Sitting for the LSAT exam can feel daunting at first. However, you can implement numerous free resources and habits to set you up for success.
Starting during the spring of my sophomore year, I began to take my LSAT prep more seriously. I plan to take my LSAT in September or October of 2023. I figured it would be easier to slowly transition into my preparation than all at once during my summer classes.
LSAT Vocabulary
While many LSAT prep apps are available, I found that starting with basic Vocabulary apps improved my confidence and testing. The app that worked for me was called LSAT Vocabulary, which organized words alphabetically with definitions and example sentences. I started trying to use the new words I was learning throughout my week to help them stick in my brain.
Track Progress
Your test date can be far away, but it approaches a lot faster than you might think. I originally decided to take my LSAT during the spring of my sophomore year. Unfortunately, I did not implement any accountability mechanisms to keep me on track.
Start out with a journal dedicated to your LSAT prep for the week. Start small and work your way up to the recommended hours of studying each week, three to six months before your test date.
Timing my practice tests
While it is important to understand the material, it is also important to be timely when preparing for the LSAT. The LSAT is three hours and 45 minutes. Every minute counts, and although this is a long period, you must be prepared under these time constraints. After I started taking a few practice tests, I began to time myself to improve my efficiency.
Study Balance
A few mistakes I made when I started preparing were neglecting some topics. I barely studied “If-Then” statements and focused too much on Logic Games. I also tended to think I would go back to the more challenging questions, but I never did.
Try to hit all of the topics and learn from the challenging questions. I have begun a checklist of topics to get through each week to aid in my studying.
Free Books
Occasionally, I heard about LSAT prep book giveaways at my school but never looked into them much. When I decided I wanted to take the LSAT, I reached out to the available resources on my campus. I am a part of a women’s law club on campus that has always extended numerous free resources to its members.
Discussions With Friends & Family
Maybe you have lots of pre-law friends, or maybe you do not. Either way, a great way to practice what you are learning is to talk about it with friends and family. I found that I talk to my father about some concepts I struggle with and he helps me think through them.
Watch Trials
To keep your passion for law alive, make sure to acknowledge what you are working towards. I try to keep up with big trials going on as well as online videos dissecting historical cases. It keeps me interested in law and motivated to keep studying. Watching trials can help you learn legal terminology as well.
There is no easy path toward preparing for the LSAT. The test is designed to be hard and different from any test you’ve ever taken before. Remember to be kind to yourself. If you’re considering taking on the LSAT, try out some of these small suggestions to put you on track.