Strategies for the LSAT
Researching Institutional LSAT Score Expectations to Set LSAT Target Scores
The American Bar Association requires as a condition of accreditation that all law schools publish certain data about each class of entering students in a format known as the "Standard 509 Information Report." The Standard 509 for each law school is almost always readily available online, and it includes statistics such as acceptance rates, undergraduate GPAs, LSAT and GRE scores, class sizes, bar passage rates, and more.
For example, the most recent Standard 509 for Harvard Law School shows the following:
- 25th percentile LSAT score: 171
- 50th percentile LSAT score: 174
- 75th percentile LSAT score: 176
Based on this information, applicants with LSAT scores below 170 would be in the lowest quartile and very unlikely to gain admission. Knowing this could motivate test takers to work hard to achieve a score over 170 if they truly desire to get into Harvard's law program.
Another valuable tool is the admission calculator on LSAC's website, which students can use to search law school acceptance rates by GPA and LSAT scores. Someone can learn from this calculator, for instance, that an applicant to the University of Texas School of Law with a 3.6 GPA and a 165 LSAT would have a 7% chance of acceptance. At Texas Tech University School of Law, however, the same GPA and LSAT score give an applicant a 93% chance of admission.
These resources help LSAT test takers determine target test scores that maximize their odds of admission to their preferred law schools, while also providing important data points for LSAT study.
Diagnostic Testing and Skill Assessment
Diagnostic testing at the outset of the LSAT preparation process is every bit as essential as setting target scores. Diagnostic tests are distinct from full-length practice tests in their purpose and length. Diagnostic exams are intended to provide initial skill assessments rather than duplicate actual testing conditions, and they are therefore typically much shorter than full practice exam. LSAT diagnostic testing allows students to determine their current skill level and how far it is from their target LSAT score. Diagnostic testing also points to strengths and weaknesses with respect to specific types of LSAT exercises, facilitating more effective use of instructional and study time. While some students use a disclosed LSAT exam as a diagnostic test, skill assessment and diagnostic tests are also offered by reputable LSAT test prep companies and tutoring services.
LSAT Study Intervals
Test takers are urged to give themselves plenty of time to prepare for the LSAT. We suggest approximately 120 hours of study spread out over about 12 weeks, roughly 10 hours per week. Research on the psychology of learning has repeatedly demonstrated the benefits of relatively short and frequent study sessions. It's much better to study 1-2 hours per day than to try to cram 10 hours of LSAT prep into the weekend. The former will produce gradual, sustained progress over the long haul, while the latter will cause problems with focus and retention.
Although it may seem obvious, we would be remiss if we didn't remind test takers to devote more study time to areas of LSAT weakness than their areas of strength. It is surprisingly common for students to instead do the reverse for an understandable reason—easier exercises produce more immediate rewards. But this impulse should be resisted. Preparing for the LSAT is no easy task, but a strategic approach to studying makes it much more manageable.
Many people prefer to enroll in group prep classes with a set study schedule, or to work regularly with a private tutor to prepare for the LSAT. Ultimately, whether you study with a tutor, a group, or by yourself doesn't matter as much as studying in a location and at a time that consistently works with your schedule and allows you to concentrate on the material. The process of applying to law school is long and can be tedious, so it's important to stay organized and pace yourself so you don't become overwhelmed or exhausted before your LSAT exam day.
Regular LSAT Practice Testing
There are several benefits to taking full-length practice tests as part of preparing for the LSAT. They provide concrete assessments of skill development while also helping you develop testing endurance and strengthening your testing abilities. Additionally, they demystify the LSAT, boosting test taker self-confidence and comfort. The value of practice tests, however, is undermined if they are taken too often, which is why we advise our students to take no more than one practice test per week.
In the earlier stages of LSAT preparation, testing conditions may be more relaxed. For example, you may give yourself more time to complete a particular section. But during the latter half of LSAT prep, students should take practice tests that reproduce the actual circumstances of the test as much as possible. This means you should observe official test timing and conditions with respect to environment, time of day, and even clothing (we advise you not to take your practice tests at night in your pajamas).
Strategic Self-Care for LSAT Prep
While students today are likely familiar with the concept of self-care when preparing for an important exam like the LSAT, it's worth reviewing helpful tips and techniques for ensuring you are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for this challenging exam. A large body of research has shown that sleep is absolutely essential to the acquisition of knowledge, since this is when the brain processes information for longer-term retention. Sacrificing sleep to study for the LSAT more won't lead to any significant intellectual gain. Instead, it will leave you tired, cranky, and unable to focus for sustained periods.
In addition to getting good sleep, eating healthy food and regular physical activity also positively contribute to your overall well-being and mental health. But effective as they are, they will have little benefit if you do them for the first time the night before your exam. That's why we and other test prep experts recommend a prep program of ample length (12 weeks) that entails not only short, daily study sessions, but also prioritizing healthy eating, sleep, and exercise. The LSAT may very well be the most important exam you'll ever take, so it's worth doing all you can to set yourself up to achieve your highest score possible.