LSAT Prep: Two- and Four-Month Study Plans

The first step for all test takers is to take an initial diagnostic LSAT. This is a great way to assess your strengths and weaknesses. The results give you a baseline so don’t be discouraged if your score isn’t what you want it to be. There is plenty of time to improve and achieve your ideal LSAT score.

This week, plan your study schedule. With only eight weeks until test time, you should plan on studying at least three hours a day, four to five days a week. Purchase study materials such as textbooks, question sets and practice exams.

Analyze your test results to see which of the three sections — Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Logic Games — you are naturally good at and which you will need to pay more attention to. Most students find the Logic Games section to be the most difficult.

You’ll likely need some form of outside assistance to prep. This usually comes in the form of group classes, one-on-one tutoring, or self-study using prep books. Whichever form you choose, you should focus on learning strategies and techniques for each section type and question type.

Familiarize yourself with each of the three test sections:

Logical Reasoning: Learn about argument structure. Learn about the assumption family of questions. Learn about inference questions. Learn about answer choice analysis.

Reading Comprehension: Learn how to approach and break down passages.

Logic Games: Learn the basics of ordering and grouping games.

Work on practice sets (1-2 Logic Games, 1-2 Reading Comprehension passages, 10-15 Logical Reasoning questions).

Logical Reasoning: Work on identifying assumptions in arguments, anticipating inferences and eliminating wrong answers. Go over the other question types (e.g., explain a result, identify the disagreement).

Reading Comprehension: Read, read, read. Reading passages can be large and complex, but practice can make them seem less daunting.

Logic Games: Practice basic games. Work on question strategy. Identify rules to build frames around (multiple diagrams that represent all possibilities).

Work on more question sets, and take your first practice exam (these are great for tracking progress and building test stamina).

Go over the remaining materials from your prep books and review your practice exam thoroughly. Make sure you analyze each incorrect answer. Do a few more question sets, and take your second practice exam.

Fully review all question sets. Continue to review practice exams, and mix in question sets during the week. Take another practice exam (the more you can take, the better).

Figure out how you will tackle the material in each section. Develop timing and skipping guidelines. For example, answer the first 10 logical reasoning questions in 12 minutes.

If possible, take one last practice exam to ensure that you are comfortable with your timing and other test-taking strategies. For this last practice test, try to replicate the test environment. Take the test at the same time slot in which you are registered and under realistic test conditions.

Solidify your strengths. Finalize timing and test-taking strategies. Figure out your routine for test day (transportation to exam, location, sleep schedule, clothing choice, etc.).

Be sure you’re mentally prepared for the test. Rest and a confident demeanor are vital to success.

The first step for all test takers is to take an initial diagnostic LSAT. This is a great way to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Analyze your test results to see which of the three sections — Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Logic Games — you are naturally good at and which you will need to pay more attention to. Most students find the Logic Games section to be the most difficult. It is important to not let the results discourage you. The results merely give you a baseline. There is plenty of time to improve and achieve your ideal LSAT score.

With approximately four months until test time, you should spend at least 10 hours a week studying. Ideally, one to two hours a day should be spent on studying. Four months may seem like a long time, but once you start studying, the time will move quickly. The LSAT is not a test you can simply cram for. Now would be a great time to outline your course of action and study schedule.

Most students need some form of outside assistance to prep. This usually comes in the form of group classes, one-on-one tutoring, or self-study using prep books. Whichever form you choose, you should focus on learning strategies and techniques for each section type and question type.

Do individual questions and games. Place an emphasis on learning to diagram. Your study sessions should focus on getting the correct inferences and answers. Do not worry about timing yet.

Learn how to set up advanced linear games while continuing to practice basic linear problems. And remember that understanding how to get the correct answers is more important than timing right now.

Begin working on grouping games while continuing to practice linear games. Ideally, complete one to two basic/advanced linear games per day.

Now you should be familiar with the multitude of logic games, and you should try to complete entire sections each study session.

Practice Logical Reasoning questions. Make note of your timing. You want to spend under one minute and 15 seconds for each question. Afterward, analyze all of your incorrect answers. Also, complete one full Logic Games section each study session.

Continue to practice Logical Reasoning questions. Increase your total from the previous week and continue to time yourself.

Complete full sections of Logical Reasoning questions and Logic Games. You should complete these two LSAT sections every session; each section should take under 35 minutes.

Learn how to approach and break down reading passages. Read full reading comprehension passages. Afterward, analyze your answers and complete either a Logical Reasoning or Logic Games section.

Read, read, read. Reading passages can be large and complex, but practice can make them seem less daunting. Continue to read full Reading Comprehension passages. Afterward, analyze your answers and complete either a Logical Reasoning or Logic Games section.

Now that you are familiar with all the sections of the LSAT, you can start taking practice tests. In addition to that, review previous concepts and materials that are still unclear. Complete one to two full practice exams during the week. Spend the rest of your study time reviewing your incorrect answers and unclear material.

Continue taking at least three practice tests per week to build your endurance, and spend extra time reviewing the practice tests. Take a break one to two days before the real LSAT exam so you are mentally refreshed before the test.