LSAT performance curve #6: the “zen master” pattern
This series of articles has covered several under-performing patterns into which test-takers can fall, including:
- ramp-up pattern
- dead-battery pattern
- roller-coaster pattern
- psyched-out pattern
- zoned-out pattern
Each of these patterns undermine a person’s LSAT score relative to how that person could have performed if she had taken the entire test at her maximum performance level. Now let’s turn to an ideal pattern.
The “zen master” performance curve
What may be called the “zen master” pattern represents the ideal to which test-takers can aspire. Here’s what the pattern looks like.
Notice that, in this ideal pattern, nothing changes. The test-taker starts the test at maximum performance and maintains that level of performance through all five sections of the LSAT. The hypothetical test-taker-the “zen master”-does not lose focus, does not get discouraged, does not get overly excited, and does not let the test rattle her in any way.
Emulating the “zen master”
Obviously, the hypothetical zen master is just an ideal; it’s unlikely that anyone can attain such an ideal in practice. But it’s useful to have this ideal in front of our eyes so that we can consider what would go into such mastery.
For instance, the hypothetical zen master hits the ground running. She does not waste time by getting off to a slow start, as does someone who falls prey to the ramp-up pattern. She also finishes strong. She does not let the sight of the finish line cause her to start coasting, as does someone who gets caught in the dead-battery pattern.
In order to avoid these traps, the zen master would, first, take note that these under-performing patterns exist. Second, the zen master would recognize that, as a fallible human being, she is potentially susceptible to falling into one of these patterns, just like everyone else, and identify those to which she herself is particularly vulnerable. Third, the zen master would consciously take measures to protect herself against these vulnerabilities. To avoid the ramp-up pattern, for instance, she might warm up before the test got started.
You can improve your test score by following the hypothetical zen master’s example: recognize the risks-particularly those to which you yourself are most vulnerable-and take counter-measures.
The next article will wrap up this series of articles with a look at the performance curve that results when we do our best to emulate the “zen master” pattern: the “great test-taker” pattern.
Originally published at http://tutors.university on June 17, 2019.
