LSAT Prep Timeline Forum

[wunderkind2]

I'm currently an undergrad applying to law schools in Fall 2016. I plan to take the LSAT in Feb 2016 so I can retake in June 2016 if I'm unsatisfied with my first score.

I know that it's 10 months away now, so when should I begin preparation for the Feb 2016 LSAT?

[BasilHallward]

You should seriously consider taking October '15 or December '15, if you would like to matriculate Fall '16. You will be late to the party with a Feb. LSAT; not impossible, but not prime position. I'm assuming you have time constraints and that is why you feel that you need until Feb. '16, but start studying NOW. October is definitely doable.

[ilikebaseball]

I'm assuming you mean you're APPLYING in 2016 and planning to actually attend in 2017. In which case, you have plenty of time. Enjoy yourself, and start studying in the summer when schools out. You don't necessarily have to start now. If you start in June or July, you'll have half a year before the test. That's more than enough time to make up for any possible ground you think you need.

[BasilHallward]

Yeah, if the case is that you will start applying in the fall of 2016, then totally wait and relax. Look into taking a formal logic as an elective, if you have flexibility with respect to your degree plan. Start dabbling in the summer.

[wunderkind2]

Yeah my mistake on being clear. I meant applying Fall 2016.

[Rigo]

I'd start this summer after your spring finals. Don't overdo it and burn through all your materials, but slow and steady definitely wins the LSAT prep race. Go check out the Prep forum for study material recommendations.

[Albus Dumbledore]

It's never too early to study for the LSAT. Just don't let it get in the way of your undergraduate studies. Your GPA still matters.

Have you thought about taking a diagnostic practice test? It may help you figure out how much time you need to study for the LSAT. If you score low, then you may want to start reading some material now and doing a few drills every now and then. If you score high, then you can probably wait for a few more months before delving deeper into your LSAT studies.

[wunderkind2]

Yeah the thing is that I took a Princeton Review diagnostic a few months ago and got a 165 and my GPA is actually still at a 4.0 right now (as you can likely tell, I tend to overprepare, which is why I'm wondering about this 10 months in advance). I just worry about starting too early and peaking too early, if that makes sense?

[ChemEng1642]

I basically did the same thing (retook in Oct instead of June though) and started really studying (picked up a few books here and there and browsed them in July) in September/October. Had the same diagnostic as you!