Study plan for taking the LSAT in October?

[gentrifiedgas]

I am getting ready to start studying for the LSAT in October, and wanted to know what a good way to start studying would be. I have bought the Prep Test books from LSAC, and am planning on doing plenty of practice tests, but also want to have a method to follow. What do you guys suggest?

[LawSchoolGuy]

Have you bought any other books besides the LSAC ones? Kaplan, Powerscore, Princeton Review, anything like that? Or is that what you're trying to figure out now?

[gentrifiedgas]

No, I've been looking around but there seem to be a LOT of different ones. I've heard good thinks about the Powerscore ones and the Kaplan ones (not so good about the Princeton Review ones). Any particular ones that you all would recommend?

[Ashley O]

The three Powerscore Bibles are the best books I know of. They should be your starting point as far as learning the methods and strategies. After that, use the tests to practice.

[Anne]

If you end up using the PS Bibles, then take a look at this study schedule: http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/using-the-powerscore-lsat-bibles-three-month-self-study-plan/

Good luck and happy studying!

[LawSchoolGuy]

The three Powerscore Bibles are the best books I know of. They should be your starting point as far as learning the methods and strategies. After that, use the tests to practice.

+1

[KaplanTeacherBecky]

A couple of things to keep in mind as you set up your study time:
Logical Reasoning is worth more than half of your score.  Reading Comprehension accounts for 25-27 points.  Analytical Reasoning/Logic Games counts the least (generally 23 questions).  You will want to work on all three areas, but always keep in mind where the biggest reward is for your time.
Second, use the practice tests to help you see where you need the most work.  Every student is different, but one thing stays the same.  Taking 10 tests, one after the other after the other after the other, does not tend to lead to large score improvements.  Take the time after each practice test to understand what issues you had, what questions gave you difficulty (either because you flat out got it wrong, or you guessed--even between two answers--and got it right, or because it just took way too long and prevented you from finishing the section), and how to get to the right answers more efficiently.  Do some targeted practice on those question types before taking another test.
Good luck!

[LSAT180]

I'm new here and just saw this post.  I too am beginning my study for the October LSAT - I'm excited about it!  I've done some studying before, but didn't get too far - this time I'm going for it and am aiming to excel.  I've spent the money on multiple resources - Powerscore, one Kaplan book, flashcards, and just a few test books.  I don't think doing tests over and over works either - I'm going to the heart of the matter this time and am going to learn HOW to do the games, puzzles, and questions, not just do them repeatedly without knowing where and why I go wrong.  If anyone is interested in an online study group for the Oct. 1st test I'd like to set something up - have a group here that's connected to a page on FB, a Twitter account, etc. so we can work on problems, talk out troublesome questions, and give each other support.

[LSAT Eliminator]

I'm new here and just saw this post.  I too am beginning my study for the October LSAT - I'm excited about it!  I've done some studying before, but didn't get too far - this time I'm going for it and am aiming to excel.  I've spent the money on multiple resources - Powerscore, one Kaplan book, flashcards, and just a few test books.  I don't think doing tests over and over works either - I'm going to the heart of the matter this time and am going to learn HOW to do the games, puzzles, and questions, not just do them repeatedly without knowing where and why I go wrong.  If anyone is interested in an online study group for the Oct. 1st test I'd like to set something up - have a group here that's connected to a page on FB, a Twitter account, etc. so we can work on problems, talk out troublesome questions, and give each other support.

A discussion forum like this one is kind of like an online study group

I will say that you have the right idea about taking tests: just taking them isn't that helpful. It helps some, but you are far better off reading strategy guides like the PS Bibles and then taking multiple tests. Learn what to do first, then learn how to apply it, then work on applying it faster and more accurately...

[BubbleTrouble]

After taking 2 tutors I realized that you can achieve a lot simply by taking tests on your own. All you need to do is spend few minutes on every question you got wrong and understand where your mistakes are.

[morris]

I agree that the PowerScore bibles are the best LSAT study aids. Any standardized test is really a game, you against them. Here is a good strategy to follow. As you get closer to the exam, you need to start timing yourself since time is your real enemy on the LSAT. You need to know when to "hold em and when to fold em" and not get tied up on one question.

LSAT Study Guide

[LSATWorld]

The problem is not only to make a study plan. The biggest problem is to follow it. If you find it hard to follow your study plan reward yourself for following it. Did a PrepTest, reviewed your mistakes - go out and buy something nice or watch a movie you like.

Remember that your "LSAT Endurance" should be as high as your "LSAT Ambitions". So practice, practice, practice!

[mispadloly]

After taking 2 tutors I realized that you can achieve a lot simply by taking tests on your own. All you need to do is spend few minutes on every question you got wrong and understand where your mistakes are.