LSAT Prep Simplified: Essential Tips for First-Time Test Takers

Are you studying to become a lawyer? Being a lawyer is an excellent career pathway where you’ll earn a decent income, have a prestigious job and be able to work on exciting cases, no matter what area of law you end up working in. It is hard work, though, with extended hours and challenging tasks. And studying law is also challenging, requiring years of study, skills development and dedication. It will pay off once you’re a qualified, admitted lawyer, though. 

And a significant part of studying law is sitting the Law School Admission Test, or LSAT. This is a test administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). The LSAT is a standardized test that measures reading comprehension and logical reasoning and is sat online via a live remote-proctored format. Most law schools in North America use the LSAT as an entry requirement. 

In order to gain admission into a Bachelor of Laws degree, you need to pass this test. However, there is no need to worry because, with the LSAT tips we’ll share in this helpful article, you’ll be more than prepared. Read on to learn about our top LSAT study hints.

Prepare Your Space

The good thing about the LSAT is that you can sit it within the comforts of home. In order to ensure that you’re well-prepared for the test, ensure that the room you’ll sit the exam in is ready. Ideally, you want a quiet space, free of distractions, with good natural lighting and ventilation. Ensure there’s a window you can crack open, depending on the weather outside, and perhaps consider a lamp, too, so the space is well-lit. Keep the space clean and tidy and free of clutter in order to promote a sense of calm and centredness. Have a comfortable chair that offers back support, and consider the ergonomics of the space. If using a laptop, use an external keyboard and monitor so you don’t strain your hands, neck or back. 

Avoid Cramming

Staying up late to study for long stretches, (also known as cramming), is proven not to be an effective method of study. It will tire you out and actually reduce your capacity to retain information. Instead, you should schedule regular periods of study, with ample break time in between. For instance, study for an hour or two, followed by a twenty-minute break. Have a more extended break for lunch or dinner, and ensure that you allow some leisure time, too, as a reward. This might be playing games, catching up with friends, or watching a film or some streaming. A healthy study schedule beats cramming every time.

Live in Balance

A good tip about preparing for the LSAT is to ensure that you have the rest of your life in balance. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and grains, and ensure that you stay hydrated. Water is best; avoid energy drinks or soda that will give you a sugar and caffeine crash. Also, ensure you engage in some exercise, which will boost your well-being, memory and fact retention and will help you get the sleep that you need.

Get A Good Night’s Rest the Night Before

The night before the test, ensure that you get to bed early and get a good night’s sleep. The last thing you want is to be tired and worn out for the LSAT. Practice good sleep hygiene, including avoiding heavy meals before bed, turning off all screens a few hours before bed and keeping your bedroom dark, comfortable and cozy. Read a fiction book for a while to unwind - avoid cramming, as we’ve suggested above, and you should have studied enough prior if you’ve followed the above tip.

Send Family Out for the Day of the Test

The last thing you want during the day of the test is a noisy, busy house. Ask your parents, siblings or other folks who live at home to duck out while the test is on. Your parents might take younger siblings out to the movies or the mall while you sit the test. They’ll be supportive, knowing the importance of this test.

Set up a Study Group

Do you have other friends who are preparing for the LSAT, or perhaps they’re getting ready for other school entrance exams or other important tests? A great way to stay motivated, engaged and committed to studying is to set up a study group. You can meet up regularly at each other’s houses or a local library or community center and study as a group. You’ll be able to support each other, assist each other with tough subjects and root for each other’s success. 

Work to Your Learning Style

People learn differently, depending on their learning style. Some people learn by reading, while others prefer watching videos or tutorials. Others learn by listening, and others still by writing. It’s worth figuring out your preferred learning style and tailoring your study approach to it. For instance, if you learn visually, there should be plenty of video resources that will help you prepare to sit for the LSAT.

Check Your Equipment

The last thing you want is malfunctioning tech on the day of the test. The day before, sit down and test your tech. Ensure your computer, webcam, microphone, internet connection, monitor keyboard, and mouse are all in good working order. Troubleshoot any issues so it’s smooth sailing for the day of the test. 

Now, let’s briefly cover a few tips for sitting the LSAT. 

Content, Not Context

When looking at a passage for analysis in the LSAT, make sure that you focus on the content of an argument and not the context. Don’t get stuck in superfluous background information and instead focus on the evidence, the attitude of the author and the conclusion they arrive at. 

Pick Questions Tactically 

When you start each section of the LSAT, don’t immediately answer the questions in the order they are listed in. Instead, determine which ones will be the least time-consuming and start there. Answer the simple questions first and save the difficult ones for last to ensure that you have adequate time to answer them effectively. 

Diagrams

When it comes to the analytical reasoning questions, you should always draw out a diagram of each scenario in order to assist you in solving it. Visualization can help immensely. 

Multiple Choice Answer Tip

When it comes to the multiple choice questions, you need to take the time to read each answer choice carefully before deciding on one. The innovative LSAT test makers will often list enticing yet incorrect answer choices right before the correct ones. Double-check the answers, and think about each one carefully before selecting the right one. 

A Study Summary

This helpful article has shared our essential tips for first-time test takers preparing for the LSAT. We’ve covered some general study and preparation tips, as well as a few short practical hints for sitting the actual test. Utilize this guide to ensure that you’re prepared and ready for the big day.