The LSAT Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Where law school is on the horizon, the burning question is always: When should I write the LSAT? Planning ahead will give you some confidence to approaching the LSAT. However, the best way to answer when you’re ready to write the LSAT is to just take the first step, and test the waters yourself!
1. Test the Waters
Even before you’ve created a plan or done research, give yourself a pop quiz. The LSAT is different from other standardized tests because it doesn’t test your understanding of the content. Instead, it tests your ability to dissect, comprehend and apply information. The LSAT is composed of three sections; (1) Analytical Reasoning (also called Logic Games), (2) Logical Reasoning, and (3) Reading Comprehension. Since the pandemic, the LSAT has transitioned to a remote, online proctored exam, referred to as the LSAT-Flex. You will be required to complete a writing sample, referred to as LSAT Writing, which can be completed on your time, separately and remotely, before or after the actual multiple-choice test. Attempting a few questions from each of these sections will give you an idea of which section(s) you’re most comfortable with and which one(s) will require more practice. Do these initial questions untimed, but monitor how long it takes you to get through them as a starting point for your pacing strategy.
2. Timed Diagnostic
After you’ve attempted some questions, take a full diagnostic LSAT test, following the actual time requirements per section (typically 35 minutes). There are two ways to access free, full practice tests:
1. Khan Academy.org
Khan Academy has partnered with the LSAC (Law School Admissions Council) to offer online LSAT practice questions and timed tests at absolutely no cost! They have a number of other features on their platform to help organize your study plan and monitor your progress.
2. LSAC’s Official LSAT Prep Program
This free program provides two full practice tests delivered in the virtual format that the actual test is administered in — providing a test-taking experience that resembles the actual day of the LSAT-Flex exam.
I began my LSAT prep journey using Khan Academy, which allowed me to familiarize myself with the different sections and question styles. Khan Academy provides immediate feedback as you answer questions, along with a brief description that justifies the correct and incorrect choices. It may be beneficial to attempt the LSAC’s Official Prep program after you’ve had some exposure to the questions on Khan Academy.
3. Preparation Materials
There are several institutions and tutoring platforms that offer LSAT preparation courses. The choice between purchasing a guided instruction course and guided reading and practice books will be a personal one, based on your learning preferences and study habits. I opted for both. I purchased PowerScore books for all three sections, which provided a good overview of the different question styles, strategies for approaching each of them, and a few practice questions. Be mindful that the advice you receive about preparation materials will typically be anecdotal and personalized. Since the format of the LSAT-Flex has become virtual with some modifications, the strategies and materials designed for a paper and pencil test may not be as applicable in current times. It will be worthwhile to do some research into other books and institutions which provide more relevant and useful tips for your test experience.
PowerScore provides free excerpts of a few of their books to view before deciding to purchase them.
At the time I took an LSAT prep course, it was offered with in-person weekly lessons and practice workbooks. Many tutoring platforms are currently offering virtual courses, with video lessons and access to an LSAT instructor who can answer questions remotely.
While these preparation materials are helpful, they are certainly not necessary to perform well on the LSAT. The costs of these paid options will be an important factor in designing your LSAT plan. The LSAC also offers an LSAT Prep Plus program, which provides access to over 60 practice tests on their digital platform. While this program is typically paid, some individuals may qualify for a free version if certain requirements are met for a fee waiver.
Strong performance on the LSAT is ultimately a combination of good self-study habits, consistent effort, and a positive mindset — which are all in your control!
4. Monitor Your Progress
The LSAT is an intellectual exercise such that only with time will you be able to see improvement. After having done some practice, you must become deliberate in tracking your progress. As I attempted practice tests, I created a chart to record my scores per section. After completing a few tests, I would determine whether my scores were consistent or varied. This exercise might surprise you — as it is possible to do well on a certain section on one test and then immediately not perform as well on your second attempt of the same section. Your goal does not have to be to achieve a perfect score each time (although do congratulate yourself if you’re able to do so), rather you should seek to improve that score with each test or set of practice questions.
The following is a chart that I created for myself using Microsoft Word. Tracking your scores will allow you to see patterns in your performance, and focus your time on areas that require greater attention or a different strategy.
5. The Stagnant Score
After dedicating a considerable amount of time to practice, you may find that your score remains steady in the same range, and it has become difficult to improve it. If you’re happy with this range — great! You’ve finally done it. If you’d still like to improve this score, then don’t give up! The progress from there will be slow, but definitely possible. Some strategies to employ at this stage are:
- Identify which question styles you score best on and which ones you often find yourself stumped on.
- If getting through all the questions within the time limit is the biggest challenge, aim to tackle the style of questions you know you can score quickly and accurately first, leaving time left over to ponder over the harder ones.
Persevere through this stage by taking time to dissect your score, understanding your strengths and adapting your pacing strategy accordingly to perform better.
6. The Well-Deserved Break
It is very much possible that even a few days away from your test, there is still room for improvement. The nature of a timed standardized test makes it difficult to obtain a perfect score. At this point, it will be more important, however, to prevent burnout. Recognize your hard work and progress in the few days leading up to the test. Rather than endeavouring for perfection under stress, give yourself enough time away from the LSAT to relax and remain confident in all that you know. Remember, you will want to be excited and energized on the day of the test, not bored and fatigued.
The good news is that improvement on the LSAT is almost guaranteed by virtue of practice. I hope that these steps help provide the extra bit of organization that is required for you to achieve this milestone and find it to be an L-satisfying experience!
