Master the LSAT

Written by Ken DeLeon, former LSAT instructor for the Princeton Review and U.C. Berkeley Law School (Boalt Hall) graduate.

Your LSAT score and GPA are by far the two most important components that affect your chances of admission to law schools. Because your score on a half-day standardized test is weighted equally or more heavily than your four or five years of college studies, it is imperative that you effectively study for and master the LSAT.

A stellar LSAT score can overcome an otherwise mediocre application. As a personal example, my LSAT score of a 173 (99.4%) overshadowed my 3.4 GPA and I gained admission to every top law school to which I applied.

Free LSAT Sample Tests

Simply put, taking actual LSAT practice exams are the best way to master the LSAT. While I do HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking a LSAT review course from services such as Kaplan Test Prep, taking an expensive class is not required if you are motivated and can learn on your own. Ideally, you should already be getting a high LSAT score if you decide to not take a LSAT prep class.

Your score on the following free LSAT practice test can determine if your initial score is within an acceptable range and also provide a benchmark to measure future improvements.

Click here to download your free LSAT practice test (you may have to scroll down to download the test).

LSAT Averages Will Improve

Taking LSAT practice test one after the other greatly improves students’ LSAT averages. I witnessed many students with LSAT averages jumping over fifteen points through diligently studying the LSAT books mentioned below or taking classes from Kaplan Test Prep. While generally LSAT averages rise about 8 points from taking your first LSAT practice test to the actual LSAT, greater jumps can occur. The best advice is to be prepared and review many of the books below, for this money is a wise investment that reaps many rewards.

Mastering the LSAT

Whether or not you are enrolled in a LSAT preparation class, I recommend ordering and taking as many LSAT practice tests as you can.

10 More, Actual, Official LSAT Sample Tests

10 Actual, Official LSAT Sample Tests

Your LSAT score is the single most important factor affecting your law school admissions. The best way to master the LSAT test questions is to take as many actual LSATs as possible and then review and learn from your mistakes. Once you have some confidence in your LSAT skills, take as many LSAT sample tests as possible under timed conditions that reflect the real test. Each of these twenty actual LSATs includes an answer key (with no solutions), writing sample, and score conversion table. Make sure to focus on real LSAT sample tests or well written LSAT sample tests put out by Kaplan Test Prep.

Note that I do feel an LSAT prep class is time and money well spent, but augment this class with taking LSAT sample tests on your own.

The Official LSAT Practice Test with Explanations

An actual LSAT test with detailed explanations to each problem. Note that the LSAT practice tests above only have an answer key and no explanations for all of their LSAT sample questions.

If you are not taking a LSAT prep class or want to supplement their materials, the following are the best resources.

Mastering the LSAT

Arguably the best LSAT preparation book out there, with solutions to actual LSAT practice questions.

LSAT Logic Games Bible

Simply the best book in assisting students improve their score in logic games, generally considered the hardest section of the LSAT. Includes 21 real LSAT logic games with detailed analysis.

Kaplan LSAT 2004

Provides instruction in all aspects of the LSAT and includes 3 LSAT sample tests (not actual) with answers and explanations. Addresses all components of the LSAT.

Kaplan LSAT 180

This book is geared towards those students shooting for top scores and provides extra tactics and advanced practice to help students get a great LSAT score.