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I have LG BIBLE, LR BIBLE, and the LSAT Trainer...anyone recommendations of what books to read first?

Start with the LR bible. Since its the largest portion of the test, meaningfully improving there can be a great boost.

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Not a bad idea to start with the LG Bible either, since the strategies will help you improve quickly. I even went between the two, to mix it up, but I was studying basically full time.

Depends on where your strengths and weaknesses are. Have you taken a diagnostic yet?

Yes I took a diagnostic. My weakest was RC and games being the best, but then I took another test a week later, and it was my strongest section, with the games being my worse.

Mr.Esquire wrote:Yes I took a diagnostic. My weakest was RC and games being the best, but then I took another test a week later, and it was my strongest section, with the games being my worse.

What was your score? I get the impression you had a high diagnostic from the weaknesses description .

It wasn't as high as I would have liked. Only a 153. That is without ever looking at anything LSAT wise.

Mr.Esquire wrote:It wasn't as high as I would have liked. Only a 153. That is without ever looking at anything LSAT wise.

That is a decent diagnostic.

Also, when are you planning to take the test? June?

I don't really know much about the LSAT Trainer, but I understand it's a fairly structured study plan and bounces around sections. Maybe start with that and see where you after that?

Yes I am planning on taking in June.

I know my diagnostic could have been worse, but I am aiming for the mid 170's. I have to compensate for a lower GPA.

You can get into the mid-170s with a 153 cold diagnostic if you're motivated and disciplined enough. It'll require a lot of work (probably hundreds of hours of prep), but definitely possible.

Mr.Esquire wrote:Yes I am planning on taking in June.

I know my diagnostic could have been worse, but I am aiming for the mid 170's. I have to compensate for a lower GPA.

It'll be a lot of work, but it's definitely possible. I started with a 154, and I believe I finally hit the 170s in Oct. I started with a Powerscore class, then bought Manhattan's LG and RC, and then the LSAT Trainer. I wouldn't bother with Manhattan's LG or RC now that LSAT Trainer is out. I've heard Manhattan's LR is fantastic though.

I found the LSAT Trainer the easiest to read for longer periods of time. I would consider starting with the LSAT Trainer and using that to build your foundation. Then you can move onto Powerscore's books and whichever else you buy. There's no wrong answer though. You could always read the introductory chapters to both and go with whichever you like more from that. I liked starting with LR, because those skills are 1/2 the test and also help with RC and LG when you start those.

SteelPenguin wrote:I wouldn't bother with Manhattan's LG or RC now that LSAT Trainer is out. I've heard Manhattan's LR is fantastic though.

Manhattan RC is very short though, only 176 pages, so it doesn't take long to do. I finished it in well under a week, I think just a few days. Even if it's mostly redundant after doing LSAT Trainer, the reinforcement of the principles can't hurt. I say do Manhattan RC as well.

Manhattan LR is indeed fantastic; I highly recommend it to everyone.

Mr.Esquire wrote:It wasn't as high as I would have liked. Only a 153. That is without ever looking at anything LSAT wise.

I scored the same on my cold diagnostic, and saw a 20+ point improvement. You can do it! I would say do the bibles first. Whichever one you are drawn to more, start with that one; if you get tired of that, do the other one for a bit. Try to keep it interesting. Then, do as many practice tests and as much review as possible.

As scores get higher, the LSAT becomes more and more about stupid things like timing and nerves and confidence. So yes, you'll need to spend a lot of time studying, but keep yourself sane too and don't take yourself too seriously. You want to be one of those people who starts finding the LSAT fun -- then you'll be golden.