Looking ahead to Saturday's test, Strategy's Ben Olson has several tips for how to round out your LSAT preparation.

Friday Game Plan

Because the LSAT is a skills-based test, there’s little you can do to improve your score overnight. You can’t cram this one. But in many ways, that’s a good thing. You can’t lose your skills that quickly either. In short, by Friday afternoon, don’t plan on doing anything else LSAT. The hay is in the barn, as some people say. Take it easy. Watch a movie.

And don’t even stress about getting the perfect night’s sleep. No one does. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, put in another movie. Eventually, you’ll get tired and fall asleep. That’s better than stressing about not falling asleep and then kicking off the covers at 2:00 am in the morning and stomping down the hall because you’re still awake.

Before you hit the hay (no illicit shift in meaning here), print out your ticket, secure your photo, and put all your pencils, IDs, snacks, and other goodies in your zip lock bag. Your ticket should be unsigned.

Saturday Game Plan

On Saturday morning, eat a slightly larger than normal breakfast, but only slightly. You don’t want to get tired (or go into cardiac arrest) in section two from eating an oversized, cheese-stuffed IHOP omelet. The test often doesn’t start until 10:00 or 10:30 am, which means the break isn’t until noon or so. And that’s the first time you can eat.

Some students like to print out a few practice questions (http://strategyprep.com/timer/sample-test.pdf) to take right after they arrive at the test center. You technically can’t take those questions into the building, but you can do them outside, in your car, or in a nearby building. This warm-up can get you in the right mindset for the test so that your first few questions start off without a hitch.

December vs. February

If you’re signed up to take the December LSAT, but you already know that you’re unlikely to get the score that you need for the schools you’re applying to, and you already know that you’re going to take the February LSAT, seriously consider not taking the December LSAT. In this situation, the December LSAT score will appear on your record and is unlikely to help you. And it could hurt your application if any of your schools average scores.

The one big downside with taking the February LSAT, for those applying this year, is that many schools don’t accept it because it’s too late. And for the schools that do accept it, many don’t take it seriously because your application is so late in the process. Granted, more schools accept the February LSAT now because of the recent drop in law school applicants, but it’s still rather late in the cycle.

Withdrawal Deadline

You have until midnight (EST) on Friday to withdraw from the test. You will not get a refund, but nothing will appear on your record. If you try to withdraw after midnight, a cancellation will appear on your record. One cancellation is not a problem, but if you’re not planning to take the test in December, you should withdraw before midnight.

With late registration for the December LSAT closing in just three days, we thought it would be helpful to compare the test locations here in Washington, DC. For this upcoming date, test-takers can choose between the centers at American, Catholic, Georgetown, Howard, and the University of the District of Columbia. To help you choose which one fits yours needs, the list below has all the basic information we've been able to gather from past test-takers.

American University

• Location: 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
• Type of room: Lecture hall
• Number of test-takers: 50-75
• Clock in room: No
• Temperature: Optimal
• Lighting: Optimal
• Noise Level: Very quiet
• Rule enforcement: Yes
• Desk space: Optimal
• Timing: Proctors kept accurate time
• Start time: Usually 1 hour or so after scheduled test time

Catholic University

• Location: 620 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20064
• Type of room: Small class room
• Number of test-takers: 0-25
• Clock in room: Yes
• Temperature: Cold
• Lighting: Optimal
• Noise Level: Average
• Rule enforcement:Yes
• Desk space: Relatively small
• Timing: Proctor kept accurate time
• Start time: Usually 1 hour or so after scheduled test time

Georgetown University

• Location: 3700 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20057
• Type of room: Small class room
• Number of test-takers: 0-25
• Clock in room: Yes
• Temperature: Optimal
• Lighting: Optimal
• Noise Level: Very quiet
• Rule enforcement: Yes
• Desk space: Relatively small
• Timing: Proctor kept accurate time
• Start time: Usually 1 hour or so after scheduled test time

Howard University

• Location: 2400 Sixth Street NW, Washington, DC 20059
• Type of room: Lecture hall
• Number of test-takers: 50-75
• Clock in room: Yes
• Temperature: Optimal
• Lighting: Optimal
• Noise Level: Quiet
• Rule enforcement: Yes
• Desk space: Relatively small
• Timing: Proctor kept accurate time
• Start time: Usually 1 hour or so after scheduled test time

University of the District of Columbia

• Location: 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Type of room: Large class room
• Number of test-takers: Over 100
• Clock in room: Yes
• Temperature: Warm/Hot
• Lighting: Optimal
• Noise Level: Very quiet
• Rule enforcement: Yes
• Desk space: Optimal
• Timing: Yes
• Start time: Usually 1 hour or so after scheduled test time

From what we have seen across the Internet, the Reading Comprehension passage with a scientific focus and the Logic Game were the sources of some frustration. Overall though, it sounds like the sections were as challenging as expected. Despite that, we have no doubt that you're anxious about getting your scores back, and so we thought we would tackle some of the more frequently asked questions.

When will scores be available?

If you have an LSAC account, you will not have to wait quite as long as everyone else. Look out for an email from LSAC on Wednesday, October 30^th (so only 22 days to go!). For those of you without LSAC accounts, they plan to send scores by mail starting Thursday, November 7^th.

Can I cancel my score?

Yes, you have through this Friday, October 11^th to cancel your score. The proper way to do so is to submit a written request to LSAC using this form: http://www.lsac.org/docs/default-source/jd-docs/scorecancellationform.pdf?sfvrsn=2 . You must fax or send by expedited or overnight mail; LSAC will not accept the requests by email. The fax number and address can be found on their site: http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/score-cancellations#written

Now, more importantly, should I cancel my score?

Most likely not. The odds are your test performance on Saturday was not a complete disaster, and as such, you should wait to see how you scored. If you were ill on test day or made errors when filling in your answers, then canceling your score does make sense.

Ok, that helps, but what if I did not score as well as I hoped?

The next test date is December 7, 2013, and you can register until close of business on Monday, November 4^th. This offers some of you the chance to see your October scores before making a decision to register or not. And if you feel that you need to retake the test, but December is too soon, then LSAC also offers a test date in February 2014.  

Test day is almost here, so we at Strategy want to remind test takers of a few ways to limit anxiety going into tomorrow.

Courtesy of one of Ben's old tip posts, here are a few pointers:

On the morning of the test you’re going to be tempted to think about many different things. It’s really important, though, to go into the test with a positive and excited attitude. Tackling the test with the right mindset is important; you want to be motivated and ready to do your best. Try not to let test-day jitters get the best of you.

Your Own Breakfast of Champions
One way to avoid the jitters: While you’re eating breakfast on test day, run through the following little mind exercise. It’s simple. Just write as many reasons as you can that explain why you’re going to do awesome on the LSAT. It doesn’t matter what the reasons are. You could write how well you did on that fifth grade spelling bee. Anything! The key here is to just keep writing. In this way, you force yourself to think nothing but positive thoughts for a good portion of your morning. You’re inevitably going to be thinking of something, so it might as well be how awesome you are!

Your Own Rocky
Another thing you can do is to just create a mix of your favorite songs that pump you up. Spend a couple minutes starring in your own personal Rocky sequel with Eye of the Tiger playing in the background, and then let that excitement and intensity carry you into the test.

Beating the Bell Curve
No matter how much the test makers like to praise their test’s objectivity and accuracy, they are secretly banking on your being nervous. To maintain the LSAT’s predictably smooth bell curve, they need many students to rush and miss the details. Otherwise, too many folks would do well, and they’d have to develop a better test. But if you take the time to really get excited about doing well and overcome your jitters, you’re going to beat them at their own game.

On the morning of the test you’re going to be tempted to think about many different things. It’s really important, though, to go into the test with a positive and excited attitude. Tackling the test with the right mindset is important; you want to be motivated and ready to do your best. Try not to let test-day jitters get the best of you.

Your Own Breakfast of Champions

One way to avoid the jitters: While you’re eating breakfast on test day, run through the following little mind exercise. It’s simple. Just write as many reasons as you can that explain why you’re going to do awesome on the LSAT. It doesn’t matter what the reasons are. You could write how well you did on that fifth grade spelling bee. Anything! The key here is to just keep writing. In this way, you force yourself to think nothing but positive thoughts for a good portion of your morning. You’re inevitably going to be thinking of something, so it might as well be how awesome you are!

Your Own Rocky

Another thing you can do is to just create a mix of your favorite songs that pump you up. Spend a couple minutes starring in your own personal Rocky sequel with Eye of the Tiger playing in the background, and then let that excitement and intensity carry you into the test.

Beating the Bell Curve

No matter how much the test makers like to praise their test’s objectivity and accuracy, they are secretly banking on your being nervous. To maintain the LSAT’s predictably smooth bell curve, they need many students to rush and miss the details. Otherwise, too many folks would do well, and they’d have to develop a better test. But if you take the time to really get excited about doing well and overcome your jitters, you’re going to beat them at their own game.

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Related

How many questions can I miss on the LSAT?

I just got a good question about the predicted snow on Saturday.

It is possible that LSAC would cancel the test if it snowed too much, but that would be on a site-by-site basis. If that happens, they would contact you after the fact and probably reschedule you for sometime in the next two weeks; that's what they've done in the past.

That said, I would recommend not planning on this. When I took my test, I had to drive through 7 inches of snow that had fallen the night before. And not only was the test still taking place, I was the last one to arrive. They're not going to cancel the test unless it's impossible for them to hold it.

If you think your test might be canceled, I would check your lsac.org account to see if they've posted any updates either before you go to bed on Friday or when you wake up on Saturday. They might call or email you, but I wouldn't count on it.

In the meantime, make sure to give yourself double or even triple the time it would normally take you to get to your testing site.

One of our students, who took the June 2009 LSAT at Bowie, had this to say.

Too funny not to share:

LSAT went pretty well I think, though it was pretty interesting, they jipped us 5 minutes on the last section apparently and people started yelling about it and stuff. So she gave us an extra 5 minutes after it all went down. Was funny. Some guys also thought that we lost 5 minutes on the second section, but I noticed the time for that one and I was 99% positive that we got full time.

Lesson learned: Keep time so you can demand your 35 minutes?!

Hopefully this never happens again, LSAC. :)

1. Take it easy. Plan to do something fun, and don't plan on studying. If you like studying, it won't hurt. But don't feel the need to do so. You're prepared. Now is the time to relax and to get rested for the day ahead. That said, don't get all worried about getting enough sleep; you'll get through the test. Just say no to partying and you'll be good.
2. Figure out how to get to the testing center. And, if possible, go to the testing center. That will ensure you know how to get there, how long it takes, and where to park. Once you're there, if you can get in the building, check out where you'll be sitting, the clock (if any), restrooms, drinking fountains, and so on. The more you know, the more relaxed you'll be.
3. Print out your ticket even if you already have. Make sure your testing center hasn't changed; it's happened before.
4. Pack your zip-lock bag, which must be one gallon (3.79 liter) or smaller. Contents.
5. Set your alarm and go have fun. You've done all you can do.

Almost nothing, except your clothes and a one-gallon, clear zip-lock bag with the following goodies:

Required

• LSAT admission ticket
• Driver's license or passport
• No. 2 wooden pencils

ID Requirements

• Current (not expired)
• Government issued
• Photo
• Your signature
• Your first and last name on your ID must match your ticket exactly. If not, you must request a new ticket well before the exam.

Optional

• Wallet
• Keys
• Analog wrist watch
• Medical or hygiene products
• Highlighter
• Erasers
• Pencil sharpener
• Tissues
• Beverage in plastic container or juice box (maximum size 20 oz. or 591 ml)
• Snack

Not Permitted

• Cell phones
• Ear plugs
• Mechanical pencils
• Anything remotely electronic, including digital watches

Wear a few extra layers of clothing just in case it's too cold because you can always take them off.