LSAC Official Guides to the LSAT
Ways to Prepare for the LSAT
While there are many ways to prepare for the LSAT, the most effective tends to be a combination of official LSAC guides, professional study resources, and prep courses or private tutoring. Most important is figuring out which study materials work best for you, and then using them to create a consistent study schedule. Here we will examine how you can use LSAC official guides, your LawHub account, and prep courses/private tutoring programs to thoroughly prepare for the LSAT.
LSAT Official Guides Overview
LSAC offers a variety of helpful preparation books, and while most are available in hard copy, some are also available in eBook version. LSAC recommends that students prepare for the LSAT using The New Official LSAT TriplePrep series, which has 20 books as of 2025, with new books constantly being added. Each book costs roughly $30 and contains three full-length LSATs, as well as an answer key, a score conversion table for each test, and answer sheets.
LSAC also continues to offer older books such as The Official LSAT SuperPrep and The Official LSAT SuperPrep II for purchase. Given the age of the LSATs used in them, LSAC describes the books on its website as "historical references." However, they are still wildly popular and effective test prep methods when combined with the more recent publications in The New Official LSAT TriplePrep series.
The Official LSAT SuperPrep contains three full-length LSAT tests, a guide to LSAT logic, explanations for every item on all three exams, and sample comparative reading questions. The Official LSAT SuperPrep II contains three full-length LSATs, explanations for all items on the tests, comparative reading items and associated explanations, plus test-taking advice related to pacing and timing.
LSAC LawHub Account
When you create your LSAC account through LawHub, you receive access to the following:
- Four (4) free official LSAT tests in English and one (1) test in Spanish
- One (1) free official Argumentative Writing task in English and one (1) in Spanish
- Unlimited practice with the authentic test interface
- Self-paced and simulated exam modes
- Practice test history
- Instant scoring feedback
If you pay an additional $120 fee for LawHub Advantage, you also receive:
- One year's access to an extensive library of official LSAT exams
Prep Courses and Private Tutoring Programs
While books, videos, and practice tests are incredibly important in LSAT preparation, they are most effective when used alongside a structured prep course or tutoring program that ensures comprehensive test prep.
Prep courses usually run on a set schedule and follow a standardized progression of topics, and may be taken in-person or online, depending on student preference. Some can be led by an instructor, while others may be self-paced using pre-recorded videos. Costs tend to range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
Private tutoring programs also follow a standardized progression of topics, but unlike group courses, tutoring can be customized to the individual student's needs, while still ensuring thorough test preparation. Tutoring sessions may take place in-person or online, depending on student preference, and the one-on-one instruction makes it easy to spend additional time on challenging areas without worrying about slowing down a full class. Because of the individualized attention, private tutoring programs tend to be more expensive than courses, and can cost several hundred dollars per hour. There may be a discount for purchasing several tutoring sessions upfront.
Effective LSAT Preparation
When preparing for the LSAT, it's important to have some idea of how you learn best. You may wish to try a few different approaches, either alone or in combination, to find which best supports your learning. Then you can focus on going deeper in your studies using two or three prep aids rather than attempting to incorporate every resource available. Here are some additional tips to help guide your test preparation:
- If you have friends or family members who recently took the LSAT, consider asking them for prep recommendations, while keeping in mind that what worked well for them might not be the best fit for you and your learning needs.
- Understand everything you will receive when enrolling in a prep class or tutoring program (e.g., how many practice LSATs will you take, can you email questions to your instructor outside of class, are LSAC prep books included with your enrollment fee, etc.). Make sure you're working with established professionals who are up to date on the most current version of the LSAT.
- Many libraries offer test prep books, and you may wish to borrow a few, either to help you decide which books you ultimately want to buy, or help offset test prep costs, which can add up quickly.
- Rather than overwhelming yourself with a variety of resources and study aids, identify two or three that are the most effective and focus on those. Most successful test takers utilize some form of professional test preparation (a course or tutoring program), combined with the materials available through LawHub, and books such as the LSAC guidebooks. You don't want to burn yourself out preparing for the LSAT. Consistent, guided, and professional prep will help you achieve a top score far better than unfocused and chaotic cramming without a schedule.
Help is readily available to help you prepare for the all-important LSAT, and there are many paths of study that will lead you to your top score.