The Best Preparation Materials and Strategies for the LSAT

Preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) can be a daunting task, but with the right materials and strategies, you can achieve your desired score. Many young associates who joined my former big law firm took prep courses and scored significantly higher. In fact, my son went from a 163 to 173 after taking the test twice with the assistance of a prep course. If you're serious about acing the LSAT, enrolling in a prep course is highly recommended. Here, we will explore the best materials and strategies to help you succeed.

Why Not Take a Prep Course?

Many law firms, including my former big law firm, have seen the benefits of preparing with a dedicated course. These courses not only provide structured learning but also offer personalized feedback and test-taking strategies. Whether you're taking the test for the first or second time, a prep course can make a significant difference in your score. As my son and even his mother, a lawyer herself, demonstrated, enrolling in a prep course can help you improve your scores substantially.

Official LSAT Exams and Online Courses

One of the most critical resources for LSAT preparation is the official LSAT exams published by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Practicing with these exams is essential to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types. Additionally, I highly recommend the Velocity LSAT Prep online course. It offers an affordable and comprehensive package, with a discount code (LSATKILLS) that never expires. This course provides an 8-month membership, allowing you to prepare thoroughly if you need to retake the test. The materials taught in the course have proven effective, particularly in the game and logical reasoning sections. Velocities’ methods are so effective that I am amazed at how well they work!

Recommended Prep Books and Materials

For those who prefer self-study, the PowerScore LSAT books are well-regarded, especially for the logic games section. However, to ensure you cover all necessary areas, you should also purchase the official LSAC practice exams. Regular practice with these exams is crucial to improving your performance on the day of the test.

Comprehensive Preparatory Books

Regarding preparatory books, experts recommend the Kaplan and McGraw-Hill materials. These books provide a solid foundation for the exam and cover the essential skills needed for each section: logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, critical reading, and analytical writing assessment (AWA). However, while following these books, it's also important to have a right feedback and shortcut methods for particular question types, which a trainer can provide.

Personal Testimonial

Having studied US law for a year while preparing for the New York bar exam, I can attest to the importance of a structured prep course. Even with a solid understanding of common law systems, a course like Barbri was instrumental in my success. If you have a firm grasp of US law or the law of a country with a common law system, a prep course like Barbri or another reputable US bar exam prep course can provide all the material you need. Just make sure to follow their instructions and revise diligently.

Summary and Conclusion

To summarize, the following resources are highly recommended for LSAT preparation:

Official LSAT Practice Exams - Essential for familiarizing yourself with the test format and question types. Velocity LSAT Prep - Comprehensive online course with an 8-month membership and a discount code. PowerScore LSAT Books - Helpful for the logic games section. Kaplan and McGraw-Hill Materials - Useful for a comprehensive review of all LSAT sections.

With the right materials and a dedicated approach, you can effectively prepare for the LSAT and achieve the score you need to secure a place in law school.

Good luck!