One of the most important steps in the process of applying to law school is taking the LSAT. However, many students make common avoidable mistakes that can negatively impact their scores. Some common mistakes include not having a study plan, not knowing how the passage structure works, running out of time, and focusing on their target LSAT score instead of preparing effectively. Additionally, procrastination is often a major issue for students taking the LSAT. So what can you do to minimize the impact of mistakes during your LSAT prep?
1. Not having an LSAT study plan
If you’re looking to get the best possible score on your LSAT, then it’s important that time doesn’t become an issue. While preparing for the LSAT may seem like an overwhelming task, you can optimize your time by making sure that you are spending the right amount of time on different activities. It’s important to be prepared with a study plan which includes events such as exams, work, or family obligations so that things don’t pile up in such a way that would leave little or no room for preparing for the LSAT.
2. Not Knowing the Passage Structure in the LSAT Reading Comprehension Section
Even if you are a very good reader and can easily understand what the author is saying, LSAT passages have a lot of information that should be absorbed in just 35 minutes. In order to save time and avoid getting lost when reading LSAT passages, it is important that you become familiar with the LSAT passage structure.
LSAT passages consist of about seven or eight paragraphs, with the first and last paragraphs of each LSAT passage serving as an introduction and a summary respectively. Each paragraph is like a puzzle with pieces that go together to make up the whole. If you know what they’re meant for and where each one fits into your overall understanding of this passage, it will take you less time to find the answer you are looking for. Understanding how themes connect all throughout helps avoid getting lost while going back to the passage to look for the answer.
3. Running out of time on the LSAT
LSAT is a timed exam with each section lasting 35 minutes. And depending on how you do, the clock may be ticking faster than your brain can process them all! Many students make this common LSAT mistake of running out of time and not being able to complete all the questions. In order to avoid running out of time, you should practice doing LSAT exams under timed conditions.
4. Focusing on target LSAT score
Many students focus too much on their LSAT target score. This can be very overwhelming and lead to poor performance. It is important that you focus on developing LSAT skills rather than focusing on your target score because by doing so, you will improve your score without stressing out about reaching a certain number, and you will develop the skills you need to succeed in law school. Don’t forget, you’re more than your LSAT score!
5. LSAT Procrastination
The most common mistake students make during their LSAT prep is procrastinating. This can lead them into feeling too overwhelmed and underprepared for an exam that has been one of, if not THE most important part in getting accepted by any university they apply to! So, start your LSAT preparations early so that you’ll have enough time to prepare without rushing through things or sacrificing the quality of your work.
To Review
If you make these common LSAT mistakes, it’s time to change your approach. Don’t let them hold you back from achieving your goals! Don’t beat yourself up over making mistakes on practice exams – just learn from them! And remember, your score is just one part of what makes you an excellent candidate for law school admission. It’s not about achieving target scores, it’s about developing skills that will stay with you throughout your career in law.
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Contributor: Cynthia Addoumieh