A major milestone in your quest for acceptance to law school is passing the Law School Admission Test. The exam plays a crucial role, since law schools place significant weight on your LSAT score when assessing your application.
Readying yourself to achieve a high score requires unwavering dedication, strategic preparation and a comprehensive understanding of every section of the test.
It is natural to experience frustration and uncertainty because of the complexity of the test.
However, being aware of potential traps and developing strategies to overcome them can significantly enhance your performance.
The journey to LSAT mastery begins with self-belief. Achieving a high LSAT score is a tangible goal for anyone willing to commit to a consistent, focused effort.
Depending on your learning style, you may study on your own, hire a tutor or enroll in group classes. When deciding which route is best for you, take into consideration not only your learning style but also the cost and time that each requires.
After the June 2024 LSAT, the Law School Admission Council removed the logic games section, officially known as Analytical Reasoning, and replaced it with a second Logical Reasoning section. The goal is to better assess candidates’ abilities relevant to law school and the legal profession.
Understanding this shift is crucial to your preparation. The test now places a greater emphasis on logical reasoning skills. As a result, your ability to analyze arguments, identify flaws and draw logical conclusions becomes even more critical. Adapting your study plan to focus more on these areas is essential for success.
Doubling down on Logical Reasoning is imperative. This means not only understanding the types of questions but also mastering the underlying concepts. While Logical Reasoning now has increased importance, it’s essential not to neglect the Reading Comprehension section, as strong reading skills are necessary to excel in all sections.
Developing critical thinking skills is more vital than ever, so engaging in activities that enhance these skills, such as reading complex materials, participating in debates and solving logic puzzles, can be beneficial.
Logical Reasoning: Logical Reasoning questions present short passages, each followed by a question. These passages are arguments or sets of facts. Your task is to analyze the argument, identify its structure and answer the question, which may involve strengthening or weakening the argument, identifying assumptions or detecting flaws in logic.
To succeed in the Logical Reasoning portion of the test, practice active reading by paying close attention to the structure of the argument, identifying the conclusion, supporting evidence and any counterarguments. Pre-phrasing can be helpful; before looking at the answer choices, formulate an idea of what the correct answer should be. Use process of elimination to narrow down the answer choices, discarding options that are irrelevant, out of scope or do not address the question.
Familiarize yourself with concepts such as conditional reasoning, causality and common fallacies. Consistent practice will enhance your proficiency and confidence in tackling these sections.
Reading Comprehension: While Logical Reasoning has taken center stage, Reading Comprehension remains critical.
This section presents complex passages from various disciplines: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and law-related topics. You’ll answer questions about main ideas, details, inferences, tone and structure.
Success in Reading Comprehension requires active engagement with the text. Read passages actively by summarizing paragraphs, noting key points and identifying the author’s purpose.
Develop a system for annotating passages that helps you track arguments and details. Practice pacing to ensure you have enough time to read each passage thoroughly and answer the questions.
Exposing yourself to diverse materials by reading articles and essays from different fields can help you become comfortable with a variety of topics and writing styles.
The best time to take the LSAT depends on your readiness, as well as the schools’ application deadlines.
Giving yourself enough time to prepare for the exam is essential. The LSAT is a demanding test. It requires substantial study and practice in order to achieve a high score. I recommend a minimum of three months of focused preparation. Six months is even better.
Try to take the LSAT when you are in the best possible position to devote ample time and energy to preparation. Consider your other commitments, such as work and school, and set aside time to focus on your LSAT prep without distractions.
Another factor is your confidence in your abilities. If you consistently achieve your goal score on practice tests and feel confident in your grasp of the test content and strategies, you may be ready to schedule your LSAT test date.
Lastly, consult with mentors, LSAT tutors and coaches. They can provide valuable insights and advice based on their experience and help you decide if you are ready to take the LSAT.
How to prepare
Developing a structured study plan is key to success.
Create a study plan: Begin by taking a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Research the median LSAT scores for the law schools you’re interested in and set a realistic yet ambitious target score. Allocate more time to strengthening your weaker areas but be sure to maintain your strengths.
Allocate study time: Set specific goals for each study session, such as completing a certain number of practice questions, reviewing specific concepts or question types or taking a full-length practice test. Use a variety of resources, including official LSAT PrepTests, prep books and online videos, forums and study guides.
Practice and review: Consistent practice is essential, but equally important is reviewing your answers. For every incorrect answer, identify why the correct answer is right, understand why your choice was wrong and determine if your incorrect choice was caused by a content gap, misreading or a reasoning error. Keep a study journal or spreadsheet to monitor your scores and progress. It can help you track improvements and adjust your study plan as needed.
By following these strategies, you will be able to navigate the LSAT effectively and increase your chances for success.
Should you take a professional course?
Deciding whether to enroll in a professional LSAT prep course depends on your individual learning style, discipline and resources.
Benefits: Professional courses offer a structured curriculum, expert guidance, peer support and access to practice tests and study materials. The courses cover all test areas comprehensively, and instructors can clarify complex concepts and offer strategies.
Studying with others can motivate you and provide different perspectives, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Self-study pros and cons: Self-study offers flexibility, allowing you to study on your own schedule and at your own pace.
It is less expensive than courses, and it allows you to spend more time on areas you find challenging. However, it requires discipline and self-motivation. Without the guidance of an instructor, you may have limited feedback and risk overlooking important content areas and strategies.
Making the decision: Consider factors such as your learning style, budget and time constraints. Do you learn better independently or with guidance? Can you afford a course or tutoring? Do you have a schedule that allows for a structured course?
Evaluating your needs can help you make the best choice for your situation. Perhaps combining self-study with occasional tutoring sessions would suit you best.
How long will preparation take?
While three to six months is common, the exact duration depends on factors such as your baseline score versus your target score, your available study time and your learning curve.
Achieving a significant score increase may require more time. If you have full-time work or school commitments, you may need to spread preparation over a longer period. Some individuals grasp concepts quickly, while others need more repetition. Be honest with yourself about how much time you need and how much time you can dedicate to studying each week.
Balance is key. Schedule breaks and leisure activities to recharge. Maintaining a healthy work-life-study balance helps prevent burnout and keeps you motivated. Regular exercise, adequate sleep and time spent on hobbies or with loved ones can enhance your overall well-being and study effectiveness.
A well-structured study schedule is essential to managing the vast number of LSAT practice tests effectively. A balanced plan, which includes both learning and relaxation, promotes productivity and prevents burnout.
Employ the LASER approach: Learning, Accuracy, Sections, Exams and Review.
Start by learning the basics of each section. Focus on accuracy while practicing. Review your progress and take timed exams to gauge your readiness.
Depending on the amount of time you have at your disposal, this approach can be adjusted to fit a prep schedule of any length.
Learning Phase: This initial phase usually lasts four to six weeks. Focus on understanding the structure of the LSAT, the different types of questions and the best strategies for solving them. Build a solid foundation by familiarizing yourself with the two sections: Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Begin with the basics and gradually move toward more complex topics. This will help ensure that you understand the underlying concepts before attempting practice questions.
Accuracy Phase: Over the next three or four weeks, work on solving individual problems without worrying about time constraints. The goal is to improve the accuracy of your responses. Use LSAT prep books and practice problems available online. Analyze your mistakes to identify areas of weakness. Focus on understanding why certain answers are correct and others are not.
Sections Phase: In this stage, lasting two to three weeks, begin timing yourself on individual sections. This helps you adjust your pace to ensure that you can finish all questions within the allocated time. Practice each Logical Reasoning section individually to improve timing and efficiency and do the same with Reading Comprehension passages.
Exams Phase: During the next two to three weeks, take full-length, timed practice exams. This will help you become comfortable with the full test and build your stamina. Simulate testing conditions by following all the rules and time constraints of the actual exam, including taking only the allowed breaks.
Review Phase: After each practice test, spend time reviewing each question. Analyze your performance to find your strengths and weaknesses. For questions you answered incorrectly, figure out why you chose the wrong answer and why the correct answer is better.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Preparing for the LSAT is a long-term commitment. It requires consistent effort and innovative strategies. Remember, it’s not just about passing the test; it’s about developing the skills you need to become a successful attorney.
Maintain your motivation by visualizing success and keeping your goal in mind. Join study groups or connect with others preparing for the LSAT to share experiences and strategies.
Celebrate milestones and acknowledge improvements along the way. Keeping a positive attitude can make a significant difference in your study experience.
Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn. View difficult questions as a chance to improve your skills. Learn from setbacks and analyze low practice scores to refine your approach. Maintain a growth mindset, believing in your ability to improve. Resilience will help you not only in your LSAT preparation but also in law school and your future career.
Start early. The sooner you begin, the more time you have to prepare. Set realistic goals and establish achievable milestones to keep yourself motivated. Practice under realistic conditions by simulating the test-day environment during practice exams. Review thoroughly, spending as much time reviewing your answers as you do practicing. Stay positive, as confidence can significantly help your performance.
Remember, success on the LSAT is not solely about intelligence. It’s about preparation, strategy and mindset. With consistent effort and resilience, you can achieve an LSAT score that will help open doors to your future.
Steve Schwartz is an LSAT coach with more than a decade of experience helping students get into the law schools of their dreams. He is the founder and CEO of LSAT Unplugged. In addition to his blog, he hosts a podcast and video channel focused on LSAT prep and law school admission.
