PREPARATION TIME: How Long Will It Take?
FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE LENGTH OF AN LSAT COURSE
Since score increases are directly proportional to preparation time, we urge students to begin their preparation as early as possible. In general, students should begin preparing at least 2 months before their expected LSAT date. For example, a candidate sitting for the June 2022 LSAT should begin preparing no later than April 2022. Of course, it is best to give yourself 4 to 6 months to prepare for the LSAT, since it counts as much as your whole GPA.
Keep in mind that successful preparation is usually time consuming because you have to first invest in a theoretical model of the exam (the intellectual architecture of your approach) and then execute it until you achieve the score you need under timed circumstances, which requires long hours of testing. Such immersive testing is crucial for developing speed, focus, and familiarity with the format, hence, most of our students take between 25- 55 practice LSATs before sitting for the real exam.
Other relevant factors in determining when to begin prep are your starting score, your facility with the language and diagramming skills the LSAT requires, and your malleability (i.e., how quickly you pick up the methods).
Though it is not a perfect formula, give yourself about 1-2 weeks of preparation time for each LSAT point you hope to gain. Alternatively, one can base estimates of preparation time on the number of practice LSATs: Candidates generally need to take between 2 to 5 practice LSATs to effect 2-3 points of improvement.
Since each test taker's experience with the LSAT is unique, however, it may be impossible to predict how long you will need to reach your target score until you start preparing. Many of our students have achieved meteoric rises (i.e., 15 points or more) in a few weeks, while others have taken over 6 months to show a modest improvement (eg, 7 points). On average, students require two-to-six months to achieve 10-15 points of improvement.
Since score increases are directly proportional to preparation time, we urge students to begin their preparation as early as possible. In general, students should begin preparing at least 2 months before their expected LSAT date. For example, a candidate sitting for the June 2022 LSAT should begin preparing no later than April 2022. Of course, it is best to give yourself 4 to 6 months to prepare for the LSAT, since it counts as much as your whole GPA.
Keep in mind that successful preparation is usually time consuming because you have to first invest in a theoretical model of the exam (the intellectual architecture of your approach) and then execute it until you achieve the score you need under timed circumstances, which requires long hours of testing. Such immersive testing is crucial for developing speed, focus, and familiarity with the format, hence, most of our students take between 25- 55 practice LSATs before sitting for the real exam.
Other relevant factors in determining when to begin prep are your starting score, your facility with the language and diagramming skills the LSAT requires, and your malleability (i.e., how quickly you pick up the methods).
Though it is not a perfect formula, give yourself about 1-2 weeks of preparation time for each LSAT point you hope to gain. Alternatively, one can base estimates of preparation time on the number of practice LSATs: Candidates generally need to take between 2 to 5 practice LSATs to effect 2-3 points of improvement.
Since each test taker's experience with the LSAT is unique, however, it may be impossible to predict how long you will need to reach your target score until you start preparing. Many of our students have achieved meteoric rises (i.e., 15 points or more) in a few weeks, while others have taken over 6 months to show a modest improvement (eg, 7 points). On average, students require two-to-six months to achieve 10-15 points of improvement.