June LSAT scores were released within the last hour (just to contradict my prediction that they would be released last Friday). For those of you now focused on the October LSAT, Guest blogger Jodi Triplett of Blueprint LSAT Preparation gives some advice on the best way to prepare for the October LSAT.
Prepping for the LSAT tends to come in three varieties. Á la Goldilocks and the Three Bears, LSAT study, like porridge, can be too little, too much, or just right.
We’re all familiar with people in the “too little” category. This includes the guy who buys concert tickets from scalpers at the event, writes his term paper the night before it’s due, and studies for the LSAT two weeks before the test. Don’t be this person. First, he’s annoying and second, the LSAT is not a test for which you can cram.
You may also be familiar with the “too much” category. This is the type-A girl who reads the books before class begins, plans her vacations nine months in advance, and thinks that she needs to study for the LSAT for an entire year to be prepared. Don’t be this person, either. In fact, we’ve observed from our students that studying for the LSAT to great excess can actually result in a lower score.
So which LSAT study plan is just right? At Blueprint LSAT Preparation, we believe in typical cases that 200 to 300 hours is the magic number for study time. This equates to approximately two-three months of intensive LSAT immersion. If you put in that much work, and you’re using an effective methodology, you’re almost certainly going to see results.
For the upcoming October LSAT, you should begin your program of study some time between late June and late July. If you’re taking a class, enroll in one that begins in that time frame. Alternatively, develop a self-study schedule that begins some time during those months.
Don’t forget that you’ll need to put in consistent effort throughout this study period if you intend to see optimal results. If you’re taking a class, your lessons and homework should be spaced appropriately already. If you’re studying on your own, be sure to pace your sessions so you don’t wind up studying too little early on, then cramming a month before the LSAT.
In the beginning of your study, devote your time to learning the best way to approach every question type without worrying about your speed. As you get better at the concepts, you’ll naturally speed up in taking the exam. Be sure to reserve at least the last two weeks of study for review. We recommend studying until the Wednesday or Thursday before the test, then taking a break so you’ll go into the LSAT rested and alert.
The LSAT is a lot of work, but if you put in consistent effort and build upon a solid methodology, you’ll have a great foundation to sit in the right chair, eat the right porridge, sleep in the right bed, and get your fairytale LSAT score.
10 Responses
Hi there,
Just got my results. I scored a 142. The LSAT was the first standardized test I’ve taken in my life (moved to So Cal from UK). I’m 33, Husband, Father of two toddler boys and a VP of my own company. So, no time for Full Time Law School. My GPA from UC was only a 2.81. I believe I’m being very realistic with the schools I’m looking at: SWestern, Western State, Whittier, FIU or St Thomas, Respectively. Do I retakein OCT or do I have a slight chance of getting in with that dismal score..:). Thanks so much.
Brett, I can’t comment on schools choices/chances on the blog format. If I did, I would never get any work done : )
Plus, I need to know a lot more than the numbers, which is why this is part of what I do working with my law school admission consulting clients.
Hi Ann,
Sorry. Forgot to mention. I took a Kaplan Online Test Prep course. I thought It was comprehensive, but not that great. I had to cram, because I started 5 1/2 weeks before the test. I was thinking about taking Princeton Review this time around, online again, but starting classes in July.
2 1/2 months out, vs 5 1/2 weeks.
KCP, I think that’s a good plan, and you do need to retake it.
Ann,
A 157 with a 3.4 GPA. Good enough for Emory, UGA, and/or Notre Dame?
Is there any point in taking it again, or is my score too low/fine for the law schools I’m applying to?
Thank you for your time.
Hi Ann:
I am currently a Division I college athlete. Assuming that my LSAT score and GPA are competitive (around the median) for a certain school , do you think my athletics will hurt me or help me stand out (in a good way)?
Thanks
Andy, if your grades are good AND you were a Div. 1 athlete, that is awesome!
Hi Ann:
Thanks for the prompt reply. One more question, how many schools should I apply to? I read somewhere that since a school is punished whenever they offer a position but that offer is declined, schools are less likely to offer a position to an applicant who is applying to many schools since they know that the applicant, statistically speaking, will choose another school.
Right now I have 7 schools in mind….too much? Too little?
Thanks!
Ann,
I just got my results in, I got a 150. I scored a 153 on my diagnostic and before the exam I was scoring around 161. I’m really not too sure why my score is so low or what exactly happened (It may have been stress). What should I do to ensure this does not happen again?
I was also planning on submitting my first round of applications on Oct. 15, should I wait to submit them? Can you send an addendum explaining the change in scores after you submit your application? Will this low score have an impact on my possible merit based fee waivers? My GPA is 3.85.
Andy, you need to read my book! I talk all about that in the book, and I think you’d find it really helpful!