Studying the LSAT

Studying may be outside your list of favorites, but you'll need to love it if there's an LSAT waiting. Many undergraduate students work part-time, and some work full-time, depending on their schedules. Striking a balance between working hours and schooling sessions is already challenging for many. Adding LSAT test prep to this tight schedule makes everything seem impossible. The truth is, combining all three will mean you'll be getting out of your comfort zone.

Unlike your undergrad exams, the LSAT can be more complex and demanding. Students can miss classes and lectures and still pass their ordinary exams. The same cannot be said for the LSAT. This four-hour test will determine whether or not you'll join your dream law school.

Early preparation is one of the best ways to tackle the LSAT. Students working part-time or full-time should formulate a strategy to see them have at least 15 hours per week for their LSAT test prep. This may seem complicated and unrealistic, but we'll break it down and show you how possible it is. Every minute you use to study should be fully utilized to ensure productivity. Your study plan should be organized so that learning is easy and efficient. Below are some learning hacks you would want to incorporate into your LSAT Test Prep plan:


Always study in short bursts.

For example, in a 3-hour learning session, you should have some 20-minute breaks in between so that you're learning for approximately 50 minutes before taking a short break.

Teach a friend if you have the opportunity.

If you have a colleague studying for the same LSAT, take some time during the shift breaks to learn something. Teach him/her the new concepts you just learned, and listen to what he/she knows. Alternatively, if you're working with an LSAT test prep tutor, try talking to them as if you were the teacher, and they can help you go over any areas you're struggling with. If you don't have someone to teach, lock yourself up in a room and pretend you're doing so. Teaching someone speeds up the learning process.

Take notes by hand.

This will help you to comprehend the content better and even boost your concentration. Using a laptop can be fast, but this often leads to mindless transcription with many distractions, such as Instagram alerts.

Know the best learning hours.

Studying on a hot summer afternoon can make you sleepy; going directly into your books after waking up may not help either. It's recommended to look for an hour or two after waking up. You can use study naps between continuous learning sessions if you're comfortable with study naps.

Timetabling

When it comes to budgeting your time, we have two recommendations. Feel free to adjust the reading hours and even the days, provided you hit a target of 15 weekly study hours for 4 months. You can choose 20 study hours per week for 3 months if you have a more flexible schedule.

The first option (15 hours per week for 4 months)

  • 2.5 hours per day, Mon-Thurs
  • 5 hours on Saturday
  • 0 hours on Friday and Sunday


The second option (20 hours per week for 3 months)

  • 3.75 hours per day, Mon-Thurs
  • 5 hours on Saturday
  • 0 hours on Friday and Sunday
If you enjoy a decent social life and want to get out with friends on a Friday night, these schedules still have you covered. You just don't want to party all night since you'll have to compromise the next day's plan.