Advice/Guidance needed: starting LSAT prep within a few weeks (taking the test in Sept. 2017) Forum

[thedevilsarered]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post here. I've taken the diagnostic and scored a 153 [LG: 15/23; LR:15/25 (in both sections); RC: 20/27]. I plan on taking the test in September of next year, primarily because I know I'll need some time to build up the skills the LSAT tests. While simultaneously getting familiar/practicing (slowly) for the test, I plan on reading additional dense material over the course of this time and hope to try and improve my spatial reasoning skills. I just want really want to (and need to) score my highest possible score -- whatever it might be. I want to make sure I'm putting my best foot forward. I personally think the 12 months between now and next year is a reasonable time frame (for myself) to achieve such a goal. I don't consider myself to be particularly smart -- I know that 4 months of preparation won't be sufficient enough for me and I'd be preparing hurriedly/haphazardly.

This forum/site seems to have been really resourceful for several individuals vis-a-vis preparing for the LSAT. I was looking for similar advice/direction -- I'd really,really appreciate it if anyone could direct me to i) relevant threads and resources (on this, or any other site), ii) preferred books and iii) perhaps even online courses which could aid my preparation process.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

TL;DR -- what is the best/preferred approach to studying for the LSAT? Please list the preparation material (including threads and resources, on this or any other site) which you found to to be particularly beneficial.

[Alexandros]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post here. I've taken the diagnostic and scored a 153 [LG: 15/23; LR:15/25 (in both sections); RC: 20/27]. I plan on taking the test in September of next year, primarily because I know I'll need some time to build up the skills the LSAT tests. While simultaneously getting familiar/practicing (slowly) for the test, I plan on reading additional dense material over the course of this time and hope to try and improve my spatial reasoning skills. I just want really want to (and need to) score my highest possible score -- whatever it might be. I want to make sure I'm putting my best foot forward. I personally think the 12 months between now and next year is a reasonable time frame (for myself) to achieve such a goal. I don't consider myself to be particularly smart -- I know that 4 months of preparation won't be sufficient enough for me and I'd be preparing hurriedly/haphazardly.

This forum/site seems to have been really resourceful for several individuals vis-a-vis preparing for the LSAT. I was looking for similar advice/direction -- I'd really,really appreciate it if anyone could direct me to i) relevant threads and resources (on this, or any other site), ii) preferred books and iii) perhaps even online courses which could aid my preparation process.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

TL;DR -- what is the best/preferred approach to studying for the LSAT? Please list the preparation material (including threads and resources, on this or any other site) which you found to to be particularly beneficial.

Hey! There's really no one correct answer as to the "best approach" to studying for the LSAT - Everyone is different. But the following is what I've found through my own/others' experiences:

As far as books go: LG: Powerscore's Logic Games Bible and Manhattan are the most favored. I used LGB.
LR: I've only used Manhattan - it was very helpful.
RC: Didn't use any books, personally.
General: The Trainer is great, imo!

Other things - 7sage has video explanations for all the logic games available for free! They also have more resources and courses when you upgrade that I've heard good things about.
- Manhattan forums have explanations for all of the questions. Also a great resource.

But I think by far the most important and most effective thing you can do, once you understand the basics, is repeated drilling. Hours and hours for months and months. There is no book or website or concept that will 'unlock' a section. You do enough and you get used to seeing certain patterns - question types, passage / game types, 'tricks' they throw at you, what works for you and what doesn't. (This is often said for LG, but applies just as much to LR and RC - wish I'd figured that out sooner...)

Start doing PTs in addition to drilling as your skills develop. Personally, I don't think doing PTs are that worthwhile until your skills are fairly solid - ie. you're getting scores on timed drills that, if multiplied by four, are within a reasonable distance from your target score, if that makes sense. (Imo, many people start taking PTs too soon, and it's discouraging and a waste of PTs.)

Not an expert or anything, that's just what I've found! I'm sure you'll have no difficulty finding a method that works for you. Good luck

[Bob loblaw law blog]

How much time do you have on a daily basis for studying? I'm an extreme case (got the score I wanted after 3 weeks or so of studying) so maybe I'm biased but most people I know didn't really benefit as much from the sort of year-long study plan you're planning. Generally everyone i know that's done well has studying intensely (6-8 hours daily) for a shorter period like 4- 6 months. Not everyone has that kinda time though, so maybe the long haul would work better for you.

As far as books, I'd recommend Manhattan's stuff (their LG book upped my score 10 points, seriously). I have an unused Manhattan LR book I could sell you for an absurdly reasonable price if you want it. Classes aren't really work it.

[thedevilsarered]

How much time do you have on a daily basis for studying? I'm an extreme case (got the score I wanted after 3 weeks or so of studying) so maybe I'm biased but most people I know didn't really benefit as much from the sort of year-long study plan you're planning. Generally everyone i know that's done well has studying intensely (6-8 hours daily) for a shorter period like 4- 6 months. Not everyone has that kinda time though, so maybe the long haul would work better for you.

As far as books, I'd recommend Manhattan's stuff (their LG book upped my score 10 points, seriously). I have an unused Manhattan LR book I could sell you for an absurdly reasonable price if you want it. Classes aren't really work it.

Appreciate your reply! Thanks! I'd have about 8-10 hours per week to dedicate. I'm going into my fourth year at uni (FT commitment) and will be working part time as well. I'd have 8-10 hours per week at max which I could utilize to study for the LSAT. Do you still think that's too much? I personally don't think 8-10 hours a week is going to burn me out.

Also, one of my buddies has some unused books as well. I'll double check with him if he has the Manhattan. If he doesn't I'll PM you

[thedevilsarered]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post here. I've taken the diagnostic and scored a 153 [LG: 15/23; LR:15/25 (in both sections); RC: 20/27]. I plan on taking the test in September of next year, primarily because I know I'll need some time to build up the skills the LSAT tests. While simultaneously getting familiar/practicing (slowly) for the test, I plan on reading additional dense material over the course of this time and hope to try and improve my spatial reasoning skills. I just want really want to (and need to) score my highest possible score -- whatever it might be. I want to make sure I'm putting my best foot forward. I personally think the 12 months between now and next year is a reasonable time frame (for myself) to achieve such a goal. I don't consider myself to be particularly smart -- I know that 4 months of preparation won't be sufficient enough for me and I'd be preparing hurriedly/haphazardly.

This forum/site seems to have been really resourceful for several individuals vis-a-vis preparing for the LSAT. I was looking for similar advice/direction -- I'd really,really appreciate it if anyone could direct me to i) relevant threads and resources (on this, or any other site), ii) preferred books and iii) perhaps even online courses which could aid my preparation process.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

TL;DR -- what is the best/preferred approach to studying for the LSAT? Please list the preparation material (including threads and resources, on this or any other site) which you found to to be particularly beneficial.

Hey! There's really no one correct answer as to the "best approach" to studying for the LSAT - Everyone is different. But the following is what I've found through my own/others' experiences:

As far as books go: LG: Powerscore's Logic Games Bible and Manhattan are the most favored. I used LGB.
LR: I've only used Manhattan - it was very helpful.
RC: Didn't use any books, personally.
General: The Trainer is great, imo!

Other things - 7sage has video explanations for all the logic games available for free! They also have more resources and courses when you upgrade that I've heard good things about.
- Manhattan forums have explanations for all of the questions. Also a great resource.

But I think by far the most important and most effective thing you can do, once you understand the basics, is repeated drilling. Hours and hours for months and months. There is no book or website or concept that will 'unlock' a section. You do enough and you get used to seeing certain patterns - question types, passage / game types, 'tricks' they throw at you, what works for you and what doesn't. (This is often said for LG, but applies just as much to LR and RC - wish I'd figured that out sooner...)

Start doing PTs in addition to drilling as your skills develop. Personally, I don't think doing PTs are that worthwhile until your skills are fairly solid - ie. you're getting scores on timed drills that, if multiplied by four, are within a reasonable distance from your target score, if that makes sense. (Imo, many people start taking PTs too soon, and it's discouraging and a waste of PTs.)

Not an expert or anything, that's just what I've found! I'm sure you'll have no difficulty finding a method that works for you. Good luck

Thanks for your reply!
Quick novice question - what is drilling? I've come across the word "drill packets" but never really understood what people meant.

Also, let me see if I'm getting this right: do you recommend doing the Trainer first, then the PowerScore Bibles (Manhattan for LR)? Additionally, while going over these books I should also look over the 7Sage videos? And then, once I've got a fairly decent grasp on the skills I should move onto doing PTs and drilling? PTs however should be reserved for the last bit, once I'm confident with my preparation for each individual section?

Thanks again!

[Alexandros]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post here. I've taken the diagnostic and scored a 153 [LG: 15/23; LR:15/25 (in both sections); RC: 20/27]. I plan on taking the test in September of next year, primarily because I know I'll need some time to build up the skills the LSAT tests. While simultaneously getting familiar/practicing (slowly) for the test, I plan on reading additional dense material over the course of this time and hope to try and improve my spatial reasoning skills. I just want really want to (and need to) score my highest possible score -- whatever it might be. I want to make sure I'm putting my best foot forward. I personally think the 12 months between now and next year is a reasonable time frame (for myself) to achieve such a goal. I don't consider myself to be particularly smart -- I know that 4 months of preparation won't be sufficient enough for me and I'd be preparing hurriedly/haphazardly.

This forum/site seems to have been really resourceful for several individuals vis-a-vis preparing for the LSAT. I was looking for similar advice/direction -- I'd really,really appreciate it if anyone could direct me to i) relevant threads and resources (on this, or any other site), ii) preferred books and iii) perhaps even online courses which could aid my preparation process.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

TL;DR -- what is the best/preferred approach to studying for the LSAT? Please list the preparation material (including threads and resources, on this or any other site) which you found to to be particularly beneficial.

Hey! There's really no one correct answer as to the "best approach" to studying for the LSAT - Everyone is different. But the following is what I've found through my own/others' experiences:

As far as books go: LG: Powerscore's Logic Games Bible and Manhattan are the most favored. I used LGB.
LR: I've only used Manhattan - it was very helpful.
RC: Didn't use any books, personally.
General: The Trainer is great, imo!

Other things - 7sage has video explanations for all the logic games available for free! They also have more resources and courses when you upgrade that I've heard good things about.
- Manhattan forums have explanations for all of the questions. Also a great resource.

But I think by far the most important and most effective thing you can do, once you understand the basics, is repeated drilling. Hours and hours for months and months. There is no book or website or concept that will 'unlock' a section. You do enough and you get used to seeing certain patterns - question types, passage / game types, 'tricks' they throw at you, what works for you and what doesn't. (This is often said for LG, but applies just as much to LR and RC - wish I'd figured that out sooner...)

Start doing PTs in addition to drilling as your skills develop. Personally, I don't think doing PTs are that worthwhile until your skills are fairly solid - ie. you're getting scores on timed drills that, if multiplied by four, are within a reasonable distance from your target score, if that makes sense. (Imo, many people start taking PTs too soon, and it's discouraging and a waste of PTs.)

Not an expert or anything, that's just what I've found! I'm sure you'll have no difficulty finding a method that works for you. Good luck

Thanks for your reply!
Quick novice question - what is drilling? I've come across the word "drill packets" but never really understood what people meant.

Also, let me see if I'm getting this right: do you recommend doing the Trainer first, then the PowerScore Bibles (Manhattan for LR)? Additionally, while going over these books I should also look over the 7Sage videos? And then, once I've got a fairly decent grasp on the skills I should move onto doing PTs and drilling? PTs however should be reserved for the last bit, once I'm confident with my preparation for each individual section?

Thanks again!

I use the term drilling pretty broadly to refer to anything that's practicing doing questions, aside from doing a full, timed PT. I assume drill packets refer to a set of questions someone's prepared for practicing - I guess it would depend on the context.

With the books, whatever works best for you. I (more or less) did LGB and drilled LG for a month -> The Trainer -> Manhattan LR. I had no real rationale with that, just dove in, but it worked for me (although I think a slightly different order / set of books would have worked just as well.)

Strongly recommend drilling as you learn the material! So, broadly speaking, books + drilling -> just drilling / maybe some PTs -> drilling + PTs. Stay flexible! Don't try to stick to some rigid schedule or set of books if it's not working for you. Time and practice is the most important thing.

[Bob loblaw law blog]

How much time do you have on a daily basis for studying? I'm an extreme case (got the score I wanted after 3 weeks or so of studying) so maybe I'm biased but most people I know didn't really benefit as much from the sort of year-long study plan you're planning. Generally everyone i know that's done well has studying intensely (6-8 hours daily) for a shorter period like 4- 6 months. Not everyone has that kinda time though, so maybe the long haul would work better for you.

As far as books, I'd recommend Manhattan's stuff (their LG book upped my score 10 points, seriously). I have an unused Manhattan LR book I could sell you for an absurdly reasonable price if you want it. Classes aren't really work it.

Appreciate your reply! Thanks! I'd have about 8-10 hours per week to dedicate. I'm going into my fourth year at uni (FT commitment) and will be working part time as well. I'd have 8-10 hours per week at max which I could utilize to study for the LSAT. Do you still think that's too much? I personally don't think 8-10 hours a week is going to burn me out.

Also, one of my buddies has some unused books as well. I'll double check with him if he has the Manhattan. If he doesn't I'll PM you

8-10 hours a week won't even come close to burning you out assuming your life isn't packed like a can of sardines. Honest question(seriously I'm not trying to call you lazy, everyone's situation is different): what's stopping you from doing more? I'm about to start my final year too and could probably stuff at least 15 hours a week or more in if I was gearing up for a sept. retake. I more meant that intense studying is a lot more effective than just cruising slowly. If you've ever seen "Miracle," that one scene with the whistle is how most of the people I know finally were able to "get" LG.

Also: have you considered the June test? Better start time and gives you the option of the Sept retake if you feel you can do better. If things don't work out in Sept. you're stuck wither waiting out a cycle or take the Dec, which is generally a bad option since a number of seats and a good bit of $ will already have been given out.

[thedevilsarered]

.

[thedevilsarered]

How much time do you have on a daily basis for studying? I'm an extreme case (got the score I wanted after 3 weeks or so of studying) so maybe I'm biased but most people I know didn't really benefit as much from the sort of year-long study plan you're planning. Generally everyone i know that's done well has studying intensely (6-8 hours daily) for a shorter period like 4- 6 months. Not everyone has that kinda time though, so maybe the long haul would work better for you.

As far as books, I'd recommend Manhattan's stuff (their LG book upped my score 10 points, seriously). I have an unused Manhattan LR book I could sell you for an absurdly reasonable price if you want it. Classes aren't really work it.

Appreciate your reply! Thanks! I'd have about 8-10 hours per week to dedicate. I'm going into my fourth year at uni (FT commitment) and will be working part time as well. I'd have 8-10 hours per week at max which I could utilize to study for the LSAT. Do you still think that's too much? I personally don't think 8-10 hours a week is going to burn me out.

Also, one of my buddies has some unused books as well. I'll double check with him if he has the Manhattan. If he doesn't I'll PM you

8-10 hours a week won't even come close to burning you out assuming your life isn't packed like a can of sardines. Honest question(seriously I'm not trying to call you lazy, everyone's situation is different): what's stopping you from doing more? I'm about to start my final year too and could probably stuff at least 15 hours a week or more in if I was gearing up for a sept. retake. I more meant that intense studying is a lot more effective than just cruising slowly. If you've ever seen "Miracle," that one scene with the whistle is how most of the people I know finally were able to "get" LG.

Also: have you considered the June test? Better start time and gives you the option of the Sept retake if you feel you can do better. If things don't work out in Sept. you're stuck wither waiting out a cycle or take the Dec, which is generally a bad option since a number of seats and a good bit of $ will already have been given out.

15 hours is definitely possible. I wrote 8-10 because every time I ask people about taking a year to study for the LSAT they usually recommend against it, and say that it might burn me out. But I definitely think 15 hours is possible. More than that might be a bit tough... I really need to perform well in my final year to keep a somewhat respectable* (although pretty less-than-stellar) GPA (3.2ish). So I sort of have to be judicious about my time allocation.

I'm not taking the June LSAT for similar reasons. I don't think I'd be ready to take the LSAT with 10 hours per week worth of study (albeit, it's ~ 8 months of study, I don't think it'll be enough). I'm also partly constrained with work, volunteer and FT study. All of which I have to keep at to be a competitive candidate. My plan was to study till April-ish for 10 hours/week after which I was going to bump it to 8 hours/day from May-August and early September. What do you think? I personally think you do have a point about taking it in June so I have time for a retake. I suppose I'll assess my progress at the end of April and see if I'm ready to take the June test. If not, I'll see what happens and hope (and try) for the best.

*Side note: I know 3.2 isn't necessarily 'respectable' per se. But I had a horrid first year where I was enrolled in a different major. Ended with a 1.67 that year. Ever since my marks have had a significant upward trend. Ending uni with ~ a 3.2ish in my eyes is a little better than what it could have been have been. This is pretty much why I'm trying to start prep a little earlier with the aim of bumping up my study time towards the end -- I know my LSAT is going to be be a crucial factor in the whole process. While a 3.2 is far below the 25th percentile for several schools, coupled with a decent LSAT I might still have a shot at some T14/T20/T25 schools. So while still low, it isn't a death sentence. At least not yet.

[Bob loblaw law blog]

How much time do you have on a daily basis for studying? I'm an extreme case (got the score I wanted after 3 weeks or so of studying) so maybe I'm biased but most people I know didn't really benefit as much from the sort of year-long study plan you're planning. Generally everyone i know that's done well has studying intensely (6-8 hours daily) for a shorter period like 4- 6 months. Not everyone has that kinda time though, so maybe the long haul would work better for you.

As far as books, I'd recommend Manhattan's stuff (their LG book upped my score 10 points, seriously). I have an unused Manhattan LR book I could sell you for an absurdly reasonable price if you want it. Classes aren't really work it.

Appreciate your reply! Thanks! I'd have about 8-10 hours per week to dedicate. I'm going into my fourth year at uni (FT commitment) and will be working part time as well. I'd have 8-10 hours per week at max which I could utilize to study for the LSAT. Do you still think that's too much? I personally don't think 8-10 hours a week is going to burn me out.

Also, one of my buddies has some unused books as well. I'll double check with him if he has the Manhattan. If he doesn't I'll PM you

8-10 hours a week won't even come close to burning you out assuming your life isn't packed like a can of sardines. Honest question(seriously I'm not trying to call you lazy, everyone's situation is different): what's stopping you from doing more? I'm about to start my final year too and could probably stuff at least 15 hours a week or more in if I was gearing up for a sept. retake. I more meant that intense studying is a lot more effective than just cruising slowly. If you've ever seen "Miracle," that one scene with the whistle is how most of the people I know finally were able to "get" LG.

Also: have you considered the June test? Better start time and gives you the option of the Sept retake if you feel you can do better. If things don't work out in Sept. you're stuck wither waiting out a cycle or take the Dec, which is generally a bad option since a number of seats and a good bit of $ will already have been given out.

15 hours is definitely possible. I wrote 8-10 because every time I ask people about taking a year to study for the LSAT they usually recommend against it, and say that it might burn me out. But I definitely think 15 hours is possible. More than that might be a bit tough... I really need to perform well in my final year to keep a somewhat respectable* (although pretty less-than-stellar) GPA (3.2ish). So I sort of have to be judicious about my time allocation.

I'm not taking the June LSAT for similar reasons. I don't think I'd be ready to take the LSAT with 10 hours per week worth of study (albeit, it's ~ 8 months of study, I don't think it'll be enough). I'm also partly constrained with work, volunteer and FT study. All of which I have to keep at to be a competitive candidate. My plan was to study till April-ish for 10 hours/week after which I was going to bump it to 8 hours/day from May-August and early September. What do you think? I personally think you do have a point about taking it in June so I have time for a retake. I suppose I'll assess my progress at the end of April and see if I'm ready to take the June test. If not, I'll see what happens and hope (and try) for the best.

*Side note: I know 3.2 isn't necessarily 'respectable' per se. But I had a horrid first year where I was enrolled in a different major. Ended with a 1.67 that year. Ever since my marks have had a significant upward trend. Ending uni with ~ a 3.2ish in my eyes is a little better than what it could have been have been. This is pretty much why I'm trying to start prep a little earlier with the aim of bumping up my study time towards the end -- I know my LSAT is going to be be a crucial factor in the whole process. While a 3.2 is far below the 25th percentile for several schools, coupled with a decent LSAT I might still have a shot at some T14/T20/T25 schools. So while still low, it isn't a death sentence. At least not yet.

I wouldn't worry too much about the difference between 10 vs. 15 hours a week. I suppose I may simply not understand the slow burn because it's not what worked for me. Don't worry too much about the GPA, you can't change much about it now unless you see straight "A"s this year as possible (it may be, I was in a similar situation and worked my butt off for 3 4.0 semesters... still have a "meh" GPA for law school). Barring As though, your best chance is to become a splitter (under 25% GPA, over 75% LSAT) which isn't a horrible place to be in. Stay vigilant on the LSAT studying and you may be able to break that 170 barrier. I went from 158 to 171 in just a few horrible weeks, with months a similar increase is certainly possible.

I would start at 8 hours and see how it's working after 2 months. If things are starting to "click" (i.e. hitting mid 160s) already, stay at 8 hours. Despite how it may seem now, there is a limited amount of good prep material and it is entirely possible to eat through all of it (particularly tests) so don't make the mistake of over doing it early (the pacing involved here is part of why a year long plan is hard to pull off). If you find nothing is getting better by Jan. though... it's time to crank it up to at least 15 hours a week.

I think your plan to assess your progress is a good one, but keep an eye on that registration deadline. Particularly if you live in a highly populated area as I've heard spots can fill up quick.