Questions on productivity Forum

[Rizilki]

I'm Rizilki, and I've stalked this board for the past three months, making a post here and there while I (somewhat) waded through different study strategies, and finally arrived at the conclusion that a prep course (Testmasters, specifically) fits my study style best (a classroom environment somehow brings out the best in me). However, that isn't exactly why I'm here.

I've often wondered if my "work capacity", that is, length of time I can productively study, is up to snuff, and have come up (through a repetitive, laborious process of trial and error) with the hypothesis that prolonged periods of intense, consistent, regimented studying exhausts me, but that prolonged periods of intellectual relaxation rejuvenates my motivation and energy. Before I began studying for the LSAT in early April, I had burned through a book on traditional logic (I'm familiar with syllogistic logic and very familiar with modern symbolic and modal logics, but I had heard from a friend who has taken the LSAT that, conceptually, the logical reasoning section of the test relied mostly upon basic logic when it comes to its bare bones, and I had believed this would be a good preface). Immediately after working through the logic text, I began, perhaps with too much intensity, studying for the LSAT. I had been fairly consistent in my studying until three works ago when I decided that a break was in order, and I haven't taken a look at LSAT material since, for after the initial week off I was advised by someone who has better perspective than I that it would be ultimately be more effective for the sake of time and energy to take the September LSAT instead of very slowly working through the material until the December test came around. I just started the Testmasters course last night.

Now that I've provided context, onto the specific purpose of this post, a few questions: could some of you, if you would, please explain to me your logistical experiences in studying for the LSAT? Do any of you abide by a similar hypothesis/principle as stated above?

Also, in addition, I'm made considerable sacrifices - I've removed many superfluous activities from my life in order for me to have more time to study, have more time to rest from study, and be less stressed overall - so that I can have optimal work capacity and thus achieve my potential on the LSAT. My further question: has anyone else had to make such sacrifices, and did you find sacrificing those superfluous, unnecessary activities paid off in attempting to achieve your LSAT potential?

Thank you,
Riz

[bmathers]

Sacrificing is normal, if you are extremely busy. I sacrificed a lot, including the gym and lots of physical activity (which, I am a very active person, this KILLED me to do) for the Feb LSAT. I ended up stressing out and bombed it. For my June LSAT, I didn't sacrifice gym/physical activity/meal plan at all and did quite a bit better on the LSAT.

As for study time... breaks are great. I don't go more than 2 hrs of studying a section before taking a break and switching it up. LSAT prep should be a marathon, not a sprint (unless if you want to make it like HIIT ). Do NOT burn yourself out. Burnout is very real/

[Rizilki]

I really appreciate the input. Instead of giving up physical activity, I replaced stressful physical activity with less stressful physical activity.

That's actually part of my plan: I'll take breaks every few hours and then jump back into it after that.

Thanks!

[Blueprint Mithun]

I'm Rizilki, and I've stalked this board for the past three months, making a post here and there while I (somewhat) waded through different study strategies, and finally arrived at the conclusion that a prep course (Testmasters, specifically) fits my study style best (a classroom environment somehow brings out the best in me). However, that isn't exactly why I'm here.

I've often wondered if my "work capacity", that is, length of time I can productively study, is up to snuff, and have come up (through a repetitive, laborious process of trial and error) with the hypothesis that prolonged periods of intense, consistent, regimented studying exhausts me, but that prolonged periods of intellectual relaxation rejuvenates my motivation and energy. Before I began studying for the LSAT in early April, I had burned through a book on traditional logic (I'm familiar with syllogistic logic and very familiar with modern symbolic and modal logics, but I had heard from a friend who has taken the LSAT that, conceptually, the logical reasoning section of the test relied mostly upon basic logic when it comes to its bare bones, and I had believed this would be a good preface). Immediately after working through the logic text, I began, perhaps with too much intensity, studying for the LSAT. I had been fairly consistent in my studying until three works ago when I decided that a break was in order, and I haven't taken a look at LSAT material since, for after the initial week off I was advised by someone who has better perspective than I that it would be ultimately be more effective for the sake of time and energy to take the September LSAT instead of very slowly working through the material until the December test came around. I just started the Testmasters course last night.

Now that I've provided context, onto the specific purpose of this post, a few questions: could some of you, if you would, please explain to me your logistical experiences in studying for the LSAT? Do any of you abide by a similar hypothesis/principle as stated above?

Also, in addition, I'm made considerable sacrifices - I've removed many superfluous activities from my life in order for me to have more time to study, have more time to rest from study, and be less stressed overall - so that I can have optimal work capacity and thus achieve my potential on the LSAT. My further question: has anyone else had to make such sacrifices, and did you find sacrificing those superfluous, unnecessary activities paid off in attempting to achieve your LSAT potential?

Thank you,
Riz

You're not making a bad decision by opting to study for September instead of December. I believe that it's better to spend a few months studying for the LSAT with relative intensity rather than spreading it out over a longer period of time. There isn't a ton of material on this test, but it does require consistent practice to stay in the correct mindset. For that reason, more time isn't quite as valuable as more focus. And in any case, if September doesn't go as well as you'd like, you can retake in December and still apply in the same cycle, if you wish to do so.

In terms of your course, I've taught the Blueprint course so I can't comment on specifics, but I'd advise you to stay on top of your work for each class and not fall behind. If you've got some extra time and energy, spend it reviewing and drilling more examples of the question type(s) that you've learned from that lesson. Many students are in a hurry to learn all the material on the test, but you'll get there regardless of how fast you progres - what's important is that you learn the content well. This will save you time in the long run, and improve your score potential.

It's natural to make sacrifices for this test. I was told to treat it like a part-time job from my pre-law advisor, and that advice served me well. You have to put in a least the allotted amount of time and effort most days of the week, and if you ever slack off, you have to make up that time in the future. I think it's important to get some quality rest and some exercise as well, to keep your mind fresh. I'd also suggest practicing basic mindfulness meditation/breathing exercises for 10=15 minutes a day, to de-stress yourself. These exercises can be useful in a testing situation as well, when you're feeling overwhelmed and need to center yourself.

Since quality rest is so key, I'd recommend cutting down on alcohol/substances during your prep period, as those tend to put a toll on the body. I'm not telling you to be a monk, by any means, these are just suggestions. At the end of the day, you know your body/mind and your study habits the best, so do what works for you. I cut out TV/video games during my prep and opted to go on walks/bike rides with my free time, which was a welcome respite from all the sitting I did while studying. Recreation is important, but healthy recreation is ideal. Prepping for the LSAT is a bit like getting ready for a marathon - you have to practice your technique and endurance, but you also have to keep yourself de-stressed and in good mental shape for the main event.

[Barack O'Drama]

+1 To what Blueprint Mithun said!

When I first started prepping I was doing 8 hours a day and rushing through the material. My test score went up a few points, but in reality I didn't learn much and burned myself out within a month.

Last week I decided to take the December LSAT instead and sort of start fresh. I think 4-5 hours a day broken up into 2-3 study sessions is perfect. This way you can take a couple breaks and de-stress. I think it is also valuable for actually absorbing what you are learning.

I made a lot of sacrifices to study for the test. I basically turned down a great job, but one that was going to leave me with little to no time for prep. And ultimately it was not going to be something I could do long term anyways, so no regrets. I also don't go out on weekends anymore--at least not drinking and partying like I did in the past. Gave up substances and alcohol.

Otherwise, things are pretty much the same for me. When I have free time I like to run, read, and just relax with my GF and dog and watch some Netflix.

[Rizilki]

Very good information. To Blueprint: I go on walks in the morning to help me wake up (I find this much more effective than coffee), however I don't think I'll give up video games as part of recreation. Yes, sitting for three hours a day isn't healthy, but I think as long as I keep up the walking and lifting, that should nullify negative cardiovascular effects. I'm completely with you on the drinking. I've never been a heavy boozer, but I definitely don't plan on drinking much for the next 11 weeks. And yes to meditation! I attribute my vast improvement on the GRE (60th to 90th percentile) to meditation!

[Rizilki]

+1 To what Blueprint Mithun said!

When I first started prepping I was doing 8 hours a day and rushing through the material. My test score went up a few points, but in reality I didn't learn much and burned myself out within a month.

Last week I decided to take the December LSAT instead and sort of start fresh. I think 4-5 hours a day broken up into 2-3 study sessions is perfect. This way you can take a couple breaks and de-stress. I think it is also valuable for actually absorbing what you are learning.

I made a lot of sacrifices to study for the test. I basically turned down a great job, but one that was going to leave me with little to no time for prep. And ultimately it was not going to be something I could do long term anyways, so no regrets. I also don't go out on weekends anymore--at least not drinking and partying like I did in the past. Gave up substances and alcohol.

Otherwise, things are pretty much the same for me. When I have free time I like to run, read, and just relax with my GF and dog and watch some Netflix.

Yeah, the 8 hours a day thing would kill me. I need to break it up, as you said, to maintain productivity and sanity

[Barack O'Drama]

+1 To what Blueprint Mithun said!

When I first started prepping I was doing 8 hours a day and rushing through the material. My test score went up a few points, but in reality I didn't learn much and burned myself out within a month.

Last week I decided to take the December LSAT instead and sort of start fresh. I think 4-5 hours a day broken up into 2-3 study sessions is perfect. This way you can take a couple breaks and de-stress. I think it is also valuable for actually absorbing what you are learning.

I made a lot of sacrifices to study for the test. I basically turned down a great job, but one that was going to leave me with little to no time for prep. And ultimately it was not going to be something I could do long term anyways, so no regrets. I also don't go out on weekends anymore--at least not drinking and partying like I did in the past. Gave up substances and alcohol.

Otherwise, things are pretty much the same for me. When I have free time I like to run, read, and just relax with my GF and dog and watch some Netflix.

Yeah, the 8 hours a day thing would kill me. I need to break it up, as you said, to maintain productivity and sanity

Absolutely! Another thing I do is use a time to make sure the time I am putting in is at maximum productivity. So if I am studying for 2 hours and decide to get up and stretch for 5 minutes, or grab a snack, I stop the timer so I know I am putting in the time I set aside for studying. It sounds neurotic, but it helps me feel accomplished at the end of the day knowing I put in 4 hours of prep, not checking texts and snap chatting. I find this helps with stress too.

[RamTitan]

I'm a big fan of spreading it over the long haul (like a year to do your studying), but I know not everyone has that kind of time nor desire to put off the test.