LSAT Nerves Forum
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LSAT Nerves
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
thanks
- jonas
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:25 pm
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.
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.
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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.
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.
- in my eyes
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lsat suggestion
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
Best of luck!
Jaclyn
- jonas
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:25 pm
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.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.
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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!
good luck!
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- in my eyes
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- Joined: Thu Dec 21, 2006 1:00 pm
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.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.
- liplaw
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Wed Dec 09, 2009 4:36 am
Re: LSAT Nerves
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.
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.
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Re:
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."jonas wrote: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.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.
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
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Re: LSAT Nerves
Haha! I love how several options were posted and the first one OP gravitates toward is "beta blocker pills? where?!"
- liplaw
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Wed Dec 09, 2009 4:36 am
Re: LSAT Nerves
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.
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