Best Way to Study for the LSAT [10 Great Tips!]

Before understanding the best ways to study for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), it helps to first familiarize yourself with the exam itself. The more you know about how the LSAT is structured, the better you can understand how to prepare for the exam. Like anything else, cracking the LSAT is possible if you break things down into smaller, manageable steps. 

Once you understand what’s in store for you, hitting a high LSAT score becomes much easier. The LSAT is the standard exam students take to get admission to law schools. Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) administers the LSAT test, and is one of the biggest factors that determines whether or not you’ll get into the law school of your choice.

The LSAT has a reputation for being a difficult exam, and rightly so. If you study for the LSAT the right way and consistently over the course of 3-4 months, suddenly things will seem much easier. If a high LSAT score still seems elusive, focus on using tried and true LSAT study tips and take plenty of practice tests to raise your score.

In this post, you’ll learn about the most effective ways to crack the LSAT that can help you maximize your score:

LSAT Exam Prep Fundamentals

Before you can figure out the best way to study for the LSAT, you first need to understand the exam format. 

The LSAT includes four scored sections in the form of multiple-choice questions, along with one experimental writing section that doesn’t count toward your exam score.

Like the SAT or ACT exams are meant to predict success in college, the LSAT is meant to be a predictor of an applicants’ future success in law school. Because the LSAT maintains high quality standards, it’s supported and accepted by ABA-accredited schools across the U.S. and Canada. The LSAT will continue to be the most crucial law school application test for years. 

LSAT Section Overview

Section	Structure	# Questions	Purpose
Logical Reasoning  or Arguments	Two 35-minute sections	24-26 MCQs per section	Determines the ability of applicants about arguments and applying abstract and logical concepts to analyze arguments.
Analytical Reasoning  or Logic Games	One 35-minute section	4 logic games  4 to 7 MCQs	Tests the skills of applicants to make uniform decisions, understand potential outcomes, form relationships between various concepts, and analyze different situations.
Reading Comprehension	One 35-minute section	4 passages ~27 MCQs	Checks the ability of students to draw inferences from the text, main ideas and concepts of passages, and understand a complex literature text.
Variable Section	One 35-minute section	Un-scored, experimental	Variable section can feature reading comprehension, games, or arguments.
Writing Sample	One 35-minute section	Un-scored	Checks the ability of applicants to form a clear and factual argument and support their arguments to express a specific idea.

Study with LSAT Practice Questions: Best Tips and Practices

LSAT Scoring Simplified

Only a small number of applicants each year manage to achieve a perfect score of 180 on the LSAT.  

The raw LSAT score ultimately turns into a scaled score ranging from 120 to 180. On top of scaled and raw scores, applicants receive an LSAT percentile score. Percentiles give applicants a relative score based on the performance of all other test takes over the previous three years.

LSAT percentiles give admissions officers a clear picture of your relative performance. In the LSAT score report – there’s an “Applicant Item Response,” which represents your score band. Your score band accounts for all errors and shows a range of scaled scores with detracted points.

Studying for the LSAT is Different from Other Exams

The LSAT tests your ability to contextualize complicated and unfamiliar prose. While there’s a long list of different standardized tests, the LSAT still stands out from the rest: the LSAT requires applicants to understand the unique  structure, purpose, and points of passages.

The average LSAT score is 150, and it takes a ton of hard work to reach a score of 170 or higher. If you want to go to a reputable law school, nailing the LSAT exam is critical. A high LSAT score will simply open doors and opportunities for students. 

Also, realize that success on the LSAT goes beyond just memorizing subject material. Unlike other exams, the LSAT tests your critical thinking abilities and how you interact with and analyze information.

Best Way to Study for LSAT – Top 10 Tips

1. Don’t Treat LSAT Like Other Standardized Tests

As an applicant, the last thing you should do is approach the LSAT like any other standardized test. As students, we’re often trained to pour over our notes, read the course textbook, and complete a few practice questions. Unfortunately that approach won’t help you ace the LSAT exam. 

No matter how much reading you do or lectures you watch, taking as many practice questions as possible is the best way to study for the LSAT. The LSAT tests your ability to think logically and choose the most suitable answers in a timed environment, so you should spend a considerable amount of time  preparing for that exact scenario.

2. Learn From People Who Hit Higher LSAT Scores

Most students already know they’ll need to spend lots of time preparing for the LSAT, but those who are focused, committed, and consistent have the best shot of scoring a 170 or higher. 

As the saying goes: study smarter, not harder.

When prepping for the LSAT, focus on strategies and techniques that will help you the most and don’t be afraid to approach each section differently. It’s not practical to try to absorb and memorize every piece of information related to the LSAT exam. Instead, focus on developing your critical thinking skills so you can handle whatever the exam throws your way. 

3. Set a Target Score

The most successful LSAT takers are in tune with their individual goals. For instance, if you’re aiming to get into a top-10 law school, you’ll likely need an LSAT score of 170 or higher just to be considered. 

However, many candidates realize a top-10 school is out of reach and are fine with aiming for a 155 or 160 instead. Whatever your goals are, try to translate them into a target LSAT score so you can set realistic expectations of yourself and avoid burnout down the line. 

4. Set a Realistic LSAT Study Schedule

To make your law school application really shine and possibly land a scholarship, plan to dedicate at least 3-4 months of studying to master the LSAT. 

Everyone’s situation is unique, so be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to studying each week. If you find it difficult to carve out study time for the LSAT, don’t be afraid to spread your studying out over 4 or 5 months instead. You should also be mindful of studying as efficiently as possible.

5. Find the Best LSAT Test Prep Material 

The best LSAT prep material is one that suits you best. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources to study for the LSAT. 

Unless you plan to use a tutor, opt for a highly-rated online LSAT prep course that offers plenty of self-study material and loads of practice questions. 

The best LSAT study guides and courses each offer different combinations of video lectures, exercises, practice questions, etc. Find one that works for you and start knocking it out. 

From there, practice self-discipline and commit to your schedule until the day you take the LSAT.

6. Study with Multiple LSAT Study Materials

Like anything else, some LSAT test prep materials just hit differently. 

While you’ll likely spend the bulk of your study time reading your study guide and taking practice problems, sprinkling in a broad range of study formats such as video lectures, audio lectures, flashcards, study forums, etc., can help you think about things differently and get the most out of your LSAT exam prep. 

7. Don’t Overlook Your Weaknesses

There’s no reason to shy away from your weaknesses when preparing for the LSAT exam. From Logical Reasoning to Logic Games, adopt a learning style to help you identify and work on your weak areas. 

For example, if you have trouble with certain types of logical games then try dedicating a few study sessions to this area to raise your proficiency. 

From the beginning, learn to keep track of your performance and identify the topics that are giving you the most trouble so you can slowly turn those weaknesses into strengths. 

8. Prioritize Logical Reasoning

Even though it accounts for 50% of the LSAT score, many LSAT applicants don’t take the logical reasoning section seriously and it ends up hurting their overall score. 

Prioritizing this section early on will help you secure a higher LSAT score. Continue to practice until solving logical reasoning problems come naturally to you.

9. Practice Equals Perfection

It sounds cliché, but it’s true. Practicing LSAT test questions until you’re completely familiar with the prep material is one of the best ways to reach your highest potential. 

As you study, train your brain to retain, isolate, and contextualize information effortlessly.

Also, remember you won’t be penalized for wrong answers on the LSAT. You can’t master everything, but learning how to eliminate incorrect answers and make educated guesses will only improve your odds of a high score.

10. Perform a Thorough Final Review

Getting through your LSAT course will be a long process, but don’t make the mistake of finishing your last lesson the day before you take the LSAT. 

As a best practice, aim to complete your entire course at least 1-2 weeks before the test.

During your final review period, focus on taking practice exams and touching up on the topics giving you the most trouble, rinse and repeat.

Also, focus on honing your time management skills and making sure you’re getting plenty of rest during this period. Coming into the LSAT well-rested and confident will keep you sharp on exam day.

Prepare a Realistic LSAT Study Schedule

After you create your study plan – stick to it. Staying consistent is the best way to learn and steadily improve your score. However, don’t be afraid to make adjustments if things just aren’t working. 

For example, if you first try to do all your studying in the evenings but you’re too tired, switch things up and try studying first thing in the morning instead. 

Also, don’t design a study schedule that overwhelms you. Instead, create a schedule that helps you gradually learn the material, and plays to your strengths and addresses your weaknesses.

Here is what a 3-month study plan for the LSAT can look like:

Weeks 1 to 5 – Focus on Logic Games           

• Week 1 – Linear Logic Games
• Week 2 –Advanced Logic Games
• Week 3 – Group Games
• Week 4 –Sequencing Games
• Week 5 – Hybrid Games

Weeks 6 to 8 – Logical Reasoning

• Week 6 – 10 questions of logic games
• Week 7 – 20 questions of logic games
• Week 8 – Cover the entire logic games section

Weeks 9 to 10 – Reading Comprehension

• Weeks 9 / 10– Cover the entire Reading Comprehensive section
• Week 10 – Refresh on Logic Games and Logical Reasoning

Weeks 11-12: The Final Touches

• Week 11 – Take three timed practice tests
• Week 12 – Take the whole LSAT test every time you complete a study session

FAQs: Maximizing LSAT Score

The Best Way to Study for LSAT? Just Start

Hopefully these LSAT study tips take you to the next level, whether it’s your first try or you’ve taken it a few times already. Remember, the best thing you can do is figure out what works best for you and stay consistent. It’s hard to increase your LSAT score overnight, but over time anything is possible.  

Don’t be afraid to try different approaches, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You can retake the LSAT several times, so if your first score is lower than you wanted then it’s not the end of the world. Instead, use it as a learning experience to improve your score the next time. You probably won’t get a perfect LSAT score, but if you chase perfection then good things can happen.

Stay optimistic too. You’ll likely encounter challenges or setbacks along the way, but maintaining a positive mindset will keep you moving forward and toward your goals.