Before you are on your way to law school to become the next Elle Woods or Annalise Keating, there is a little hurdle that you have to overcome. The LSAT is a test composed of five sections, including a writing sample, each with a duration of 35 minutes. However, the score of 120-180 depends on 4 of the sections which consist of two Logical Reasoning sections, a Logic Games section, and a Reading Comprehension section. Preparing for the LSAT is a very stressful process, so here are some hacks to ensure your way to success!
1. Be sure that you want to take the LSAT
Preparing for the LSAT takes a lot of time and effort. However, if you are considering applying to law school within the next 5 years, then you should take the test, since it’s a crucial part of the process.
2. Decide when to take the LSAT
Now that you are sure about taking the LSAT, you need to choose which date to take it. The LSAT is administered 4 times a year, in February, June, September/October, and December. This decision is very important because you should allow sufficient time for the scores to arrive in order to be able to complete your application. According to LSAC, if you plan on attending law school in the Fall, you should aim to take the LSAT in December of the previous year in order to make sure you have enough time.
3. Take a diagnostic LSAT
It helps to take a diagnostic LSAT test before you begin studying, in order to have an idea about what your starting score is and how much you need to work to get to the score that you want. This also gives you an idea on how you perform in the various sections of the test and on which sections you need to focus more on. You can find the June 2007 LSAT here.
4. Research the LSAT alumini average of your dream school
If you are set on a specific law school, do some research on the average LSAT score of their alumni to get an idea about how much you need to improve. However, if you do not have a specific law school in mind and are waiting to get your scores in order to apply, then you’re set! Just make sure that you research the average LSAT score before applying in order to better your chances of acceptance.
5. Decide on a study plan
Are you planning on self-studying? Attending group lessons? Studying with a group of friends? Or hiring a personal tutor? People learn in different ways, and what works for some people might not work for everyone. Some people like the structure of group lessons, while others, like me, prefer the flexibility of self-studying. Whatever approach you take, make sure it’s one that fits your lifestyle, learning style, and the weeks left before the test. Here are some examples of self-study books:
(https://magoosh.com/lsat/2017/lsat-prep-books-best/)
(https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/publications/)
(http://crushthelsatexam.com/manhattan-lsat-review/)
6. PrepTest, PrepTest, PrepTest!
Even if you study different techniques for reading comprehension, tricks for solving logic games, and strategies for logical reasoning questions, it is extremely important to take as many practice tests, or PrepTests, as you can. While the books or materials chosen to study may have sample exercises of each section, working through the complete tests helps you get a more realistic approach to the LSAT. After all, an athlete training for a marathon cannot simply practice by running short distances. One of the most important factors of the LSAT is endurance, and by completing timed practice tests, you get to track your progress realistically. You can find official LSATs released by the Law School Admissions Council here. https://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/preptools/
https://www.manhattanprep.com/lsat/prep/complete-course/
7. Take some time for yourself!
When you get into LSAT studying mode, you may feel like you should spend every waking moment solving logic games, or finishing PrepTests. Remember, the LSAT is a marathon, and you shouldn’t tire yourself out while studying. Set aside a time for studying every week and stick to it. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to completely neglect the rest of your life. Make sure that you get a good night’s sleep, watch your favorite series, go for a run, and spend time with your family and friends too! This will help you destress and will benefit your overall mental health, and will help you feel more comfortable with the test.
On the day of the test remember to breathe, and believe in yourself because you got this!
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