Is Law School in Your Future? 3 Tips to Help You Ace the LSAT

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Do you plan on going to law school in the future? If you do, there are some tips to help you ace the LSAT and get into the law school of your dreams.
 


1. Undergrad Classes to Take and Outside Class Activities


As an undergrad student, it is important to take courses that will help you prepare to study law. While law schools don’t require a specific degree, some recommended majors include:

  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • English
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • History
  • Criminal Justice


You want to find a field that fits your interest, and you want to pursue further. Consider a degree that focuses on writing, comprehension, and logic to help you prepare for a future in law.


In addition to taking undergrad courses, you will want to have interests outside of class. Law schools want to see a well-rounded student who is passionate about what they pursue. You might want to find a job as a legal assistant in a local law firm or volunteer at a law-related place.


Look into joining extracurricular activities to help you as a future lawyer. Join the debate team, which will help you as a prospective lawyer by developing strong communication skills and how to form decisive arguments. See if your college has a pre-law society. This organization will help you prepare for law school by having law-related activities on campus like mock trials, negotiation workshops, and cross-examination exercises. Or think about joining the student government to help with your leadership skills, become respected by your peers, and show tangible results on your law school application. No matter what activities you partake in during undergrad, commit, and stick to it.


2. What is the LSAT is and What is on the Test


The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a half-day, standardized test that is explicitly designed to assess critical skills needed for success in law school. These skills include reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. The test is required for admission into law school and is administered six times a year.


The LSAT consists of multiple-choice sections that take 35-minutes each to complete, including one experimental section that is unscored. The exam is comprised of:

  • Logical Reasoning is worth 50% of your total score and tests your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments by having you read short passages and answer a question about each one.
  • Reading Comprehension is worth 27% of your total score and tests your ability to make sense of dense and unfamiliar prose. You will need to understand the passages’ structure, purpose, and various points of view, rather than the facts.
  • Logic Games is worth 23% of your total score and will test you on basic logic, systems of order, and outcomes. These analytical reasoning questions ask you to make deductions from a set of statements, rules, or conditions.
  • Experimental Section is a wild card and is used by the test maker to see how questions will perform on future versions of the LSATs.
  • The writing sample is not scored by will be sent to law schools along with your LSAT score. The essay is frequently used as a comparison tool to confirm your personal statement or help choose between two relatively equal candidates during admissions.


When it is time to register for the LSAT, keep in mind that you want to allow enough time to study and prepare adequately. You can register up to a year in advance, which will help you to secure the test date and location of your choice.


3. How to Study and Prepare for the LSAT


When it is time to study and prepare for the LSAT, you will want to begin by setting up a study schedule. Sticking to a schedule will help you master grammar and logic. Grammar is the language of law, and the LSATs will use it to try to mislead you. The LSAT tests your ability to analyze and decipher complicated sentences. Once you understand what the questions and answers say, you will need logic to understand how things play out.


As you prepare for the LSAT, you will want to purchase a study guide and study materials. As you study for the test, make sure to take practice tests. The more practice tests you take, the better prepared you will be on test day. Since the LSAT is timed, you will want to prep for the LSAT by taking timed practice tests.


As you take practice tests, you will want to review your answers before you grade your practice test. Do what is called a “blind review,” whereas you take your practice test, you will want to circle the questions you are unsure of. Once you’re done with the test, take your time and go over each question, without looking at the answer. When it comes time to mark your practice test, you will have your real score and your blind score. If your blind review score is low, then you need to work on your grammar and logic. If your blind review score is high, then you need to work on your speed.


Consider joining a study group or finding a study partner. A study group allows you to learn from others who are taking the test and gain insight into other ways to study and prepare for the test. Or sign up for a prep course either online or in person. Prep courses are a great way to learn how to read the questions on the test and deduce the right answer.


Before you can apply to law school, you need to make sure you ace the LSAT. Start by taking the right undergrad courses, then properly study and prepare for the test. Doing well on the LSAT is an excellent indicator that you will get into the law school of your choice.

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