So, your LSAT is fast approaching. Now, more than ever, you’re more eager to maximize the value of their remaining study time. That’s exactly what I’m here to discuss. How do you, with only two weeks and a mountain of materials, get the most out of the days ahead.
Last Minute Game Plan
There is a key to effective practice, particularly with time constraints. Recognize that the volume of work is less important than the insights that work can provide. You don’t need to go through everything in your arsenal to prepare, just focus on the most important pieces. The truth is, any time I elaborate on the specifics of the idea of “proper practice,” it occurs to me that at the core of effective studying is the process of comprehensive performance review and self-analysis. What follows is a breakdown of those concepts. Take these ideas to heart as you continue with your preparations and reflect upon them often in the coming weeks.
The tendency to relentlessly push forward, doing section after section and LSAT after LSAT, without self-awareness or self-reflection can be to your detriment. It can lead to a lot of anxiety and frustration over score plateaus. This becomes particularly compounded when the exam is just days away. If you’re thinking, “I did 50 LR questions and only got half right, I should do another 50,” you could be hurting your progress. That’s no way to make improvements!
Take Time to Reflect
Instead, when you find yourself struggling, stop and take a detailed look at what’s going wrong. Even if it’s a small sample of performance like a single passage or game, take time to reflect. Have a conversation with yourself and figure out a game plan. For example, a game crushed you. Go back to the beginning and see what you should have done differently. As yourself some questions.
- Did you identify the variable sets correctly?
- Pick the right base?
- Recognize the numerical distribution?
- Diagram each of those rules properly?
- See their connections and the inferences that would result?
- Was all the above done in a reasonable amount of time?
- Could you have gone faster?
- With each of those questions, did you recognize the type?
- How could you have found the correct answer more quickly?
Essentially, find out the source of your difficulties. Figure out why it caused you trouble and how to respond differently when you’re inevitably faced with it again.
To answer those questions, return to the conceptual discussion of the thing being tested. Filter your analysis of what you did through the conceptual framework of how it’s supposed to be done. Look back at relevant content in your study materials to ensure you fully understand the underlying nature of the subject. Return to the specific source of difficulty and reevaluate it based on your improved comprehension of its conceptual basis.
Once you’ve satisfactorily answered each of those things for yourself, move to a fresh example of the concept or idea. Now, try again. This time with an intense focus on a better application of how it should be done. This should lead to:
- Gradual, but consistent improvements over time. You’re gett