The LSAT is challenging, and most experts advise a three- to six-month study commitment for test takers getting ready for this rigorous exam. Preparation is crucial for the LSAT because, unlike many other standardized tests, it assesses how you think rather than how well you recall facts or content knowledge.
However, it is possible to study for the LSAT within four weeks and get the scores you need for law school with a committed schedule, a carefully organized study plan, and a lot of dedication. To learn more about what you'll need to do for a one-month LSAT study plan, this post covers the following topics:
- Who should attempt a four-week LSAT study program
- What a one-month LSAT prep schedule looks like
- What to do one week before the test
- Planning for the day before the LSAT
Best Options for One-Month LSAT Prep
While most LSAT experts recommend 200 to 300 hours of study and review for the test, everyone's skills, work and life commitments, and goals differ. Test takers who need to dramatically improve their scores, those with little exposure to logic and critical thinking strategies, and students with limited time for daily review may not do well with a one-month plan.
A one-month study schedule requires five or more hours of review and practice at least five or six days a week for test takers who want to boost their scores and feel confident about the format and timing constraints. Those familiar with logic, argument, and reading questions on the LSAT who can dedicate several hours a day to preparation may find that four weeks is all they need.
Preparing Your Plan
The first step to organizing your study plan is understanding the LSAT's format and section timing. Once you grasp what each LSAT section requires and the time limits involved, begin by taking a practice exam that simulates testing conditions. Compare your score with your preferred law schools' requirements and take a realistic look at your results.
If your scores are fairly close to your ultimate goal, a one-month study plan for the LSAT and a lot of hard work can help you get your desired results. If your scores are lower than expected, opting for a longer study plan is far more likely to help you improve your results. However, you can make a one-month study plan work with careful prioritization and significant effort.
What a One-Month LSAT Prep Schedule Looks Like
Once you have your initial LSAT practice test score, you'll need to evaluate your performance and find your strengths and weaknesses in the Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension sections and identify questions and concepts that prove difficult for you.
Grad Prep's LSAT study plans take a lot of the guesswork out of planning your study schedule, with a personalized plan targeting areas of difficulty based on your test's results. Prioritizing troublesome sections and incorrect answers is key to maximizing your study schedule and reaching your LSAT score goals.
For a one-month study plan, you should expect to study materials and review question strategies at least 20 hours per week. Grad Prep offers learner, practice, and simulation modes covering questions, offering explanations, and providing timed exercises for each section of the LSAT. The progress tracker also shows you exactly how far you've come and how much more review you'll need to do.
Take a timed practice exam each week or when you feel you've gained significant ground in your test-taking strategies. Mock exams are another way to track your performance, see how your scores have improved, and get comfortable with the timing restraints of each LSAT section.
How to Study One Week Before the Test
By the end of your third week of focused study, it's time to review your strategies and work through any questions that are still giving you trouble. At this point, it's also a good idea to practice your strengths to boost your confidence, revisit types of questions that gave you trouble in the past, and apply new methods to solve them.
You'll also want to take time to de-stress this week, especially if you've changed your schedule or dropped healthy habits while studying for the exam. Take some time to:
- Get Physical: Exercise or invite a friend to play a competitive game like tennis or basketball to get your brain out of study mode.
- Eat Healthy: Have easy fast-food meals and snacks invaded your diet during your study sessions? This week, get back to healthy habits with lean proteins and plenty of veggies.
- Take a Break: If you have some vacation time you can use this week, give yourself some time off to decompress before the LSAT.
- Sleep Well: If you've changed your sleep schedule or used quiet late-night hours to study, work on getting yourself back on track and ensure you get 8 or 9 hours of sleep every night.
Toward the end of this week's schedule, take some time to ensure that your testing environment adheres to the LSAT's protocols. First, get familiar with the ProctorU online testing interface by logging in to your account and watching their instructional videos.
Once you're comfortable with the interface, set up and test your webcam and microphone, if needed. Remove all prohibited objects, keep authorized items within reach, and ensure everything is in order before the test. Then, take a final simulated practice test under LSAT exam conditions and review your scores.
What to Do the Day Before the LSAT
You may be tempted to plan a schedule full of last-minute study the day before the exam, but giving yourself a break is a much better idea. Get up early, eat healthy meals, prep your lunch and snacks for the next day, and make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep.
Focus on self-care and be kind to yourself at this stage. Avoid alcohol or sleep remedies and any food that might upset your stomach. Spend time on your hobbies, read an inspiring story, or hang out with family and friends to take your mind off the LSAT. If you feel compelled to review the day before, limit yourself to practicing one or two questions or read up on effective test-taking tips.
Test Day Advice
On test day, give yourself plenty of time to prepare by waking up early, enjoying a healthy, hearty breakfast, and avoiding sugar and caffeine that could cause you to crash later. Make sure all your LSAT essentials are in place and that your testing environment is quiet, well lit, and ready to go before you begin.