How do you study for the LSAT?
Start with a timed practice test to find your baseline, then study by question type, not by the hour. Learn Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension one skill at a time, untimed first and timed later. Log every miss, and take a full test every week or two. Most people plan two to four months.
The LSAT tests reasoning, not facts, so reading more helps little. The score moves when you do real questions and understand why each wrong answer is wrong. Since August 2024 the scored test has three sections: two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored experimental section. Logic games are gone.
Use official questions wherever you can. LSAC, the test maker, offers free official practice tests on its LawHub platform. Check the LSAC site for what is free right now. Plan on two to four months of steady work, and give yourself more time if your first score is far from your target.
| Part | Details |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 2 scored sections, 35 minutes each |
| Reading Comprehension | 1 scored section, 35 minutes |
| Experimental section | 1 unscored section, looks like the others |
| Scoring | 120 to 180 |
- 1Take a timed official practice test to get a baseline score and see which question types cost you the most.
- 2Set a target score and a test date, then split the weeks into learning, drilling and full-test phases.
- 3Learn one Logical Reasoning question type at a time, such as flaw, strengthen or weaken, with no timer at first.
- 4For Reading Comprehension, sum up each paragraph in a few words before you look at the questions.
- 5Keep a miss log: the question, your answer, why it was wrong and the rule you will use next time.
- 6Add timing slowly, then take a full timed test every one to two weeks and redo your weakest types.