The Law School Admission Test – commonly known as the LSAT – is a standardized exam administered to aspiring law school students. Successful completion of the LSAT is essential for gaining acceptance into an accredited law school program.
As a result, there exists an entire industry centered around helping prospective law students prepare for the LSAT. Deciding the best ways to prepare can seem overwhelming. But it’s not as difficult as you might think.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best ways to prepare for the LSAT:
Take practice tests
The single best way to prepare for the Law School Admission Test is to take practice tests in the same conditions as the actual exam. These practice tests cover the entire exam, including LSAT logic games practice and reading comprehension. The more practice tests you take, the more familiar you’ll become with the LSAT’s content and format. While there’s no way to predict the actual material that will be part of the test, practice tests will go a long way in ensuring you’re prepared for whatever the exam has in store.
Study the official LSAT prep book
Many people overlook the fact there are official LSAT prep materials. As one can imagine, the official LSAT prep book is a gold mine of useful information for those preparing to take the exam. With this in mind, it’s essential to include official LSAT materials in your quest to prepare for the test.
Join a study group
Study groups remain an effective way to stay motivated and get support in the days and weeks leading up to a major exam. With this in mind, consider joining a study group. You’ll likely benefit from the perspective of others in the same situation, helping you to understand and appreciate aspects of the LSAT you may otherwise overlook.
Spot your weaknesses
Once you’ve taken several practice tests, you should have a decent understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Make a point to focus on the areas where you could improve.
Enroll in a prep course
LSAT prep courses offer structured study and expert instruction. With this in mind, those gearing up to take the LSAT should consider enrolling in a prep course. Doing so gives you the chance to comprehend the material in ways that align with the insights and experience of legal scholars and practicing attorneys.
Get plenty of quality sleep
College students often find themselves sacrificing sleep in pursuit of study. While all-nighters may seem like an effective way to accumulate vital knowledge prior to the LSAT, sleep deprivation will likely lead to mental fatigue. That’s because your brain needs quality sleep in order to operate at peak performance. The less sleep you’re getting, the more likely you’ll feel sluggish and have difficulty concentrating. With this in mind, it’s essential that you get plenty of quality sleep in the days leading up to taking the LSAT.
Follow a fitness routine
Who has time for exercise when they’re studying for the biggest exam of their life to date? While it might seem like an irrelevant activity in light of the academic obstacles you face, the truth is that exercise is critical for brain health. By taking 30 minutes to an hour out of each day to exercise, you’ll find yourself having an easier time focusing and retaining the information that will appear on the LSAT.
Eat well
Certain foods are better for brain health than others. So-called brain-boosting foods include leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, and certain types of nuts. Try to consume these foods in the days leading up to your exam. When combined with an overall healthy diet, brain-boosting nutrients will help you have optimum focus and energy for taking a difficult exam.
Passing the LSAT is an essential part of your path to becoming a lawyer. The last thing you want to do is leave your performance to chance by failing to study and prepare. By following the best ways to prepare for the LSAT, you stand a much greater chance of passing it with flying colors and laying the groundwork for admittance into your law school of choice.
Sean Dalton is a freelance writer from California. He enjoys writing about law, real estate, and technology.