There are many ways to study for the LSAT effectively. You can study on your own with prep books or online LSAT courses, take a prep class, or hire a private LSAT tutor. However, regardless of which option you choose, you should almost certainly be taking the below five steps to best prepare for the LSAT:
1. Take a timed, full-length practice test
- This is the best way to get a sense of your starting point.
- Your score does NOT matter, the point is to really assess yourself.
- This is the best way to see your strengths and weaknesses.
- Can you set up a logic game effectively?
- Is time going to be an issue?
- How well do you understand what the logical reasoning questions are asking?
- If you work with a tutor, a timed practice test serves as the basis of developing an effective study plan.
2. Choose the right study materials – Official LSAC materials
- LSAC, the writers of the LSAT, have made the June 2007 test available for free. It’s downloadable here: http://www.lsac.org/jd/pdfs/sampleptjune.pdf
- If you don’t have other LSAT materials already purchased, start with this test.
- Use real LSAT prep materials published by the LSAC as much as possible.
- LSAC’s The Official LSAT SuperPrep is the best book for getting solid LSAT advice and practice.
- PowerScore’s “Bibles” are a good place to build your foundation.
3. Create a study plan early in the process
- Start as early as possible!!
- A good study plan has at least 8 weeks of study time before your LSAT exam.
- Start by focusing on your weakest section and build your skills.
- Spend at least a week building your skills on this section before moving to the next area.
- Create an actual plan and STICK TO IT!
- Write out what you want to accomplish on a weekly basis.
- Hold yourself to this schedule.
- Have a routine.
- Study for a set amount of time each day if possible, but at least 3 times a week.
- The more practice you get, the better you will do!
4. Once you’re comfortable with your foundation, take real LSAT exams.
- LSAC publishes the following books with full-length Real LSAT exams:
- 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
- 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
- The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
- 10 New Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
- These are all real LSAT exams and LSAT questions. This is the real thing, not “like” the real thing, as so many other LSAT study guides are.
5. Be REALISTIC!
- You can’t cram for the LSAT in a week, so don’t try. You’ll just be frustrated.
- You probably don’t have 10 hours a week to study, so don’t set up a plan that requires this.
- It’s better to study 30 minutes every day than have a weekly 5 hour cram session.
- Your score will improve with practice and time. Don’t expect miracles overnight.
- Any improvement is an achievement! Be proud of any increase in your score from week to week.
