LSAT Confidence
Making the decision to go to Law schools means preparing yourself for a whole host of changes. This decision likely means that you will be placing your current life on hold, perhaps you will be moving cities, states or countries or maybe you will be leaving behind friends and family to pursue your professional and personal dreams. All of these changes can cause stress and can ultimately impact your mental health. We here at ApexLSAT work with a variety of LSAT test takers who come to us at different stages of their LSAT journey. Because of this, our team has learned to recognize the importance of taking care of yourself and boosting your self-esteem during this difficult time.
It is not uncommon to find your self-confidence decreasing as your prepare for the LSAT. Most of our clients are high achieving students, and thus they tend to have succeeded particularly well in undergrad all while achieving high grades and participating in numerous extra curriculars. However, when it comes to the LSAT they often find themselves struggling. If this is you, keep in mind that you are not alone. The LSAT is a difficult exam. Remember, if it was easy then everybody would do it. Regardless of your reasons for taking the LSAT, we are here to support you.
We list some effective tips to help boost your LSAT confidence.
LSAT Prep Materials
By now you have probably realized that there are a wide variety of LSAT prep materials to choose from. Feeling overwhelmed when selecting the best options is a natural occurrence and the quality and content of the prep materials vary considerably. Here at Apex LSAT, we tend to believe that even the ‘good’ materials – in terms of the number and variety of problems offered – tend to do a disservice to our clients. Too often, they only show a single solution path when it comes to solving problems. Being given only a single solution method can hinder your confidence. This is because everyone learns differently. A proper test prep book needs to take this fact into account. A proper private tutor can supplement written materials. For example, when working with our clients, we teach them numerous problem-solving methods. We then work with them to help find which solution path is most ideal for them. When working with our clients we never try to fit a round peg into a square hole. Having a tool belt full of solution paths means you’re able to enter the test center with confidence.
A Strong Support Network
You are only as strong as the people you surround yourself with. Your network – family, friends, professors, and colleagues – should be made aware of your decision to take the LSAT and attend law school. This is because preparing for the LSAT is a consuming experience, and it will most likely affect you in your private and professional life. By making the people around you aware that you are embarking on this journey, you will be able to surround yourself with a strong support network. You never know when you might need to ask for help, advice, or support from a good friend or family member during your prep.
Another tip is to find others who are currently preparing for the LSAT. By doing this, you will be quick to see that this exam is difficult for most – if not all – test takers. Speaking to people on the same journey as you will be beneficial as you can lean on each other for support during the process. But be careful that you do not engage in comparing yourself to other LSAT preppers. This can have the opposite effect, and break down your hard-earned LSAT confidence.
Mental Health Outside of LSAT Prep
It is very important that the LSAT does not consume every moment of your life! You must be able to efficiently and healthily handle a study-life balance. Defining this habit will serve you well later in your professional life as well. As I am sure you are aware, the life of a lawyer is a stressful one, it is important that you learn to make time for yourself. We suggest you create – and follow – a study schedule that leaves room for personal wellness. Be sure to leave time for exercise, healthy eating habits, and getting together with friends. Often forgotten, but just as important is sleep. Sleep is another integral part of LSAT prep. Without enough sleep, you won’t be able to engage with your studies effectively, ultimately ruining your overall score. It is better to get an extra hour of sleep than gain an hour of studying.
Enveloping yourself in the world of LSAT prep will probably only increase your anxiety and leave you mentally exhausted. Stick to an effective LSAT study schedule, so that you can be sure that you’re prioritizing the most important things in life: namely, yourself!
Ask for Help
Lastly, but not least, we suggest finding people who can help you. Help can come in the form of a private LSAT tutor, online LSAT forums and blogs, or a peer who has already taken the exam. Their experiences can help guide your path. Believe it or not, many top LSAT scorers have made their way into a top law school by working with a private tutor. We understand that you may want to present yourself as having achieved a certain score all ‘alone’, but there is no shame in asking for help. In law school you will find yourself surrounded by people who have also utilized help in one form or another. Our LSAT tutors, for example, have all scored in the top 99th percentile on the exam. They are eager to help you on your journey and pass along their knowledge and skills. We offer complimentary 30-minute consultation calls for interested clients.
To Review
LSAT confidence is earned through hard work. It is unhealthy to assume that you will sit down at the exam center and knock out every problem perfectly. Remind yourself that earning your LSAT confidence begins with the first day of prep. With the help of a healthy prep schedule, you leave time to take care of your physical and mental health. Make sure to buy prep materials that work with your talents rather than against. Build a strong network by surrounding yourself with family and friends who love and support you. And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your future self will thank you in the long run!
Contributor: Danna Coggio