What to Do the Day Before the LSAT: Last-Minute Tips for Success

It's the final stretch before the real LSAT, and you've put in all the hard work. Now we need to make sure you don't lose any of the progress you've worked so hard for and make sure you are able to squeeze the most out of your final days of LSAT prep. The final weeks can make or break your score, depending on how you approach them. Here are some last-minute LSAT tips to help you.

Tip #1: Take 1-3 Practice Tests per Week and Do Thorough Review

The number of practice tests you take is FAR less important than the quality of the review for each test. This means you should be taking LSATs that have been most recently administered (since they will be most similar to what you can expect on test day) and reviewing them thoroughly.

Review every LSAT question that you missed, struggled with, or guessed on. Try to identify any patterns within the question types you have missed, and drill them specifically for 2-3 days before moving onto another practice test. Only do as many LSAT practice tests as you can handle—don't feel like you must reach a certain number of practice tests in the final stretch.

It's also important to note that I listed a small number of practice tests (1-3). The biggest mistake people make is doing too much, resulting in burnout. Also, taking too many tests does not give you enough time to review, which is where the improvement truly comes from. It's rare that people do too little in the last couple of weeks. It takes more than a few days to lose the skills you've gained in the LSAT.

Tip #2: Redo Questions You Missed Weeks or Months Ago

Too often I see people trying to take as many practice tests as they can, thinking exposure will do the trick. The reality is, this often just leads to frustration and burnout. Most of the exposure to new exams should have already been completed at this point. If you haven't already done a significant number of LSAT practice tests and you are scoring below your target, you may want to consider pushing the test date back.

If you have done enough practice tests, pick out a few random questions you have missed in the past and use them as an opportunity to review mistakes you made in the past. The more you review your mistakes, even silly ones, the less likely you will make them on the actual LSAT.

I recommend having a designated "spaced review" day once a week devoted to this. More on this later.

Tip #3: Consider Whether You Want to See Your Score on the Last Practice Test You Take

Everyone handles anxiety differently. And many people get emotional about their LSAT practice test results. While I strongly encourage people to remain calm if there is a score drop because fluctuations are normal, I also understand that the LSAT is a stressful test for many and it is easier said than done.

Evaluate yourself. If you are the type who can take an LSAT test without getting too attached to the score, great! Just continue on with business as usual after each practice test. But if you are not one of these people, it might be a good idea to avoid scoring the last practice test you plan to take. Because if your LSAT score suddenly drops, you may get too anxious and this mentality will carry over on test day.

Tip #4: Set Up a Routine for Test Day

Weeks out from the LSAT, you should be going to sleep and waking as if you are taking the test the next day. That means setting up a specific sleep schedule and following a consistent morning routine every single day. Setting up a routine helps your mind understand when it is time to study and helps you feel more in control of the day. And since the LSAT is a mentally draining exam, we want to make sure we have as many advantages created for us as possible on test day.

I also strongly recommend trying to take practice tests in the location where you plan on taking the official exam if possible. The more familiar the testing environment feels, the more confident you will feel when you take the actual LSAT.

Tip #5: Plan in Advance

I highly recommend planning things out in advance, but don't feel like if you miss a day or need to reschedule things it's the end of the world. The plan is just to help you understand what you should shoot for. Think of it as a flexible plan. Here is an example weekly plan I often use with my students. Day 1: Take an LSAT practice test Day 2: Review the questions missed from the practice test Day 3-5: Pick out 1-2 specific question types you missed and drill new questions of that type Day 6: Spaced Review Day- Pick random questions you missed on older exams/drills Day 7+ Repeat days 1-6

Try to schedule things out so that you don't end up taking a practice test the day before the exam. Contrary to what many other tutors suggest, I don't see anything wrong with doing a little bit of LSAT prep the day before the test, but taking a full practice test will be exhausting. Try to limit it to just a few practice problems the day before.

In conclusion, your success on the LSAT is not only about how much you study but how effectively you study in the final days leading up to the test. By following these last-minute LSAT tips, you can maximize your chances of achieving the score you've worked so hard for. Remember, it's about quality, not quantity, and managing stress and anxiety is just as crucial as studying the material. Good luck on your LSAT!

Stay Motivated!

Sincerely,

Cho

Impetus LSAT

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