LSAT Nerves

[chris88]

hey guys...I've got a problem that im sure most of you have. When i took the real lsat i got so nervous that i had difficulty seeing the questions, my hands shook, etc... even yesterday i took a practice lsat for testmasters and the same things happened because the testing conditions reminded me of when i took the real test. The only section that i struggle with is the first then i tend to relax. However, i really could use some advice to calm down because its really effecting my score. Does anyone have any suggestions???
thanks

[longodds]

Deleted.

[jonas]

1. Deep-breathing and relaxation exercises.
2. Visualizing how you will perform before you sit down to take the test.
3. Beta blockers. A lot of classical musicians use them before big auditions and performances.

[chris88]

where do you get beta-blockers from

[jonas]

Talk to your doctor.

[lily76]

i second the deep breathing suggestion.
i like it because it is simple, and not yet another thing to worry about. my kaplan teach suggested taking a really deep breath every time you turn the page.
it's even worth it to stop the test entirely, take three deep breaths, and then start again, if you are really really nervous.

[sbjohnsn]

You need to realize that it's just one test, and it's not as important as it is in your mind! Just relax and you'll do better.

[in my eyes]

Pump up the valium!!

In all seriousness, if you're prepared well enough you have no reason to be nervous. Typically it's those who started studying a wk before the LSAT that panic and those who started 6 months in advance that are just happy to have the test over with.

[jackiemarie]

I arrived to the LSAT late (about one minute before the test began) and was quite panicked. I thought about cancelling the test, but then I found a passage in the reading section on a topic I was familiar with. I started with that, and then moved on to the next most comfortable reading passage. Try to identify your strengths in each section during practice tests, and start with those questions.

Best of luck!

Jaclyn

[lily76]

if possible, thoroughly empty your bowels before arriving at the test site. one less thing to worry about when you get there.

[jonas]

if you're prepared well enough you have no reason to be nervous. Typically it's those who started studying a wk before the LSAT that panic and those who started 6 months in advance that are just happy to have the test over with.

This isn't quite accurate. Anxiety doesn't necessarily have anything to do with a person's level of preparation. The reality is that people can study for months, then feel overwhelmed with pressure when the big day finally arrives. In those cases, it's really helpful to know some tricks for calming down.

[danielle]

Is it possible for you to take practice exams or study in the place where you will actually take the LSAT? It can make you feel more relaxed if you are somewhere familiar.

[bocanma]

not to complicate the issue(s) further but... are you taking the NEW lsat... in june i think? i heard some of the rdg comp has changed. is that true? anyway, i ended up taking the LSAT three times and finally scored better the third after some intense preparation. My nerves were gone primarily due to the fact that 1) i studied and 2) i was so freaking sick of that test that the i vowed the third would be my last test.

good luck!

[in my eyes]

This isn't quite accurate. Anxiety doesn't necessarily have anything to do with a person's level of preparation. The reality is that people can study for months, then feel overwhelmed with pressure when the big day finally arrives. In those cases, it's really helpful to know some tricks for calming down.

Fully agree, but I'd like to think that if one was scoring well on practice exams that he or she would come in with more confidence.

[liplaw]

Maybe you can take a pill.

I had the same thing happen to me. I was getting 170-172 on my practice tests. Come the actual LSAT (this December), I couldn't think and just froze. Waiting for for score. Wouldn't be surprised if it was 10 points lower.

[Snuffie]

if you're prepared well enough you have no reason to be nervous. Typically it's those who started studying a wk before the LSAT that panic and those who started 6 months in advance that are just happy to have the test over with.

This isn't quite accurate. Anxiety doesn't necessarily have anything to do with a person's level of preparation. The reality is that people can study for months, then feel overwhelmed with pressure when the big day finally arrives. In those cases, it's really helpful to know some tricks for calming down.

Actually you're both right, Jonas. The person you quoted was saying that OP didn't need to be nervous because they were prepared. You're right that people can be nervous for any number of reasons, but I took the statement you quoted to mean "have confidence in yourself. Leave the nerves for the people who underestimate the material."

To the OP:

If you just took the LSAT then give yourself a little break, even if you're retaking in February. If you're forcing yourself to study, and it clearly isn't working, then you're not benefiting from studying and you sure aren't taking a break. Give yourself a week.

The aforementioned betas may be a good idea, particularly if test anxiety is a common problem, or this is a reaction from September or earlier. Some form of behavior modification (therapy) or detachment (meditation, yoga) would likely serve you well.

There are three important things to realize: 1. What you're experiencing is normal. 2. The nervousness is simply misdirected passion (colloquially: "nervousness is a sign that you care") and 3. that this is well within your control. As Henry Ford said "whether you think that you can or that you can't, you are usually right."

I would pursue any or all of the above. In addition, it's time to learn the art of compartmentalizing. It is fine to be nervous, anxious or excited (hard to tell the difference at times) before the test. When you step into the testing center your test day, leave your nervousness outside. The time for that is over. You have prepared your best and what happens inside is simply what happens. You can apply this to before studying as well. I'm far from submissive and I adopt this mindset regularly - Saved my ass more times than I can count...and I can count pretty darned high for a state school student.

[forza]

Haha! I love how several options were posted and the first one OP gravitates toward is "beta blocker pills? where?!"

[liplaw]

Anyone know of a book that deals with overcoming test anxiety? I dropped 5 points on test day because of nerves--and i know many other people also do.