| LSAT
Tips and Strategies |
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I.
When Studying...
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Plan on taking the LSAT only once. |
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Keep in mind that when
you retake the LSAT, your scores are averaged. Also, unless you can pinpoint
a concrete problem that you can improve upon, research indicates that
your score will most likely differ by just two
points (which can be higher or lower!). Plan well, study hard the first
time, and avoid retaking this difficult exam.
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a diagnostic exam- cold. |
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Obtain a copy of an old LSAT exam and take it under timed conditions without
studying. This is an important first step to identifying your weak points.
It will also serve as your basis for comparison to see how much you're
improving along the way. Download
a complete sample LSAT here. Test prep companies such as Kaplan and
The Princeton Review also offer free diagnostic exams in a real test setting.
Contact your local center for details.
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Start
studying ahead of time. |
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If possible, begin preparing at least two months before the test date.
This will give you enough time to familiarize yourself with the test questions,
develop a pacing strategy, and improve upon your weaknesses. Do not attempt
to "cram for the LSAT." If you still feel like you are unprepared
for your exam as the date approaches, consider postponing until the next
test date. LSAC offers partial refunds for cases such as this (see www.lsac.org
for details).
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Study
one section at a time. |
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Devote
"chunks" of time (usually a week or two, depending on how much
time you have) to studying Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning (Arguments),
and Analytical Reasoning (Games), one section at a time. Begin by attacking
the section that gives you the most problems. Familiarize yourself with
its question types and the study strategies associated with it. Then,
apply these strategies when working through practice questions. As soon
as you feel comfortable, try to get into the habit of taking an entire
35 min section in one sitting (instead of working one game at a time,
for example). This will allow you to get a better feel for the time pressure.
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Time
yourself during practice. |
The LSAT is
a speeded test, meaning that many students will not get to every test
question. Luckily, pacing skills can be learned with practice. Initially,
you should be focusing on learning the questions and working through test
sections without paying attention to the time limit. As you become more
familiar with the test, however, you should begin timing yourself with
a
timer (Buy
THE SILENT TIMER™ Here).
Test time management can be a significant factor in raising your score.
THE SILENT TIMER™ is
a timer that will help you learn not to spend too much time on any one
question. It lets you know how much time on average you have to answer
each question and will train you to move steadily through your exam. As
your timing improves, you will be able to answer more questions. Since
LSAT scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly, answering
as many questions as possible can be very beneficial to your score.
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Take
time to understand your mistakes. |
When
you finish a practice test or section, carefully re-read the question
and all of the answer choices to figure out why you made a mistake. If
you don't discover your weaknesses, you will not be able to improve upon
them. Every section of the LSAT is comprised of specific question "types"
and it is in your best interest to find out which types give you the most
trouble. Invest
in some practice materials that provide explanations for each test question.
Once you understand the reasoning behind the right answers, you can begin
to recognize common traps and learn to overcome them. Master
the LSAT is a student favorite that provides thorough
analysis of each test question/answer.
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Take
as many practice tests as possible. |
Increasing
your LSAT score is highly dependent on discovering test patterns and learning
how to approach specific question types. The LSAT is a highly learnable
test and practicing with REAL LSAT questions is crucial. Order several
books of Official
LSAT tests from previous years. Some books on the market try to simulate
LSAT question types, but what better way is there to get a feel for the
actual LSAT than by practicing with questions written by the test maker?
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Simulate
a testing environment when taking practice tests. |
When you are ready to begin taking practice tests, try as much as possible
to recreate "test day":
- Take the test at the time of day that you will be taking
your LSAT (usually 9 AM, unless you take it in June, which is an afternoon
exam). This may take some getting used to, as some people concentrate
better in the afternoon or at night.
- Find a location where there is some noise
distraction. Contrary to popular belief, there are still minor distractions
in the actual exam room- paper shuffling, pencil clicking, coughing, etc.
Get used to these types of distractions by practicing at a place like
the library.
- Make sure you are timing yourself to get a feel for
the time pressure you will feel on test day. Buy THE
SILENT TIMER™
to help you pace yourself.
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Don't
surrender. |
There will be times during your LSAT preparation where you may feel overwhelmed,
burnt out, or unhappy with your practice scores. Realize that this is a
normal part of intensive study for an important exam. After that, move on.
Take all that negative energy and turn it into energy that you spend conquering
the exam. You can do it!
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II. When Taking a Test....
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Do the easier questions first. |
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LSAT questions, games,
and reading passages are not presented in any order of difficulty. Easier
questions are worth just as much as the hard ones, so don't feel like
you have to work them in the order that they are given. Skip
the harder questions and come back to them if there is time. In games/reading
sections especially, work on the easier games/passages first to accumulate
as many right answers as possible in the allotted time.
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Use process of elimination. |
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This strategy is taught
to even the youngest of students taking tests, and with good reason. Attack
the question by first eliminating the answer choices that must
be wrong. Cross them out in your test booklet. Even if you can eliminate
just two answer choices, you can increase your chances of getting the
right answer by 65% (from 20% or 1 in 5 to 33% or 1 in 3).
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Don't leave any bubbles empty. |
You may not
get to every test question, but don't leave blanks. There are no deductions
for guessing, so filling in all blanks in the last minute or so of the
section will increase your odds of getting at least a few more questions
right. Read
more about guessing strategy here. |
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Write in your test booklet! |
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Do not be afraid
to mark out wrong answer choices, underline key words, make diagrams,
and jot down short notes. The test booklet is your scratch paper and is
there for you to write on. The LSAT is one of the few graduate school
exams that is not yet computerized- take advantage of this!
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Stay Positive. |
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During the test, make
sure to keep a positive attitude. You've practiced these types of questions
already, so attack them with the strategies you've acquired. Don't let
a difficult question or even a difficult section ruin the rest of the
exam. Take a deep breath and regain your focus. Research indicates that
a positive approach can boost confidence and improve test performance.
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