What is the Best Way to Study for the LSAT®?

There are several effective ways to prepare for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT®). Typical options include attending preparatory classes and taking practice exams. Often the best way to study for the LSAT® is for students to create study plans tailored to their personal learning abilities. This can include drawing information from several resources and using different methods to practice. Overall, successful completion of the exam will require a deep understanding of how the test itself works, combined with a solid base of knowledge about the subject matter. This typically requires that a student study for the test by learning how to work effectively within its format, which includes several categories and a combination of multiple choice and writing.

One of the most practical ways to study for the LSAT® is to take several practice exams. These can be found online, in books, and in computer software. The best method depends upon the student’s learning style. Some find it easier to absorb information from taking paper exams in workbooks. Others may appreciate the way practicing on the computer approximates taking the exam for real.

There are also classes available that can help a student to study for the LSAT®. Online courses can be a flexible study option for busy students, and many computer-based courses will include practice questions as a part of the curriculum. Depending on the student’s learning style, it may be more helpful to attend a class in person where there is the benefit of direct access to a teacher and input from other classmates.

In order to successfully study for the LSAT® a student should understand both the subject matter and the structure of the exam. Assuming that the student has factual knowledge needed for the test, it is often more helpful to learn how the exam itself works and what methods are most effective in answering questions. A thorough understanding of each question type and the basic logic of the exam can be extremely helpful.

The LSAT® consists of both multiple choice questions and writing samples. Categories include reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning. While it is wise to prepare for all categories and types of questions, it is often in the student’s best interest to focus more energy on areas of weakness. For example, a strong writer may not need to write as many practice exams, but would benefit from some extra practice in one or more of the multiple choice categories.