Whether you call it football or soccer, the World Cup is an exciting time to be a sports fan (or an incredibly disappointing time—I’m looking at you, Spain). All across the world, fans are draping themselves in flags and team colors, painting their faces, and cheering for the team. If you’re an LSAT prep student, even if you don’t like sports there are lessons to be learned from this momentous occasion.

LSAT Prep Inspiration From the World Cup I: Take Nothing for Granted

Spain, the defending World Cup champion, has been eliminated from the tournament after a pair of losses. The powerhouse team’s implosion is the most remarkable story to come out of Brazil thus far, and it mark the first time in history that a defending champion has ever been eliminated so quickly. Before the World Cup began, it was a foregone conclusion that Spain would make it out of the group stage and probably contend for the championship.

As you’re studying for the LSAT, you may find yourself in a similarly disappointing situation. You may find that you score incredibly well on a practice LSAT one day, only to turn around and see your LSAT score plummet dramatically the next day. If you start taking your abilities for granted, it can lead to overconfidence and cause you to make mistakes that would otherwise be avoidable. As an LSAT prep student, it is essential to approach every question and section without any preconceived notions about its ease or difficulty. Use your methods and rely on your strategies without getting distracted by extraneous factors.

LSAT Prep Inspiration From the World Cup II: Stay the Course

The United States started its first match with a bang—a first minute goal from Clint Dempsey—and then managed to maintain a 1-0 lead for over 80 minutes. Just when victory appeared to be in reach, Ghana scored to even the match. Rather than getting discouraged by allowing a late goal or simply playing for a tie, the U.S. team rallied, regained the lead on a John Brooks goal, and pulled off a thrilling upset.

Students may travel along a similar path if they want to find success on the LSAT. When you first encounter the LSAT, it is often easy to grasp new concepts and apply them to the first few question types. As your studying progresses, the concepts become more difficult, it is easy to get burned out, and you may see your LSAT score decline. It is important to rally in the later stages and stay the course. Ultimately, your efforts will be rewarded.

LSAT Prep Inspiration From the World Cup III: Underdogs Can Prevail

Not to beat a dead horse, but Spain was supposed to win its match against Chile. Prior to the match, the betting odds on Chile winning were 22/5, and most experts predicted an easy victory for Spain. Chile managed to not only win, but to win decisively against the defending champions.

The LSAT is a daunting test, and many students think that they are not smart enough to succeed, especially if they did not perform as well as they would’ve hoped during their undergraduate years. However, the LSAT is a very teachable test and there is no reason that any student who puts in the hours cannot improve their LSAT score. Even if you feel like the underdog in your battle against the LSAT, you can succeed.

Finally, the World Cup should inspire you to work on your celebratory dance moves. As you go through your studying, just remember to stay the course, recognize that you can beat the LSAT, and avoid taking anything for granted.

Good luck and go U.S.A.!