Law School

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by PhoenixAzul

did you guys use any prep books? Any suggested reading? I got a couple practice test books and a couple "this is what the questions really mean" type of things.

Back in the day I used LSAT 180 and "10 Real, Offical LSAT Prep Tests."

[adpiucf]

PowerScore's Logic Games Bible and Logical Reasoning Bible, Nova's Master the LSAT and the "Next 10 Actual LSAT" from LSAC, as well as ordering the 4 most recently released tests are a good place to begin.

I also recommend TestMaster's prep course. If you sign up for a prep course, know that this registration does not mean you are registered for the LSAT. You register for the LSAT with LSAC.

Work your way through the bibles and then take an actual timed practice test. Don't bother with untimed tests-- those scores will reveal nothing. The released tests only comprise 4 sections and a writing sample. On test day, you will have an extra "experimental" section on any one of the three types of sections. When you take your practice tests, always add a fifth section from another old test so you get used to this format and learn to pace yourself.

Get a timer and cut the buzzer out. Time yourself. Take a 10 minute break after the third section.

If you have friends taking it, try to take practice tests together. Don't wear ear plugs-- they aren't allowed on test day. Call the testing site and see if they'll let you use the room where your test will be administered for a practice test. Definitely drive out to the site the week before and give yourself plenty of time to get there. Bring small bills and change for parking -- you never know.

Turn off your cell phone when studying-- the library is a good place to study. Starbucks is not.

OTHER: I recommend registering with the LSDAS now -- and getting your transcrpits and LOR's in now, so once the LSAT is over, all you have left to do is start selecting schools in your range and preparing your essays, instead of stressing about professors procrastinating and your transcripts getting lost in transit. For an idea of your chances with admissions check out: lawschooldiscussion.org, lawschoolnumbers.com and chiashu.com, as well as LSAC.org. The admissions process is largely a numbers game based on your GPA and LSAT score. Soft factors like extracurrculars and recommendations will help at schools where you're on the edge or in the middle of their accepted scores. If you're a longshot, get started on curing cancer now. Studying abroad or running the sorority bake sale doesn't matter much to these adcomms because so many of the candidates boast these in their applications, so involve yourself with some meaningful leadership and commnuity service opportunities.

[kddani]

I would suggest browsing through various books and picking 2 that seem the best to you. Don't spend a ton of money preparing for it... there's no use buying a ton of stuff you won't use. Start off with 2 books, if you feel you need more, go for it.

I personally would only recommend a prep course (which is a TON of money and a TON of work) if you really have problems with standardized tests and/or have been getting pretty low scores on practice tests (low, of course, depends on what your goals were). Or if you really have discipline problems in making yourself study.

LSAT does not test specific knowledge of material (like the Bar exam would... if you guys think the LSAT test is bad, wait until the bar), so there is only so much you can learn and only so much a class can teach you.

Practice is the best thing you can do for yourself.

[PhoenixAzul]

I typically do pretty well on standardized tests, my SAT/ACT/AP's all went really well. I just have to work on the diagram questions, they're really getting to me. I think that a realistic goal for me would be 160...with my GPA and what have you, I hope that will be enough to get me on my way.

Congrats on your scores and I appreciate the help.