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.



65 comments:

  1. thank you!!! was just looking for this earlier, perfect timing. your blog is so comprehensive!

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  2. I've been extremely busy, so it's nice to have a "catch up" 3 month study plan.

    Thank you!

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  3. 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!

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  4. I hope you realize just how much we appreciate you doing this pro bono.

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  5. As 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.

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  6. thanks Steve

    sense 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??

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  7. Scores on a practice test wouldn't mean much if you recognized questions.

    This 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.

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  8. 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?

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  9. They ARE included - in the final week.

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  10. If we follow this to the tee, what kinds of scores are we looking to get on the LSAT?

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  11. At least a 180.

    Just 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.

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  12. Great Post Steve Thank you

    But 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

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  13. Glad you found it helpful!

    I did a blog post titled, "Retaking the LSAT Study Schedule." It should address your question.

    Take care,
    Steve

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  14. This is great information.

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  15. Thank you so much Steve, your site and advice helps soooooo much! :)

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  16. Hey, 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.

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  17. Thank you so much Steve! I am already on my 2nd month of studying and I've been following your advice religiously!

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  18. 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?

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  19. Can I call you and talk to you?

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  20. can 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

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  21. Thank you so much Steve. You have no idea how helpful you have been. Really!

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  22. thanks 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.

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  23. Hello 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.
    During 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.

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  24. 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.

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  25. Hi Steve,

    I 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.

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  26. Hi Steve...

    HOw 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

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  27. Dear Steve:

    After 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

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  28. 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.

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  29. Your 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!!!

    But 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.

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  30. Is this schedule still relevant to 2010 or would you recommend some variations?

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  31. I've updated it since then with newer PrepTests as LSAC's released them, but feel free to make personal variations as needed.

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  32. Thanks, Steve. I really appreciate all the awesome content! :)

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  33. I really appreciate all the awesome readers! :)

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  34. Hi Steve,

    I'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!

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  35. Hi there!

    The 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.

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  36. Steve,

    Can 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!

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  37. Sorry to hear Kaplan wasn't all you hoped it'd be.

    Check 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.

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  38. 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.

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  39. I don't think exposing yourself to multiple methods is necessarily a bad thing. It can even be good.

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  40. What 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?

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  41. Master the LSAT used to be the gold standard.

    Now, 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.

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  42. 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?

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  43. Hey, 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!!!!!

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  44. Hey 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?

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  45. @Anonymous 7/11 - Yes, use 19-28 in the same way for more practice if you like.

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  46. Hey Steve,
    I'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.

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  47. @Jesse - yes, I recommend that you complete those games as well.

    @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.

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  48. 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.

    Thanks

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  49. Hi Steve,

    I 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! : )

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  50. Steve-
    Just 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 ;-)

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  51. Hi Steve,
    Quick 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....

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  52. 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!

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  53. Hi 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!

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  54. How 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.

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  55. I 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.

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  56. Hi Steve,

    For the 3 month plan, how many hours a day are you suggesting for studying? I'm currently working full time (9-5) and need to know if getting 3-4 hours per week night and 14 hours on each weekend day is enough to complete this schedule in three months?

    Thanks

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  57. Hi Steve,
    This study plan was created in 2009? Is 2013.. can I still use it?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Camilha,

      Yes, I keep all the study plans updated.

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  58. Hi Steve,

    I work full time and am planning on taking the Feb 8th test. I should be able to knockout 2 hrs of studying a night plus at least 5 on weekends. Do you think I will have an adequate amount of time to complete your 3 month study plan? I am also considering whether taking the test in June would be a better choice.. thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, sounds like you you should have enough time.

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  59. Hi Steve, I purchased the 3 Month Study plan in 2009 and I plan on using it to prepare for an upcoming exam. Have you made any significant changes to the plan since then? Thanks

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    Replies
    1. I have made significant changes in the past few years. Please email me and I'll send you the latest version.

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  60. Thank you so much. I started studying for the LSAT last year but I need a lot more specifically geared practice. This is perfect considering I have more than 3 months before the June LSAT.

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  61. Hi Steve,

    I bombed the June 2014 LSAT with a 139 score. I am still relatively fresh. Will start studying again this week. Do you recommend a 3 month study plan or a 6 month study plan if I work full-time?

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