How to Study for the LSAT
The LSAT is a standardised test that is used to assess the critical thinking and analytical skills of prospective law school students. A high score on the LSAT is a great way to demonstrate that you have what it takes to excel in law school. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of preparing for the LSAT, don’t worry. With the right study techniques, you can improve your LSAT score and make your law school dreams a reality. In this article, we’ll discuss simple study techniques that you can use to ace the LSAT. We’ll cover topics like creating a study plan, learning the test format, and utilising practice tests. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to improving your LSAT score and taking the next step in your legal career.
Understanding the LSAT format and content
The LSAT format consists of five sections. These sections include:
- Logical reasoning
- Logic games (analytical games)
- Reading comprehension
- A writing samples
- A variable section
Logical Reasoning
This section of the LSAT is the longest section and accounts for 50% of your total score. This breaks into two sections and each one is 30 minutes in length. The purpose of logical reasoning is to judge a test taker’s skills in critiquing, analysing and reviewing. This is the most law-focused part of the entire test.
This part of the LSAT consists of multiple-choice questions. Each logical reasoning question requires you to read and understand a short passage and then answer the question.
Logic Games (Analytical Reasoning)
This part of the LSAT can be either exciting for test takers or straight-up dreadful. There are four “games” in this part that test-takers must complete. The four logic games must be completed in 35 minutes.
The logic games’ premise is pretty simple to understand. Each game starts with a scenario. The rules that test takers must abide by for each scenario typically range from 3 to 6 constraints. While certain rules are general and may be applied to many scenarios, most scenarios have specific rules, which students must identify and understand how they relate to the potential answers.
Reading Comprehension
The reading comprehension section is different from other multiple-choice sections of the LSAT. The reading comprehension part consists of four parts and each part has about 60 lines that students need to read. The topics of the reading comprehension section are not just about law, these topics can be from natural science, social science and humanities. The purpose of the section is not to test one’s
knowledge of the law but it is designed to test a student’s ability to process information and answer questions.
Writing Sample
In the last section of the LSAT, the writing sample is 35 minutes. Unlike the other section of the LSAT, this part is not scored, instead it is sent to the colleges that the student has applied to. Some colleges don’t consider the writing sample while some do which is why some students don’t take it seriously. However, we recommend trying your best as it can boost your appeal if you end up applying to the school that considers this section.
Students must construct a clear argument and provide information about a particular subject. There are two purposes of the writing sample. First, it aims to judge how well a student can construct an argument in a short period of time. Secondly, it is used to show how well a student can write their thoughts on paper.
How to Prepare for the LSAT
Now that we understand the format of the LSAT’s section. It’s time to start preparing for the LSAT. Preparing for the LSAT involves a lot of different components, the most important is having enough time for preparation. There are some recommended techniques to use when studying for the LSAT.
Choose How you will Study for the LSAT
Choosing how you will study is the most important decision for students. There are some options that students can choose when preparing for the LSAT:
Self-Studying
The option you choose depends on your specific needs. Some students prefer to self-study using LSAT prep books and other resources they can find.
Prep Courses
Many students turn to a prep course. There are many options available that you can purchase. Usually, these prep courses are a combination of practice tests, practice questions, lecture videos and slides, textbooks and more. This is a great way to study for the LSAT as many courses come with a detailed LSAT study schedule and will guide a student who has trouble staying on track and keeping pace.
Tutoring
Another way you can prepare is by taking help from a tutor. This includes working with a tutor 1-on-1 or in a small group setting. This could be a little expensive but will give out the best results.
My Assignment Help has a team of expert tutors that can help students learn all about the LSAT.
Developing a study schedule for the LSAT
One of the best ways to study for the LSAT is to set a study schedule and stick to it. Without doing what you have planned will not benefit you in any way so make sure that you follow the plan religiously.
Time is one of the important factors when it comes to preparing for any test. So, planning a schedule is the way to go. First, determine how many hours a week you can set up for LSAT preparation. Make sure by the time you take the exam you have studied for roughly 200 to 300 hours.
Once you have decided how many hours you will study a week, allocate those hours to a specific day and time. This makes studying for the LSAT less overwhelming and much easier.
Utilising LSAT practice tests and questions
Knowing where you lack can make the preparation part easier. This is why we recommend taking the practice test before you start preparing, this will help you identify areas where you struggled the most. This way when you take the test after you have studied you will know for sure if you have improved or not. This technique can do wonders for your confidence as you continue to learn and improve.
LSAT Study Tips
Now let’s take a look at some LSAT study tips to help you succeed on your test:
- Analyse and reflect on the areas that you struggle the most with. Be honest with yourself when reflecting on these areas as it will only help you in the long run. Once you have narrowed down the area you need to work on, start looking for ways to work them into your schedule.
- Don’t be afraid to alter your schedule. If you need more time to study or if one of the test components requires more attention then adjust your schedule according to it.
- Study with a group. For some, it can prove to be very productive as it helps you to stay motivated. This will also help you to stay on track and if there is a component that you are struggling with you will surely have a friend who will be able to help you with it.
Best LSAT Prep Books
Some of the best LSAT prep books are as follows:
- The LSAT Trainer: A Remarkable Self-Study Guide for the Self-Driven Student
- LSAT Prep Plus 2022: Strategies for Every Section, Real LSAT Questions, and Online Study Guide (Kaplan Test Prep)
- Princeton Review LSAT Premium Prep, 29th Edition: 3 Real LSAT PrepTests + Strategies & Review (Graduate School Test Preparation)
- LSAT Prep Plus 2023: Strategies for Every Section + Real LSAT Questions + Online (Kaplan Test Prep)
- LSAT Prep 2022-2023: 3 LSAT Practice Tests and Review Book: [8th Edition]
And this is it! If you follow this technique you will surely be able to ace the LSAT test!