If you’re planning to take the LSAT exam, you may be wondering where to start or you may have already started studying but feel overwhelmed by the amount of information that you have to learn. Don’t worry, this is normal. Everyone who studies for an important exam feels that way at some moment. You don’t have to panic but rather build a plan or a strategy of how best to prepare more effectively for the LSAT exam. We have compiled a list of some of the best study habits that you should adopt if you are determined to achieve LSAT success.
1.Create your personal LSAT study plan
Setting up an LSAT study plan and sticking to it as much as possible is the best thing you can do at the beginning of your preparation. Although it is true that everyone learns at a different pace, proper LSAT preparation tends to take a substantial amount of time. Thus, having an LSAT study schedule that works well for your lifestyle can help you finish your preparation just on time and ace the exam. For example, you may start by deciding what time of the day you are most productive and dedicate a few hours during this time period for studying. If you try to study for a few hours per day for a couple of months and follow your LSAT study plan with clear goals and deadlines, your chances of acing the exam will surely increase.
2. Familiarize yourself with the LSAT format and the different sections’ specificities
Before you start studying for any particular section of the LSAT exam, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the overall LSAT format. In this way, you will know how to structure your preparation and what to focus on. The LSAT test has sections with multiple-choice questions – each of which is 35 minutes long. There are two Logical Reasoning sections, an Analytical Reasoning section, and a Reading Comprehension. There is also an essay section that is 30 minutes long. Although it is unscored, it is important for test-takers as their writing will be sent to all law schools they apply to. Thus, if you want to achieve greater LSAT success, don’t neglect any of the sections while preparing and be aware of what you are expected to do.
3. Pay special attention to the Logical Reasoning sections
It is true that if you want to achieve a good result on the LSAT exam, you shouldn’t neglect any section. However, you may want to spend some additional time on the Logical Reasoning sections while preparing for the exam. The score from the Logical Reasoning sections is worth twice as much as the scores from the Reading Comprehension and Analytical reasoning sections. Moreover, many LSAT test-takers consider the Logical Reasoning sections as the hardest as they require a complex set of skills when identifying, evaluating, constructing, or refuting arguments.
4. Practice Critical Reading
Critical reading skills are crucial not only for a good performance on the LSAT exam but also for understanding complex texts (and there is going to be an abundance of those in the law school). Being a critical reader will help you improve your score on the Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, and Analytical Reasoning sections of the LSAT. Every word on the LSAT matters and critical reading can help you better understand the question stem in Logical Reasoning or the setup of the game in the Logic Game section. Don’t forget to practice your critical reading skills while studying and preparing for the exam, as they will definitely boost your chances for LSAT success.
5. Take time to rest
Sometimes it may seem impossible to relax when you have to prepare for such a complex exam as the LSAT. You probably study for hours, read numerous preparation materials and blog articles on how to ace your LSAT exam. However, all this won’t matter if you don’t give yourself enough time to recharge and let your brain absorb and process all the information you have gained. Always try to rest while you’re studying as this will help you reduce your anxiety levels and keep your focus for longer periods of time.
Conclusion
If you want to achieve success on the LSAT exam you have to set up a study plan early, work on all sections, and relax to maintain your focus. In this way, you’ll rock the LSAT and get into your dream law school. We here at Apex are more than happy to support you on your LSAT journey and assist you in every step of the process. You can sign-up for a 30-minute complimentary consultation call with one of our instructors who can help you achieve great success on your exam!
Contributor: Diana Materova