Preparing for the LSAT: Tips
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Preparing for the LSAT can be a stressful experience and the outcome of this single test can have a powerful impact on a student’s long term career prospects. One of the most important tips any counselor can provide is simple: Start in advance. Begin preparing with far more time available than you think you need. When it comes to mastering the LSAT, the range of material students are expected to command will be fairly wide, so slow and steady usually wins the race. Here are a few more tools that can help you make the most of your study and preparation period.
- Remember that every question has all of the important information on the page. While it may seem like you should remember some similar situation and use it as a model to answer a question, don’t. Each question is answerable with the information provided.
- Another way in which the test will challenge you is by tempting you to make an emotional response. Be on the lookout for such questions and make sure that every answer you provide is based on reasoning and not your personal sentiments.
- Watch out for conditionals. The LSAT is notorious for having answers that are 99% right with the exception of one minor detail. Read the phrasing carefully and be wary of one stray word that can make the answer wrong.
- Be on the lookout for words and phrases that cast uncertainty on a fact like almost, generally, nearly etc. They can have a strong impact on the answer but are easily missed if you read too fast.
- Emphasize logical reasoning. If you need to choose, maximize the emphasis, time and attention you apply to this area. The test consists of five sections: One for analytical reasoning, one for reading comprehension, one for writing, and two for logical reasoning. Your performance on the logical reasoning section will account for 50 percent of your results.
- For longer passages, make sure to note the main argument/point for each paragraph and then compare them.
- Make sure to ask yourself whether the main conclusions flow logically from the evidence given. Are there any sub conclusions or counter arguments and if so, how are they supported?