Balancing the demands of school with preparation for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is no small task, but it has profoundly shaped both my academic path and personal growth. My name is Gabriela Null, and I am a third-year student majoring in Political Science and English, with a minor in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State.
This spring, I am finishing up my LSAT journey. While I am certainly relieved to be nearing the end of countless practice questions and study sessions, I am even more excited about what lies ahead! Preparing for the LSAT has been more than just an academic challenge; it has been the first real step towards achieving my lifelong aspiration of becoming a lawyer. At times, it still feels surreal to think that in one year I’ll be graduated and hopefully starting Law school.
I began my LSAT preparation in the fall, knowing that I wanted to approach the process in a way that allowed me to maintain balance in my life. I am definitely someone who thrives off staying busy as I am currently involved in many organizations both on and off campus. This includes serving as a director within my Panhellenic organization, maintaining active membership in pre-professional fraternities and honor societies, contributing to volunteer initiatives, and participating in the SPIA Ambassador Program. Beyond Academics and extracurriculars, I value staying active and social. During my time at UGA, I have completed a few half marathons and have made many longlasting friendships.
From the beginning, I made a conscious decision not to sacrifice the activities and relationships that bring me joy. Instead, I focused on creating a structured and realistic plan that would allow me to integrate the LSAT preparation into my schedule. I started planning early, mapping out my academic responsibilities, extracurricular commitments, and study times. This early preparation allowed me to pace myself and avoid unnecessary stress.
One of the most impactful steps I took was clarifying my motivation. Before diving into studying, I wrote down my goals, aspirations, and reasons for pursuing law school. While it may seem trivial, this exercise provided a powerful sense of direction and inspiration, especially during moments when the process felt overwhelming.
Creating a personalized study plan was equally important. I built a calendar that accounted for classes, assignments, and other various commitments, ensuring that my LSAT preparation was both manageable and suitable. I sought advice from individuals who had already taken the LSAT and were currently in Law school. I also made an effort to communicate openly with professors, seeking support when needed and being honest about how I was feeling.
Another key aspect of my preparation was utilizing the resources available to me. Whether it was through SPIA or the university, I found support systems that made the journey less isolating. Working with a study partner was also particularly beneficial. I found that it made studying more enjoyable and gave me additional accountability.
The environment also played a significant role in motivation and focus. I explored different study spaces around campus from various library floors to coffee shops in downtown Athens. Changing locations helped me keep my routine fresh and productive.
Perhaps the most challenging yet most important aspect of balancing school and LSAT preparation was maintaining a positive mindset. Surrounded by high-achieving peers, it can be easy fall into the trap of comparison. However, it is also importance to recognize your own accomplishments and progress, both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, allowing yourself to take a break, whether through spending time outdoors or enjoying a sweet treat, helps tremendously in staying grounded and avoiding burnout.
Ultimately, there is no single “perfect” way to begin the LSAT journey. What matters most is finding an approach that works for you. Planning and organization provide a strong foundation, but success comes from balance.
This experience has taught me a great deal about myself, how I learn, and how I respond to challenges. In many ways, preparing for the LSAT has reignited my passion for studies and reaffirmed my commitment to the path I have chosen. As I look ahead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what the future holds.
