Monday, June 16, 2008

LSAT is in the books

Oh my goodness am I glad that the LSAT is over. I feel like I have been run over by a truck, a large, heavy truck carrying large equipment. I did get out for a 3 mile run and it was nice running with Jeff. I had to walk a couple of times because my brain was going in so many different directions I could not focus on making my body move forward. But, I got it together and finished it out. My blisters didn't seem to affect me any and I'm glad of that. They don't feel bad, they are just very ugly. After the run, we stopped by DD for an iced coffee (decaf - didn't need any additional stimulants!)

We had planned to do lunch at Sprouts so I could get a nice, clean salad that wouldn't be too heavy or too light. Jeff arrived there first and called me to inform me of the bad news - Sprouts is out of business. Danggit!! We agreed that we would eat at McAlister's instead. This threw me off my game. I'm usually not one to be so regimented and can fly by the seat of my pants, but this bothered me A LOT. After lunch, I kissed Jeff bye and got a big hug and headed to Furman. I wanted to get there in plenty of time. On the way there, I listened to David Cook, "This is My Time" about 3 times and some Natasha Bedingfield. There was a lot of traffic going into Furman, but when I pulled in there were signs for several various camps going on. As I approached Johns Hall where the test was to be administered, I was surprised to see all the people. Traditionally, the June test gets less takers than the ones in the Fall. I was told which classroom to go to (not the one I prayed in, but that's okay - God is everywhere) and went upstairs to wait. We were all left standing the hallway waiting for about 10 minutes. I was really surprised to see that it was so disorganized. I mean, they knew how many people were going to take the test and it seemed like everyone was scrambling at the last minute. The doors opened and there was no turning back. The point of no return was upon me. Part of me wanted to turn and run and the other part knew this was a necessary step at living my dream. So in I walked, I turned in my test ticket and got thumb printed and was told to go to seat 15. Now, I always look for 3s in my number and while 15 didn't have a 3, it is a multiple of 3, so I was okay with that. One of the first things I noticed was the size (or lack thereof) of the desk. I anticipated that there would be a regular desktop, but these were the small half sizes and I knew that the score sheet and booklet would be tight squeeze. There were more people than numbers on the desks, so it took up time for the proctors to find seats for everyone. Once again, they KNEW how many people were registered. My goodness, would you expect a dinner party of 12 and only set for 4? Once the proctors finally got everyone seated and began to read the instructions, I realized I wasn't really nervous, just anxious to begin. We finally got started around 1:10 pm.

The first section had proven to be my hardest in study tests. I looked at it as getting the hard one out of the way. The allotted 35 minutes sped by and I think I guessed at the last 2 questions to just get something on the paper. Section 2 was a stronger one for me and I felt confident going into it. There were a few questions that I had to read through several times, but all in all, it was smooth. (Notice I didn't say good, I said smooth). However, time went by too quick and I had to guess at the last one and knew immediately I got it wrong. Section 3 was a repeat of section 1, so one of which would be the experimental section. I now had a 50-50 shot on my toughest section. Little better time management with this one. After the third section, we got a 10 minute break. I went to the restroom and stood out in the hall to drink some water (not too much, still had an hour and 45 minutes to sit still) and eat my healthy mix of Cherrios, almonds and Cranberry Fitness from Stew Leonards. A lady came up and we started talking about test prep. She and I were roughly the same age, but I think she was a few years older and we were clearly the oldest in the group. Turns out she had not done a thing to prepare. Nope, not even looked at the question types. WHAT?! That's crazy!! I cannot even imagine not preparing at least a little bit for this test. I went back into the classroom to get ready for the next sections. The next 2 sections I was able to complete both of them before time was up. On to the writing sample and I got a for and against question, which I was happy with. Knowing that the writing sample is not scored and confident in my writing abilities, I did not spend a lot of time studying for it and was able to get my full argument in within the time. It was now over. As I turned in my test book and score sheets, all I could think of was that it is truly in God's hands. I trust in Him and know that at this point there really isn't anything I can do. I'll have the results by July 7th and we'll just go from there. I don't exactly have warm fuzzy feelings, but know that I cannot spend the next 3 weeks stressing out about it.

Our test went until 5:30, so I had to rush home. Jeff and I met at Subway for a super quick dinner and rushed to church for a meeting about the Gauntlet, the camp Heather will be attending this summer. The theme is going to be American Gladiators and I know she is going to have a fantastic time. I'm also glad to see how serious this camp is run and it seems as if every detail has been attended to. I don't know why I would think anything less of New Spring.

On the way home, I started thinking of the test and analyzing when I once again reminded myself that I can't change a thing and only move forward from here. Worst case scenario, I retake it in October. And now, I'm going to get some much needed rest. I don't think that falling asleep will be an issue for me tonight.

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