LSAT Study Strategies: Score Higher

The LSAT consists of four sections: Logical Reasoning (one section), Logic Games (one section), Reading Comprehension (one section), and an unscored experimental section. The scored sections are 35 minutes each. A separate Writing sample (unscored but sent to schools) completes the test.

The LSAT is scored 120-180, with 150 representing the median. Top law schools expect 165-175+; regional schools may accept 155-160. Each additional point above 165 significantly improves admission chances and scholarship potential. The LSAT is the most important factor in law school admissions, often outweighing GPA.

Most students need 3-6 months of prep (250-400 hours total). The LSAT is highly coachable—scores typically improve 5-15 points with dedicated study. Unlike content-heavy exams, the LSAT tests reasoning skills that develop through practice. Consistency matters more than raw hours.

Logical Reasoning comprises roughly 50% of your score. Each question presents an argument and asks you to strengthen, weaken, identify assumptions, draw conclusions, or explain paradoxes. The key is understanding argument structure: premises, conclusion, and unstated assumptions.

Develop a consistent approach: read the question stem first to know what you're looking for, then read the stimulus actively (identify the conclusion and why the arguer believes it), predict the answer before looking at choices, and eliminate wrong answers systematically.

Common wrong answer patterns include: out of scope (introduces new information), reverses logic, too extreme (uses absolute language), or subtly distorts the argument. Learning to spot these patterns improves speed and accuracy. Do 1,000+ practice LR questions to internalize patterns.

Logic Games (Analytical Reasoning) is the most learnable section. Games present scenarios with rules and ask you to make deductions. Common game types include sequencing, grouping, matching, and hybrids. Success requires creating clear diagrams and making upfront deductions.

Spend 3-5 minutes setting up each game: diagram the scenario, represent rules accurately, and make deductions before tackling questions. Most questions become easy with good setup. If you're stuck, skip the question and return—don't waste time forcing it.

Repetition builds fluency. Do each game type repeatedly until diagramming becomes automatic. Redo games you found difficult—many students improve dramatically by redoing games timed after initially completing them untimed. The 7Sage method of foolproofing games (redoing until perfect) is particularly effective.

Reading Comprehension presents dense passages (law, science, humanities) with questions testing understanding, inference, and author's attitude. The challenge is extracting key information under time pressure while retaining details for questions.

Active reading is essential. As you read, identify the main point, the passage structure, and the author's tone. Note viewpoints presented and relationships between paragraphs. Don't get bogged down in details—you can reference them when questions ask.

Practice pacing—you have roughly 8-9 minutes per passage including questions. Some students read quickly and spend more time on questions; others read carefully once and answer quickly. Comparative reading passages require tracking two viewpoints—practice distinguishing what each author claims. Daily practice builds reading stamina and pattern recognition.

Start with untimed practice to learn fundamentals and build accuracy. Once you're consistently accurate (70-80%+ correct), add time pressure gradually. Many students rush into timed practice too early, building bad habits under pressure.

Use real LSAT PrepTests (PT1-PT94+) as your primary resource. The LSAC has released 90+ tests. Supplement with resources like 7Sage, LSAT Demon, Manhattan Prep, or PowerScore, but prioritize official materials. Third-party questions don't perfectly replicate LSAC's style.

Take full-length practice tests weekly in your final 6-8 weeks. Simulate test conditions: same time of day, four sections back-to-back, proper breaks, no distractions. Review each PT thoroughly—blind review (re-attempting questions you were unsure about without time pressure) is particularly valuable for understanding your thought process.

The week before your LSAT, taper intensity. Do light review and maybe one final PT, but prioritize rest. Mental freshness matters more than cramming. Confirm your test center (or tech setup for LSAT-Flex at home) and prepare logistics.

During the test, manage energy across four sections. You don't know which section is experimental, so treat all equally. If you encounter a difficult Logic Game or passage, don't panic—it might be experimental, or everyone found it hard. Skip and return rather than getting stuck.

Pacing is crucial. Budget roughly 1.5 minutes per LR question, 8-9 minutes per RC passage, and 8-9 minutes per Logic Game. Flag questions and move on if you're stuck—answering everything is better than perfecting half. Trust your preparation and maintain steady focus throughout the exam.