Which LSAT Study Materials and Options Should You Use?

Introduction

Let’s face it, preparing for the LSAT exam isn’t exactly a walk in the park. While there’s chatter that LSAT scores may not be dropped as an admissions requirement, as of today you’ll need a high LSAT score to get into your target law schools. Unfortunately, many students are still preparing for the LSAT exam using incompatible and outdated study materials, leading to disappointing scores.

There are lots of LSAT study materials to choose from. Therefore, be selective when choosing an LSAT review course and look for the study materials that best match your learning style and budget. If you’re serious about your LSAT prep, spend a few minutes to find the best study materials you can get.

For this post, we’ll start with taking a quick look at the LSAT structure. Then we’ll examine at the best study options and materials you should consider using for the LSAT exam.

LSAT Exam Content and Structure

Overview of LSAT Scoring

LSAT scoring is just like any other exam, it’s based on the total number of questions you answer correctly. Your initial “raw” score is then adjusted based on a few different factors to arrive at your scaled score. The scaled score ranges from 120 to 180, which is more convenient and transparent than the typical raw score.

The LSAT doesn’t penalize you for wrong answers, so you won’t lose any points if you guess incorrectly. If you’re unsure about the right answer to a question, make your best guess and move on.

LSAT Format

The LSAT is divided into six sections, each with a 35-minute window, as follows:

• 5 sections consist of multiple-choice questions. Four of these sections are graded and cover:

  • Reading Comprehension,
  • Logical Reasoning (2 sections), and
  • Analytical Reasoning.
  • The fifth section is a variable LSAT section, which pre-tests new questions and is not graded

• The sixth section works as an un-scored writing sample. Students have to add a copy of their writing sample and send it to law schools.

Overview of LSAT Sections

• Logical Reasoning – 35 minutes to answer 24-26 questions
• Logical Reasoning – 35 minutes to cover 24-26 questions
• Analytical Reasoning – 35 minutes to cover 22-25 questions
• Reading Comprehension – 35 minutes to answer 26-28 questions
• Writing Sample – 35 minutes to draft one written essay

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4 LSAT Study Methods and Materials to Consider

Before you can choose your LSAT course or study materials, there are several ways you can prepare for the LSAT exam. Think about which one(s) sound appealing and might suit you best:

❖ Self-study

A self-study strategy to prepare for the LSAT is just as it sounds, and requires studying entirely on your own, usually with a LSAT guidebook.

Many successful LSAT applicants are self-studiers who can prepare for the LSAT on their own terms and even leverage free resources or LSAT study guides to help them prepare.

Self-studying is typically more affordable and gives you more control over your studying schedule. With the right approach, you can devote more time to analyzing material, spotting weak areas and taking LSAT practice material test questions.

If you want to study for the LSAT on your own, be sure to read reviews of the most popular LSAT guides.

❖ Private Tutors

For a more engaging and interactive way to prep for the LSAT, consider hiring a private tutor.

Tutors can be expensive, but they can help you track your progress and can identify areas for improvement much better than you may be able to do yourself. With a private tutor, you can depend on a skilled professional to check your progress and assign weekly sessions.

However, private tutoring only works when you feel ready to hand someone else the reigns to your LSAT preparation. Given how expensive they can get, be sure to check recommendations to avoid frustration and disappointment later on.

❖ Live Classes

Live classes are a great option if you need some extra accountability but may not feel comfortable with paying for a private tutor. Depending on your LSAT prep needs, you can also opt for weekly, monthly, or weekend sessions.

When choosing a live LSAT prep class, make sure you read reviews, compare prices, and check whether the location and/or remote options work for you. Also, be sure to check the number of practice tests you’ll get with the class and the qualifications of the instructors.

❖ LSAT Review Courses

Review courses are really a hybrid of the options above. Your studying is mostly self-directed and at your own pace, but you may also have access to tutoring sessions and instructor-led classes to keep you on track.

Several companies offer comprehensive LSAT preparation courses. Each course offers its own mix of features and caters to applicants with different learning styles.

Some of the best review courses include BluePrint and LSATMax, which feature robust design and material.

What LSAT Prep Courses and Materials Have to Offer

For a value-driven LSAT prep course, consider Magoosh.

For a more immersive learning experience, consider the famous LSAT Lab course.

However, if you want to play it safe with tried and true LSAT study materials, you really can’t go wrong with Kaplan or Princeton Review. Kaplan and Princeton Review’s LSAT prep materials are personalized and provide a high-quality learning experience.

Unlike many guidebooks and courses, Princeton Review features fewer practice tests and provides more videos. In fact, most courses feature more videos than practice test questions. On average, you can get 150+ hours of visual content to have a classroom experience and step up your LSAT prep.

Similarly, the Manhattan and Magoosh LSAT prep courses offer engaging study material and additional tutoring.

How to Get the Most Out of Your LSAT Study Materials

Set a Realistic LSAT Study Schedule

As a rule of thumb, plan to commit at least three months of consistent studying for the LSAT exam.

Whether you use a private tutor or study on your own, following a flexible LSAT study schedule will minimize stress and help you avoid burnout.

If you feel you’ll need more than 3 months to prepare for the LSAT exam then don’t worry, you’re not alone! Just start studying earlier and dedicate however much time you need.

To maximize your score, take as many LSAT practice questions and quizzes as possible and make sure you study consistently. It may not sound fun or exciting, but slow and steady progress is what it takes to succeed on the LSAT.

Get Familiar with Your LSAT Study Materials

To get the most out of your studying, divide your learning into four phases. Each phase will rely on different types of materials to properly study for the LSAT.

Depending how your guide or course is constructed, these phases will likely be applied on a chapter-by-chapter basis.

Familiarity

The fastest way to become familiar with new material is through a combination of watching video lectures and reading the course textbook or study guide.

During this phase, focus on understanding the landscape of different LSAT topics and concepts that you’ll need to understand before moving forward.

Focused Review

During this phase, you’ll be taking a deeper dive into the finer details of the LSAT material. You’ll rely heavily on your course textbook and video lectures during this phase as well, but you can also start incorporating other study materials like flashcards, audio lectures, etc.

Practice

During this phase, you’ll be putting your knowledge to the test with LSAT practice questions.

For many applicants, LSAT questions are challenging at first. It’ll take some time before you’re comfortable with the question formats and material. To improve as fast as possible, set aside some time for practice questions during each and every study session.

Mastery

During this phase, you’re goal is to understand the exam topics inside and out and consistently score in the 80-90% range (or higher) on your practice questions and exams. The best way to gauge your mastery of the material is through taking LSAT practice tests and exams, coupled with your other LSAT study aids.

At this stage, you’ll need to hone your attention to detail and understand the nuances between any correct and incorrect answers. As you complete practice questions and exams, take the time to read and review each explanation carefully to develop a deeper understanding of the material and the logical reasoning involved.

Use an LSAT Practice Quiz or Mock LSAT Exam to Test Your Knowledge

LSAT practice quizzes will allow you to test your knowledge and gauge your readiness to take the LSAT exam and make adjustments along the way.

LSAT practice tests consist of categorized sample questions that appeared on previous tests. These provide the most real-world examples you can find. As far as prepping for the LSAT goes, you can never have enough practice test questions or mock LSAT tests.

As you approach exam day, take your practice exams under timed-conditions to work on your time-management skills.

What Other LSAT Study Materials Do LSAT Prep Companies Offer?

⮷  Blueprint

Blueprint features over 90 hours of video instructions, 36 live class hours, 8,500+ practice questions, and 85+ practice tests. However, Blueprint is one more expensive than most LSAT study guides.

⮷  LSATMax

LSATMax features more than 100 hours of video instructions, 6,000 practice questions, and over 90 practice tests. The downside of LSATMax is that it comes with no live class hours.

⮷  Magoosh

Magoosh is an inexpensive study guide and features up to 90 hours of video instructions. While it does not come with live class hours, it features 7,000+ practice test questions and 80+ practice tests.

⮷  Princeton Review

While expensive, Princeton Review features 150+ hours of video instructions and 8,000+ intuitive practice test questions. Princeton Review also features 30 live class hours. Applicants can expect up to 60 practice tests in digital and hard-copy format.

FAQs to Help You Choose the “Right” LSAT Study Material

Bottom Line

If you want to make your LSAT preparation as strategic as possible, choosing the right LSAT study materials should be your first priority.

Whether it’s live classes, LSAT review courses, private tutors, or self-study, look for whatever can maximize your chances of getting your highest possible LSAT score. Not everyone can afford expensive private tutors, nor will tutors guarantee success. For most students, the best approach is to invest in a comprehensive online LSAT course or study guide.

At a minimum, look for LSAT courses and study guides that feature up-to-date video lectures, plenty of practice test questions, and written materials. More is not always better though. Most students lean towards LSAT study guides and courses that don’t overwhelm them.

Take a step back and think carefully about your LSAT preparation and goals. To get the most out of your study material, adopt a positive mindset and develop a balanced mental state. This will relieve stress, help you stay on track, and strengthen your focus to hit the LSAT score you deserve.

Best of luck on the exam!