Taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) can be a daunting experience. I spent the months before my August test date stressing over whether I was using the correct study methods, taking the right courses, and managing my time most effectively. Of course, most of these worries were exaggerated—studying for the LSAT does not have to be a nerve-wracking and costly experience. Here are the five best pieces of advice I would give to potential test-takers who are looking to start their LSAT journey!
1. Start Slow.
When I first decided that I was going to take the LSAT this summer, I immediately threw myself into overdrive. I started studying for about eight hours a day and pressured myself to complete practice sections in the shortest amount of time possible. Obviously, this led to a lot of unnecessary frustration and exhaustion. My advice would be to take it slow at first; start by familiarizing yourself with the test format, then focus on completing a handful of practice questions/passages a day, learning what strategies best work for you when approaching the exam.
2. You don’t need to take a prep course.
I initially signed up for a prep course that lasted about 3 months. Although the sessions were valuable, the course itself was expensive and time-consuming. Further into my studying, I found I could practice just as well with online materials, that were far more accessible—Kahn Academy and 7Sage, for example, both offered useful strategies and drills at no cost.
3. Focus on one section each day.
The exam itself consists of four sections: logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and experimental that could be any of the above. When I first saw this, I felt overwhelmed and worried that I was spending too much time on one section at the expense of another. One strategy that helped calm my nerves was to focus exclusively on one section each day. This helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses when it came each activity, allowing me to allocate my time more efficiently.
4. Practice Exams are your best friend.
When preparing for the LSAT, it’s extremely important to study under realistic circumstances. Here’s where practice exams come in—they simulate the exact interface and timing of the real exam. Nearing my test date, I relied exclusively on these exams to study, and personally completed over 40 tests in total. I found it best to space each practice test out, completing one every other day to avoid burnout.
5. You Can Still Have a Life Outside the LSAT!
During my summer, I was still able to balance studying with a full-time job and a fun social life. I found it best to carve out time wherever possible, doing a couple logic games during my lunch break or dedicating an hour or two to studying before seeing friends. This, combined with my free time during the weekends, made it more than possible for me to meet the recommended 40 hours of studying per week. It’s important that you have a life outside of the LSATs—it contributes both to your productivity and mental health!