LSAT Test Tips
LSAT Test Tips: So exam day has finally arrived and it's time to get down to business. First of all, try to relax as much as possible - the more at ease your mind is, the more effective your brain will be at dealing with the challenge that's headed its way. Take time to breathe and center yourself - that's time well spent.
Make sure you eat a good breakfast, including some protein. If don't normally eat breakfast, consider eating a light snack because you won't be able to eat for five hours once the test starts. If you need caffeine, then be sure to use the restroom beforehand - maybe a couple times. Wear multiple layers of clothing so you can adjust to different temperatures in the testing room and keep yourself comfortable. Leave early for the test site, and arrive at least 40 minutes before test time. Bring along something to read while you wait so you can keep your mind off the test. Be sure to bring your admission ticket, photo ID, a few #2 pencils, an eraser, and a stopwatch that doesn't beep.
When you arrive at the testing center, you are required to show your admission ticket and your photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or student ID card. Be aware that all test-takers are thumbprinted to prevent someone from taking another person's exam for them. You will be assigned a seat, but if you wish to move to a different seat for any reason, ask a supervisor and they will most likely honor your request.
Before the test begins, there will be about 20 or so minutes of instructions from written scripts. All answers must be recorded with a #2 pencil on the answer sheet, not on the test booklet. Make sure and bring a timing device that is silent because there is no guarantee of a functioning clock at the testing center. It is possible to leave the room during the exam after you have received permission from a supervisor. Supervisors also alert the students when there are 5 minutes remaining in the section. There is a 10-15 minute break between the third and fourth section. There is also a short break between the completion of the multiple choice sections and the beginning of the Writing Sample.
It is important not to go for perfection on the LSAT. Answering only 65% of the questions correctly will put you in the 75th percentile. All of the questions on the LSAT count for the same number of points, regardless of difficulty. If you really get stumped on a question, you can skip it and go on to the next question. You always have the option of coming back to the question later in the section. However, you should make sure that you have answered all questions by the end of the section. Never leave answers blank because there is no penalty for wrong answers. If you're not sure of the correct answer, try using the process of elimination. Focus on determining which answers are wrong, instead of which answer is right. If you are forced to guess, eliminating only two incorrect answers can increase your chances of getting the right answer by 65%.
For many test-takers, the strategy of focusing on fewer questions and moving slow can be much more effective than trying to answer all questions and keeping up a fast pace. A lot of questions have "trap" answers, the purpose of which is to make students who are rushing through the test choose the wrong answer. Don't get caught in these traps. Many questions are so difficult, it's better to just cut your losses, use process of elimination, take a guess, and move on to questions you can answer correctly. Keeping your pencil moving can help you stay focused and keep move forward.
