How to Choose an LSAT Prep System
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-My Recommendation- |
There are lots of options, and it's difficult to discern the best option for you when everyone out there claims to be the best. But if you want a simple, minimal risk, step-by-step plan of action, here's my recommendation:
Step 1: Take a Diagnostic Exams
First off, know thyself (i.e., know your baseline score)! Your baseline score is your starting score before you begin any prep program. Take a full-length diagnostic LSAT to figure this out.
Understand that your baseline score says NOTHING about how you'll eventually score on the actual LSAT. I've seen students with baseline scores as low as 137 improve by thirty-plus point and score in the 170 range, and students with baseline scores as high as 161 improve by just three points (164). Taking a diagnostic exam to get a baseline score is like taking a selfie or looking into a mirror before starting a workout program. It will be your launch pad from which later you can compare and see how much your studying has helped you improve. It will also help you immediately identify what areas of weakness you must focus on.
Many prep companies offer free diagnostic testing and/or consultation. You can totally take advantage of these services. Don't feel guilty about not signing-up after you've taken advantage of their service. It's like trying free samples at Costco - you don't need to buy it, if you don't like it. These services exist, in part, to advertise to you, so it's okay to sample and move on.
In the alternative, you can always take a test on your own. LSAC offers a free full-length diagnostic exam from June 2007.
Understand that your baseline score says NOTHING about how you'll eventually score on the actual LSAT. I've seen students with baseline scores as low as 137 improve by thirty-plus point and score in the 170 range, and students with baseline scores as high as 161 improve by just three points (164). Taking a diagnostic exam to get a baseline score is like taking a selfie or looking into a mirror before starting a workout program. It will be your launch pad from which later you can compare and see how much your studying has helped you improve. It will also help you immediately identify what areas of weakness you must focus on.
Many prep companies offer free diagnostic testing and/or consultation. You can totally take advantage of these services. Don't feel guilty about not signing-up after you've taken advantage of their service. It's like trying free samples at Costco - you don't need to buy it, if you don't like it. These services exist, in part, to advertise to you, so it's okay to sample and move on.
In the alternative, you can always take a test on your own. LSAC offers a free full-length diagnostic exam from June 2007.
Step 2: Self-Study
After taking a full-length diagnostic test, think about how much you need to improve to hit your ultimate score. Then gear-up to self-study.
When I say, "self-study," I mean acquire good LSAT prep books, build a realistic study schedule, and hammer away each day, each week, and each month. This is the absolute cheapest way to get started. The word "self-study" is a bit of a misnomer. Irrespective of which option you choose (class, tutoring, or online prep), you'll always be "self-studying" - no one can do the work for you. Remind yourself that the key to LSAT success is discipline.
I suggest that you stick with self-studying for at least two-weeks. Although most students don't see a noticeable score improvement until about a month into self-studying, the two week mark is a good place to self-reflect and honestly assess whether this is indeed the correct option for you.
When I say, "self-study," I mean acquire good LSAT prep books, build a realistic study schedule, and hammer away each day, each week, and each month. This is the absolute cheapest way to get started. The word "self-study" is a bit of a misnomer. Irrespective of which option you choose (class, tutoring, or online prep), you'll always be "self-studying" - no one can do the work for you. Remind yourself that the key to LSAT success is discipline.
I suggest that you stick with self-studying for at least two-weeks. Although most students don't see a noticeable score improvement until about a month into self-studying, the two week mark is a good place to self-reflect and honestly assess whether this is indeed the correct option for you.
Step 3: Get Frequent Pulse Checks on Your Progress
Periodically take more diagnostic tests under actual testing conditions to figure out where you stand.
If your self-study program has gotten you to the score you're looking for, AWESOME! Go in, take the real LSAT, and be done with it! Just be sure that you do plenty of practice runs using real LSAT exams before you go to take the test - you don't want to rely on the score results from fake exams.
If your self-study program has gotten you to the score you're looking for, AWESOME! Go in, take the real LSAT, and be done with it! Just be sure that you do plenty of practice runs using real LSAT exams before you go to take the test - you don't want to rely on the score results from fake exams.
Step 4: Consider Additional Options
If your score still isn't where it needs to be, consider getting outside expert help:
A) Enroll in an online program or an in-person classroom program.
B) Work with a one-on-one tutor to fine tune your testing skills.
It may be worth considering the "commodity" programs offered by mass-marketing companies. Most companies offer identical curriculum and training in both their online and in-person classroom courses. The major difference lies in two areas: 1) style of interaction and 2) price. Take a moment to think about which mode of communication, interaction, and learning style you prefer. Do you prefer to physically show up to a classroom full of peers, where you can interact with a living and breathing expert in the flesh? Or perhaps you prefer to stay put on your couch and learn from the comforts of your home as you go through the lessons at your own pace. The difference can be as simple as figuring out whether you're an extroverted person that derives energy and motivation through live human interaction OR an introverted person that thrives from having your own space and control over time. Also think about the price difference. In-person classes can be up to two-to-three times more expensive than online programs.
At this juncture, however, one-on-one tutoring is the most efficient and effective route. This is where the highly individualized nature of one-to-one tutoring really comes into play. Most students who self-studied find the "commodity" programs dull and repetitive. However, tutoring is focused, hyper-specific, and individualized to meet your need for improvement.
A) Enroll in an online program or an in-person classroom program.
B) Work with a one-on-one tutor to fine tune your testing skills.
It may be worth considering the "commodity" programs offered by mass-marketing companies. Most companies offer identical curriculum and training in both their online and in-person classroom courses. The major difference lies in two areas: 1) style of interaction and 2) price. Take a moment to think about which mode of communication, interaction, and learning style you prefer. Do you prefer to physically show up to a classroom full of peers, where you can interact with a living and breathing expert in the flesh? Or perhaps you prefer to stay put on your couch and learn from the comforts of your home as you go through the lessons at your own pace. The difference can be as simple as figuring out whether you're an extroverted person that derives energy and motivation through live human interaction OR an introverted person that thrives from having your own space and control over time. Also think about the price difference. In-person classes can be up to two-to-three times more expensive than online programs.
At this juncture, however, one-on-one tutoring is the most efficient and effective route. This is where the highly individualized nature of one-to-one tutoring really comes into play. Most students who self-studied find the "commodity" programs dull and repetitive. However, tutoring is focused, hyper-specific, and individualized to meet your need for improvement.
Step 5: Enjoy the Best Possible Score
If you follow these simple steps, then you stand the best chance of getting a high LSAT score.
Consider my personal LSAT program:
Consider my personal LSAT program:
If you feel that you’ll need a one-on-one tutor, plan in advance. The sooner you start looking, the more time you’ll have to find the right person (and the more guarantee you’ll have that he or she will be available to work with you).
I hope you found this guide helpful! As always, be sure to send me any questions or comments you have using the “contact” button above, and be sure to sign up for my free email list to get free weekly law school and LSAT prep updates, suggestions, and more!
Thanks for reading, and good luck with your prep!
David Yi
Founder, LSAT Freebies
I hope you found this guide helpful! As always, be sure to send me any questions or comments you have using the “contact” button above, and be sure to sign up for my free email list to get free weekly law school and LSAT prep updates, suggestions, and more!
Thanks for reading, and good luck with your prep!
David Yi
Founder, LSAT Freebies