December 3 is the day my life will truly end... or begin, depending on how you look at it. December 3 is the day that I take the LSAT, the test that determines whether I have what it take to become a law student. The ability to read comprehensively, logically reason, and the means to determine the order of six trains coming into three different stations during four different times of day are all how law schools will evaluate my amount of "lawyerlyness". No matter how many times I watch "Legally Blonde," I know I will probably not score a 175 on the LSAT. I've been studying more or less since June and have learned a couple of things along the way and not just how to solve a logic game in under nine minutes, (which is still a work in progress for me by the way...)
1. No Math? No Problem!
SIKE. The LSAT is like doing math but only with words and situations. Math is pretty much logic and that is exactly what this test is all about. I have found that math has actually become an easier subject for me since there is always only ONE correct answer. When it comes to the LSAT, every answer is somewhat correct or at least looks correct but you need to pick the MOST correct answer. My brain is liquifying just thinking about it.
2. Self-Studying Is Going to be Easy.
NOPE. Reading, drills, and timed practice tests are harder to get yourself to do when Netflix, Facebook, Naps, and essentially everything else in the world sounds more appealing than studying. Although I have hated self studying, it has been extremely effective. Check out Powerscore's Bibles if you are a prospective LSAT taker.
3. Logic Games Are Impossible.
Surprisingly, NO! Most people preparing for the LSAT most dread the logic games portion of the test, but it is actually the portion you can study and improve on the most. I have become a diagramming pro at this point. Every LSAT'er knows that a solid diagram essentially solves the game for you and saves you time.
4. 3.5 Hours Is Not That Bad For a Test...
LOL. Yes it is. This is not like the SAT or ACT. The test is designed to mentally drain you. Five sections and an essay that require tough, critical thinking can tire you fast. The best thing a future LSAT-taker can do is study A LOT. I study at least 15 hours a week. I have started taking timed practice test every Sunday so that by the time the real thing happens, my brain will be fit and ready for anything.
5. If I Don't Do Well I Can Just Take It Again
True, BUT a lot of law schools will average the best of your two scores. So if you have one terrible score and one amazing one, you are going to be left with the average of the two. It is best to kill it the first time around. So, study hard and study a lot — this test is not impossible and you do not have to be a genius to do well, you just need to be ready for a challenge.
