Beginning your LSAT prep work can be an intimidating task. With so many different (oftentimes conflicting) sources of information, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To get you headed in the right direction, we’ve assembled the following bits of LSAT study advice. Since every student is unique, be sure to tailor the advice to your particular learning style.
Fundamentals
Fundamental to strong performance on the LSAT is a basic understanding of the various question types and the patterns that govern correct and incorrect answers. A general preparation outline should target accuracy, timing, and endurance, preferably in that order. The first step is to get familiar with each of the question types. The guides listed below provide an excellent starting point for section familiarity and question type mastery; you can preview a number of these books on the prep book excerpts page. For a full selection, visit our bookstore. Cambridge LSAT offers questions by type (arranged in order of difficulty) so that by the time you are in front of the real test, the patterns will be obvious and you can swiftly navigate to the credited responses.
Download the free June 2007 LSAT PrepTest to assess how much ground you need to cover in order to reach your target score. After you’ve taken and corrected the test, consult our free June 2007 LSAT explanations to ensure that you’re approaching the questions logically and efficiently. LSAC also has a free pdf download titled Sample Questions with Explanations, which provides a good overview of the different section types. Our free test tracking spreadsheet, which covers June 2007, SuperPrep A through C, and PrepTests 48–68, will help you diagnose and isolate your weaknesses. If you need one-on-one assistance with your preparation, consider hiring an LSAT tutor. If you prefer the structure of a class, Manhattan LSAT offers both online and in-person classes, including full-length and logic games intensive review courses. They also have a fantastic self-study option called LSAT Interact. Use coupon code CAMBRIDGELSAT2013 to receive 10% off any of their courses or CLSATINTERACT for $100 off LSAT Interact!
Accuracy
- Read carefully (do not skim); get in the habit of looking for conclusions, flaws, and assumptions.
- Read actively – this includes annotating, marking conclusions and premises, etc.
- Thoroughly review all mistakes and understand why the incorrect answers are wrong.
Logic Games
- Draw a basic diagram/sketch.
- Make it a habit to spend a little extra time during setup to search for major deductions/inferences.
- Do acceptability and “if” questions (those that present hypothetical scenarios) first.
- Avoid spending an inordinate amount of time on any one question.
- Use our free LSAT Logic Games Tracker to keep track of your times and accuracy across different games.
- Compare your work with our Logic Games solutions.
- If you need extra practice, visit the LSAT Logic Games practice page.
Timing
Timing is arguably the most crucial element of strong LSAT performance. Theoretically, anyone could attain a perfect score on the test given limitless time to do so. In reality, that’s not typically the case. However, timing is certainly a critical aspect of one’s overall test performance. The following are strategies to implement in your preparation:
- Formulate a pacing strategy for each section and practice it until it becomes second nature.
- Give yourself a larger amount of time per section in the beginning of your prep work and wean yourself down, eventually limiting yourself to thirty minutes per section.
- Leave time at the end to bubble in any blank questions with the letter of your choice.
- Leave time (if possible) to double check your answers at the end of each section.
Nerves
- Simulate the testing environment as closely as possible (places with some ambient noise are ideal).
- Use the same timepiece in practice as you plan to use when taking the actual test. We recommend the LSAT Timer. It features a large display for easy tracking and color coding to ensure you stay on pace. Take 10% off the purchase price by clicking the link and copying the coupon code on the following page.
- Take your practice tests at the same time and/or in the same room as the real thing.
- Have a friend or family member proctor your practice tests. If this isn’t an option, you can use this Manhattan LSAT virtual proctor.
- Hold yourself strictly to either the standard 35 minutes per section or whatever limit you have set for that particular period in your prep work.
Endurance
- Work your way up to five-section tests.
- Place an additional unscored fifth section into your tests (making sure to do so at an earlier date) – Cambridge LSAT sells 5-section tests and individual test sections that are ideal for this purpose.
- You can even go so far as to add a sixth unscored section into your tests so that a five-section test seems like a breeze.
