LSAT Prep Tips

If you're interested in law school, a requirement for acceptance is the completion of the LSAT. This stands for the Law School Acceptance Test. As the name implies, it is essential to take this test in order to even be considered for acceptance into any accredited law school. The LSAT is scored from 120-180, with 180 being a perfect score. The average score is a 152. If you want to get into a prestigious law school, scoring above 152 is mandatory, usually in the realm of 165-170. Your LSAT score is crucial because most law schools consider two factors when deciding who gets accepted: your GPA (grade point average) and your LSAT score. Sure, your personal essay and letters of recommendation are important, but your GPA and LSAT score are the predominant factors in the decision process.

Numerous experts and test analyzers have said the LSAT is one of the most challenging standardized tests due to the format of the questions and skills required to answer them correctly. So it is highly recommended to partake in some quality LSAT prep for the big test day.

To truly prepare for the LSAT, you should consider a prep course offering comprehensive study materials and guidelines. This will show you some of the holes and traps that are hidden within the test.

If you don't have the time to take an LSAT prep course, you can always simply purchase an LSAT book from Barnes & Noble or Amazon. There are numerous books available offering helpful strategies and information regarding the LSAT.

Here are some general tips and guidelines that will help you with your LSAT prep…

1.) Take as many practice tests as possible: This is a tried and true method for scoring well on the official test. You must become comfortable with the material and how the questions are worded. This can only be achieved by exposing yourself to the test and understanding how it is structured. The good thing about this strategy is that there are numerous practice LSATs available online. If you decide to take an LSAT prep course, you'll definitely be taking a plethora of practice tests, and even the LSAT books provide some sample test questions. Don't get discouraged if you score poorly on your first couple of tests; that's very common. Just keep at it and work hard. Persistence and familiarity with the material will ultimately prevail.

2.) Beef up your writing skills and reading speed: The LSAT is comprised of numerous multiple choice questions, but there is also a reading comprehension section and essay. This means you must be comfortable with reading large quantities in a short period of time in addition to writing clearly and persuasively. Practice these skills so you'll be comfortable when those sections arise on test day.

3.) Get plenty of sleep the night before the test & enjoy a good breakfast the day of: You want to be fresh and awake the day of the LSAT so try to get at least 8 hours of REM sleep the night before. Since most LSATs are offered early in the morning (usually 8am) you should eat a healthy breakfast that can keep you fulfilled during the three hour exam. Though, there is a 15-minute break period at the halfway point, so bring a small snack to ensure hunger pains don't distract you from doing your best.

If you follow these simple tips, you should do well on the LSAT. And remember, it's only a test! Don't stress out. It's not life and death. You can always take it again if you do poorly the first go-round. Just be persistent with your LSAT prep, work hard, and do your best. That's the combination for success.