Getting teary-eyed in the middle of the library? Grappling with fatigue? Bouts of nervousness and nausea? Top that off with heavy self-doubt, and it sounds like you have the same ailment I have. People always say that springtime comes with allergies, but despite my investment in a trusty bottle of Zyrtec, my body has developed a sensitivity to something new: LSAT prep. An allergy that I fear is even more lethal than the pool of ominous yellow pollen sitting atop my car.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of beautiful things about the springtime: blooming flowers, buzzing bees, sunny skies and the end of March Madness (please refrain from mentioning anything “Kansas” related to me and my fellow Tar Heels.) But, the springtime is also the incubation period of the LSAT allergy. It’s like a head cold, an all-encompassing fog clouding your brain, and the worst of it comes when the diagnostic tests roll in.
Suddenly, things take a turn for the worst. It is like stepping on an anthill: symptoms escalate and thunderstorms erupt. You stare at the doctor who diagnoses you a number 120 through 180. The news hits hard. What now?
You think back to your medical history: grades K-12, AP exams, your SAT and ACT scores, and your college transcript. You have been here before, and you know what to do; the answer lies within yourself. So, you thank your doctor for their time and head out. In the meantime, your prescription entails a few things: diligence, strength, and endurance. Weathering this season will not be an easy feat.
The next few months are excruciating. Characterized by discomfort and humidity, the battle begins. Day after day, practice question after practice question, you dedicate hours to understanding the inner workings of your pathogen. But, as you blow your nose and book it to the library, you start to see a change in your body. Where there used to be doubt there is confidence. Where there was stress there is ease. Eventually, you come to realize your immune system is fighting back. You are not your number. This isn’t over.
It’s time to channel your Elle Woods vibes. Regardless of the allergies keeping you down, whether it be the MCAT or the GRE, the cure is within arm’s length. No one said it would be easy, but it is possible. So, it’s time for you to get down to business. Leave your pride at home. All you need is a box of tissues, test prep books, a number 2 pencil, and an extra dosage of hard work and grit. Allergy season is here, which means it’s go time.
Soon you will find yourself back in the doctor’s office for a check-up. What type of condition will you be in? Will you be the same patient you were a few months ago?
It’s up to you.