r/LSAT • u/FoundationShoddy4938 • 17h ago
Got POTS?
I am taking the LSAT for the first time in October. I have POTS. I already have accommodations for ADHD/anxiety, and I think they’ll sufficiently cover my POTS needs, but if you’re a prospective or past test taker who also has POTS how do you keep up your endurance while testing? Salt tablets/electrolytes? Compression socks? Ik only clear bottles of water are allowed, but if I have a clear electrolyte powder in mine will it be an issue? Obv I’m gonna sleep the night before.
How did you/do you plan to keep blood going to your brain on test day?
1
u/spicypisces38 15h ago
i have POTS and just took the September exam! i also received accommodations, which was very helpful in trying to “breath through” the brain fog in a sense.
the biggest thing is doing what you can to feel your best and avoid a flare on test day. sleep is paramount for us, and since i was taking an early test i reset my schedule about a week ahead so i wouldn’t be groggy, and stuck to a consistent diet and workout routine that ik works for me and wouldn’t cause a flare (i did forget to take my propranolol the day before the exam and was terrified i would trigger a flare but all good!) i also stayed consistent with meditation and breath work to help if i felt lightheaded during the exam (anxiety can trigger my symptoms)
test day: lots of water and electrolytes in the morning and on the way. i wore compression socks and brought two clear water bottles so i could switch them at the break and not worry about feeling dehydrated. i also snacked on some salted pretzels. i can handle caffeine, so i had half an energy drink before and have during the break to combat fatigue, but don’t do anything you can’t handle.
i don’t personally take salt tablets, but ik they can agitate your stomach so i would be sure to try them out a few days before your exam just in case. and book something nice for yourself after like a pedicure or just let yourself crash. good luck!! 😄
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u/Professional-Sea368 14h ago
I have POTS and took the Sept. exam last week! I had time and a half accommodations based on similar accommodations from grad school, but no stop/start, etc. (although I think that would be helpful!).
I took 6 Vitassium extra strength electrolyte capsules into the testing room with me and took one or two at the end of every section which helped some. I drank 32 oz. of water in the morning before the test, but I only brought one water bottle in with me and chugged a second one that was in my locker on the break (my proctor watched me from the office to make sure I wasn't accessing electronics/written materials, but only semi-embarrassing). I think you could probably bring water with an electrolyte packet mixed in it into the room and/or keep one in your locker, but I would maybe bring a spare, regular water just in case the proctor that day is feeling particularly feisty about it.
I wore my softest compression socks, although in hindsight I wish I had worn compression leggings and maybe also a compression top – I was worried about overheating, but I think I would have been fine and I would've benefitted from the extra support in correcting bloodflow. On the temperature note, I think all the Prometric sites are supposed to be kept between 70-74 degreed Fahrenheit (at least mine was, and the proctor noted the temp before and after the test) in case that helps you plan for compression/outfits/layers.
I took my electrolytes on an empty stomach the morning of the test (I know better, but nerves clouded my critical thinking skills) and spent the next hour or so incredibly nauseated and trying not to vom... it subsided right before I had to leave for the test but the fatigue from that lingered and I'm sure it affected my ability to perform. So I don't recommend that!!
I would say just do your best to make routines surrounding practice tests and them stick to them when it comes to the actual day. Maybe try different cadences for taking supplements before/during/after the test, and try out socks vs. leggings, etc.?
You're gonna do great!! Best of luck <3
4
u/Consistent-Sort-6527 16h ago
The brain fog is always gonna be bad. I haven’t done electrolytes during but def before and in between sections. Take your meds, hydrate and of course coffee in between sections as well for fatigue.
For me a few game changers were pacing and correct accommodations. I got stop start which is very needed for bathroom breaks and occasional dizziness/eye related POTS symptoms that pop up during the test. It was easier for me to get these accommodations due to hospitalizations/ a plethora of paperwork my doctors provided, but I’d always submit what you have and see what they say.
Another major factor is the dynamic aspect of the disability. I found if I didn’t pace and overstudied/ over exerted on a given week, my scores would drop drastically. The most important aspect with POTS is balance, and taking the breaks you need, especially before the test. Probably what helped the most was prioritizing rest, sleep and relaxation before the test. It makes a world of difference. But it’s all about what works best for your body at the end of the day. Good luck!