When I decided to take the LSAT, I knew I needed a solid study plan to guide me through my preparations and succeed. Crafting a well-organized and effective study schedule was imperative. This guide outlines my journey in preparing for the LSAT, the materials I used, my study techniques, and how I incorporated practice tests into my routine. Hopefully, my experience can serve as a guide for you on your own LSAT preparation journey!
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How I Created My LSAT Study Schedule
The first step in my LSAT preparation process was determining how much time I needed to prepare. Since my LSAT date was in mid-June and I finished my final exams at the end of April, I had roughly 7 weeks to dedicate towards full-time study for the test. During this time, I enrolled in an LSAT prep course.
Although this was a tight timeline, I made the best of it and ensured through my study schedule that I would still have enough time to cover all the material and dedicate time towards practice. I also felt sufficiently prepared after completing the prep course. Looking back, however, I would recommend having a longer timeline to prepare for the LSAT. Having at least three months to prepare will ensure you do not feel rushed or pressured and can take the proper time to both work through the entirety of the material and have ample time to practice. Practice is key with the LSAT!
I treated my LSAT preparations as a full-time job, allocating roughly 35-40 hours per week towards it. I broke down my 7-week timeline into weekly segments. Each week had specific goals, focusing on different sections of the LSAT.
My Essential LSAT Study Resources
- LSAT Prep Course: Given the limited time I had to prepare for the LSAT, I decided that it would be most effective for me to enroll in a six-week LSAT Prep Course. This course provided a structured learning environment that guided me through the complexities of the LSAT. The course also administered optional weekly practice tests under timed conditions.
- Official LSAT PrepTests: In addition to the practice tests provided by the Prep Course, I also purchased real, previously administered LSAT tests published by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). I used these tests to incorporate realistic practice under timed conditions. Although similar, I found that the official LSAT PrepTests were the better form of practice in comparison to the ones provided by the prep course since they were taken from actual LSAT tests.
How I Structured My LSAT Study Plan
Incorporating Practice into the Schedule
Daily Practice
Daily practice was key to my success with the LSAT. Here is a typical day from my study schedule:
- Morning (3 hours): Practice one section of the LSAT (e.g., Logical Reasoning), review answers and understand mistakes.
- Afternoon (3 hours): LSAT Prep Course
- Evening (1 hour): Do 10-15 practice questions from Official LSAT PrepTests and review answers.
Full-Length Tests
Taking full-length practice tests was an integral part of my study schedule, especially in the final week. I ensured that I took these tests when I had the full time to complete them, replicating actual test conditions as closely as possible.
Studying with a Group
Joining a study group during my LSAT preparation proved to be very valuable. We met periodically to:
- Discuss difficult questions and concepts.
- Share different problem-solving techniques and strategies.
- Take and review practice sections together.
This peer interaction not only helped strengthen my knowledge, but also provided me with much-needed moral support.
Check out this infographic for our guide to LSAT prep!
My Sample LSAT Study Schedule
Here’s a snapshot of a typical week from my study schedule:
Monday
- Morning: Logical Reasoning section practice (timed, 35 minutes).
- Afternoon: LSAT Prep Course
- Evening: Review answers from morning practice
Tuesday
- Morning: Logical Reasoning section practice (timed, 35 minutes).
- Afternoon: LSAT Prep Course
- Evening: Review answers from morning practice
Wednesday
- Morning: Reading Comprehension section practice (timed, 35 minutes).
- Afternoon: LSAT Prep Course
- Evening: Review answers from morning practice and study group meeting (review difficult questions and take a timed section together).
Thursday
- Repeat Monday’s schedule with a new set of practice questions from Official LSAT PrepTests.
Friday
- Repeat Tuesday’s schedule with a new set of practice questions from Official LSAT PrepTests.
Saturday
- Day off to rest and recharge (sometimes I would do some light reading of LSAT prep material from my course)
Sunday
- Morning: Full-length practice test (timed, under realistic test conditions).
- Afternoon: Review test answers.
4-Month and 3-Month LSAT Study Schedules
Longer LSAT Study Schedules
Shorter LSAT Study Schedules - 1 and 2 Months
Shorter LSAT Study Schedules
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How to Manage Stress Before LSAT Test Day
Looking back now, preparing for the LSAT proved to be a challenging yet rewarding process. By creating a structured study plan, utilizing various helpful resources, and including regular practice and review, I felt confident and prepared on test day. At the end of the day, consistency and persistence are key. With a well-organized plan and commitment, you are more than capable of achieving your LSAT goals. Best of luck on your LSAT preparation journey!
#1 Don’t overdo it
It's tempting to keep studying up until the very last minute, but avoid the urge to overdo your studying. After weeks of intense studying for the LSAT, give your brain a rest before the real deal.
#2 Get plenty of rest
Give yourself plenty of rest the day before your test and get enough sleep. Being in a good mental and physical state will help to calm test anxiety and help keep you focused once the test starts. If you're neglecting your well-being, it will catch up to you on test day!
#3 Complete the LSAT's written section
The LSAT's written section Is made available up to 8 days before your exam date. You can complete the unscored written section at any time before your exam once it's available. It's a good idea to get this section done and out of the way, so you don't need to stress about it on the day of your test.
#4 Make a test day game plan
It's vital to know exactly what you're doing to do on the day of your test. Since the LSAT is typically taken online, you'll be asked to complete a systems check on the computer you'll be taking the test on, and verifying that your test environment is ideal. In the days before your test, check your equipment and ensure you have a quiet, distraction-free exam room. Install the necessary software on your computer and verify you have your government-issued ID. Check the LSAC website for all testing and equipment requirements. If you need testing accommodations, be sure to check the LSAC website since the deadline will be well before your test day.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to study for the LSAT?
Most students take 3 or 4 months to study for the LSAT, though some may use shorter LSAT study schedules of 1 month, 2 months or 6 weeks.
2. What is a good study schedule for the LSAT?
A good LSAT study schedule should include learning time, to learn the strategies you need for each of the different test sections, and practice time, where you implement these strategies in practice tests.
3. Is 1 or 2 months enough LSAT prep?
If LSAT study is the only Item on your calendar for 1 or 2 months, and you are either confident in your self-studying ability or have professional study help, a shorter LSAT study schedule may work for you. If you are consistently achieving a good LSAT score on practice tests or only need to Increase your score by a few points, 1 or 2 months of study may be enough for you.
4. Who can help me with LSAT prep?
An LSAT tutor or LSAT prep course are both excellent options for professional, personalized test prep. You can also ask a law school advisor or law school admissions consulting service for help on studying for the LSAT.
5. What If I don't get a good LSAT score?
If you get a low LSAT score, or you don't achieve the score you want, you can retake the LSAT after working to improve your score. If you are already in the process of applying to law school, you can also address a low score In your law student cover letter or law school addendum.
6. How many hours of LSAT prep a week do I need?
We suggest 20-25 hours of LSAT prep a week, for 3 to 4 months. In total, you should be looking at 250-300 hours of studying time.
7. How hard is the LSAT in Canada?
Canadian law school applicants write the same LSAT as American law school applicants. There is a negligible difference in the test difficulty, depending on which month you write the test in. Even the easiest law schools to get into in Canada use the LSAT to evaluate candidates, so if you want to study law In Canada, chances are you will be writing the LSAT.
8. How many LSAT practice tests should I take?
Other than a diagnostic test, try to take an LSAT practice test at least once a week during your study schedule.
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