When to start studying?

[Humbert Humbert]

I am entering my junior year in the fall, and I plan to take the LSAT next June. Is it too early to begin familiarizing myself with the test (ie reading the Powerscore Bibles etc)? Any advice/suggestions are appreciated.

[crossingforHYS]

I started that early, but I did it while relaxing not taking it seriously. It helped! I was able to cement concepts into my head to the point where they were second nature..

[jeremydc]

I am studying for the Feb 2011 test. Its definitely not too early to start studying. Personally, I think it would be good to study early so you have less pressure on yourself. There are 3 month study guides but it doesn't work out for everyone. Some of us, including me need more time to grasp certain concepts. Also, by starting early you have some leeway when it comes to breaks. You can take 3 days off a week and still be comfortable with your pace o improvement.


Would you mind if I make a suggestion?

If you are prepared in Feb then take that test (its undisclosed but I'm ok with that) so that way if you have a lower score than what you want then you can retake it june as you previously planned and still be able to send in early apps as you might have figured it out.

[bookie]

It really depends on you. What's your schedule like? What type of studying habits do you have? Will you take a class or self-study? What type of LSAT score do you hope to get? Etc.

I'm also going into my junior year in the fall, and I plan on taking the Oct. LSAT this year. I'm currently setting up my own self-prep schedule. I've been familiarizing myself with the LSAT and researching different aspects of law school admissions for about 6-7 months now. I've followed TLS forums during that time as well.

Why am I getting such a head start on taking the LSAT? My schedule right now allows me to devote enough time to prepping the way I feel I should. I know that in the coming year, I may not have as much free time.

Allowing yourself a minimum of 3 months for strictly scheduled and quality prep is necessary for a decent score, in my opinion at least.

So, to sum it up, I think that familiarizing yourself is a great idea. I wouldn't commit to a strict schedule quite yet, but I'd be thinking about what you'd like to do to prep for the June 2011 LSAT. Flip through a book or two. Read a few blogs of different test-takers experiences. Follow TLS. That way, when the time comes for you to really buckle down and start studying for real, you'll know what to expect. You'll know what you want to do to study, and you'll have that initial shock/excitement out of the way so you can get down to business.

[mst]

I'm going to be unlike everyone else on this thread and give you the answer you probably need: YES, it is too early to start studying. Junior year presents basically the last chance for you to bump up your grades before app's next fall. Do that. Then, start studying in January/February, or start taking a course at this time. Work the studying in at a rate of 10 or so hours per week for the entire spring semester. Then, during May, when you have no school, study your ass off with practice tests.

Everyone I know who has done well in June has used and recommended this method. So use it. And use the rest of your Junior year to have fun, get laid, and get good grades.

[Humbert Humbert]

Thanks for the responses. Any others?

[Knock]

Thanks for the responses. Any others?

Start whenever with the LG and LR Bibles. Then about 3-4 months out, start taking PT's. Just make sure the LG and LR Bibles are completed more than 3-4 months out.