How do I deal with LSAT anxiety?

Asked by: Nicolas Roberts  |  Last update: August 28, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (2 votes)

Study Under Testing Conditions Not only does this involve sticking to the plan you set out for yourself, it means practicing under live testing conditions. Taking timed exams in an environment that replicates what you'll face on actual test day can help you manage LSAT anxiety and feel confident once test day arrives.

How to stop LSAT anxiety?

There are two effective ways to help reduce the stress and anxiety of outcome-based thinking on the LSAT that can directly improve your score. First, by understanding the differences between setting goals and hyper-focusing on outcomes. Second, by focusing on the preparation itself, rather than any future performance.

How do you get over exam anxiety?

To help you stay calm and confident right before and during the test, do relaxation techniques. These include deep breathing, tensing then relaxing your muscles one at a time, or closing your eyes and imagining a positive outcome. Practice these methods daily so they feel like a habit when test day comes.

What is the hardest month to take the LSAT?

There isn't one specific month that is the easiest or hardest to write the LSAT, and if there was, it would change each year since the students writing the LSAT change each year! The hardest test will be the one you haven't fully prepared for, regardless of the month!

Does anxiety count as a disability for LSAT?

Depression and anxiety are ADA covered disabilities and a letter with a diagnosis from a health care provider could be enough, in addition to your written statement. Law schools will not be notified of your disability or that you received accommodations.

How to Combat LSAT Test Anxiety

24 related questions found

What percentage of LSAT takers get accommodations?

A: LSAC grants about 46-79% requests each year. So, think about that for a moment: if you go through the process of requesting accommodations (which is lengthy), you have roughly a 50-75% chance on receiving those accommodations.

Can a person with anxiety be a lawyer?

Feeling introverted, shy, or socially anxious doesn't have to hold you back as a lawyer. Learn to understand yourself and succeed.

Can I get a 170 on the LSAT in 2 months?

A 170 will be difficult to obtain. It will require quality resources and substantial preparation. You should dedicate at least four months to reach this target. For the best LSAT support, consider teaming up with a 99th percentile tutor who can help you increase your score by 12 points!

Which LSAT section is hardest?

Analytical Reasoning

You'll need various skills to do well here. You'll have to figure out relationships between complex concepts and apply logic even when things seem unclear. The situations presented can be ambiguous and complex, making this section notorious among LSAT takers.

Is the LSAT going away in 2025?

The ABA's House of Delegates will vote on the Council's proposed change in February 2023. If the House votes to nix Standard 503, the standardized-test requirement won't go away until 2025. So, the LSAT isn't definitely going away, and it's definitely not going away until 2025.

What medication is used for exam anxiety?

If they are more than a week away, however, you might find that it is better to start propranolol to reduce your symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking or sweating. Most people take exams as normal while taking propranolol, but if you have any concerns, discuss this with your doctor.

How do I calm myself down from anxiety?

Here are seven strategies she uses to help manage anxiety in the moment — and why they work to relieve stress.
  1. Diaphragmatic breathing. ...
  2. Simple stretches. ...
  3. Use your words. ...
  4. Guided imagery. ...
  5. Change your language. ...
  6. Lose yourself in music. ...
  7. Make a new playlist. ...
  8. 12 things to know about alcohol and cancer.

How do you relax for exam anxiety?

Mindfulness and breathing techniques for exam stress
  • Inhale through your nose gently for two seconds.
  • Hold your breath in for one second.
  • Breathe out through your mouth slowly for four seconds.
  • Repeat for one minute (or longer if you like) and you should feel a difference in your mood!

How to mentally prepare for LSAT?

How To De-Stress Before the LSAT
  1. Take the last 24 hours off. Burnout is real, and you don't want to go into your LSAT with a tired mind. ...
  2. Watch a silly movie — or a classic. ...
  3. Take a bath with lavender products. ...
  4. Exercise. ...
  5. Find a dog, and give it belly rubs. ...
  6. Bake a cake (or some cookies!) ...
  7. Meditate. ...
  8. Read old comic strips.

Why is the LSAT so frustrating?

The LSAT is known as a difficult test. It requires strong reasoning skills, critical thinking, and the ability to manage time effectively. The questions are designed to challenge even the most prepared test-takers. Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games): Many find this section to be the most difficult.

Can you control F during LSAT?

Am I allowed to use CTRL+F on the LSAT? Yes! Definitively, yes. When the LSAT became an at-home test in May 2020, LSAC announced that it would not disable the CTRL/Command+F function on its testing software.

Which LSAT month is the hardest?

You'll look at my LSAT PrepTest Raw Score Conversion Charts and calculations of what it takes to get an LSAT score of 160 or 170. Using that data, you'll find that the December exam consistently has the easiest "curve," and the June exam consistently has the hardest.

Will a 180 LSAT get you in anywhere?

Here is a breakdown of what counts as a good enough score for law schools based on the school's rank: Top-five law schools: 170 to 180. Schools like Harvard and Yale, which are the top two, rarely accept applicants with less than 172 on the LSAT. Law schools ranked between 5 and 10: 165 to 170.

Is the LSAT harder than the bar?

Generally, the bar exam is considered harder than the LSAT. The LSAT tests logical reasoning and reading comprehension for law school admission, while the bar exam requires extensive legal knowledge and practical skills to obtain a license to practice law.

What LSAT score did Elle Woods get?

When she applied to this school, she had a 4.0 GPA with a 179 on the LSAT, the two most important things when applying to law school. The average LSAT score for students applying to Harvard is 174, meaning she got above the average.

Is a 135 on the LSAT bad?

Average LSAT Score

LSAT passing score of at least 165 on the LSAT. In recent years, the average LSAT score has stayed at around 151-152. Correspondingly, applicants should aim to score 151 at a minimum to get into an accredited law school because of how competitive and challenging admissions are.

What LSAT score do I need for Harvard?

So let's take a look at what it actually takes to have a chance of being admitted to the most prestigious and preeminent law school in the world. As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School.

Is anxiety a legal disability?

You can generally get disability for anxiety if your condition leaves you completely unable to work or unable to go through daily life on your own. However, the SSA has very strict criteria for who can get benefits because of anxiety or other mental health conditions.

Can you be shy and still be a lawyer?

It's OK to be introverted or shy as a lawyer. Acceptance can help you work through your unique challenges. – Understand feelings of stress and anxiety (and the difference between being shy and being an introvert).

What percentage of lawyers have anxiety?

Almost 77% of lawyers under ages 25 to 34 have anxiety, that cohort reported, while anxiety rates fell to 63% for lawyers ages 55 to 64 and to 40% for lawyers over 65.