Taking a month off between one test and the retake Forum

[Theopliske8711]

I am taking the Feb test but I am leaving open the possibility of re-writing the test in June. Largely since I have been studying for a while with a full-time job, I am considering taking February until early March off from studying, just to cool off and enjoy myself before returning. Do people recommend this? Has anyone done this, or is it better to just keep going?

[BlaqBella]

I think it will entirely depend on how you feel walking out of the exam and how burnt out you are.

For some a break makes everything click. For others, it can result in lethargy and performing below previous standards. Do what works best for you.

[Theopliske8711]

Yea, I'm waving between the two. On the one hand, I think i desperately need a few weeks at most, just to reconnect with a few friends or just to loosen up; on the other, I don't want to waste time. But I guess 3 (study) months wouldn't be too bad, especially since it is mostly solidifying my abilities rather than beginning to study.

[bizzybone1313]

If you take too long of a break, you will most likely have to relearn some things. I don't recommend starting going all out like in the summer for October. If you go for the June test, the small break shouldn't hurt you too much. In LG, if you take too long a break, your speed will probably be affected. In LR, you would probably lose some of your ability to effectively do the most difficult questions. In RC, you would probably retain most of your ability, because that is a skill that has been developed your entire life.

[bbsg]

I wrote in October. Was PTing around 173-177, wrote a 165. Ugh.

Booked new test the day I got my score back (November 1) for the December 1 sitting. Took a break the whole time. Did about three hours of studying the last week of November. Scored a 175.

I figured the 165 was an anomaly and was confident I would still hit mid-170s as long as I didn't stress myself out. Hardcore studying was only going to burn myself out/stress myself you.

It's really a personal, individual thing I figure.

[Theopliske8711]

I wrote in October. Was PTing around 173-177, wrote a 165. Ugh.

Booked new test the day I got my score back (November 1) for the December 1 sitting. Took a break the whole time. Did about three hours of studying the last week of November. Scored a 175.

I figured the 165 was an anomaly and was confident I would still hit mid-170s as long as I didn't stress myself out. Hardcore studying was only going to burn myself out/stress myself you.

It's really a personal, individual thing I figure.

Were you employed during this time?

[sabanist]

I took June 2012 and didn't touch LSAT stuff until score release in July. I was disappointed with my results, so I picked it back up for October. I had to re-read the Bibles to get back into the swing of it, but I think the month off helped me more than it hurt me in terms of avoiding burnout. I gained 7 points on the retake.