The Week, Day Before & Day of the LSAT

LSAT Prep the Week Before:

• Get into a good mental state. The LSAT is getting close but you can manage any possible onset of stress and still continue to study.
• You’ve planned ahead…you’ve learned strategies and techniques so this week, do not study too much! Limit the study time to when you are very focused and ready to do your best. Two or three hours a day should be plenty.
• Stay mentally sharp, bud don’t take full practice tests. Don’t wear yourself out mentally, full practice tests are tiring.
• Instead, practice just one section at a time. Take a break between the timed section and the analysis of that section. Review the problem you missed and determine why you missed it.
• Drive to your test center. Check out parking, test center location, traffic blockages, etc.

The Day Before the LSAT:

• Do not sleep in today. The anticipation of the test could bring on sleeplessness so do not add to this possibility by sleeping in. You need to prepare your mind and body for a full evening of rest before test day.
• You’ve done your test preparation, now – stop it!
  There is no amount of practice that you’re going to do today that is going to significantly change your score outcome. Cramming more information could initiate anxiety and stress, so, relax today.
• Focus on preparing your mind for success by engaging in some positive self-talk.  Tell yourself that you have already done well…that you have prepared and conditioned well so you will achieve your goal of LSAT success.
• Prepare your breakfast for tomorrow morning, but don’t make changes to your regular dietary routine. See  Avoid LSAT Test Day Stress – Condition for Success—
• Print your Admission Ticket
• Pack your zip-lock bag (see “Test Center Rules”)
• “Set your alarm! You must be on time!
• Can’t sleep? Try some of the relaxation techniques you found at
  https://www.law.suffolk.edu/offices/stuservices/asp/quick.cfm

LSAT Exam Day:

Breakfast & Caffeine —

Allow sufficient time to eat the breakfast you prepared yesterday. Don’t skip that meal because you’re sleep, running late, or not hungry.

Don’t cut back on caffeine or add to the amount you normally take. If you’re going to need that caffeine boost during the test consider bringing some iced coffee in your water bottle to consume during breaks. (Consider  bathroom break requirements. You aren’t allowed to leave the room during the test…and if you  MUST, you will not be allowed to make up the time.)

Positive Thinking—

Grab your ziplock bag, grab your admissions ticket – Time to go!

As you drive to the test center, engage in positive thinking. A former LSAT taker wrote:

“… I think one of the things that helped me on test day was the fact that, on some level far deeper than the jitters and the cold sweat I had developed during my parking debacle, I was looking forward to the test. The LSAT wasn’t easy, but it sure was a lot more fun and engaging than most of the things I did in school or at work. It was also an opportunity I was thrilled to have. Here is a day where you can sit down in a climate-controlled environment, excel at thinking for a few hours, and change the course of your whole life. I looked at the LSAT the way many people look at marriage – anxiety is to be expected at the time, but in overall scheme of things, it’s a happy day. “

You’ve conditioned, you’ve built your mental muscle and your endurance for the length of this exam. Now, all that remains is for you to repeat your hard earned successes. A little anxiety sometimes helps a performance…There might be some questions at first that give you some trouble. Take a deep breath, make your best selection and move on (You’ve practice that!). Don’t let one question influence your thinking on the following questions.