Ana Said:

Please give me advice on raising my LSAT score...?

We Answered:

For a long question I'll give a long reply :)

The best study approach depends on a lot of factors. I prepped with both books and a course, and both had value. I now teach LSAT prep classes, and I definitely see exactly what prep courses can do for you. So, I have a lot of thoughts on the matter :)

There are a couple of questions you have to ask yourself before making a decision on which route to take:

* What kind of studier are you? Can you motivate yourself, or does a more structured environment and study plan better suit you?

* What kind of time do you have for studying on a weekly/monthly basis?

Given that you need a 10 or more point increase, you have a few options: self-study with tests and prep books, take a prep class, or get personal tutoring. Books are cheaper but you have to do all the work, and you have to be motivated to study and a good self-learner. Courses are more expensive, but they give you a lot of material and provide a schedule and study plan for you. Tutoring is the most expensive, but it is completely personalized and focused solely on your needs, with someone there to help you at every turn.

If you go the book route, these were the three best prep books I used:

1. PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible (http://www.powerscore.com )
2. PowerScore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible
3. Kaplan LSAT 180 (http://www.kaplan.com )

You will need to practice what you are learning, so get actual tests from Law Services (the people who make the test and who are behind http://www.lsat.com ). If you don't have them already, these are the three cheapest ones, each is $30:

4. The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
5. 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
6. 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests

If you work through the first three books, you would be in pretty good shape in terms of strategies, and then do a ton of the tests from the second group of books. Try to take at least one test a week if you can. The only real trick to studying is to put in a lot of hours and to take a lot of practice tests. Getting familiar with the test format and your own strengths and weaknesses will make you as comfortable as possible on test day.


Given that you need a double-digit increase, strongly consider taking a prep course or getting personal tutoring.

The main benefits of a class are that:

A. They lay out the strategies for you so you don't have to figure them out on your own. You also have a source to go to when you have questions or need help.

B. They provide plenty of study material, and that material is directed in a particular way.

C. They structure your preparation in a way that self-studying cannot.

D. You meet other people in the same position you are in, and it helps to have friends who can motivate you to study.

Do the classes help? Like a lot of things, part of it hinges on whether you put the time in. I took a PowerScore class and I ended up scoring well. I do know that I worked pretty hard, though. Whatever class you choose, find a class that uses a lot of real LSATs and find out who your instructor will be. Try to get someone with a lot of teaching experience and a high score. Having a good instructor makes a big difference.

Regardless of what approach you use, you have to study a huge amount of time to lock down a high score. Just be prepared to clear your schedule for it as much as you can.

Good luck!