Can I improve my LSAT score a few days before the exam?

The short answer is, "Yes", people can improve their score by studying during the week before the exam. But the improvement (if any) is slight and negligible.

When it comes to the LSAT most students have this workaholic mentality - "I am going to eat, breathe, and sleep to LSAT questions." I understand. It's an important test and you want to go to law school. I've been there; I've done that. But hindsight is 20/20, and take it from me (the professional), keep that workaholic mentality and you're gonna burn out. Cramming is not the best approach to this exam.

The LSAT is what I call a "cram-proof" test. It's not like your typical high school or college exam, where you can study like mad for a week and get an "A+". In college, my friend, Shihani did take an entire week off to "cram" for the LSAT. She ended up with a 171. But ask her what she was scoring a few months before taking the exam, and she'll tell you, "Eh, between 169 and 173?" This girl is one of those natural born standardized test takers. Most of us aren't born that way; we had to work towards our 180.

The best way to spend your week (or few days) before the exam is to take a chill pill (NOT literally) and relax. Only do LSAT questions that you've done in the past - the purpose isn't to prove to yourself that "you can do it"; the purpose is to keep your brain well "oiled and juiced up". But please DO NOT expose yourself to more than 1-2 hour(s) (per day) of LSAT exposure during these last few days. Statistically, people perform better under pressure when they go into the "hot zone" relaxed and well-rested. For example, no professional athlete, active duty soldier or game show contestant (all of whom directly deal with high pressure situations) will ever exhaust themselves just days before "game" day. They spend those last few days relaxing.

Here are some things that my former students (who scored a 170 or above) have done to help them relax and "get in the zone" just days before the exam:

• Massage - get a massage
• Dog walking - walk your dog
• Manicure/Pedicure - go spoil yourself silly
• New York Times Bestseller - read a good yet not so draining book!
• Cook - great therapy; but don't attempt this if you HATE cooking
• Clean Room - also great therapy; but ONLY if you love to clean (this one doesn't work for me)
• Shop - go shop (but don't go bankrupt)
• Pick-up Game - play a friendly game of basketball, tennis, etc. but ONLY if you usually find this fun
• Bath - take a long relaxing bath
• Restaurant - eat good food!
• Starbucks - lounge with your latte and friends

Best of luck. If you have any questions, please comment or email~