Everyone who wants to be a lawyer, is interested in law school or has seen Legally Blonde knows this test is brutal and if someone tells me they like it I think they’re crazy but all things considered it is very important and once you finish it you’re so relieved.
The preparation is a huge part of why this test is so stressful but with the right prep course and proper time to prepare it’s not really as bad as it seems.
The key to mastering the LSAT is to master one section (getting them all of almost all correct) so if you don’t do as great on the other 2 sections, your score balances out. Also practice makes perfect so running the rest over and over timed really makes all the difference. When you’ve taken timed practice tests so many times the real thing won’t feel any different so the nerves and stress go away!
Prep courses now a days are virtual but I think they’re essential to learn the tips and tricks and tools you won’t get through self study. There’s so many options so just do your research on the options in your price range and that are tailored to your study needs!
For my personal experience: I took a 2 month prep course, TestMasters, and I really liked their live instruction classes because they really break down the test and each question type and the strategies to use for them in a concise, easy manner.
However location is important too, I started the prep course at home in Miami and finished it in Orlando as the fall semester began during the last few weeks of preparation for the exam. I much preferred the instructor in Miami and the location of the course as well. In Miami, the course was offered at the University of Miami School of Law campus, and in Orlando it was at a random hotel, and sometimes they’d switch it to a different hotel. A proper class setting was very important for me in being able to focus and truly grasp the material so make sure to check out the location of whichever prep course you choose to take.
That being said, the actual TestMasters materials are amazing and I loved not only having a work book and live instruction but also online lessons to go along with them for extra help or review. They also provide academic support online for additional question help and while I didn’t use it, I know it was a great source that was available to me had I needed it.
Another important factor in LSAT prep is your personal life, at least for me it was almost a full time job during the last stretch and once I was no longer working full time or when I wasn’t in class at the during the beginning of the semester, I lived in my school’s library. Truly take your time to study for this test and try to minimize distractions and outside factors during preparation.
The Do Not Disturb feature on my iPhone became my best friend (it still is now post test too).
It is important to tell your friends you won’t be as accessible to them for the next few months because trust me when study time is over for the day all you want to do is sleep, so much info so little time makes a brain fried.
Another big thing that helped me out personally so much was essential oils. They became another best friend to me, and I still love them. I would use a diffuser every day during studying at home or bed time to help me relax. And on practice test days and the real thing I mixed a few of my favorites together (peppermint and rosemary, and a little anxiety relief one) with olive oil and rubbed it on my temples, chest, back, behind my ears, neck, wrists, etc. to help keep me calm and focused.
And make sure you’re hydrating and getting plenty of sleep as well, this makes a huge difference, especially as you get closer to the test!
One important note I want to make before we go is that the LSAT is not everything. It’s not a make or break factor it’s just another measure to weed out applications and then used to determine scholarship money so worry more about doing your best and focus on having a stellar resume, a killer personal statement that shows the readers who you are and what you bring to the table and damn good recommendation letters. That’s the formula for a good law school application, but more on that in other posts!!
If you ever want more info or have more questions on the LSAT, my experience, tips and more, please reach out and I’d be more than happy to share!
Thanks for Reading!
xo Kayla
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