How to Study for the LSAT: A Comprehensive Guide
The LSAT is a critical step in your journey to becoming an attorney. If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, this guide breaks the process into actionable steps to help you succeed.
Step 1: Choose Your Study Modality
The first step is to select the right study resources that suit your learning style and budget. Don’t feel the need to stick to one method. It’s great to take a course and supplement with a book. It’s great to read a book and then move on to a course. If you’ve maxed out on self studying, moving on to a tutor might help you break a plateau. This is why I recommend starting LSAT prep 1 year before you actually take the test. You might have to try different things before you find a method that really clicks.
Popular LSAT Books
PowerScore LSAT Bible Series
The LSAT Trainer
The Loophole
Barron's LSAT Prep Book
Courses
7Sage: Offers video lessons, practice questions, and full-length tests.
LSAT Demon: Focuses on drilling and interactive lessons.
Khan Academy: A free option approved by LSAC with adaptive practice.
Blueprint LSAT: Known for engaging video lessons and analytics.
The Princeton Review: Offers comprehensive LSAT prep courses with a mix of live instruction and self-paced materials.
Kaplan: Provides a variety of LSAT prep options, including live online classes, on-demand courses, and tutoring.
Testmasters: Known for its extensive curriculum and focus on official LSAT questions.
Manhattan Prep: Offers LSAT courses with a focus on strategy and high-quality instructors.
LSATMax: Provides mobile-friendly LSAT prep with video lessons and practice materials.
Magoosh: Offers affordable, online LSAT prep with video lessons and practice questions.
Helpful Resources
https://lsathacks.com/: Question explanations
Tutors
Hiring a private LSAT tutor can be invaluable but expensive. Tutors are most effective for refining advanced techniques, not teaching the basics. Consider tutoring after you’ve exhausted other resources and hit a plateau.
Financial Support Options
I made a post about making LSAT prep affordable/free here
Step 2: Develop a Study Plan
When to Start
Your timeline depends on when you plan to apply to law school. Remember, you apply for law school the fall before you wish to attend. I don’t recommend scheduling your first LSAT in the same fall you are planning to apply. You should at least take it in the summer so that if you don’t like your score you have 2-3 months to lock in and retake.
Applying in the Fall: Start studying at least 12 months prior to your application deadline. I don’t care what people say about 3-6 months. This test is a beast and it’s better to get it out of the way early than to be in a time crunch.
Gap Year Advantage: A gap year provides flexibility to focus solely on the LSAT without undergrad distractions. This can lead to better results and help you enjoy your undergraduate experience more. You also don’t have as much pressure to be ready to take the LSAT at a certain time. At the end of the day, you’re ready when you’re ready. Taking a gap year allows you the flexibility to take the test when you are ready instead of at an arbitrary time.
Set Your Test Date Strategically
Avoid scheduling your first LSAT close to application deadlines. If your score isn’t good you won’t have time to retake it (applying in the spring is risky and not recommended. If you can help it, apply by December)
Create a Schedule
Consistency is key. Dedicate regular blocks of time for studying:
For full-time workers, consider studying early in the morning before work, like from 7:30 - 9:00 AM, or immediately after work. It’s up to you, but the point is that you have to be consistent. Random one off study sessions are hard to build upon.
Adjust your schedule based on when you’re most mentally alert (e.g., morning, afternoon, or evening).
Start small: If you’re a year out, aim for 30 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week, to build foundational knowledge. Increase intensity as needed.
If you’re serious about studying, you are aiming for 8-12 hours per week, adjusting based on your timeline and progress. Again, if you’re starting a whole year before you intend to take it, you don’t have to study for as many hours per week. But the intensity will determine how soon you are ready to take it.
Focus on Quality
Productive sessions are more important than long sessions. You can make a lot of progress in 1.5-2 hours, studying for 5-6 hours a day doesn't make it a better study session.
Mix up your approach: take a full length 35 minute section, take practice tests, and drill specific question types (sit down and do 10x3 of just necessary assumption questions for example and do that for a couple of days until you feel like you’ve mastered THAT specific question type.)
Avoid burnout by balancing study time with breaks and self-care.
Step 3: Master the Test
Start with a Diagnostic Test
Take a diagnostic test to assess your baseline score. This will guide your study priorities.
Understand the Test Structure
Learn each question type and develop strategies for approaching them.
Drill individual question types until you can instantly recognize and address them.
What I said above is a lot easier to understand if you just take a course like 7Sage.
Transition to Full-Length Sections
Practice full Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections regularly. These shorter sessions (1-1.5 hours) can fit into daily study routines without requiring a full-length test.
When to Take Full-Length Tests
Once you’ve mastered ALL the logical reasoning question types and familiarize yourself with full length sections, incorporate full-length practice tests.
You will never know if you are making progress or learning if you don’t take a full length practice test on a regular basis to see if your score is getting higher. You need to simulate real test conditions to track progress and build stamina.
PLEASE LISTEN HERE: You don’t decide when you’re ready to take the LSAT, the LSAT decides when you’re ready to take the LSAT. Don’t be so stuck on an arbitrary date that you take the test before you’re ready. Take the actual LSAT only when your practice test scores consistently meet or exceed your target score. There is no point in taking the test if when you take a practice test the score is not good. You can’t magically expect your test score to be 5-8 points higher than it usually is when you practice.
Final Thoughts
The LSAT is a significant challenge, but with the right resources, timeline, and mindset, you can conquer it. Start early, be consistent, and give yourself grace during the process. If you stay flexible and focus on steady improvement, you’ll set yourself up for success.
