Are you wondering how to study for the LSAT? The LSAT is a very unique exam compared to other standardized tests, so it is important that you understand how to study. If you do not know how to prepare for the LSAT, you may end up wasting several months with very little progress. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through how to prepare for the LSAT, starting from scratch. This post will walk you through both how to start your LSAT prep and how to study as efficiently as possible.
Step 1: Take a Diagnostic Test
A diagnostic test is an LSAT test taken under strict timed conditions with little or no preparation. There are several benefits to taking a diagnostic test:
It helps you understand the format of the test firsthand
It will help you understand where you currently stand, which will give you a better sense of how much time you will need to reach your target score and allows you to compare later tests to see how much you improved
It allows you to recognize the significance of concepts discussed in many LSAT curricula
Step 2: Learn the Fundamentals
Now that you have taken a full-length practice test, it is time to learn the basics. Here are some of the foundations that should be included in your study plan:
Conditional Reasoning
Argument structure (Identifying Premise/Conclusion)
Question types and general strategies
General Reading Comprehension strategies
There are plenty of books and courses you can use to learn the fundamentals. If you would like more personalized assistance, you should consider hiring an LSAT tutor.
Step 3: Analyze your Mistakes
Practice tests are extremely useful in helping students identify their weaknesses. The LSAT, like any other standardized test, contains patterns. This means that there very likely will be patterns within your mistakes. Use your analysis to determine what question types and concepts you need to prioritize.
Step 4: Drill Your Weaknesses Strategically with intermittent Practice Tests
Rather than trying to learn both Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension at once, focus on Logical Reasoning first. If you try to learn both simultaneously, it could lead you to feeling overwhelmed and burned out. Additionally, Logical Reasoning has a much greater impact on your overall score, and the skills you acquire can indirectly help you with Reading Comprehension.
Based on your analysis, you should drill one Logical Reasoning question at a time. Ideally, you should save the later practice tests for full length practice tests and sections and focus on the older ones (PT 1-35) for drilling. There are plenty of online resources such as 7Sage that allow you to pull all of the questions of a specific type from this range of practice tests for drilling. Aim for 10-15 questions per day with thorough review. Start with the easiest level difficulty and work your way up.
You should also sprinkle in practice tests to gain familiarity with timing and pacing. Once you feel comfortable with even the harder level difficulty questions of a specific type, you are ready to take a practice test. If you did well with the question type you drilled, that is a sign you are ready to move on to the next question type based on your analysis. Rinse and repeat.
For Reading Comprehension, drill 1-2 passages per day, starting with the easier level difficulty questions. Focus on making sure you truly understand each passage rather than just burning through as many passages as possible.
Step 5: Take More Practice Tests
At this stage, you have completed drilling your weak areas, and your practice test scores are roughly near your target score. At this stage, your focus should be on improving endurance and pacing through gaining more exposure to practice tests.
I recommend aiming for 2-3 practice tests per week, based on your schedule. However, review of these practice tests should take priority over the volume of tests. Don't move on to the next practice test until you have thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the previous one.
There is a chance that at this stage you start to notice new patterns in your mistakes. If that's the case, take a week off of practice tests to focus on drilling again.
Step 6: Prepare for the Day of the Test
As you approach the final weeks before the day of the test, how you study becomes especially important. The most common mistake people will make is doing too much and burning themselves out right before the test. Follow these tips to make sure you are in the best condition on test day:
Avoid taking a practice test the day before the exam. Instead, focus on doing light review of your mistakes
Avoid social media the final weeks before the LSAT. Many people can post about anxiety inducing topics, which will lead to you feeling stressed
Stick to a routine. If you have a routine, you will feel more in control of the day, which will help you feel more confident going into the LSAT
Additional Tips
Focus on Quality, not Quantity
The most efficient way to study is not by doing as many questions as possible, but by making sure you have thoroughly learned from your mistakes. Use this free LR Review Log to help you make sure you are reviewing questions correctly.
Set a Manageable Schedule and Give Yourself Enough Time
People often start off overzealous in their LSAT prep. As a result, they study for far too many hours daily and lose motivation quickly. Instead, focus on studying for just a couple hours per day but make sure you are studing consistently. Additionally, it can take time to improve so make sure to give yourself several months of study time.
Seek Professional Help if Necessary
Although analysis is an important factor in LSAT preparation, some people find it too time consuming or have difficulty identifying patterns in their mistakes. Having an expert look through your results to pinpoint weak areas can save time and frustration during your LSAT prep. If you think you could benefit from this, consider personalized online LSAT tutoring.
Conclusion
Preparing for the LSAT is a journey that requires dedication, discipline, and effective strategies. Whether you're wondering how to study for the LSAT or seeking tips for successful LSAT prep, this guide has provided you with a solid foundation to begin your preparation. Remember, consistency and perseverance are key, and with the right approach, you can achieve your LSAT goals and pave the way to a promising legal career.
Stay motivated!
Sincerely,
Cho from Impetus LSAT