Now that the February LSAT has come and gone , many prospective applicants who haven’t taken the LSAT are beginning their preparation for the next test date, held this year on Monday, June 8. In this week’s post, we’ll discuss 16-week template preparation plans for three types of LSAT students.
Before we get into the specifics for the three types of LSAT students we discuss below, there are two general thoughts on LSAT preparation applicable to all students.
First, the backbone of any thorough LSAT preparation is to take full, timed practice tests. Although it is important to do targeted practice to address specific issues, full practice tests serve as a valuable diagnostic tool in addition to getting the student used to 35-minute sections and the sustained focus required to do well on all four scored sections. I advise my clients that they are likely not fully prepared until they have taken at least 30 full, timed practice tests.
Second, the LSAT is not a test that rewards last-minute intense studying. We generally recommend that our clients spend at least three months (and in most cases, more than that) consistently studying for the LSAT, ideally devoting 10-15 hours per week. It is much better to do 150 hours of LSAT prep over 12 to 15 weeks than it is to try to cram 150 hours into the three weeks leading up to the test.
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With those general thoughts in mind, let’s examine the best courses of action for three typical LSAT students who are starting their study process.
Student 1: A student with little or no experience with the LSAT and a history of difficulty with standardized tests.
For this type of student, a comprehensive approach is best. This usually involves taking a comprehensive LSAT course in the early stages of preparation, then thoroughly reviewing the course content and practicing while simultaneously identifying and addressing major issues.
Weeks 1-4: Complete course work and all associated homework.
Weeks 5-8: In addition to your course work and homework, begin to take one to two practice tests per week.
Weeks 9-12: Continue taking practice tests, and add one additional practice test per week for a total of two to three tests per week. Analyze practice tests to identify major issues such as inference questions in arguments or ordering and sequencing logic games and thoroughly review associated course work and homework. Begin work with a tutor to help identify and address major issues.
Weeks 13-16: Take at least three practice tests per week. Continue to analyze practice tests to identify and address issues, but spend more time on extra practice questions and less time reviewing course materials to address those weaknesses.
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Student 2: A student with little to no experience with LSAT but with a history of performing well on standardized tests.
Many students who have performed well on standardized tests in the past — especially those testing verbal skills, such as the SAT, GRE and GMAT — will likely be able to work out parts of the LSAT on their own. After taking five to eight LSAT practice tests, see where you stand and whether you would benefit from a comprehensive review or a tailored approach to target only areas of weakness.
Weeks 1-4: Take five to eight practice tests total and assess your preparation needs.
Weeks 5-8: Take one to two practice tests per week and begin a tutoring or self-study program that addresses specific needs.
Weeks 9-12: Continue taking practice tests, but adding a practice test per week to total two to three tests per week. Continue to address specific areas of weakness by reviewing tests and doing targeted practice problems.
Weeks 13-16: Take at least three practice tests per week. Extra study time should be spent primarily reviewing practice tests.
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Student 3: A student who is in the process of completing or has completed an LSAT prep course.
For these students, the conceptual work should be mostly done. The goal for the remaining time before the test is reinforcement of key concepts and consistent practice.
Weeks 1-4: Review major concepts from your prep course and take one to two practice tests per week.
Weeks 5-8: Review minor concepts from your prep course and take one to two practice tests per week.
Weeks 9-12: Continue taking practice tests, adding a practice test per week to total two to three tests per week. Review practice tests thoroughly by reviewing every question you got wrong, every logical reasoning question that took more than two minutes to solve, and every logic game and passage that took more than 11 minutes to complete
Weeks 13-16: Take at least three practice tests per week. Review practice tests by reviewing every question you got wrong.
How are you preparing for the LSAT? Email me or tweet me @shawnpoconnor.
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Set a 4-Month LSAT Study Plan for 3 Types of Test-Takers originally appeared on usnews.com
