Tips to Study for the LSAT

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a rigorous exam required for entry into nearly all U.S. law schools. For students who wish to pursue studies of law beyond their undergraduate career, the LSAT is a necessary step in the journey. Although the LSAT is difficult -- it requires test-takers to have extremely strong critical reasoning, reading comprehension and writing skills – studying for it is possible.  

At Concordia University, Nebraska, the pre-law program aims to prepare students with various majors for taking the LSAT and subsequently continuing their studies in law school. The LSAT is a fast-paced test offered nine times per year that requires students to exercise effective study practices in the time leading up to their test date, independent of any classes they may take or advice they may get from peers and advisors. The highest possible score is 180, with the average law school matriculant earning a score between 150 and 160.  

Understand the format 

Starting with the August 2024 LSAT, the test will consist of four multiple-choice sections, each separately timed at 35 minutes. Across these four sections, there are two types of questions: reading comprehension and logical thinking. These questions will test not only your time-management skills, but also your ability to understand difficult text, think critically and logically and answer questions by reasoning through passages.  

Although there are four multiple-choice sections on the LSAT, only three of them are scored. The test does not indicate which section is unscored. Following the multiple-choice sections is a 30-minute written test, also unscored, that can be proctored online. Starting with the August 2024 test, the classic LSAT written section will be known as the “argumentative writing section,” and students will gain 15 minutes of pre-writing time. 

Create a schedule 

According to the Princeton Review, a good LSAT prep schedule begins with an initial practice test. This test, although you may not achieve anywhere near your desired LSAT score, will establish a baseline from which you can begin practicing. From there, it’s a good idea to establish a realistic desired score based on averages of successful applicants to the schools to which you’re planning to apply.  

The Princeton Review also recommends building your work – and life – schedule around studying for the LSAT for at least three months. You should prepare weekly schedules with designated times for studying the various sections of the LSAT, as well as times when you’ll take breaks and spend time with friends or family.  

Practice the “blind review” method 

The “blind review” method is a study method that allows you to review the reasoning that underlies your answer to a question before looking at the correct answer. After taking a timed LSAT practice test, Cleveland State University’s law department encourages prospective test-takers to review the questions they’ve just studied before checking the answer key. This practice, according to the department, helps students to focus on their reasoning skills rather than simply marking the correct answers.  

Build your reading and reasoning skills 

The most obvious way to bolster your necessary reading and reasoning skills going into the LSAT is by taking practice tests and working through practice questions. However, you can also work on these skills outside of LSAT-specific material. So read books, build your knowledge base through close examination of texts, and even explore logic games or readings to exercise some reason. The LSAT takes a unique type of preparation, and part of that is building background knowledge, rather than relying on test-specific knowledge alone.  

Space out your practice 

Studies show that the “spacing effect” (distributing many practice sessions over a longer period) leads to better long-term recall of information. Rather than cramming for the LSAT, make use of those schedules you’ve made. Plan study sessions at regular intervals, and work on old and new material in each of them. Don’t try to study the whole test during every session; instead, divide materials across many sessions. Furthermore, spacing requires that you start early – the earlier, the better. This method will require discipline, but so does law school! 

Take practice tests 

Finally, keep up with the practice tests throughout your preparation schedule! The initial practice test is great for gauging your baseline, but it can't tell you anything about the progress you’re yet to make. Instead, add regular practice tests (or even test sections) to your study schedule, and find out where you need to focus your energy. Plus, taking timed practice tests will help you understand how to allocate the time you’ll have on exam day – the LSAT goes by quickly! 

Concordia Nebraska’s pre-law program is designed to prepare students with a variety of majors for entrance into law school. With a broad foundation in the liberal arts, oral and written communication and critical thinking, graduates of Concordia will be ready to enter the competitive field of professional legal practice when they leave. Learn more about the pre-law program here.