Preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is one of the most important steps you can take toward a successful legal career. Although the LSAT commonly looms large in the minds of prospective law school students, there is no need to fear if you approach the task of studying in a structured, organized manner. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know and do to prepare for the LSAT, including how long to study, the best way to prepare, and the importance of having a good score.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the LSAT?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on your individual circumstances. Some students may breeze their way through their LSAT prep in just a few months of concentrated study, whereas others may need six months or even longer in order to reach their desired score. According to US News and World Report, it is best to take at least three to four months to adequately prepare for the LSAT.
What Is the Best Way to Prep for the LSAT?
The best way to prep for the LSAT is to develop a personalized study plan that is tailored to meet your individual needs. Start with a realistic assessment of your current strengths and weaknesses. Once you know what you need to improve upon, it should be easier to choose the right LSAT prep materials and determine how much time you need to dedicate to studying each day in order to reach your desired target score.
There are a variety of self-guided test prep materials available to students, including books, online courses, and mobile applications. You may also wish to consider hiring a professional LSAT tutor or enrolling in an organized course. Whichever option you choose, be sure to stick to a schedule to ensure you maximize your studying time.
“Most successful applicants will spend at least three to four months studying for the LSAT and will take the practice tests multiple times.”
— Eric Gratz, LSAT Score Boosting Tutor
In addition, it is important to take practice tests regularly to get used to the format of the exam and become familiar with the types of questions you are likely to encounter. Five or more practice tests are generally considered enough to prepare you sufficiently for the real thing. As you work through the tests, be sure to review your incorrect answers and analyze why you got them wrong. This will help to identify your weak points faster and allow you to focus on improving your weak areas.
How Hard Is It to Pass the LSAT?
The difficulty level of the LSAT depends on a variety of factors, such as your prior knowledge and experience with test-taking and the amount of time you spend preparing. Nevertheless, most students find that the LSAT is very challenging and requires serious determination and focus to get a passing score.
What Is a Good LSAT Score?
A good LSAT score is one that meets the criteria of the law school you are applying to. Generally speaking, a score of 150 or higher is considered a good score and should earn you admission to most law schools. However, if you want to get into a top-tier school, then you will likely need to aim higher. For example, the median score for students admitted to Harvard Law School in 2018 was 170.
Ultimately, the best way to determine a good LSAT score is to research the median scores for the law schools you are applying to. That way, you’ll know exactly how much effort you need to put in to gain admission to your desired school.
Conclusion
Preparing for the LSAT can seem overwhelming but with a bit of planning and an organized study plan, it is entirely achievable. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to set realistic goals and develop a personalized study plan. Then, familiarize yourself with the format of the test by taking practice tests, focusing on your weak areas, and obtaining the help you need in order to reach your desired goal. With the right approach, you should have no difficulty in acing the LSAT and reaching your dream score.
References
US News and World Report. (2019, June 7). How to Prepare for the LSAT. Retrieved from www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/how-to-prepare-for-the-lsat.