How to Get the Best LSAT Prep

If you plan to get into a good law school, you will need to get the best LSAT prep. Good LSAT prep requires dedication, determination, and a lot of time.

I have first-hand knowledge of good LSAT prep because, unlike others who write guides for high LSAT scores, I actually took the exam, and received a high score. Follow these directions if you want to get the best LSAT prep possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make the Time Commitment for LSAT Prep
   
   In order to get the best LSAT prep, you will need to start at least six months before you plan to take the exam. Go to the Law School Admissions Council website (LSAC) and look at the LSAT exams at least 6 months out. Register for the exam at this time if you would like (the earlier the better). There is a link to the LSAT calendar beneath this article.
   
   Sit down and block off at least five hours a week to study for the LSAT. If your schedule permits, you could try for two and a half hours each weekend day.

2. Purchase the BEST materials for LSAT Prep
   
   There are many companies that sell study guides for LSAT prep. You will need to make sure that you get your LSAT test prep materials from the LSAC itself. There is no better way to study for any exam than to take your lead from the company that actually administers the exam. Since the LSAC administers the LSAT, it is best to pay serious attention to their study guides.
   
   The LSAC offers a free actual LSAT exam from a previous year that you may download off of their website. You can read instructions on how to get the free LSAT practice exam beneath this article. The LSAC also offers dozens of other actual LSAT exams in bounded books. These books feature full directions and explanations for the correct answers. The LSAC LSAT books are low cost, and can be obtained from the LSAC Website (below).
   
   *Have no fear, I do not receive anything from LSAC for sharing this information.

3. Study the Mechanics of the LSAT
   
   The person with the best LSAT prep is the one who fully understands the mechanics of the exam. Take the time to go to the LSAC website (below) and learn everything you can about the LSAT.
   
   Learn everything you can about each of the four LSAT sections, the testing time, the scoring process, and the rules of the test day (yes, there are many rules you need to be aware of). Three of these sections are scored, one scored section is repeated, and one is unscored (writing), but the results of the unscored section are sent directly to the law schools. You will need to fully understand the entire LSAT process. Once you have got the mechanics of the LSAT, move on to your hard core study tactics.

4. Practice! Practice! Practice! Focus on Getting a High LSAT Score
   
   The best way to get the maximum benefit out of LSAT prep is to practice the actual exam itself. You must practice the exam in the right manner. First you will need to start your LSAT prep by taking untimed LSAT tests (from step 3), then when you start to get higher LSAT scores, you need to focus on getting your time down.

5. Practice! Practice! Practice! Focus on Getting Your LSAT Speed Up
   
   The LSAT requires you to answer a set of complex questions in a very short amount of time. Once you have studied enough to get high scores under untimed conditions, you will need to focus on your speed. Start timing yourself using actual LSAT time constraints. Purchase a time clock, pick out a quiet area where you will not be interrupted, and test yourself in the same manner that you will be tested on the day of the exam.

6. Relax
   
   Once you have purchased the official LSAT prep materials, made yourself familiar with the mechanics of the LSAT, practiced to get high LSAT scores, and practiced to get your speed down....you can relax. Know that you have done everything humanly possible* to be completely prepared for the LSAT, and de-stress before the exam date.
   
   Good luck on your LSAT prep!

Tips & Warnings

• If you are super charged for maximum LSAT prep, you can also purchase and study LSAT materials by reputable outside companies in addition to the LSAC LSAT study guides.
• Just make sure that you properly research the external LSAT study guides you choose.
• Add an extra hour each week for external LSAT study guides.
• Some people will tell you that your LSAT score is not really important. DO NOT listen to them! This is a ridiculous claim, law schools look at LSAT scores to determine who will perform better in law school. High LSAT scores will get you noticed faster than anything else when applying for law school admission.

Resources

• Law School Admission Council LSAT test dates
• How to Get a Free Official LSAT Practice Test

[edieness]

on 7/12/2009 Well written article on How to Get the Best LSAT Prep. 5