The night before the LSAT is not the time to learn anything new. Your score is mostly set by the weeks of work you already did. What you can still control is how rested, calm, and prepared you are when the test starts.
Here are simple, last-minute LSAT tips for the day before, the night before, and the morning of your test.
The Day Before the LSAT
- Do not take a full practice test. It will tire you out and can shake your confidence.
- Do a light review, 30 to 60 minutes at most. Look over your wrong answer journal and a few notes. See wrong answer journal.
- Confirm your test time and check-in details in your LSAC account.
- If testing remotely: test your computer, camera, microphone, and internet. Clear your desk and room of anything not allowed.
- If testing at a center: check the route, parking, and travel time.
- Get outside and move. A walk helps burn off nerves.
- Eat normal meals. Do not try new foods.
The Night Before the LSAT
- Pack what you need. See our list of what to bring to the LSAT. Check LSAC’s current rules for ID and allowed items.
- Lay out comfortable clothes in layers, since rooms can be cold or warm.
- Set two alarms.
- Stop studying by early evening. More review now adds stress, not points.
- Do something relaxing: a movie, a meal with friends, a hot shower.
- Go to bed at your normal time. Going to bed much earlier than usual often means lying awake.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
Cannot sleep? That is very common and usually fine. One restless night rarely ruins a score. Rest quietly with your eyes closed and do not check the clock.
The Morning of the LSAT
- Eat a normal breakfast with some protein.
- Have your usual amount of caffeine, no more.
- Warm up with a few easy questions you have already done, for 10 to 15 minutes. This gets your brain going without stress.
- Arrive or log in early. Plan for about 30 minutes of check-in.
- Use the bathroom right before check-in.
Use our full LSAT test day checklist so you do not miss anything.
During the Test: Quick Reminders
- Skip and come back. Do not let one hard question eat your time. See LSAT timing strategies.
- Answer every question. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
- Treat every section as scored. You will not know which section is unscored.
- Reset during the 10-minute break. Stand up, stretch, eat a snack, and let the first half go.
- If a section feels terrible, keep going. It might be the unscored one, and the next section is a fresh start.
What Not to Do
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| A full practice test the day before | Tires you out and can hurt confidence |
| Learning new methods | Causes confusion on test day |
| Reading online forums about the test | Adds anxiety |
| Staying up late reviewing | Sleep helps more than last-minute study |
| Skipping meals | Low energy hurts focus |
If You Feel Very Anxious
Try slow breathing: breathe in for four counts, hold for four, and breathe out for six. Remind yourself that you can retake the LSAT if needed, and that schools usually focus on your highest score. See LSAT test anxiety tips.
FAQ
Should I study the night before the LSAT?
No more than a short, light review. Stop by early evening and rest.
Should I take a practice test the day before?
Most students should not. Save your energy for the real test.
What if I cannot sleep the night before the LSAT?
It happens to many test takers. Rest quietly, and remember that adrenaline will carry you through one tired morning.
What should I eat before the LSAT?
A normal breakfast you are used to, with some protein. Bring a snack for the break if allowed.
After the test, estimate your score with our free LSAT score calculator and see when LSAT scores are released.