---
title: 5 Keys to Successfully Studying for the LSAT
description: There are many ways to study for the LSAT effectively.  You can study on your own with prep books or online LSAT courses, take a prep class,  or hire a private LSAT tutor.
---

[Law School News and LSAT Strategy ](https://www.myguruedge.com/our-thinking/lsat-and-the-law-school-admissions-process)

# [5 Keys to Successfully Studying for the LSAT](https://www.myguruedge.com/our-thinking/lsat-and-the-law-school-admissions-process/bid/274153/5-Keys-to-Successfully-Studying-for-the-LSAT)

 Written by [Jayeeta Kundu](https://www.myguruedge.com/our-thinking/lsat-and-the-law-school-admissions-process/author/jayeeta-kundu) | April 30, 2013 5:57:00 PM Z

There are many ways to study for the LSAT effectively.  You can study on your own with prep books or online LSAT courses, take a prep class,  or hire a private LSAT tutor.  However, regardless of which option you choose, you should almost certainly be taking the below five steps to best prepare for the LSAT:

### 1. Take a timed, full-length practice test

- This is the best way to get a sense of your starting point.
- Your score does NOT matter, the point is to really assess yourself.
- This is the best way to see your strengths and weaknesses. 
    - Can you set up a logic game effectively?
    - Is time going to be an issue?
    - How well do you understand what the logical reasoning questions are asking?
- If you work with a tutor, a timed practice test serves as the basis of developing an effective study plan. 

### 2. Choose the right study materials – Official LSAC materials

- LSAC, the writers of the LSAT, have made the June 2007 test available for free. It’s downloadable here: [http://www.lsac.org/jd/pdfs/sampleptjune.pdf](http://www.lsac.org/jd/pdfs/sampleptjune.pdf) **** 
    - If you don’t have other LSAT materials already purchased, start with this test.****
- Use *real* LSAT prep materials published by the LSAC as much as possible.****
- LSAC’s The Official LSAT SuperPrep is the best book for getting solid LSAT advice and practice. ****
- PowerScore’s “Bibles” are a good place to build your foundation. ****

### 3. Create a study plan early in the process

- Start as early as possible!!
- A good study plan has at least 8 weeks of study time before your LSAT exam.
- Start by focusing on your weakest section and build your skills. 
    - Spend at least a week building your skills on this section before moving to the next area.
- Create an actual plan and STICK TO IT!
- Have a routine.

### 4. Once you’re comfortable with your foundation, take real LSAT exams.

- **LSAC publishes the following books with full-length Real LSAT exams:** 
    - 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests****
    - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests ****
    - The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests****
    - 10 New Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests****
- These are all real LSAT exams and LSAT questions.  This is the real thing, not “like” the real thing, as so many other LSAT study guides are.

### 5. Be REALISTIC!

- You can’t cram for the LSAT in a week, so don’t try. You’ll just be frustrated.
- You probably don’t have 10 hours a week to study, so don’t set up a plan that requires this.
- It’s better to study 30 minutes every day than have a weekly 5 hour cram session.
- Your score will improve with practice and time. Don’t expect miracles overnight.
- Any improvement is an achievement! Be proud of any increase in your score from week to week. 

[View full post](https://www.myguruedge.com/our-thinking/lsat-and-the-law-school-admissions-process/bid/274153/5-Keys-to-Successfully-Studying-for-the-LSAT)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Jayeeta Kundu"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2015-01-22T18:58:04.001Z",
  "datePublished" : "2013-04-30T17:57:00Z",
  "headline" : "5 Keys to Successfully Studying for the LSAT",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 400,
    "url" : "//cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/215486/file-31584406-png/images/lsat-test-study-tips.png",
    "width" : 580
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.myguruedge.com/our-thinking/lsat-and-the-law-school-admissions-process/bid/274153/5-Keys-to-Successfully-Studying-for-the-LSAT",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://215486.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/215486/web_big_stacked.bmp",
      "width" : 57.58985
    },
    "name" : "Law School News and LSAT Strategy"
  }
}
```