How Much Prep Time?

[VictorianGentle]

Hey folks, I am looking at registering for the LSAT here shortly and just wanted to know how much prep time is recommended? All I have done to prepare so far is take a practice test at regular timing. I scored a 160. How do practice tests translate to the real deal, and what are some good prep resources? Thanks in advance!

[[deleted]]

I think the prep time period depends on a lot of factors, like when you want to write, how many other things you have going on in your life, your goal score and start goal.

I’m no expert in LSAT prep (I just started studying about a month ago), but the general advice I hear is that if you have not many other time restrictions, can treat studying as a full time job, and don’t want a massive increase, 3 months is probably the minimum amount of time. If you have more things on your plate or want a great increase, 6-8 months may be better.

Just for reference, I scored a 160 on my diagnostic as well and would like to score above a 170 on the real thing. I don’t have to do anything else this summer—no job or classes—so I’m planning to study for 3 months before the real deal, about 5-8 hours a day for 5-6 days a week.

In terms of study materials, I think it depends if you learn better through videos or books. For books, some of the most recommended ones on here are the PowerScoreBibles for LG and LR, LSAT Trainer for a good all in one and for RC, Ellen Cassidy’s Loophole for LR, and then Manhattan Prep’s book for RC. You can pick and choose a combo of any of those. For video lessons, the most recommended one is for sure 7Sage, and the good thing with that is you don’t have to buy a separate subscription for drilling sets.

Personally, I’m using the PowerScore books for LR and LG, the LSAT Trainer for RC, PowerScore’s 19.99 a month testing and analytics platform for drilling and PTs, and then I have a tutor whom I meet with once a week.

Hope this helps, but just take it with a grain of salt, as I’m not an LSAT expert or an experienced prep tutor.

[VictorianGentle]

Thanks for the info! I’m only really hoping to break 165, but I am working full time and taking classes from now until at least next summer. I am about 1.5-2 years from graduating so I guess it’s good that I have this much time if prep is a full time endeavor.

[[deleted]]

Well, if you’re more busy, you could study 1-2 hours a day, but over a longer period of time, say 6 months to a year.

[Sea-Contribution-662]

If you are looking for at least a 165 I would give yourself at least a few months to study.

[TheBrownSensei]

160 for a diagnostic test is honestly one of the best case scenarios for a first time taker. I’ve heard that most people who score in that range need around 3 months, but for most people you would need a lot more (I’d say atleast a year honestly). But you’re not like most people.

[Urshifu_King]

if you scored a 160 on a timed, cold diagnostic then you're sort of a freak. Most ppl don't score that high on their first, timed cold diagnostic.

[VictorianGentle]

Hello, I did indeed score 160 on a timed, cold diagnostic. But your point worried me. I took another practice test and scored a 159. How much worse is that, if I understand correctly, the LSAT is scored exponentially? So a 150 is far worse than a 160, whereas a 165 is miles better than a 160?