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Hi,

I currently work full time as a Software Engineer and I am considering taking the LSAT. I am fairly new to this, I have been looking up for information online and I am severely overwhelmed by the largesse of the internet w.r.t all things LSAT. But, I don't know where to start, I came across a few one-on-one prep services which seem to charge a fortune, self-study video courses that cost $1000+ and a ton of various a I am thoroughly confused.
1.) Can I prepare for the LSAT without relying on these courses and lectures and primarily by teaching myself? If so, how?
2.) Where do I start looking for information and some standard/highly recommended prep materials, preparation plans?
3.) Where can I find any of this information?

I apologize if I sound too naive or if this has been asked before but there are so many outlets, blogs and forums chiming in I have no clue what is reliable and where to start.

Thank you guys in advance.

You can do this on your own (and most people recommend going this route).

Start with actively reading the PowerScore bibles or Manhattan workbooks.

Hey MK, welcome aboard. This is a great place to start: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 6&t=200917

Since I don't see a lot of people on TLS recommending it, I just want to say that the only thing I used to study for my first test* (June 16) was the LSAT Trainer by Mike Kim (plus lots of practice tests) and I thought it was great. Also cost me a heck of a lot less than a course or purchasing multiple volumes from other publishers.

*I scored 170, for what it's worth

Took Testmasters, TBH... I'd just recommend self study. My reasons for taking Testmasters was, primarily, that I needed some form of social circle or environment centered around it.

I'd look into it a bit before delving into it... there isn't much harm in studying and seeing how you do, but SE is a pretty good place to be these past few years.

airwrecka wrote:Since I don't see a lot of people on TLS recommending it, I just want to say that the only thing I used to study for my first test* (June 16) was the LSAT Trainer by Mike Kim (plus lots of practice tests) and I thought it was great. Also cost me a heck of a lot less than a course or purchasing multiple volumes from other publishers.

*I scored 170, for what it's worth

I just started studying with the trainer and am a little worried about it since many people don't talk about it. How much did you improve from your initial diagnostic?

MindyKale wrote:Hi,

I currently work full time as a Software Engineer and I am considering taking the LSAT. I am fairly new to this, I have been looking up for information online and I am severely overwhelmed by the largesse of the internet w.r.t all things LSAT. But, I don't know where to start, I came across a few one-on-one prep services which seem to charge a fortune, self-study video courses that cost $1000+ and a ton of various a I am thoroughly confused.
1.) Can I prepare for the LSAT without relying on these courses and lectures and primarily by teaching myself? If so, how?
2.) Where do I start looking for information and some standard/highly recommended prep materials, preparation plans?
3.) Where can I find any of this information?

I apologize if I sound too naive or if this has been asked before but there are so many outlets, blogs and forums chiming in I have no clue what is reliable and where to start.

Thank you guys in advance.

I REALLY love the LSAT Trainer book. I have been through PS and MLSAT and the Trainer has just worked better for me.

lgsb2014 wrote:

airwrecka wrote:Since I don't see a lot of people on TLS recommending it, I just want to say that the only thing I used to study for my first test* (June 16) was the LSAT Trainer by Mike Kim (plus lots of practice tests) and I thought it was great. Also cost me a heck of a lot less than a course or purchasing multiple volumes from other publishers.

*I scored 170, for what it's worth

I just started studying with the trainer and am a little worried about it since many people don't talk about it. How much did you improve from your initial diagnostic?

Well I didn't take a diagnostic until AFTER I had been using the trainer for about a month. At that time, my score was 167, and on test day I improved to a 170, but I didn't even complete all the drills I was supposed to, so I know I could have had an even higher score if I had done them all.

If you search around here there will be reviews for a lot of different books (bibles, trainer, manhattan, etc). You'll want to get at least one + basically every prep test ever. Then continue searching here and asking questions! You can definitely do it on your own and on your own schedule.

I liked the LSAT for Dummies for an introduction to the test. It was also has 3 practice tests that will give you a feel for the process. Next, I recommend taking actual practice tests compiled in the official LSAC compilations. Do untimed sections and full length tests until you are above your target score. Then start incorporating timed sections. I took 30-40 practice tests and scored a 166 on my first take.

My biggest regret was not throwing in a fifth "experimental" section during my studying. I found that this extra section really took a toll on my endurance during the real exam. 3 hours of testing with a ten minute break in the middle is pretty brutal mentally and physically.