3 months is just enough time to prepare for the LSAT if you stick with this schedule. If work/school/life obligations make this schedule too difficult to follow, you're probably best off taking the LSAT at a later date.
I've reviewed all books and PrepTests below in my LSAT prep book recommendations post. You can order recent individual LSAT PrepTests as PDFs.
Month 1:
Study my relevant blog posts on Logic Games and complete this list of Logic Games from PrepTests 29-38 ordered by difficulty during the first 3 weeks. Before beginning the relevant game type, also complete the appropriate Logic Games Bible chapter on that game type.
Week 1: Complete Pure Sequencing, Basic Linear, and Advanced Linear games. Review each game that gives you trouble.
Week 2: Complete Grouping: In-Out / Selection, Grouping: Splitting, and Grouping: Matching games. Review each game that gives you trouble.
Week 3: Complete Combination games. Review each game that gives you trouble. Also read the Games Bible's chapter on Advanced Features and Techniques. Then complete any Logic Games in PrepTests 19-28 of the types that give you difficulty. Complete a few sections of Logic Games under timed conditions, and read A Rulebook For Arguments.
Week 4: Study my blog posts on Logical Reasoning and relevant chapters of the Logical Reasoning Bible before completing LSAT questions of each type in PrepTests 29-38 using the LSAT Logical Reasoning spreadsheet (untimed). Begin with question-types covered in Chapters 1-6 of the LRB. Complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.
Month 2:
Week 5: Continue work from Week 4 with question-types covered in Chapters 7-12 and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.
Week 6: Continue work from previous week with question-types covered in Chapters 13-19 and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games and Logical Reasoning.
Week 7: Read my blog posts on Reading Comprehension and complete several sections of Reading Comp from PrepTests 29-38 (untimed). Complete a few timed sections of Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.
Week 8: Complete the 3 tests in LSAC's SuperPrep (timed) and review the explanations. Although the explanations are technical, it's good to learn how the test-makers think. Alternatively, complete PrepTests 45, 46, and 47 under timed conditions.
Month 3:
Week 9: Complete PrepTests 49, 50, and 51 (timed) and splice in sections from PrepTest 48 to simulate experimental sections. Review each exam on alternating days.
For the remaining weeks, study each of these Logic Games Explanations after completing the relevant exam.
Week 10: Complete PrepTests 52, 53, and 54. Splice in sections from the June 2007 exam (PDF) to simulate experimental sections. Review each exam on alternating days.
Week 11: Complete PrepTests 56, 57, and 58. Splice in sections from PrepTest 55 to simulate experimental sections. Consider using one section to create a 6-section exam for extra practice. Review each exam on alternating days.
Week 12: Complete PrepTests 60, 61, and 62 (timed). Use 59 to simulate experimental sections. (Again, consider using one section to create a 6-section exam). More thoughts on how to simulate the experimental section in this LSAT Blog post.
Finally, rock the LSAT on Test Day.
***
Also check out my other sample LSAT study schedules and plans.
thank you!!! was just looking for this earlier, perfect timing. your blog is so comprehensive!
ReplyDeleteI've been extremely busy, so it's nice to have a "catch up" 3 month study plan.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
also so glad to see this! had been using a mash-up of your 5 1/2 and 1 month study plan, but this will make things much easier!
ReplyDeleteThis IS perfect!!! I am in the same boat as above!!!!! I am doing linear games now- Logic Games Bible ROCKS!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you realize just how much we appreciate you doing this pro bono.
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks a lot for the weekly insight. I took a prep course and sat for the June exam, but cancelled my score after reading your advice on cancellations/absences vs. low scores. Three months until september, so I propose to take as many prep tests as possible before sept.
ReplyDeletethanks Steve
ReplyDeletesense most of the LSAT study material uses questions from prep-tests...I was wondering how are students advised to gauge their score(S) of a practice prep-test if he/she find that they recognize questions from the study material?? does any one have any points on this??
Scores on a practice test wouldn't mean much if you recognized questions.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I devote a month in the schedule to untouched practice exams. These help you gauge your progress and get used to timed exams.
I'm curious about your choice of practice tests. If test takers need some practice on recent exams as well, shouldn't preptests 54-57 be included on this three month study schedule?
ReplyDeleteThey ARE included - in the final week.
ReplyDeleteIf we follow this to the tee, what kinds of scores are we looking to get on the LSAT?
ReplyDeleteAt least a 180.
ReplyDeleteJust kidding.
A lot of it depends upon how quickly you pick things up, the amount of time you put into each part of the schedule, what type of test-taker you are, how well you handle the stress of being in the actual testing environment, etc.
Everyone's different, and this is just a sample schedule. You should modify it according to your individual needs.
Great Post Steve Thank you
ReplyDeleteBut what if we were unfortunate enough to already started our studies before discovering your post??? for instance, I have already read "10 more actual prep tests" and was going and was going to take the "next 10 actual, official prep test" under actual timed conditions but know i have read your post I am confused on how to proceed..
any tips if we have already cracked a book that you suggested we saved, and (or) save a book that you suggest we keep for simulation
Glad you found it helpful!
ReplyDeleteI did a blog post titled, "Retaking the LSAT Study Schedule." It should address your question.
Take care,
Steve
This is great information.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Steve, your site and advice helps soooooo much! :)
ReplyDeleteHey, How are you today Steve. I am going to do the 3 month prep and then take the LSAT on december 5th. If I am average and put in this time preparing, should I score atleast in the 160's? I am going to buy everything that you recommend before the first of september and september 1st will be my start date.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Steve! I am already on my 2nd month of studying and I've been following your advice religiously!
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned somewhere that the 2008 edition of the Games Bible included more games than the 2003 edition, some or all of which are games from the more recent PrepTests. Since I have the 2008 edition, is there a list of which games to avoid so that I dont spoil them for when I start taking the more recent PrepTests in September?
ReplyDeleteYes - on page 396 of the 2008 edition. It has a list of all games used in the book.
ReplyDeleteHey Steve,
ReplyDeleteGreat Stuff! I have read through the LGB and the LRB and feel its to much information to take in at once.
One question though, on the "LSAT Logical reasoning spreadsheet," some of the question types listed seem different than the names of the question types in the LRB. For, instance what chapters in LRB involve "structure" questions?
Many, many thanks - I have just subscribed to this blog and found it incredibly useful. I have a questions for this piece too. I wonder if you could further tell the hours of study this schedule was based on. If I have the luxury to study full-time for the test would you suggest me squeezing that 5-month's workload into this one?
ReplyDeleteCan I call you and talk to you?
ReplyDeletecan you formulate a 9 month study plan for me? Your guides are genius. I'm a horrible test taker and need all the time I can get, plan on taking it June 2010
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Steve. You have no idea how helpful you have been. Really!
ReplyDeleteHi Steve. I started studying last week using your 3 month plan, and your blog has already been so helpful. My question for you is about the Logic Games. On the first test I took to see where my problem areas were, I saw that I did well on answering the logic games questions (93% correct of ones I answered), but I ran out of time and was only able to answer 13/24 (not so good). Will the Logic Games Bible help me speed things up, or does it teach more about how to understand the questions? Any advice?
ReplyDeletethanks alot for the study schedule, I have been following the 3 month version. I am taking the Dec test. I am having a hard time completing any of the games within the required time limit. I am not even close, however I am getting most of the answers correct. Do you have any advice on how I can speed up.
ReplyDeleteHello I am following your schedule but I am stcuk on an issue in the logice games bible that I am not sure wether wrong or right.
ReplyDeleteDuring chapter 2 on linear games I had trouble understanding why a question would say for ex page 19 “F marches exactly 3 groups behind g” and it would be diagramed G_ _ F. I thought it would be diagramed G_ _ _F. Anyway I took there explanation I figured I was incorrect in my thinking. Then I came to a drill page 51 question 2 about the dogs following there analysis it was impossible to come up with the answer they got and the explanation they gave was crap in a circle and when I did it the way I thought immediately I got the answer. Can anyone who have the book look and tell me or possibly provide a better explanation why they are actually correct or anyone from reading my example tell me how much spaces u figure would be needed please and thank you in advance.
Hi I just discovered your blog and interested in taking the December 5 LSAT which gives me two months from today to study. Is two months enough time to study for the LSAT or should I wait and take the February 2010 LSAT thanks.
ReplyDeleteIn the above thread, someone had a concern about how well the Logic Reasoning Spreadsheet matches the Logic Reasoning Bible. It fits very well but be aware of a few differences.
ReplyDelete1. The spreadsheet splits Parallel question types into two categories depending on whether the stimulus has a flaw. LRB covers parallel questions and flawed parallel questions in a single chapter.
2. The spreadsheet labels Method of Reasoning question types as "Structure" questions.
3. The spreadsheet does not break the question types into as many categories as the LRB, but I don't find this a problem. LRB is extensive, almost extreme, in labeling every type of question out there.
If anyone else has more information on using the Logic Reasoning spreadsheet with the LRB, please share.
Hi Steve,
ReplyDeleteI made the critical error of scoring high (172) on a practice test the first time taking it and not following through with studying for the September LSAT. I ended up receiving a 160.
1st - Experimental
2nd - LR (-14 wrong)
3rd - AR (-4 wrong)
4th - RC (-4 wrong)
5th - LR (-5 wrong)
Needless to say I am disappointed with myself. I have recommitted myself to the February exam and hoping to score much higher. Considering my scores in the individual sections would you recommend I focus on logical reasoning specifically or taking full 5-6 section practice exams? I am also hoping to bring up my analytical reasoning section score. Would it be worth my time to go over the "easy" ones or should I focus on the difficult ones only? Unfortunately I am a full time engineer and will have only weekends for dedication to studying (about 12 hours a week). Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Steve...
ReplyDeleteHOw are you ?
actually I am so upset , I have just 1 month to prepare for the lsat and I am not nativer speaker , I am preparing for the toefl test , I have just 1 month for the lsat ...
Is it enough ?
could you advice me ?
Thank you so much
laila
Dear Steve:
ReplyDeleteAfter doing all the pre-timed test preps (except I skipped the reading comp stuff because I slacked), I scored my HIGHEST preptest score ever! 168! I've already prepped once before and scored terribly on the LSAT.
Hopefully I keep things up, but I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your blog and this amazing schedule!
-i
I am unsure if I definitely want to go to law school as of now, but I am REALLY considering it and I wanted to get a jump start on some studying. I am a sophomore in college, so I am hoping that I have lots of time to nail this test if I chose to take it. I tend to get nervous during big tests, so I am trying to study asap.
ReplyDeleteYour info is great. So far I've been trying to read so much of what you've put in your blogs, that I haven't had time yet to actually do the practice tests yet!!!
ReplyDeleteBut your material is giving me the confidence to attack the timed tests real soon... February 6th is approaching faster than I'd like!
Thanks again for all your posts.
Is this schedule still relevant to 2010 or would you recommend some variations?
ReplyDeleteI've updated it since then with newer PrepTests as LSAC's released them, but feel free to make personal variations as needed.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steve. I really appreciate all the awesome content! :)
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate all the awesome readers! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Steve,
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on using your 3 month study schedule.
What do you mean when you say "splice in" sections from one prep test into another? Don't all prep tests already have experimental sections? Or perhaps I would be doing this in order to add a 6th section?
Thanks a lot!
Hi there!
ReplyDeleteThe published PrepTests do not include an experimental section, either real or simulated.
That's why you must insert your own in order to have a 5-section exam. Look at any PrepTest published by LSAC, and you'll only see 4 sections.
Steve,
ReplyDeleteCan you explain the reasoning for using prep tests 29-38 through the three and five month study plans? These are old and my general intuition tells me to use more recent tests. I just completed Kaplan’s classroom course and am less than amused at the outcome. Decided not to take the June LSAT and will now start studying for the October test. Thanks!
Sorry to hear Kaplan wasn't all you hoped it'd be.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the rest of the schedule, not just the beginning.
I have you use the newer ones as well. Look at the final week in Month 2, as well as all of Month 3.
Basically, use approx 29-38 for foundation work in the first half, and use everything newer than that in the second half.
Thanks for this. I have three months and some change and I making sure to follow as much as I can. I was told to only use one method of study to avoid confusion and I was wondering if you had any thoughts? Let me know. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI don't think exposing yourself to multiple methods is necessarily a bad thing. It can even be good.
ReplyDeleteWhat have you heard about the "Master the LSAT" book by Nova? It seems to be the preferred (abridged) guide, but I don't see it mentioned anywhere on your site. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteMaster the LSAT used to be the gold standard.
ReplyDeleteNow, however, it's a bit outdated. It's of relatively limited value simply because it was written before the vast majority of recent PrepTests - it only gives you strategies for older questions (and it also contains many simulated - non-LSAC - questions). It might be a good alternative way of looking at things, though.
Keep in mind that it's very old, though - just look at which PrepTests are used.
PrepTests in the back:
1st is PrepTest 7
2nd is PrepTest 8
3rd is PrepTest 9
Split-up one is PrepTest 2.
Steve:
ReplyDeleteI am re-taking the exam in october as I bombed the first one. When I was taking practice tests I was scoring in the mid to high 160s and my score was A LOT lower then any practice test I ever took. Any advice? I am going to follow your 3 month study plan but any helpful words of wisdom is greatly appreciated. What are your thoughts on powerscore's virtual course?
Thanks,
Lindsay
i took the June Lsat as well, wasn't too pleased with my score in comparison to what I was doing on my practice tests, so ill be retaking in october, and following your 3 month plan. My question is for the powerscore bibles you recommend using the most recent versions? Your link for the logic games one goes to a much older one, so I was just wondering. Thanks
ReplyDelete@Lindsay - Sorry to hear you scored lower than on your practice tests. Check out my LSAT Test Day tips to prepare for Test Day conditions.
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with Powerscore's Virtual Course, but I've heard that their courses basically just go over the same things that are in the Bibles.
@J - Sorry to hear you scored lower than on your practice tests. Check out my LSAT Test Day tips to prepare for Test Day conditions.
ReplyDeleteYou can see my thoughts of the different editions of the Powerscore bibles in my book reviews.
First off, I want to sincerely thank you for this blog. I'm following this three-month schedule in order to take the test in October. I just finished up the first week of logic games, and I was wondering how I should use PrepTests 19-28. Should I use them like I use 29-38 and do them if I need more practice for each question type?
ReplyDeleteHey, Steven. I just wanted to say THANKS. This is so generous of you. I would have just opened up the books mindlessly. Again, THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Steve, if we want to add a 13th week for review somewhere in the middle to go over 29-38 games questions, do you suggest that we make photocopies of all games for each preptest?
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to redo games. More on LSAT Logic Games and redoing games.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous 7/11 - Yes, use 19-28 in the same way for more practice if you like.
ReplyDeleteHey Steve, thanks alot for answering my last question. In the LGB advanced features and techniques section, you simply say to "read" this section, while in all the other sections you say to complete them and do the logic games at the end accompanied by the same type in 29-38. However, in the end of the advanced features and techniques section there are some limited solution logic set games, do you recommend we do these as well? Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteHey Steve,
ReplyDeleteI've just made up my mind about taking LSAT test in December and have registered already. However, i have no knowledge of it and have no material as to what so ever. I am desperate for help at this moment. I am going to go ahead and order the 3 books that are listed as required. Can you please also tell me if there is a way to contact you. I am in Canada so i guess e-mail or a live chat what ever works for you, please let me know as i am really helpless rite now.
Thanks a bunch.
@Jesse - yes, I recommend that you complete those games as well.
ReplyDelete@Amira - I'd be glad to prepare you for the December LSAT. You may email me at LSATUnplugged at gmail dot com. I look forward to speaking with you.
Hello Steve, do you encourage to buy the 3 books called "Grouped by Logical Questions on Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Analytical reasoning." I am in process of ordering all the required books listen in the 3 month study plan please let me know if i should order these as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Hi Steve,
ReplyDeleteI have just begun working on Grouping Games, and I’m a bit confused by what you mean when you use the terms “In-Out/Selection,” “Splitting,” and “Matching?” I am using the 2009 Powerscore Logic Games Bible, and have seen other classification terms in the Grouping Games chapter (Undefined, Defined, Moving, Fixed, Uniform, Subdivided, Underfunded, etc.), but not the ones mentioned on your study schedule. Does the 2009 edition use different terminology than the 2003 one?
By the way, I really appreciate that you’ve created this blog and are answering our questions!
P
Hi Steve,
ReplyDeleteI want to echo others opinions that this blog is such a great resource! Thank you!
I am taking the December test and I have been following the 3 month schedule even though I really had 3.5 months. I would like to incorporate RC studying into my schedule above what it already is and I have the RC bible and RC grouped books. Could you suggest a two week plan to utilize these books and old practice tests?
Thanks!
Hi Steve,
ReplyDeleteI am taking the october test so I've only got about 3-4 weeks of practice left. So far my best score has been a 173 but all others have hovered in the high 160's and suggestions on how to get that extra bump? I am currently taking a 5 section practice test on Tuesday, reviewing on Wednesday, 5 section test on Thursday reviewing on Friday, and a 6 section test on Saturday reviewing on Monday (Sunday I rest). I am also not sure as to how exactly to review my tests on the alternating days. What should I be doing when I review the tests? I've heard of cutting out all the wrong answers and compiling them in one page to review constantly.
Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks for your time! : )
Hi Steve, this is really great stuff. I was wondering, in my Logic Games Bible it mentions circular linearity and mapping games-- two types I didn't see on your suggested schedule. Do I just have the older edition and these types are obsolete, or have they been reworked into other sections of the newer version? Also, is there anything I should be aware of in the older edition in terms of it still being up to date? Again, thanks a million for the help.
ReplyDeleteSteve-
ReplyDeleteJust finished week three of the study sched and had only 1 wrong on a timed session with PT 28. I'd been studying with Princeton Review for about 3 months before that and had not received results anything close to that.
You are a god amongst men!!!
Thanks ;-)
Hey Steve... why did you edit the study schedules and take away the chapters in the Logic Bibles???
ReplyDeleteDidn't take away - was just editing. They're back.
ReplyDeleteWhew... I have this blog up faithfully when I study Steve, it's my lifeline :) you had me scared.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve,
ReplyDeleteQuick question. After taking the June exam I was a little disappointed in my score and was debating whether enough I have enough time to study and prep for the December exam? Not sure if you have any advice if one is deciding on if the Feb test would be better. Truth be told I have touched an LSAT study guide since June....
Your study schedule is very helpful and gives me hope that 3 months of preparation might actually be enough! I have been nervous that I wasn't giving myself enough time and that I am attempting a task that might not be attainable. It is nice to see it all laid out in an easy to follow schedule! I hope that it helps me achieve the score that I'm looking for! Thanks for your guidance!
ReplyDeleteIs there a bundle that I can purchase that would include all of the material I need for a 3-month LSAT study? I don't have anything and it looks like your products are scattered.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to have a one-click buy where everything you need (books/schedule/links/etc.) is included.
Sorry, but it's not possible to offer a one-click buy option because some products are physical ones on Amazon and others are PDF downloads through the blog. The day-by-day schedule contains a big list with links to everything you need.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve, when you say "complete a few timed sections of ... LG/LR/RC" where would you suggest getting these sections from? Any old preptest? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHow advisable is it to buy the PrepTest books you have recommended over more recent ones? I know the test has changed in the past couple of years, and the books seem to be older tests.
ReplyDeleteI finished this in 11 minutes and would like to improve my speed. I took a course and they told me to draw a new diagram for each question that for example tells you to place x in 4. what I did before was do this on my original diagram then erase. it seems like drawing a new diagram for such questions takes too much of my time but it helps get the right answer obviously. should I change this method or should I just practice drawing faster diagrams. I wand to be able to finish 4 logic games on the real lst versus 3. I wrote the lsat my second time and got a 158 and have one more chance and would like to break 160 hopefully.
ReplyDelete