NO, unfortunately we can't all be Elle Woods and just decide to take the LSAT and end up with a 179.
If I followed Elle Woods’ journey in her LSAT studies, I probably would’ve gotten a score so low I wouldn’t have gotten in ANYWHERE. Shorty neglected taking a class with a tutor, started studying mad late, and somehow ended up with a top score.
But let me tell you what you should do instead:
Give yourself time
When it comes to the LSAT, it’s a pretty important test. It’s not like the SAT where you can just get up one day and simply take it. It’s usually suggested to take about 3-6 months to study. From my own personal experience I tried to do it in 2 months, but I would recommend doing it in 3. You have to feel comfortable. If you’re not ready to take it yet, it’s okay. Wait a little longer and get that studying in! I started studying in May and kept with it throughout the summer.
Yes, I’m sorry to tell you but it’s true what they say. Studying for the LSAT is hard and time consuming. Don’t get me wrong, I did have a summer still but it revolved around my 4 hours of studying for the majority of the week along with class.
Take a class or get a tutor
Don’t have your sorority sisters aiding you like Elle Woods. Taking a LSAT course is extremely helpful. I can’t stress that enough. A class can teach you strategies that are crucial for getting through the exam for the three sections: Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Logic Games (Analytical Reasoning). These three sections appear only once for the flex test, which is the new LSAT due to COVID. Not sure if they’ll ever get back to the original structure with 2 sections of LR, 1 LG, 1 RC, and then an experimental section which could be either one of the three. 5 sections total, a longer test.
The class I took was from Kaplan and I honestly don’t think I would’ve gotten my score without their assistance. They helped me with time management, question types and strategies for both the test and the accompanying LSAT Writing. I learned a lot that I wouldn’t have known with just a LSAT book.
Focus
When it comes to focusing, it is imperative that you do study consistently. As much as I would’ve wanted to mess around and enjoy my whole summer, studying had to come first. I couldn’t go on all the trips I wanted, which is okay because it paid off in the end! For me, I ended up studying in the summer. It’s recommended because I didn’t have school work on top of my studying. I did however study after I took the LSAT when I realized I had to retake it for the score I wanted. And let me tell you, it was ROUGH. My semester coursework AND my LSAT studies together, I wanted to put my head in the gutter. It can be done though, I just wouldn’t suggest it.
Throw away the distractions. When you’re studying, make sure it’s just studying. Close the door, set up a little study space, and grind. Nothing’s more annoying than when I was taking practice tests and my family would try and call me. Turn the phone off, I mean I learned my lesson lol. Pick a time where you can really focus whether that’s in the morning or at night which goes into ROUTINE!
Set up a routine
Because studying for the LSAT is long, make a game plan. Mine consisted of studying most days from 12-4 or sometimes 3. Yup, I studied 4 hours. I realized this wasn’t working for me because those are prime hours for brunch or lunch and just doing stuff. I moved my time frame up and started studying from 9-1. After that I would workout and go on about my day. I’m usually a night owl, but I realized it was better to study in the morning so I could still have the rest of the day to do whatever. It’s also recommended to study 15-20 hours per week.
I studied 3-4 hours everyday with a break on Saturday and class on Sundays. My routine consisted of studying with a 10-15 min break maybe once or twice throughout my session. Incorporate breaks in your routine. Always have at least one day off where you do NO LSAT work. Trust me it’s helpful, your mind needs a break
Don’t get discouraged
Remember, you’re about to start your law journey. Be proud of yourself. The amount of work you’re putting in is definitely going to pay off. I understand how easy it is to get frustrated. But when that happens, take some time away. Fatigue happens. Sometimes you’re just not in the headspace to study, so don’t. You’re not going to really learn unless you’re focused. SO if you’re not in the right frame of mind, take some time for you. I eventually had to take an entire week off from studying because of how frustrated I would get with myself. A week sounds long but it helped me reenergize so I could go back in with a fresh outlook.
I know it’s hard, it’s stressful. That’s the reality of this process and when you’re applying to schools. But you are making such progress by just studying! It might not seem that way, but it’s the truth. You’re going to look back and be like, “yea, I DID that.” BECAUSE YOU DID!
Do your research, follow these tips, and study hard! You got this and I wish you the best of luck on your law journey!