LSAT Prep: Your Guide to Crushing the Test

What is on the LSAT?

The LSAT currently includes:

• Two Logical Reasoning sections
• One Reading Comprehension section
• One unscored experimental section (could be LR or RC)
• LSAT Writing (administered separately)

The Logic Games section (Analytical Reasoning) was officially removed in August 2024. This change shifts the focus to reasoning, reading, and argument analysis—a closer reflection of real legal tasks. The change also means students must be stronger in reading and logic, and prep accordingly.

Why Law Schools Still Care About the LSAT

Law schools use LSAT scores because the test is predictive of 1L performance. It evaluates the core skills you’ll use in law school: critical reading, logical thinking, and the ability to analyze arguments quickly. It's one of the few standardized measures across all applicants, so even a slightly higher score can shift your application from waitlisted to accepted.

LSAT vs. GRE: What Should You Take?

Some schools now accept the GRE, but most still prefer the LSAT. If you're applying to more than one law school, especially T14 law schools, the LSAT is the safer bet. GRE acceptance is expanding, but the LSAT remains the standard. Only consider the GRE if you already have a strong GRE score or plan to apply to dual degree programs.

What does the new LSAT format look like?

When to Start LSAT Prep

Ideal Timeline (3, 4, or 6 Months?)

• 6 months: Best if you have a full course load or job
• 4 months: Works well for part-time students or structured learners
• 3 months: Doable for those with fewer outside responsibilities

Start as early as you can. This gives you breathing room, time to retest if needed, and mental space to learn from mistakes.

Planning Around School, Work, and Your Test Date

Start by choosing your test date, then reverse engineer your schedule. Mark key prep milestones (first practice test, review days, rest days) on your calendar. If you’re working or in school full-time, consider early morning or evening study blocks and guard them like appointments.

What If You're Late to Start?

It’s not ideal, but it's possible. Focus on:

• Daily timed sections (especially LR and RC)
• Intensive review of wrong answers with a mistake journal
• Weekly full-length practice tests under realistic condition

If you’re short on time, don’t bounce between resources. Pick one solid source and go deep. Cut out passive review (watching videos) and focus on practice, reflection, and improvement.

Building Your LSAT Study Plan

Setting a Target Score That Fits Your Goals

Look up the 25th and 75th percentile LSAT scores at your target schools. For example:

• Yale: 173 (median)
• NYU: 170
• Georgetown: 168
• Regional schools: Often in the 155-162 range

Aim for a score above the median to improve your odds of scholarship consideration.

How Many Hours You Need to Study for LSAT

Most students spend 200–300 hours prepping. Here's a breakdown:

• 10–15 hours/week for 5–6 months
• 15–20 hours/week for 3–4 months
• 20+ hours/week for 6–8 weeks (intensive timeline)

Track your time weekly. If you're not seeing improvement after 50+ hours, it’s time to switch methods.

Daily and Weekly Structure

Structure each week like this:

2 days: Focused section drills (e.g., LR stimulus practice, RC passage breakdowns)

2 days: Timed section practice with deep review

1 day: Concept reinforcement (e.g., conditional reasoning, argument flaws)

1 day: Full practice test every other week

1 flex day: Rest, review, or troubleshoot timing issues

Review Days and Catch-Up Time

Set aside at least one half-day each week for review. Use this to:

• Reread tricky passages or confusing LR stimuli
• Analyze why you fell for wrong answers
• Reinforce strategies that worked

Understanding the LSAT Sections

Logical Reasoning – What It Tests and How to Improve

You’ll face two LR sections, making this the most important area. These questions test:

• Assumptions
• Causal reasoning
• Formal logic
• Argument flaws
• Strengthen/weaken arguments

To master this section, learn the different question types and practice recognizing them quickly. The key to acing these is to practice diagramming conditional logic and contrapositive structures. And be sure not to rush through LSAT practice questions-consider the questions and potential answers carefully to avoid logical fallacies or misunderstandings.

Reading Comprehension – How to Practice for Complexity

LSAT reading comprehension is the hardest to improve for many students. It tests:

• Main idea identification
• Author tone and viewpoint
• Passage structure
• Inference from text
• Comparative reading

To prepare for this section, the best LSAT prep is reading, reading and more reading. Read dense materials such as legal opinion articles, scientific journals and editorials. Summarize the contents and identify core arguments. With practice questions, try a blind review where you answer the questions first under timed conditions, then go back and review why you got an answer right or wrong.

Experimental Section – What to Expect

This unscored section can mimic either LR or RC. You won't know which one it is, so treat all sections equally. Stay mentally consistent across the full exam. Train with 4-section practice tests so your stamina matches real test day.

LSAT Writing – What It Is, and How to Approach It

You’ll write a decision prompt comparing two options. The key is to:

• Use clear structure
• Justify your choice with 2-3 logical points
• Acknowledge the downside of your decision

When it comes to this section, don't try to impress with big words-focus on clarity of thought. Avoid tangents and long-winded explanations-get right to the point of your argument. Remember to use transitions to ease the flow of the essay and guide your reader through your thought process and argument structure.

How to Practice for the LSAT the Right Way

When to Start Taking Full-Length Practice Tests

Begin once you’ve reviewed all question types. Ideally, by week 4 or 5. Increase to 1 test/week for weeks 5–8 and 2 tests/week in the final month. Review each test over 1–2 days. Don’t just look at what you got wrong—ask why.

How to Log and Learn From Your Mistakes

Create a detailed mistake tracker with the section name and question number, your answer and correct answer, the question type and reasoning flaw, and what you missed and why. Review your mistake journal every week to spot patterns.

The Biggest Mistakes Students Make During LSAT Prep

Studying Randomly Without a Plan

If your prep feels chaotic, it probably is. Random practice won’t help you improve. Make a calendar. Use it.

Not Reviewing Missed Questions Thoroughly

One question reviewed properly teaches more than 10 rushed drills. Prioritize depth over quantity.

Cramming Instead of Practicing

Your brain needs time to build pattern recognition. Spread practice out. Stick to regular, focused sessions.

Ignoring Timing Strategy

Practice section timing early. Learn to:

• Guess and skip
• Avoid "sunk cost" on hard questions
• Use leftover time to double-check easy questions

LSAT Test Day: What to Expect

Online vs. In-Person Format

Most students take the LSAT at home. Requirements include:

• Quiet, private room
• Stable internet
• Government-issued ID
• External webcam

Test centers are available, but book early—spots fill quickly.

What to Bring (and What Not To)

Online: Computer, scratch paper, pencils, photo ID

In-Person: ID, pencils, erasers, transparent bag, snack, water

Don’t bring phones, smartwatches, or extra notes. Check the LSAC site for updates.

Prep your test space the night before, use breathing techniques, and eat something that gives steady energy. Limit caffeine and heavy food. Use breathing exercises or mindfulness apps (e.g., Headspace). Don’t panic if one section feels hard—they all count equally

Sample 3-Month LSAT Study Schedule

Final LSAT Prep Tips

• Use your review time wisely—it’s where the real growth happens
• Don’t study for more than 2 hours without a break
• Always simulate test conditions when practicing full sections

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting