Navigating the path to law school is no small feat, and one of the most daunting hurdles you will face is the LSAT. As someone who struggled with the LSAT and eventually found my footing, I want to share some key insights about test preparation that I wish I had known from the beginning.
1. The LawHub Advantage Practice Test Bundle: A Must-Have
The only way to get better at the LSAT is to practice. Taking the time to learn the foundations of LSAT logic, as well as the section strategies that work for you, is a crucial first step. Throughout your studying process, you should keep an open mind to tips and tricks that actually help you. Ultimately, however, time and practice is what will allow you to master the LSAT.
The one paid resource that is practically mandatory for LSAT-takers is the LawHub Advantage bundle of practice tests. At $115, it might seem like a hefty investment. It is an invaluable resource, however, because it offers an effectively-infinite repository of questions in the same format in which you'll take your actual LSAT, if you take it online. If you had the time (which you likely do not), you could take every practice test that the LSAC has made public. On its platform, you can do so under timed, test-like conditions or at your own pace. With unlimited annual access, you can review and re-review the tests as many times as you need.
I went through almost every practice test and always reviewed my wrong answers. (I was less diligent about reviewing my correct answers, but I believe this is a good approach and did this more toward the end of my studying.) I will post more about my study process, which involved annotating some parts of my test and taking some select sections again. Whatever your process, LawHub Advantage is a necessary component.
2. The Abundance of Free Resources
While investing in the LawHub bundle is a must, don't overlook the abundance of free and truly comprehensive LSAT resources available online. Youtube series, websites, forums, and blogs dedicated to LSAT preparation can offer invaluable insights, strategies, and practice problems. Whether you're looking for detailed explanations, tips, or study schedules, these resources can supplement your preparation journey without subjecting you predatory pricing models. AccessLSAT is working to compile, organize, and summarize these resources them so you can feel confident you have everything you need if you don't want to spend a ton of money on your preparation.
3. The Myth of High-Cost LSAT Tutors
It's tempting to believe that enlisting the help of a high-priced LSAT tutor guarantees success. However, my personal experience has taught me that this isn't always the case. Many LSAT tutors charge exorbitant fees due to 1. the licensing costs they are charged to use LSAC-provided practice tests and 2. their reputation for having 99+ percentile scorers on their roster. While this might sound impressive, it doesn't necessarily translate to effective teaching. LSAT tutors often teach methods that worked for them personally, which might not suit every student's learning style.
To illustrate, I found myself in a situation where I had spent two sessions with one LSATMax tutor working on crafting scenarios for logic games. When that tutor took time off and I had to switch to another, my new tutor told me that scenarios were a waste of time, and that I should approach each game without diagramming. While that may work for him, and may work for his other students, I had always found scenarios helpful. I had spent a lot of time getting better at them. I decided to keep working on them on my own using free online materials, and eventually utilized scenarios on test day.
So, instead of pouring your resources into pricey tutoring bundles from big companies, you may want to:
Try just a few tutoring sessions to see how you like it. Are you able to learn effectively in a remote setting? After your sessions, can you summarize bigger-picture takeaways that you will integrate into your studying and test-taking?
Consider whether you know anyone that can tutor you. This might be a friend or graduate of your college that scored at or above your target score. You may be able to get tutoring from them more cheaply, since you're not working with an intermediary company and you won't be subjected to pricing bundles.
Explore self-study methods and free resources. Depending on your learning style, these may yield equally-effective results.
Summary
The LSAT journey is a formidable one, conquerable with patience and commitment. Investing in practice tests, leveraging free resources, being discerning about tutoring, maintaining consistency, and prioritizing mental, physical, and financial well-being are all critical aspects of a successful LSAT preparation journey. These insights were not immediately apparent to me as I set out to study for the LSAT, so I hope they are of value to you as you embark on yours.