Showing posts with label schedule. Show all posts
Showing posts with label schedule. Show all posts

1-Month LSAT Study Schedule / Plan

Also see the 1-Month LSAT Study Schedule: Premium Day-By-Day Version.

Treat this as a sample 1-month LSAT prep schedule. However, please don't take this post as an indication that I believe prepping in only a month is a good idea. I recommend a minimum of 3 months.

With less than a month left, it's time to crack down, so put the social life on hold. I hope you've been studying for a while. However, assuming you've done no studying at all, this is a very compressed version of my other LSAT study schedules. Alter it according to your needs.

I've reviewed all books and PrepTests below in my best LSAT prep books recommendations post.

Week 1:

Review my relevant articles on Logic Games and complete this list of Logic Games from PrepTests 52-61 ordered by difficulty.

(Note: You may want to use different exams than the ones from 52-61 if you can. Feel free to use games from at least 6 LSAT PrepTests prior to PrepTest 51 (untimed) after reviewing the relevant articles on my site. You can use my list of Logic Games categorized by type (also see this list) to identify them. Review all games that give you difficulty.

Complete several Pure Sequencing, Basic Linear, and Advanced Linear games from PrepTests 52-61 after completing the relevant articles on my site, doing at least 8 games per day. Complete several Grouping and Combination games from PrepTests 52-61 after reviewing the relevant articles. Review all questions that give you difficulty, whether or not you answer them incorrectly.

Complete a few timed sections of Logic Games from these exams.


Week 2
: Review my articles on Logical Reasoning and complete several questions of each type from PrepTests 52-61 after reading the relevant article.

Determine which question-types give you the most trouble. Review all questions that give you difficulty, whether or not you answer them incorrectly.

Complete a few timed sections of Logic Games and a few timed sections of Logical Reasoning from these exams.


Week 3:

Day 1: Review my articles on Reading Comprehension and complete some Reading Comp passages from PrepTests 52-61 (untimed). Review.

Day 2: Complete some more Reading Comp passages from those exams (untimed). Review. Do a few timed sections of Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension from PrepTests 52-61. Review.

Use these free Logic Games Explanations, these video explanations, and these other LSAT explanations after completing the relevant exam.

For the full-length tests covered this week in Days 3-7, use 6 recent LSAT PrepTests. (Consider using fewer exams and giving yourself a day off here or there.)


Day 3: Do 4-section test with 10-min break in the middle. Take a long break (1-2 hours), then review wrong answers. Determine which question-types give you the most trouble. Puzzle over questions until you FULLY understand why you got them wrong.

Day 4: Do 5-section test with 10-min break after section 3. (You get the 5th section by splicing in a section from another exam. This 5th section represents the unscored "experimental" you'll do on test day. You won't know which section is the experimental one on test day.) Take a break and review as before.

Day 5: Do 4-section test with 10-minute break in the middle. Take long break and review.

Day 6: Repeat Day 4's schedule but with a different PrepTest. Take long break and review.

Day 7: Do 6-section test with 10-minute break in the middle by splicing in 2 sections from other PrepTests. (Why do 6? Because doing more than you'll actually do on game day makes game day seem easy. Read more on 6-section exams.) Take a break and review.


Week 4: Use 6 or 7 recent LSAT PrepTests. (Consider using fewer exams and giving yourself a day off here or there.)

Day 1: 5-section test with break and review.

Day 2: 6-section test with break and review.

Day 3: 5-section test with break and review

Day 4: 6-section test with break and review.

Day 5: 5-section test with break and review.

Day 6: Relax. Watch a movie, go to the gym, or read a novel. Do anything to get your mind off the exam. If you don't know it at this point, one more day won't make a difference if you've studied adequately.

Finally, rock the LSAT on Test Day.

***

Also check out my other sample LSAT study schedules and plans.

6-Month LSAT Study Schedule / Plan

Also see the 6-Month LSAT Study Schedule: Premium Day-By-Day Version.

6 months is more than enough time if you stick with a regular, but moderate, schedule. I've reviewed all books and PrepTests mentioned below in my best LSAT prep books post.

This 24-week schedule is intense. Follow it only if you're studying for the LSAT full-time, or if you're able to study for several hours each weekend. You might have work/school/life obligations that make this impossible. If that's the case, skip some of the "re-do" and "review" weeks, and complete the rest at a more relaxed pace.

Month 1:

Review my relevant articles on Logic Games and complete this list of Logic Games from PrepTests 52-61 ordered by difficulty during the first 4 weeks.

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 in PrepTests 52-61.

Week 4: Complete any Logic Games in older exams of the types that give you difficulty, then complete several timed sections of Logic Games. Review.


Month 2:

Week 5: Read A Rulebook For Arguments and complete a few more timed sections of Logic Games. Review.

Week 6: Review my articles on Logical Reasoning before completing LSAT questions of each type in PrepTests 52-61 using the LSAT Logical Reasoning spreadsheet (untimed). Complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.

Week 7: Continue Logical Reasoning work from Week 6 with additional question-types and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.

Week 8: Continue Logical Reasoning work from Week 6 with additional question-types and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.


Month 3:
Week 9: A brief return to Logic Games: Complete any Logic Games in older exams of the types that give you difficulty (untimed), then complete several timed sections of Logic Games. Review. Complete a few timed sections of Logical Reasoning.

Week 10: Complete Logical Reasoning work from Week 6 with additional question-types and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.

Week 11: Read my articles on Reading Comprehension and complete several sections of Reading Comp from PrepTests 52-61 (untimed). Complete a few timed sections of Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.

Week 12: Complete several timed sections of Reading Comp from older exams, as well as some timed sections of LG and LR.


Month 4:
Week 13: Catch-up and review week. Re-do the Linear / Sequencing games from PrepTests 52-61. Try to solve them more quickly and make new inferences. Complete timed sections of all types.

Week 14: Catch-up and review week. Re-do the Grouping and Combination games from PrepTests 52-61. Try to solve them more quickly and make new inferences. Complete timed sections of all types.

Week 15: Catch-up and review week. Re-do the Logical Reasoning questions from PrepTests 52-61 that gave you trouble. Complete timed sections of all types.

Week 16: 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. Identify weak areas


Month 5:
Week 17: Re-read my articles on Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension about question-types still giving you trouble. Complete a recent LSAT PrepTest under timed conditions. Review.

Week 18: Use my Logic Games categorization and/or Logical Reasoning spreadsheet to do question-types in older exams that still give you difficulty. Review. Complete a recent LSAT PrepTest under timed conditions. Review.

Week 19: Catch-up and review week. Do Reading Comp passages about your least-favorite topics using my Reading Comp passages categorization, as well as a few timed sections of LG and LR.

Week 20: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests under timed conditions as 4-section exams. Review each exam on alternating days.


Month 6:
Week 21: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Review each exam on alternating days.

For the remaining weeks, use these free Logic Games Explanations, these video explanations, and these other LSAT explanations after completing the relevant exam.

Week 22: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 23: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Consider using one section to create a 6-section exam for extra practice. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 24: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another 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 article. Review each exam on alternating days.

Finally, rock the LSAT on Test Day.

***

Also check out my other sample LSAT study schedules and plans.

4-Month LSAT Study Plan / Schedule

Also see the 4-Month LSAT Study Schedule: Premium Day-By-Day Version.

4 months is PLENTY of time if you stick with a regular, but moderate, schedule. I've reviewed all books and PrepTests mentioned below in my best LSAT prep books recommendations post.

This schedule is intense. Follow it only if you're studying for the LSAT full-time, or if you're able to study for several hours each weekend. You might have work/school/life obligations that make this impossible. If that's the case, skip some of the "re-do" and "review" weeks, and complete the rest at a more relaxed pace.

Month 1:

Review my relevant articles on Logic Games and complete this list of Logic Games from PrepTests 52-61 ordered by difficulty during the first 4 weeks.

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. Then complete any Logic Games in older exams 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: Review my articles on Logical Reasoning before completing LSAT questions of each type in PrepTests 52-61 using the LSAT Logical Reasoning spreadsheet (untimed). Complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.


Month 2:
Week 5: Continue Logical Reasoning work from Week 4 with additional question-types and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.

Week 6: Continue Logical Reasoning work from Week 4 with additional question-types and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games and Logical Reasoning.

Week 7: Continue Logical Reasoning work from Week 4 with additional question-types and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games and Logical Reasoning.

Week 8: Review my articles on Reading Comprehension and complete several sections of Reading Comp from PrepTests 52-61 (untimed). Complete a few sections of Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension under timed conditions.


Month 3:
Week 9: Catch-up and review week. Re-do the Linear / Sequencing games from PrepTests 52-61, then re-do the Grouping and Combination games from PrepTests 52-61. Try to solve them more quickly and make new inferences.

Week 10: 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. Identify weak areas.

Week 11: Re-read my articles on Logic Games and Logical Reasoning about question-types still giving you trouble. Use my Logic Games categorizations and/or Logical Reasoning spreadsheet to do question-types in older exams that still give you difficulty. Complete a recent LSAT PrepTest under timed conditions. Review.

Week 12: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests under timed conditions.

Month 4:
Week 13: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Review each exam on alternating days.

For the remaining weeks, use these free Logic Games Explanations, these video explanations, and these other LSAT explanations after completing the relevant exam.

Week 14: Complete another 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 15: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Consider using one section to create a 6-section exam for extra practice. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 16: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another 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 this article. Review each exam on alternating days.

Finally, rock the LSAT on Test Day.

***

Also check out my other sample LSAT study schedules and plans.

2-Month LSAT Study Schedule

Also see the 2-Month LSAT Study Schedule: Premium Day-By-Day Version.

2 months is a bit on the short side, but several of you requested a 2-month LSAT study schedule schedule, so here goes.

I've reviewed all books and PrepTests below in my best LSAT prep books post.

The following schedule is intense, but 2 months is less time than I'd recommend. If work/school/life obligations making anything resembling this schedule too difficult to follow, you'll probably achieve your highest potential score by allowing more than 2 months to study and taking the LSAT at a later date.

For the first 5 weeks of this schedule, I recommend working out of at least 6 PrepTests to build a strong foundation. These PrepTests should be anything prior to the June 2007 LSAT, since I've allocated that exam and the ones after it for full-length practice. They can be any 6 recent LSAT PrepTests. Ambitious test-takers with clear schedules may want to use more than 6 in the first 5 weeks of this schedule.

Month 1
:

Review my relevant articles on Logic Games and complete this list of Logic Games from PrepTests 52-61 ordered by difficulty during the first 2 weeks.

Note: You may want to use different exams than the ones from 52-61 if you can. Feel free to use games from at least 6 PrepTests prior to the June 2007 LSAT (untimed) after completing the relevant section. You can use my list of Logic Games categorized by type (also see this list) to identify them. Review all games that give you difficulty.

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. Complete Combination games. Review each game that gives you trouble. Then complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.

Week 3: Review my articles on Logical Reasoning before completing LSAT questions of each type in PrepTests 52-61 using the LSAT Logical Reasoning spreadsheet (untimed). Review all questions that give you difficulty, whether or not you answer them incorrectly. Also complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.

Week 4: Continue work from previous week with additional Logical Reasoning question-types. When finished, complete a few timed sections of Logical Reasoning and a few timed sections of Logic Games.


Month 2:
Week 5: Read my articles on Reading Comprehension and complete several sections of Reading Comp (untimed). Complete a few timed sections of Reading Comprehension, as well as a few timed sections of Logic Games and Logical Reasoning.

For the remaining weeks, use these free Logic Games Explanations, these video explanations, and these other LSAT explanations after completing the relevant exam.

Week 6: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 7: Complete another 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Consider using one section to create a 6-section exam for extra practice. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 8: Complete another 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another 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 this article.

Finally, rock the LSAT on Test Day.

***

Also check out my other sample LSAT study schedules and plans.

Retaking the LSAT Study Schedule

Also see the Retake LSAT Study Schedule: Premium Day-By-Day Version.

So, you're planning to retake the LSAT.

It's incredibly important to figure out what you did wrong the first time around and plan what you'll do differently this time.

Maybe you didn't have enough time to study for the LSAT. Maybe you just didn't use it wisely. I recommend a minimum of 3 months.

It could be you didn't use the right LSAT prep books.

Maybe you didn't spend enough time on a certain section. Maybe your approach just wasn't flexible enough.

The biggest concern students have is "there aren't enough PrepTests" and/or they've "already used up too many PrepTests." There are more than 70 PrepTests.

Of course, having to resort to the older exams and having to redo newer ones isn't ideal, but it shouldn't be a major concern.

This article will help you figure out to move forward as you prepare for an LSAT retake.

Whitney writes:
"[M]y concern is whether I need to do question type practice or just simply do more full length and section practice."
Ideally, you'll do a mix of practicing specific question-types and doing full-length sections. You'll end with full-length exam practice.

The real issue is figuring out what went wrong the first time around and using that info as you plan your retake schedule.

If you aren't having difficulty with a specific type of question, then full-length section/exam practice is all you need.

However, this situation is rare - most people have more difficulty with some question-types than others.

This means you'll probably need to "Drill, baby, drill."

If you didn't cancel your most recent LSAT score, review that exam and make a list of the question-types you answered incorrectly and/or that gave you difficulty.

If you did cancel it, do a few full exams (untimed) to determine question-types that give you difficulty.

If there were relatively few types that gave you difficulty, you might just want to spend a week or two drilling those types and then move onto doing a practice test or two each week.

The following 3-month retake schedule assumes you already did most/all of what I recommend in my LSAT study schedules for first-timers. If you did little or none of the things contained in those schedules, use those instead.

This schedule also assumes there are 4 Logical Reasoning question-types that give you difficulty and at least two types of Logic Games that gives you difficulty. (Here's an example of one way you might analyze a Logical Reasoning question in more detail.)

Finally, it assumes you've already seen/used dozens of the most recent PrepTests in your prep the first time around.

Feel free to alter this schedule according to your needs.

***

Find out how to get LSAT exams and other study materials in the Best LSAT Prep Books post.

***

Week 1: Study my articles on Logical Reasoning. Do several dozen questions of that type (untimed) using the LSAT Logical Reasoning list or spreadsheet (from exams you've never touched, if any). Review all questions that give you difficulty and write explanations for why each wrong answer choice is wrong and why the right answer choice is right.

Week 2: Do the same with another type.

Week 3: Do the same with another type.

Week 4: Do the same with another type.

Week 5: Study my relevant articles on Logic Games, then complete several Logic Games of a particular game type giving you difficulty (untimed) using my Logic Games categorizations. Create diagrams to disprove each incorrect answer choice and prove why the correct answer choice is right.

Week 6: Do the same with another type.

Week 7: Do the same with another type, or read my articles on Reading Comprehension and do several timed sections of Reading Comp.

Week 8: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate the experimental section. Review all wrong answers and write out explanations for them. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 9: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate the experimental section. Review all wrong answers and write out explanations for them. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 10: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate the experimental section. Review all wrong answers and write out explanations for them. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 11: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate the experimental section. Review all wrong answers and write out explanations for them. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 12: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate the experimental section. Review all wrong answers and write out explanations for them. Review each exam on alternating days.


Weeks 9-12 should include 5-section exams (the 5th section simulates the experimental section). See Preparing for the Experimental Section for why, where, and how to include "experimental" sections.

***

I know this schedule will include exams you've already done. Remember, I said I'm assuming you already used the newer PrepTests the first time around. That's okay.

Your goal shouldn't always be to get an accurate gauge of your progress. No one (except maybe your parents) is going to give you a prize for how you do on a practice exam. The real thing is all that matters in the end.

Even if you've already done these exams (and remember them well) will you really remember all the answers? If you really think you will, do a previously-taken exam or two under timed conditions. Just see if you get perfect scores on them. If you don't, it means you still have something to learn from them.

Besides, doing them in chronological/numerical order puts at least a few months between you and any particular exam. This means if/when you answer questions correctly, it's more likely this will be due to your understanding of the questions' logic rather than your memory.

If you're really concerned about remembering them, substitute those for exams you've never seen before (see the list of all LSAT PrepTests).

However, it's important to redo the newer PrepTests to ensure that you fully understand them because the LSAT changes over time.

Good luck!

3-Month LSAT Study Schedule

Also see the 3-Month LSAT Study Schedule: Premium Day-By-Day Version.

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 best LSAT prep books article.


Month 1:

Review my relevant articles on Logic Games and complete this list of Logic Games from PrepTests 52-61 ordered by difficulty during the first 3 weeks.

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. Then complete any Logic Games in older exams 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: Review my articles on Logical Reasoning before completing LSAT questions of each type in PrepTests 52-61 using the LSAT Logical Reasoning spreadsheet (untimed). Complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.


Month 2
:
Week 5: Continue work from Week 4 with additional Logical Reasoning question-types and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games.

Week 6: Continue work from previous week with additional Logical Reasoning question-types and complete a few timed sections of Logic Games and Logical Reasoning.

Week 7: Read my articles on Reading Comprehension and complete several sections of Reading Comp from PrepTests 52-61 (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 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed).


Month 3
:
Week 9: Complete 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Review each exam on alternating days.

For the remaining weeks, use these free Logic Games Explanations, these video explanations, and these other LSAT explanations after completing the relevant exam.

Week 10: Complete another 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. Review each exam on alternating days.

Week 11: Complete another 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another 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 another 3 recent LSAT PrepTests (timed). Splice in sections from another to simulate experimental sections. (Again, consider using one section to create a 6-section exam.) Review each exam on alternating days. More thoughts on how to simulate the experimental section in this article.

Finally, rock the LSAT on Test Day.

***

Also check out my other sample LSAT study schedules and plans.

5 Signs of LSAT Burnout, and How to Recover From It

As the LSAT approaches, you've probably started clutching your PrepTests for protection. Your friends have started to compare you to Linus from the Peanuts comic, who carries his blanket wherever he goes.

However, if you've been studying for a while, you might be sick of the LSAT by now. Your body might start to reject the LSAT like an organ transplant gone wrong.

So how do you continue to prepare when you feel like you just can't take it anymore, but the LSAT's still a couple of weeks away?

More importantly, how do you know whether your aversion to the LSAT is due to burnout or laziness? Believe it or not, people sometimes mistake one for the other.

Here are some tips to help you determine whether it's burnout or laziness, and, if it's the former, how to deal with it.


Burnout vs. Laziness

1. Average PrepTest scores drop
If your PrepTest scores have recently dropped below your average PrepTest score, it's probably burnout.

If your score was never high to begin with, it's probably laziness.


2. Careless mistakes
If most of your recent mistakes are due to carelessness, rather than a lack of understanding, it's probably burnout.

If you just make a lot of mistakes in general, it's probably laziness.


3. Studying but feel like it's going nowhere
If you've done several practice exams recently and feel like it's going nowhere, it's probably burnout.

If you haven't done anything recently and feel like you're studying's going nowhere, it's probably laziness.


4. Feel guilty for taking short breaks
If you took a break from studying for an hour and felt guilty, it's probably burnout.

If you took a break from studying for a month and felt guilty, it's probably laziness.


5. Studying 10 hours per day
If you study for 10 hours per day, it's probably burnout.

If you think about the LSAT for several hours every day, and you count those hours as actual studying, it's probably laziness. (Note: lawyers often bill for this kind of "work" too, so you'll be in good company after graduating from law school)


If you've identified your problem as laziness, read 5 Reasons to Stay Motivated During LSAT Prep.

If your problem is burnout, read on.

How to recover from LSAT burnout
You may just need a break to recharge your batteries.

The burned-out student might say, "But I can't stop studying now! The test is 2 1/2 weeks away, and I still have another 30 PrepTests to finish before then."

You may not have any brain cells remaining if you try to do that many PrepTests in such a short period of time.

The LSAT's like riding a bike. Memorization's not involved, so cramming won't work. Sure, there are some things you need to remember. However, if taking a day or two off makes you forget them, you probably didn't understand them in the first place. The LSAT is about skills and a particular mindset, not facts.

So take a day or two off and exercise, watch a TV show or two, whatever you like to do to unwind.

Then rebuild your confidence by redoing your favorite Logic Games, Logical Reasoning questions, or Reading Comprehension passages. This will help you get back in the groove and gear you up to get back on schedule (see Daily LSAT Schedule Recommendations).


Daily LSAT Schedule | Recommendations For Each Day

Question: How much should I study each day for the LSAT?

Answer: As much as you can without burning out. If your exam is in the next few months, try to average 2-3 hours per day.

Question: That's impossible! How can I fit in those hours?

Answer: Here's one possible daily schedule:

1 hour before work/school
1 hour during lunch OR 1 hour at your office desk during "downtime"
1 hour after work/school

Wake up at the crack of dawn to study if you have to. Learn to love the LSAT. If you do, it's a heckuva lot easier to drag yourself out of bed.

Same goes for evenings. Do you think the 170-scorers are watching Netflix after work? Nope. They're hitting the LSAT books. Wait for your TV shows to come out on DVD or watch them on streaming after the exam (if you must).

If you ask a swim coach, "How much should I swim in order to be the next Michael Phelps?", the coach will laugh and shove you into the pool.

The answer is, "If you have to ask, you don't want this badly enough. Swim every free moment you've got and during the moments you don't have, too."

How do you get more free moments?

Don't schedule studying around your other obligations/distractions. Schedule your other obligations/distractions around studying. Postpone your other obligations whenever possible.

Studying for the LSAT diligently is a part-time job at a minimum. Unless you have a lot of free time, now's not the time to begin training for a marathon (although moderate exercise is excellent for your brain). Your friends (and the marathon) will still be there after the LSAT.



LSAT Proctors, Test Center Reviews, and Test-Taking Strategies

What will you do if the LSAT proctor at your test center doesn't give you enough time on test day? How will you deal with the guy who sniffles every 30 seconds? While this isn't as tough as trying to do a Rubik's Cube in the middle of a war zone, it can feel that way. When I took the LSAT, the proctors circled us like vultures. I wanted to reach into my clear plastic bag and toss them a sandwich so they'd leave me alone.

You're about to find out how to deal with less-than-ideal LSAT proctors and test centers, how to avoid them, and how to prepare for worst-case test day scenarios.


The LSAT Proctor:

If your LSAT proctor cuts you short on time, notify him or her immediately. It can't hurt to complain - it can only help. Getting back even 40-45 seconds to which you are entitled is significant because it can net you another question or two. LSAC's policy is to allow you to work on relevant sections after you complete section 5 for the amount of time you were shorted. Don't be shy - be assertive. You DO want to be a lawyer, right?

However, even if your proctor doesn't follow this procedure and will not listen to your complaints, obey all instructions anyway. Don't become overly argumentative, and don't cause a scene. Complete the writing section and follow all instructions - otherwise, your score may be invalidated and a mark might be placed in your file. Notify LSAC immediately after the exam of what happened. Once you're outside the test center, ask the other test-takers to do the same. Filing a report can't hurt you, so do what you can.


LSAT Test Center Reviews and LSAT Registration:

Of course, you probably want to avoid test centers like the ones mentioned above. Fortunately, other students have posted their LSAT test center reviews, so keep them in mind when you register for the LSAT, if you haven't done so already. If you know you'll be taking it on a certain date, register now. The best test centers get filled up quickly.


Test-Taking Strategies:

-Mark your answer sheet and bubble at the 5-minute warning.

The 1st page of each section lists the # of questions in the section. Make a tiny line on your answer sheet under that number. This will help you save time and prevent you from mis-bubbling. Tie up loose ends on your answer sheet when the proctor announces there are only 5 minutes left. This is especially important in case the LSAT proctor cuts your time short, which occasionally happens. You also won't have to watch the clock every few seconds at the end of the section.


-Take some practice exams under actual LSAT conditions.

-Noise

Especially in winter months, some of the other test-takers might be sick. Bring tissues and cough drops to keep them quiet. However, you don't know if this will be enough, and there might be other noises around you. For this reason, take practice LSAT exams in various public places like coffee shops or libraries. If you can take the LSAT with people around you, you can take it anywhere. Remember, earplugs are not permitted on test day.

-Motion

The proctors may walk around the room throughout the course of the exam and keep a close eye on you. The other test-takers might highlight, underline, and erase excessively. Again, this means you should take the LSAT in places you would expect to be much worse than your test center.

-Pacing

Many students flip out when they see others turn the page before they do. They think, "I'm falling behind already. I'd better skip these questions and move on." Remember the other test-takers may have a completely different pacing strategy than you do, or maybe they just don't know what they're doing.

Stay focused on your pacing strategy, and remain confident in your techniques. Do some practice exams with a friend. This will help you get used to being around people who write or turn pages faster than you. Have a friend proctor a practice LSAT so you'll get used to having someone else keep time.

Why You Can't Improve Your LSAT Score

Everyone wants to get into a top law school, but how many people actually do?

Do the students at Harvard Law, Yale Law, and Stanford Law have superior brainpower that allows them to achieve what you can't?

Maybe law school is just a dream that crosses your mind every once in a while, but you believe everyone admitted to top law schools is lucky. This would be a great excuse to avoid studying - if it were true.

The truth is, you don't need to be a genius to get into law school. The "secret" is obvious:

Get an early start on your LSAT preparation.

One of my students was the kind of guy who sits around and makes excuses. He said the LSAT was too hard, that none of the techniques out there would work for him, and that he had no time to study. Instead, he wasted hours each day complaining and worrying instead of studying.

Finally, after a lot of pushing and prodding, I got him to actually sit down and go through some problems with me. We set a schedule and goals for each week until the LSAT, and despite his wildest expectations, he developed an appreciation for the exam. Yes, that's right. He actually started to like the LSAT, and he achieved a 175 on test day. He's now at Yale Law School.

Procrastination can eat you alive if you let it. There's no "perfect day" to begin studying. If you want to make your dream of law school come true, today is the best day to start your LSAT preparation. Here are the schedules I posted to help you get started. Of course, I'm always available to help via email and phone (or in-person if you're in NYC).

What helps you stay motivated to achieve your goals?


Is Ten Hours in a Single Day Too Much to Study for the LSATs?

LSAT Blog Days WeekA student asked me this recently, and the answer is "yes." Your brain can't process that amount of info at a time. Even if it could, you can't possibly maintain that schedule for longer than a week - you'd burn out. Instead, study at a moderate pace for 2-3 months. It's more effective than cramming everything into a single week or two.

Here are some other questions that you all sent me recently, and my responses to them. Feel free to send more!

Will I get a score just for writing my name on the LSAT?

Yes. You get a 120 simply for writing your name. However, I'm sorry to tell you that you won't get into most law schools with this score. You do need to answer at least a few questions in order to get into law school.


How many PrepTests will it take to increase someone's LSAT score?

Everyone is different. If you're shooting for a top score, try to complete exams 29-56. If you don't have enough time to do all of those, take several of the newer exams. Only do the exams before PrepTest 29 if you know you'll have enough time to do the newer ones. Why? Because older PrepTests contain rare Logic Games types (such as Pattern and Circle games) that haven't come up in several years. If you have enough time, it's great to learn those too, but only look at them if you're comfortable with typical Logic Games (Linear / Sequencing, Grouping, and combinations of the two).


The LSAT gives me a headache. How can I sharpen my logical reasoning skills?

Crosswords and sudoku can help you boost your spatial reasoning ability. However, these puzzles are worth your time only if you have several months before you'll be taking the LSAT OR if you have fun doing them. If that's not the case, just stick to doing real LSAT Logic Games. Staying healthy in general (exercise, eating right, doing those things your mother told you) will help to keep your mind sharp.


Can you puh-lease take the LSAT for me? I'll give you boatloads of cash.

If you can find someone who will take it for you, chances are that they're not smart enough to get you a top score. Besides the fact that it's immoral, it's not worth the risk. If you wire several million dollars to my account in the Cayman Islands, it might change my mind, though.

Photo by benny_lin / CC BY-NC 2.0

Should You Retake the LSAT? 7 Ways to Decide

Maybe you took the LSAT already and didn't get the score you wanted. Here are some thoughts on deciding whether to retake it. (Also see How to Study for a Retake.)

1. Does your dream law school average multiple LSAT scores?

Most law schools don't average them anymore. Instead, they'll only count your highest LSAT score when they create your "admissions index," which is a formula combining your LSAT and GPA - each law school does it differently.


2. If you retake it, will you have to apply later?

Law schools review applications in the order they receive them (it's called rolling admissions). It's better to apply early in the cycle (usually September or October). Make sure that you'll get at least a few points higher on your retake to outweigh the downside of applying slightly later in the cycle. Consider retaking it and waiting a year, if necessary.


3. Did anything unusual happen the previous time?

If you had were sick, had a personal crisis, the test center was too noisy, or something else happened, you might do better the next time around.


4. Was your LSAT score similar to your scores on practice tests?

If it was significantly below your practice scores, you can probably score better on a future exam and demonstrate your ability.


5. Will you have the time and determination to adequately prepare?

You'll need to salvage your books from the trash and get your brain in gear. This takes effort. Create a plan that allows you a comfortable amount of time to study during both the week and weekend between now and your future test date.


6. What did you do to study the previous time?

It's best to complete several PrepTests (past LSAT exams) before taking the exam for real. If you didn't do this, a retake may be in your best interest. However, doing the PrepTests is necessary, but it's not sufficient. It's also important to analyze your incorrect answers in order to understand why you answered those questions incorrectly.


7. Do you think you can improve your LSAT score?

The LSAT has a great deal of weight in the admissions process. If you think it's within your ability to improve your score, the time you invest in preparing for the LSAT and taking it again will pay for itself when you get into a better school, get merit aid, and, eventually, get a better job after you graduate.


***

I hope you don't need to retake and that you're done with the LSAT for good. If you decide to retake, see some LSAT study schedules for retakers (scroll down). Even if you've used up every single LSAT PrepTest, there's still plenty to learn from them, so don't worry. You'll still be able to study just fine.

***

I also hope my thoughts in the above post are sufficient to help you make your decision.

Unfortunately, I can't give everyone personalized advice about whether to retake, but if you leave a comment, maybe others who read this will give you some thoughts on what to do.

Wish you all the best.

10 Tips to Prepare for the Day of the LSAT

Make sure to save this and re-read it the week before your exam so you'll know what to do.

The week before:

1. Visit your LSAT test center.

The best way to get rid of pre-test jitters is to see where you'll be taking the LSAT.

2. Decide what you'll wear.

This isn't Project Runway - I'm talking about comfort. Wear a couple of layers, including your lucky t-shirt or sweatshirt. It doesn't matter what time of year it is. The room you're in might be hot or cold. Hoodies aren't permitted, though. When I took the LSAT, security wouldn't let me bring mine in. I was forced to stash it in a nearby park because test centers don't have a place to check banned items.


3. Decide what you'll bring.

Fill a see-through plastic bag with your admission ticket, #2 pencils, energy bars, bananas, a bottle of water, photo ID, a logic game (#9 explains why), and an analog watch. Make sure you bring a watch because it's possible that the room won't have a clock. Consider bringing a magazine or something to read on your way to the test center. See the Law School Admissions Council's day of test rules since the rules are updated frequently. Security does not allow you to bring a cell phone, so plan how you'll manage.


4. Relax the day before your exam.

If you studied for a decent period of time, one more day won't make a big difference. It's good to take a break so you don't burn out. Remember - there's a world beyond the LSAT!


5. Get to bed early the night before and set multiple alarms.

You want to be well-rested for the exam. Make sure you don't drink anything with caffeine after 3PM.


The morning of your exam:

6. Rise and shine.

Hopefully, you've been waking up early all week and you're well-rested, so this shouldn't be difficult.


7. Eat a big breakfast.

I've heard several people recommend that you eat a light breakfast. I believe that it's better to eat a full meal. Remember, you will be at your test center for several hours. I've heard stories of students being stuck at their test center for half a day or longer after the LSAT proctor screwed up. This probably won't happen, but it's best to be prepared so you're not hungry.


8. Leave for the test center early.

You never know when you'll have a traffic jam or public transportation delay. If you'll be getting there by car, save the phone number of a local taxi service just in case your car breaks down or won't start. This is especially important if you're taking the LSAT in the winter, and you live somewhere cold.


9. Complete a logic game right before the exam.

When you're just outside test center, take a few minutes to re-do your "favorite" logic game or a few logical reasoning questions that didn't give you any trouble. Completing these will boost your confidence and get your brain warmed-up. This way, your first LSAT question of the day won't be the first one on the real exam.


10. Chill.

The LSAT's only a test. Of course it's a big deal, but if test day doesn't go according to plan, you'll always be able to retake it, and you can cancel your score up to six days after the test date.