Hey 7Sagers,
My worst nightmare happened. I underperformed on the June LSAT. I knew I royally fudged up RC, so at least I expected the score I got in my email yesterday. I already moped around for a few weeks, and now I'm ready to gear up for a retake.
I was consistently going -0 in LG the months leading up to June, and yet I froze during G3. I've done every game ever released (multiple times) using the FoolProof Method. I think test anxiety contributed the most to my score decrease. Any retakers out there with helpful advice on how to combat this? I was thinking of doing 30 minute sections instead (to allow some time for freak-outs during the real thing, lol).
Congrats to everyone who reached their target scores!! Hoping to join y'all later this year
Comments
Plus after watching the PT 37 live take the entire concept and the skip strategy he discusses completely clicks. When I first did the curriculum it wasnt in there so I hadnt seen it before, but it is solid and a game changer for me.
In the 37 PT.
Yeah there are a number of lessons that a have been added or updated it seems for those of us that have been on the boards for some time. Ive been making my way through some of the fundimentals trying to "retrain" myself on some old bad habits. You're welcome! Happy to help!
I’ve also started writing "BREATHE” in bright red ink at the top of each sheet of my PT (written beforehand of course) to train myself. To paraphrase Pac, the deep belly breaths really help regulate the serotonin levels (the stress hormone). When I get stressed, my brain literally shuts down. I have to keep breathing like Darth Vader in order to keep it open. Definitely something to explore what works for you.
Storm + no sleep = anxiety attack. I'm curious to see what else people recommend, but I totally agree that meditation is key. I meditate often, but didn't meditate the day before at all and I think it could have really helped.
Others have suggested a variety of techniques for dealing with game-day stress. One thing I have found throughout doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu is that the importance of relaxation and a clear mind cannot be understated. If you have never tried, look for a local BJJ gym sometime! (That's my shameless plug for the serenity BJJ has given me!) Two weeks ago I rolled with a blackbelt and it took him 55 seconds to tap me the first time hahaha. I said to myself later that day: Hey, if I can survive 55 seconds with him, the rules of a pattern game aren't going to shake me! hahaha
Post-test, what I have found helpful for me is attempting to get into the mindset of what made me freeze or hesitate and correct my thinking. Was there a rule or deduction/inference I failed to make? Was there something that didn't quite "click" and I couldn't confidently eliminate answer choices and the whole thing spiraled from there and panic set in? I have done hundreds of games over the last 8-9 months, yet it has only been in the last 2-3 weeks that I have started actively pushing out inferences up front in a meaningful/productive way.
I'm glad to hear that you aren't going to let this June take get in the way of you and your goals!
P.S. If you can, join us for the September BR groups!
I was pretty active in the BR group a couple months ago. I will probably join y'all again soon. Looking forward to it!
On a less terrifying note, have a personal mantra or breathing thing you do as you flip pages during the test and a bigger thing between sections.
The 4 deep breaths with a 7 sec exhale is suppose to be helpful.
I am more of a doom and gloom motivator, so the bad sections worked for me, it helped me get over that crappy section feeling. The breathing thing also works well between sections.
@Inluskwetrust I'm always down to talk strategy! You should join the BR group if you haven't already. It's always helpful to hear the way other students solve problems in real time.
@Cergol.3 I always light up when he mentions lawyers in his songs. How awesome would it be to represent Drizzy? Lmao #OVOcrew
@jamieholland216 I'm glad you're not giving up on your target score either! Success is always sweeter when you get knocked down several times but keep getting up.
@danilphillips I couldn't agree more. #justkeepsaging ?