1. Start Studying Early
My parents pushed me to study a year before I actually took the LSAT. I bought some books, practiced some sections the year before, however I did not fully commit to it and honestly wasn't that serious about it. I thought it was over the top to start that early. However, after taking the LSAT, I do regret not getting serious about it sooner.
You may not need to study a year in advance, but I would say you need more than two months. If I could go back, I wish I would've started seriously studying for the LSAT in about 4-6 months in advance.
2. Study Effectively
The first time I took the LSAT, I used the LSAT Trainer, along with some practice test. Again, I procrastinated really studying and wasted time trying to figure out a study schedule, without actually studying enough. I did like the set up of the LSAT Trainer, however I think it wasn't the best format for me. A week before my first LSAT I watched some live Kaplan lessons that we're being hosted for free and really liked that format.
After receiving my first LSAT score, I decided to retake, but this time invest in the Kaplan study plan. I signed up for the live online plan, which included books, access to an online library of pre-recorded video lessons, a live-streamed weekly class with my own teacher, and a strategy sheet. This format worked really well for me. I liked the live instruction, structured lesson plan, and the ability to ask questions. However, I do think I needed more time that the duration of the class to absorb all the newly learned strategies - which Kaplan allows you to retake the class again, if you don't feel prepared yet or aren't happy with your score.
My score didn't reflect the advantages of Kaplan as it should have because of certain circumstances on test day - but if nothing else, I felt WAY more confident walking into test day after the Kaplan program than I did the first time I took the test.
3. Strive To Take It Once
You don't want to retake this test - trust me. I think the reason why I didn't take it that seriously the first time is because I knew I could retake it. Don't rely on a retake. You want to really put all your energy into preparing for it the first time, so hopefully you can take it once and be done. Also, the test is like $180 so you don't want to give another almost two-hundred dollars to LSAC if you don't have to.
4. Don't Rush to Take the June/September LSAT
I was basically rushed to get my applications in as early as possible - don't be. Yes, it's good for you to get applications out of the way early IF you can and IF you're ready. But, you don't have to take the June LSAT and immediately apply in September when applications open. From what I saw, applying in September vs. February doesn't really make a difference if your September score is lower than the score the school wants to accept.
I applied earlier than most people, but for the schools I was waitlisted for, there were students who took the LSAT later than I did and applied several months behind me, who got accepted before I got off the waitlist. DON'T RUSH to get your application in if you're not ready.
5. Take Many Practice Tests, But Be Smart
I used the 10 Actuals books and actual past administered LSATs supplied by Kaplan as my practice test. I believe that taking practice test builds endurance and is the best representation of what you will see on your test day. However, do not take practice test, after practice test if you don't have a good strategy for each section.
Before Kaplan, I didn't really have any strategies for any of the problems. I couldn't really tell you what is a sequencing logic game or a distribution logic game, nor how to exactly approach either. I was basically taking the test blindly, hoping that I guessed it right. That is not a good strategy for test day and really not a strategy at all. I think taking practice test, after practice test without any strategies served as a disadvantage to me; even when I did the Kaplan program, it was harder than it would've been if I started from a clean slate.
So, as you can see there are many things that I would've changed about my own LSAT experience, so take my advice for it now! However, I am no expert and different things work for different people. If nothing else, just take my word for it when I say that the LSAT is the most important part of your application. It sucks, but it's the only way schools can level the playing field, because a 4.0 GPA at a smaller college vs. a 3.5 GPA at Harvard cannot be weighed on the same scale.
This is basically my first attempt at a post, so please send constructive criticism if you have any. Also feel free to ask questions about the LSAT, my experience with Kaplan, etc.
Good Luck!!
Basically Legally Blonde.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the products and services mentioned in this post.
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