Test Day Nerves Forum

MisterT · Post by **MisterT** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:13 am

Hi everyone

I'm about to take the October LSAT. I have read multiple times about how "test day nerves" can diminish your score somewhat from what you have been testing. I have a few questions for those with experience:

1. How big a loss are we talking about? My PT scores are in the 174-177 range if that helps.

2. How can you best avoid nerves? I usually have no problem with taking exams but studying for such a long time for such a signifiant test will probably affect me on test day nonetheless. Is there any way you can psyche yourself into not getting psyched?

Thanks alot for any tips / advice!

T14-->BigLaw · Post by **T14-->BigLaw** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:45 am

Not everyone gets anxiety. I wouldn't worry about it if it hasn't been an issue for you in the past. I happen to perform at my best on exams because I know it's "the real thing."

AlexandraHope · Post by **AlexandraHope** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:29 am

T14-->BigLaw wrote:Not everyone gets anxiety. I wouldn't worry about it if it hasn't been an issue for you in the past. I happen to perform at my best on exams because I know it's "the real thing."

This. I'm hoping that my old habits kick in. When I took a practice ACT (Yes,tbt) I scored a 21 on the real test I received a 29, it wasn't good per-se. But I didn't do any prep.....so :shrugs:

Mint-Berry_Crunch · Post by **Mint-Berry_Crunch** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:20 pm

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lymenheimer · Post by **lymenheimer** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:31 pm

TristanZH wrote:Hi everyone

I'm about to take the October LSAT. I have read multiple times about how "test day nerves" can diminish your score somewhat from what you have been testing. I have a few questions for those with experience:

1. How big a loss are we talking about? My PT scores are in the 174-177 range if that helps.

2. How can you best avoid nerves? I usually have no problem with taking exams but studying for such a long time for such a signifiant test will probably affect me on test day nonetheless. Is there any way you can psyche yourself into not getting psyched?

Thanks alot for any tips / advice!

I also performed on the upper end of my range for real tests (each time I've taken it). The second time was definitely better because I knew what to expect out of the test environment and I was better prepared for it. Another thing I did the second time around was read over an RC passage, an LG, and a few LRs to get myself in the mindset about 30 minutes before check-in. I waited until 15 minutes prior to go in the testing center. And I sat down away from everyone and waited until the line dwindled before I went up to check-in. This can help keep you from overhearing nervous discussion and random chatter when you should be focused on your next 4/5 hours (if you are better when you focus).

Widdle_Dumpling · Post by **Widdle_Dumpling** » Wed Sep 16, 2015 2:40 pm

Hi!

I'm not generally a nervous test-taker, but I got a bit of nerves on test day on the first section. I told myself it was the experimental section (it wasn't) took a deep breath, and moved on.

I got a 174, and had been testing 172-177, so not a big drop at all.

Some things that helped: getting to the test cite early so I wasn't rushed. I also went down a couple days before and figured out where I was taking the test (not the exact classroom, but I knew where to go so I didn't get lost), found parking, and scoped out restrooms. Also try taking the test in really test-like conditions (if it's convenient, I've heard people sometimes actually take a ton of practice tests in the room itself. I wasn't able to do this, but I can't imagine it would hurt.

Also take water and chapstick so you don't get thirsty or have chapped lips and get distracted. Good luck!

MisterT · Post by **MisterT** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 7:19 am

I guess the biggest factor will be the other people. Acting as though it's just another PT sounds like solid advice.

Thanks guys!

Scalvert · Post by **Scalvert** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 12:02 pm

I dropped 5 points from PT average on both my takes and felt like I had PTSD after it was over.

I don't normally get nervous over tests, but then again, most tests aren't the LSAT. Take a timed test under as close to real conditions as possible. Does your UG have a pre-law society? See if they are holding a proctored exam on campus before your test date.

McJimJam · Post by **McJimJam** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 4:55 pm

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Blueprint Mithun · Post by **Blueprint Mithun** » Mon Sep 21, 2015 2:29 pm

TristanZH wrote:Hi everyone

I'm about to take the October LSAT. I have read multiple times about how "test day nerves" can diminish your score somewhat from what you have been testing. I have a few questions for those with experience:

1. How big a loss are we talking about? My PT scores are in the 174-177 range if that helps.

2. How can you best avoid nerves? I usually have no problem with taking exams but studying for such a long time for such a signifiant test will probably affect me on test day nonetheless. Is there any way you can psyche yourself into not getting psyched?

Thanks alot for any tips / advice!

First off, focus on yourself once you're at the test center. Try not to get caught up in all the buzz of people discussing the test, bragging/lamenting about how much they did/didn't study, etc. That will probably make you more anxious, and it's also totally pointless.

Bring a snack for the break after 3 sections. Hopefully you've been snacking after 3 sections during your PTs, and trying to figure out your ideal snack, one that gives you an energy boost without making you too wired/diuretic, etc. Mine was 2 granola bars and half a can of Red Bull. Helps to do a couple stretches too.

Get a good night's rest the night before. In fact, take the day before the test off. Do not by any means take a preptest. I'd suggest no LSAT prep whatsoever, but if you wanted to do like, one RC passage/game then that's fine.

Do a quick little warmup before you get to the testing center. Prepare this for yourself before the morning of the test, so you won't have to worry about it last minute. It should be something really simple and unchallenging, just to get the blood flowing to your brain. Maybe a simple ordering/grouping game and a few easy LR questions.

If you're in the middle of the test and you feel super anxious, take like 10-15 seconds to close your eyes, take some deep breaths, and tell yourself that you're gonna have to sit through the rest of this thing no matter what, so you might as well do your best and let any mistakes go!

When I started the actual test, I worked through about 10 questions before I realized that I was feeling anxious and that it was slowing me down. I took a few deep breaths and gave myself a pep talk. The LSAT is a four hour marathon, and letting a couple of difficult questions here and there bring down your confidence is a trap. Don't start telling yourself, "oh, I can just retake it, I've already messed up." That's setting yourself up to do even worse. And even if you do end up retaking, or even cancelling your score, you're definitely going to value the experience of having taken the test and giving it your best effort.

ugg · Post by **ugg** » Wed Sep 23, 2015 1:02 pm

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chalky · Post by **chalky** » Wed Sep 23, 2015 1:10 pm

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flash21 · Post by **flash21** » Wed Sep 23, 2015 1:14 pm

chalky wrote:
theugg wrote:Anyone got any favorite meditation videos they'd like to share?
Also interested in this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r-CRbY6g7s

here is one I'm using at the moment, I like it

chalky · Post by **chalky** » Wed Sep 23, 2015 1:16 pm

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ugg · Post by **ugg** » Wed Sep 23, 2015 2:00 pm

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