LSAT STRESS MANAGEMENT: Plan Your LSAT Test Date

Avoid LSAT Test Day Stress
Plan Your LSAT Test Date

Sudden decisions are never a good idea because they almost always lead to a build-up of stress. Instead, look at the big picture, your goals, your current job and school load, etc. Consider when that all-important LSAT preparation work is going to fit into your daily, monthly and yearly schedule.  Following are some considerations that may help you decide what test date is best for you:

• Know when you want to enter law school.
  You have lots to do before then so don’t attempt to do it all at the same time. You do not want to crowd yourself into a less than desirable application because you were focused on the exam and now must rush on the application process.
• Deliberately consider your goals and current life status. Then adjust your time frames as needed.  You’re early in the game at this point.
• Have you taken a practice exam?
  Do you even know what the LSAT looks like? Take one, but do not then throw in the towel saying it is an unattainable goal. This sample test will simply show you that a disciplined study approach will need to be planned.  We have sample LSAT tests on the Get Prepped site.
• Allow 1 or 3 months to study for the LSAT, depending on how much daily study time you can devote to it.
• Aim to take the LSAT only once. Studies show that re-takers only change their scores on an average of 2 points (and those 2 points can be up or down.) So, plan to study efficiently and getting the score you want the first time.

Some LSAT Test Date Considerations:

• The June exam allows lots of time to acquire letters of recommendation, write your personal statement and submit the applications.
• February and June have fewer test takers. Making the check-in process quicker and less packed exam rooms.
• The June test allows you to complete your morning routine and take the test without the morning rush, lingering sleepiness, etc.
• June is a tricky test date if you are finishing your undergraduate degree and want to apply to law school the next fall. Your LSAT study time will be competing with the end of year undergraduate work.  You do not want your GPA to suffer!
• The October test (Sept. 27 this year) allows you to utilize your summer hours for LSAT Prep.

Do yourself, your family & friends – and your mental state a favor. You can ward of LSAT stress by deliberate planning so that you can enter the LSAT testing center feeling confident and prepared.

Tags: lsat advice, LSAT Stress, test day