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Studying for the LSAT / Studying with a job ....
« on: August 30, 2012, 10:02:25 PM »
First off I'll say I've been lurking around for years on here or and I often see people say/ ask "I can't dedicate more than an hour a day to studying, I work". Guess what? I work too. No I don't do retail or work at a restaurant, something with nice flexible hours where I can adjust my schedule if necessary. I have a very stressful job which I do love, but it isn't my dream career. I said all of that to say that sometimes I am in the office 50+ hrs a week.
Now while I am probably the last person to give anybody advice for studying, (seeing how this is probably the 5th time I've ever studied for anything in my entire life,) I thought I'd offer some tips to those who are working but don't know how to fit in study time.
As of right now I study minimum 3 hours a day and the maximum is 5 for 5-6 days per week. I'm now in my 4th week of prep for December, so I've only gotten up to LG and LR at the moment.
I study everywhere and every given moment.
1. When I wake up while I brush my teeth and etc, I do a logic game. (yes I keep a logic game next to the bed so when I when I wake up I can do it immediately as I walk to the bathroom) (generally around 6:30 am)
2. I either do a LG or read notes on LR while I eat my breakfast.
3. While I'm taking a shower/ getting dressed I listen to LG explanations (generally of prep test I'm familiar with so I can easily identity them since I can't see them)
4. If you can take public transportation to work, DO IT! My commute is 30-40 mins choose LG, LR or reading notes on LR (I like to brush up on the notes at least once a week bc it helps me memorize the fallacies/ wrong answer types)
5. I get to work a little earlier than my boss so I can do 1-2 games uninterrupted
6. I keep a folder filled with LR and LG in my desk so I can periodically do them throughout the day (I alternate btwn the 2 sections daily)
7. If I just completed a LG I listen to the explanation on my phone via youtube otherwise I'll read some notes on LR
8. Lunch - eat and study
9. I study on the train on my way home
10. I give myself an 1- 1.5 hr break depending on the time I get home. This is the only time I watch tv and eat and shower without studying.
11. I study for 3-4 hours (8-11/12pm)
On the weekends I break up my studying on Saturday into 3- two hour sessions or 2 - four hour sessions depending on what I need to get done.
This may sound unrealistic to some, but I really want a good score on my LSAT, and I've already taken it twice. I was extremely unhappy with my scores. Most of it was due to distractions such as deaths, and nerves, which hindered my studying, in addition to a crappy Kaplan course. I know you're thinking when do you get a break? All the other non-LSAT stuff you're doing is your break. For the most part I've isolated myself from friends and family to make this happen. I can say this, so far, 4 weeks in, headed to week 5, it's definitely working. I've seen an improvement in my understanding of LR and LG. Prior to this I couldn't even identify a wrong answer. Also for those worried about endurance and being tired mid-way through the test, studying like this randomly throughout your day helps with that bc your mind will be tired but you will force yourself to fight through it.
Now while I am probably the last person to give anybody advice for studying, (seeing how this is probably the 5th time I've ever studied for anything in my entire life,) I thought I'd offer some tips to those who are working but don't know how to fit in study time.
As of right now I study minimum 3 hours a day and the maximum is 5 for 5-6 days per week. I'm now in my 4th week of prep for December, so I've only gotten up to LG and LR at the moment.
I study everywhere and every given moment.
1. When I wake up while I brush my teeth and etc, I do a logic game. (yes I keep a logic game next to the bed so when I when I wake up I can do it immediately as I walk to the bathroom) (generally around 6:30 am)
2. I either do a LG or read notes on LR while I eat my breakfast.
3. While I'm taking a shower/ getting dressed I listen to LG explanations (generally of prep test I'm familiar with so I can easily identity them since I can't see them)
4. If you can take public transportation to work, DO IT! My commute is 30-40 mins choose LG, LR or reading notes on LR (I like to brush up on the notes at least once a week bc it helps me memorize the fallacies/ wrong answer types)
5. I get to work a little earlier than my boss so I can do 1-2 games uninterrupted
6. I keep a folder filled with LR and LG in my desk so I can periodically do them throughout the day (I alternate btwn the 2 sections daily)
7. If I just completed a LG I listen to the explanation on my phone via youtube otherwise I'll read some notes on LR
8. Lunch - eat and study
9. I study on the train on my way home
10. I give myself an 1- 1.5 hr break depending on the time I get home. This is the only time I watch tv and eat and shower without studying.
11. I study for 3-4 hours (8-11/12pm)
On the weekends I break up my studying on Saturday into 3- two hour sessions or 2 - four hour sessions depending on what I need to get done.
This may sound unrealistic to some, but I really want a good score on my LSAT, and I've already taken it twice. I was extremely unhappy with my scores. Most of it was due to distractions such as deaths, and nerves, which hindered my studying, in addition to a crappy Kaplan course. I know you're thinking when do you get a break? All the other non-LSAT stuff you're doing is your break. For the most part I've isolated myself from friends and family to make this happen. I can say this, so far, 4 weeks in, headed to week 5, it's definitely working. I've seen an improvement in my understanding of LR and LG. Prior to this I couldn't even identify a wrong answer. Also for those worried about endurance and being tired mid-way through the test, studying like this randomly throughout your day helps with that bc your mind will be tired but you will force yourself to fight through it.