Where to start?

[Cole Shooter]

I'm a bit unsure as to the best way to begin studying for the LSAT. I've done some questions here and there, and I've begun reading the Powerscore logic games book (which, I tend to feel will likely be my weakest area), but other than that, I'm not sure if delving into preptests is the best way. Perhaps it's not a terrible idea to do an initial preptest, but I almost hate to go into it as unprepared as I feel I am right now. How did you get the ball rolling?

[Tiffany]

I have taken two old PTs as "diagnostic" tests myself, before really diving into the studying. I honestly can't tell you whether you should or shouldn't take one. For me, knowing what I could score on my own told me that I really did need to study early and study hard- but then, I'm a procrastinator by nature, so some extra motivation is a great thing. Because the LSAT is nothing like any other test, I feel good having taken a full one.There are lots and lots of opinions against that though- here's one LSAT tutor's arguments against diagnostic tests: http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/free-lsat-diagnostic-tests.html

One thing that is often recommended is to do some of the old individual games by category as you are learning the different kinds (Basic linear, etc). The LGB should be giving you some example games to do with each chapter. If you find that you are having a hard time understanding one type of game, the first appendix in the back of the LGB lists all of the old PTs and each game's category. So for example, if you were having a hard time with the basic linear games after completing the LGB section, you could also do PT 30 Game 4, PT 34 Game 3, PT 31 Game 3, and PT 34 Game 2.

So essentially, if you are working with the PowerScore book, I would suggest reading a chapter, making sure you understand it, and then supplementing that chapter with additional practice if you don't. Don't worry about timing yet, just work on understanding the concepts and getting your diagramming. You want to successfully work through each example game, or if you don't get it right, then go back in and figure out why.

[Louis Zaha]

Hello


I think it would be best to perhaps take one preptest just to get a baseline assuming you are studying for the October test. Would probably use an older one for this rather than a recent exam ( save for later in your prep). The best way to maximize/do well on this exam is to drill,drill,drill. Devote one month to LG, another to LR, then to RC and repeat . I would start Pting in mid August.

The studyplan Tiffany posted is pretty good if you are doing self study. I am not sure if you are taking a class but that is okay as well. Make sure to save your PT for the end of your prep rather than burn through them at the midway point of your prep since its crucial to learn/master the fundamentals first. Be fluid in your strategy when doing the various problems/passages and drill to make those strategies permanent . If you find yourself making a mistake frequently , drill untimed to undo that mistake. Drill to master a new technique for annotating. If you do not understand a concept be sure to post here or elsewhere with friends at your school.

Feel free to post more here or elsewhere if you need additional help. I am studying for a retake so im quite familiar with the fundamentals and basics of this test thus far.

[Justin Senekham]

http://lawschooli.com/lsat-study-schedule/

I am following this 3 month schedule. I am starting out with the LR section as it is 50% of the exam. I am using Princeton Review's "Cracking the LSAT 2012" book for the LR and RC portions of the test because a friend of mine gave it to me. I also have the LG Bible. Once I get a good enough intuitive grasp (as time will allow me) on the LR section, I will be moving to LG and then RC.

I started on LR and still am working through problems. What I have been doing is doing untimed LR questions. Before you start doing so you should read up on what kind of questions are in the LR section. Once you see a certain type of question, refer to the book's approach to solving the question and work through it. I am doing this until I have an intuitive grasp on how to solve each question type.