videos and answer analysis when you feel like you can't focus on solving regular questions. Also, break the practice tests into section -> break -> section -> break.... it isn't the real LSAT; it is just practice and I promise no burnout + consistent practice (no matter how many hours) is better than taking PT after PT and burning out.
• 17 Likes

  taylorrschneider21 Live Member

  July 17 14 karma

  I don't have advice for you but just know I am dealing with the EXACT same situation.
• 4 Likes

  mari Live Member

  July 17 8 karma

  Just want to tell you that I am going through the exact same thing right now, and to also think about potentially getting accommodations for longer testing time if you can! You have got this!
• 5 Likes

  angie20166 Live Member

  July 17 63 karma

  Hey Emma,

  I totally hear you! The pressure and stress probably aren't helping with your studying. I was diagnosed with concentration issues when i was a kid, so I completely understand.

  Something that really helped me was to approach studying like an athlete approaches their sport. Even if you're having a tough time now, remember that you're putting in the hours to get better in the future (improvement wont be instantaneous). Focus on your sleep and nutrition, and cut out things that aren't improving your concentration. For example, I stopped using apps like TikTok for the past six months, and I've seen a great improvement in my concentration.

  I also keep a dedicated journal for my LSAT motivation, jotting down little things that resonate with me. I look at it before I go to bed. When I'm feeling like "I can't," I read about developing a growth mindset and delayed gratification—total game changers.

  Also, I have a list of the hard things I've previously done / overcome, even when I didn't think I could in the moment. This list reminds me that I can do hard things, even if I'd rather not.

  I'm sure you've done some amazing things, so don't count yourself out of the game. You still have plenty of time to study, and you can't let your mind tell you otherwise.

  Hope this helps!
• darman45 Live Member

  July 18 141 karma

  Just adding to what's already been said here - I wouldn't sweat it tooooo much if you don't finish the core curriculum! I started taking PTs after I finished the Foundations because I just got so antsy and nervous about not knowing if I was actually making progress or not. While it's probably best not to use up all the PTs in haste, I think you can definitely improve by doing what you're doing. Are you blind reviewing? I ask because that could give you some insight into the core curriculum sections that would actually be helpful for you to do/review, rather than feeling like you need to do them all.

  All that aside, I too have panicked through a PT and just been disappointed with myself for not keeping it together. I was so upset at one point that I made it my top priority to take a PT with the primary goals of (1) breathing and (2) redirecting myself away from panicked thoughts and back onto the words on the page. I managed to do it and it made me feel great - it wasn't my best PT score ever, but it helped tremendously in allowing me to convince myself that I can handle the pressure and not get lost in the sauce.

  Good luck
• annaaaaa Core Member

  July 18 3 karma

  Hey so if your diagnosed with anxiety you can probably get time and a half on test day if you apply for accommodations. Also (even without accommodations) try taking a PT without any time limitation to see if your grasping the concepts and just need to get better with timing. I have ADHD and I totally understand feeling like I can’t sit and study. I typically get out of my house and go to a cafe or somewhere as it helps me feel more motivated and reduces things I can get distracted by. I do not study every day as I don’t really have a time frame and doing so leads to burnout so it’s easier to give myself breaks. It’s actually more productive for me to take weekends off and study 4/7 days of the week (I give myself a little midweek break sometimes if I need it). On top of this when I do feel burnout I take 3 to 4 day breaks and focus on literally anything besides the LSAT. Your going to be fine, keep working hard and give yourself some grace.
• 2 Likes

  Valentina.ishchenko Core Member

  July 18 9 karma

  I wish I had advice but all I can say is real... We've got this.
• 3 Likes

  Avery Bryanton Core Member

  July 18 24 karma

  Hi Emma,

  I totally feel where you are coming from. If you get diagnosed with ADHD, I would first obtain a letter from your psychiatrist so that you can use it when applying for accommodations on the LSAT. Try to make it through the lessons on the core curriculum as much as possible. This is what helped me break out of the 140's was learning all of the question types and how to go about them (take notes on the lessons to refer back to later if needed). Then start taking sections one at a time, blind reviewing them, and writing the ones you get wrong in a wrong answer journal. You have to learn why you got the answers wrong and why the right answers are correct. I have been doing this for about 2 months and just recently broke into the 160's. You got this! Do not worry about the amount of time you have just make the most of your studying.
• 2 Likes

  valeriezz Live Member

  July 19 38 karma

  Hi Emma! I'm in the same spot too. I'm struggling to study and every time I do, I have so much anxiety to the point I feel like I'm not retaining anything. It's also scarier feeling alone in the process. I've been looking for virtual study groups to get advice, tips, and overall just support. Maybe that might also help for you too? Just know you aren't alone.