11 Things to Do Before Taking the LSAT Remotely
11 Things to Do Before Taking the LSAT Remotely
Taking the LSAT is a big step for students as they prepare to apply to law school. As such, it can be an incredibly stressful affair for many students. Are you getting ready to take the LSAT remotely? We’ve got you covered! Here, we will review the 11 most important tips to prepare you for a remote administration of the LSAT.
11 Things to Do Before Taking the LSAT Remotely
1. Test your computer, internet, and audio/visual equipment.
If you are taking a remotely administered LSAT, you should make sure that the necessary software is downloaded and installed in advance of your exam. You should also make sure that your computer system meets the minimum requirements to run the software.
You can review this list to check the requirements to run the ProctorU proctoring software.
We also recommend that you conduct a test of your equipment through ProctorU, which remotely administers the LSAT. Doing this will help ensure that your equipment is working properly on test day!
2. Double-check that you know your login information.
This is probably a pretty obvious one, but forgetting your username or password as you are about to take the LSAT would be a very stressful experience! Take the time beforehand to ensure that you are able to log in to your ProctorU account as well as your LSAC LawHub account. If you have any difficulties, be sure to address them beforehand. Take the time to reset your password now, and make sure that you have a solid way to remember your username and password so you can log in to the LSAT easily.
3. Make sure your physical testing space is properly set up.
Your testing space should be comfortable. After all, you’ll be spending several hours in one spot! Make sure that no prohibited items are left out, such as papers, study materials, and electronic devices. The LSAC’s website has a full list of required, allowed, and prohibited items. Also, be aware that your proctor may ask you to make changes to your testing area if there’s anything that makes them worried about test security. Your proctor might ask you to cover windows, move electronics, or shift the position of your desk, so try to anticipate issues before they arise to minimize any disruptions.
Night Before the LSAT
4. Don’t study the night before the LSAT!
This tip might seem counterintuitive, but we recommend against studying the night before taking the LSAT. In fact, it is best that you avoid studying for a few days before your testing date. You aren’t likely to make any meaningful improvements with last-minute studying. It is even less likely that your brain will fully encode any new learning in that timespan either. The only thing last-minute studying might do is induce stress. If you should happen to score below your desired score on a practice test, this can also make you anxious. To avoid this, simply avoid studying the night before the LSAT!
5. Eat a well-rounded, nutritious dinner a few hours before you go to sleep.
Making sure your brain is optimally supplied with the nutrition it needs is very important for LSAT-takers. Be sure to eat a well-balanced dinner. It is also wise to try to eat something that is unlikely to cause your stomach to be upset. After all, you don’t want a sour stomach to interfere with your ability to get a proper night’s sleep!
6. Go to bed on time.
A good night’s rest can be incredibly helpful on test day. Hopefully, you chose to schedule your LSAT administration at a time of day that you typically feel mentally alert. Avoid going to bed too early, as this might lead to trouble falling asleep. Likewise, avoid going to bed too late, so that you are not overtired or groggy in the morning. Finally, don’t forget to set at least two alarms so you don’t oversleep!
Morning of the LSAT
7. Eat a healthy breakfast.
Eating healthy leading up to your LSAT is important, and will help ensure that your brain is sufficiently fuelled with necessary nutrients. This rule holds true on the morning of the LSAT! You might be feeling nervous, but if possible, you should avoid letting this prevent you from eating at all. Even a small breakfast is better than none!
With regard to what foods to eat, try to avoid excessively greasy foods that might upset your stomach. Seek a balance of proteins and carbohydrates, and avoid having too much sugar. Also, try to avoid consuming too many caffeinated beverages, or even drinking an excessive amount of fluids – needing to use the restroom during the LSAT can be very distracting!
8. Complete an easy logic game or small LSAT question set.
In the hour before your LSAT administration starts, take 10 minutes to do a quick logic game that you already know you are able to solve easily. Completing this task will gear your mind towards the LSAT questions you are about to face. This refresher set is especially important if you took a break from LSAT studying before your exam (which we recommend above!). Also, quickly and correctly finishing a logic game will give you a confidence boost going into the test!
9. Manage your mood and energy going into the test.
Do everything you can to feel as positive and confident as possible leading up to the test. Listen to a “pump-up” playlist, finish a task that makes you feel accomplished, or play a game that puts you in a good mood. Some experts recommend visualizing yourself getting your target high score. For others, meditation or prayer helps to calm them down. The specific methods you choose are up to you, so use whatever you know best for you!
10. Turn off as many internet devices as you can.
To make sure that you have the strongest connection to the LSAT administration and your proctor, it is best to have a wired connection (if possible) or to be as close to your wifi as you can manage. Additionally, turn off other wifi or internet-connected devices that you know you don’t need during the LSAT. The last thing you want is for your connection to fade due to a major update another electronic device performs in the middle of your test. Also, ask any housemates to avoid using the internet during your administration. You don’t want to disconnect from your proctor because your roommate was hogging bandwidth to stream videos!
11. Get your ID, scratch paper, pencils, and water.
Make sure you have everything you will need for the test nearby before your session starts. You will need to show an ID during the test, so be sure to have an acceptable form of ID with you at your desk. Also, be sure to have four sheets of scratch paper (or one per test section). The scratch paper can be plain, lined, or graphed. We recommend lined paper to keep your notes neat. You might also try graph paper for the logic games, which could help with setting up your game boards faster and more neatly. Finally, have some water or another beverage handy in case you need it, but again, avoid over drinking any beverages!
We hope these tips on taking the LSAT remotely are helpful!
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