Why Blind Review Is Your Secret Weapon for Better Results

Ever wonder why some students seem to catch their mistakes effortlessly, while others keep repeating the same ones? The difference might be blind review, a technique that LSAT students swear by. And trust me, this method works, no matter what you’re studying.

Here’s how it goes: after completing an essay or practice set of questions, resist the urge to immediately check your answers. Walk away for a bit. Seriously, go take a break, grab a snack, or do something completely unrelated. The idea is to let your mind reset before you come back to review your work. Why? Because when you return with fresh eyes, you’re much more likely to spot mistakes or inconsistencies you might have missed the first time around.

How to Do a Blind Review Like a Pro

1. Complete your taskWhether it’s a set of practice problems, an essay, or a test, the first step is finishing the task without looking up any answers or checking solutions as you go. This is key; you want to rely solely on your knowledge and instincts.

2. Take a breakOnce you’re done, don’t rush into reviewing your work right away. Step away for an hour or two (or longer if you can). This break gives your brain a chance to reset, so when you come back, you’ll have a fresh perspective.

3. Review your work without peeking at the answersNow that you’re looking at your work with a clear head, go through it as if you’re your own teacher. Be honest with yourself and critically evaluate your answers or the structure of your essay. You’ll be surprised at how many errors or weak spots you’ll catch when you’re not emotionally attached to the work you just did.

4. Now check the answersOnce you’ve thoroughly reviewed your work, now you can compare it to the correct answers or rubric. The goal here is to not only spot where you went wrong but also understand why you made those mistakes in the first place. This is the moment for learning and growth.

Why Blind Review Works

Blind review helps you become more objective. When you look at your work immediately after finishing, your mind is still in “creation mode,” and it’s much harder to notice errors because you’re too close to the material. Giving yourself that mental space allows for a more unbiased self-assessment, and that’s where the magic happens.

Plus, this method builds your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It forces you to question your own work and think deeply about your answers, which makes your learning more active and less passive.

It’s Not Just for the LSAT

While blind review is a favourite among LSAT takers, it works for all kinds of subjects. Whether you’re studying for an exam, writing papers, or working through problem sets, this technique can help you catch those subtle mistakes you might miss when you’re in a rush. Plus, it trains you to think like a grader, making it easier to anticipate what might lose you points.

The Bottom Line: Give Yourself Time to See Clearly

If you want to genuinely improve your understanding, not just skim by with quick corrections, blind review is a game-changer. It teaches you how to be more self-critical, more observant, and ultimately more successful in your studies.

So next time you finish that essay or set of practice questions, don’t be so quick to flip to the answers. Give yourself time to see clearly and watch how your performance improves.