How to Choose an LSAT Prep System
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-Is LSAT Prep Worth the Money?- |
"Now you'd be nuts, and I mean nuts, to go naked into the night with the LSATs. Ask any dean or law professor whether they'd send their own child to an LSAT prep course, or encourage them to save the money. I think I know the answer."

Susan Estrich, the preeminent law professor, uttered pragmatic words quoted above. Her point is simple: the LSAT is very important, so don't mess around - even with money.
I agree in part yet (respectfully) disagree in part. She's absolutely right about you being NUTS to go into the LSAT cold and unprepared. As for how any dean or law professor would respond, I'd be curious to see whether they would respond the same IF they were making much less income - income equivalent to an entry level job straight out of college.
I agree in part yet (respectfully) disagree in part. She's absolutely right about you being NUTS to go into the LSAT cold and unprepared. As for how any dean or law professor would respond, I'd be curious to see whether they would respond the same IF they were making much less income - income equivalent to an entry level job straight out of college.
Can I prep for the LSAT without spending $1000+ on class or tutoring?
Absolutely!
Year in and year out, I personally help a number of students self study for the LSAT by helping them pick the right books and draft a rigorous prep schedule. But before you rush to buy prep books and jump into hermit mode, seriously ask yourself, "Is self-study truly the best option for me?"
While some students succeed at self-study, the ugly truth is that the overwhelming majority fail at it. Usually the cause of failure is lack of discipline and/or direction. Failed students end up spending more money and wasting more time because they eventually dish out the extra cash for class or tutoring.
Hopefully, you can be honest with yourself and save both money and time by picking the right option from the get go. That way you will also spare your tutor the pain of having to help you unlearn bad habits and nonsensical "strategies and tactics".
First off, figure out whether you are the type that can succeed at self study. Here are some helpful questions to consider:
If you answered "Yes!" to all or most of the questions above, then self studying for the LSAT is definitely worth a shot. Go for it!
Otherwise, it's a good idea to start looking into a LSAT prep system that works for you.
Year in and year out, I personally help a number of students self study for the LSAT by helping them pick the right books and draft a rigorous prep schedule. But before you rush to buy prep books and jump into hermit mode, seriously ask yourself, "Is self-study truly the best option for me?"
While some students succeed at self-study, the ugly truth is that the overwhelming majority fail at it. Usually the cause of failure is lack of discipline and/or direction. Failed students end up spending more money and wasting more time because they eventually dish out the extra cash for class or tutoring.
Hopefully, you can be honest with yourself and save both money and time by picking the right option from the get go. That way you will also spare your tutor the pain of having to help you unlearn bad habits and nonsensical "strategies and tactics".
First off, figure out whether you are the type that can succeed at self study. Here are some helpful questions to consider:
- The last time you bought an at home workout program that spans over a period of 60 to 90 days, did you get your money's worth and succeed at faithfully and totally completing the regiment?
- In college, you did all your readings on time, started your essays long before they were due, and NEVER procrastinated?
- Ever since a few months ago when you decided to eat healthier and/or save money by cooking from home, you have kept to your commitment?
- When you started the new (and totally unrelated to your expertise) long-term project, did you go to a DIY site and finish the project both satisfied and happy with the results?
- Did you self study for the SAT/ACT and succeed?
If you answered "Yes!" to all or most of the questions above, then self studying for the LSAT is definitely worth a shot. Go for it!
Otherwise, it's a good idea to start looking into a LSAT prep system that works for you.