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Breaking Down Your Day-of-the-LSAT Schedule

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We’re a little less than three weeks from the October LSAT, but there’s one area of the exam you might not be prepared for yet: What will your actual LSAT schedule look like on this wonderful day? Well, to start, you need to…

Get there by 8:00. That’s the first thing on your LSAT schedule. We know more sleep is tempting, but arrive early. Why? You should be doing some warm up before the test — a handful of LR problems and a game to get the gears grinding. Second, it’s good to have a buffer; you don’t want to take chances with your LSAT schedule.

Also, use the bathroom before checking in. Once you’re in, they don’t let you out until the test actually starts. So make some lemonade. It’s going to be a couple hours until your LSAT schedule allows for a restroom break.

Check-In at 8:30. You absolutely have to check in by 8:30. This is the official beginning of your LSAT schedule. The LSAC elves will ask for your passport-style photo, check your ID (making sure it’s not expired), and then herd you and your cohorts into where you’ll actually be taking the test. At some centers, they’ll put you in a room with 20-30 other people, whereas others will put you all in one giant room with hundreds of classmates. You don’t get a choice, so try not to stress about it. Next in your LSAT schedule comes…

The Rules. Now the proctors read you instructions. This is also the point in your LSAT schedule when you’ll be given your test and answer sheet. You won’t get to open the test until it’s time to actually start, so sit and be patient. Before you know it…

The Test Begins. This, the most frightening part of your LSAT schedule, will probably happen somewhere between 9:00 and 9:30. Make sure you only work within the section that you’re on. If they catch you in another section, things are going to be going south for you. After 35 minutes, time is called. Put your pencil down. If they see you writing after they’ve called time, bye-bye LSAT score. They’ll read some more directions for a minute or so, then you’ll dive into the heart of your LSAT schedule with section 2. More of the same, then section 3. Then it’ll be time for

The Break. This is supposed to be 15 minutes, but it’s usually a bit longer. Your LSAT schedule is now over halfway complete. Go to the bathroom again, even if you don’t really have to. Eat your snack and drink your 20 oz beverage. Then…

More Testing with the last two scored sections. Before you know it, it’ll all be over. All those countless hours of studying will have finally paid off, and you’ll be done with the damned dirty test. But just before you can collapse, your LSAT schedule throws you the

Writing Sample. They’ll collect your test booklets and hand you out a new booklet with the writing sample. You have to do it, and you should do a good job, but it’s real easy, so don’t fret. Finally, probably around 1:30, you’ll turn your paperwork in, collect your stuff, and be done with the LSAT forever.

Not everything always goes to plan in your LSAT schedule. Hopefully you’ll start around 9:00, but it could be a lot closer to 10:00 if you have a poorly run center. Your proctors will probably be polite, but then again they might talk to each other during the test. While it’s certainly not common, it can and does happen. We say this just to remind you that things can deviate from your expected LSAT schedule, and you’re just going to have to keep up. What matters most is that you stay focused, calm and confident.

You’re ready, you’re prepared, you’re going to do great.

BUT! If you’re getting cold feet, don’t worry. You can withdraw up until midnight the night before the LSAT. It’s ok to withdraw; you might want to take another LSAT course or you want to study a little longer on your own time. Whatever the case may be, or even if you choose to retake the LSAT, we’re here to help! Our team of Academic Managers have seen and heard it all, and are a wealth of (free) knowledge for test takers. Schedule your free consultation today!