You may have heard people call law school admissions a "numbers game."
There's certainly truth to that statement. U.S. law schools depend on the annual U.S. News & World Report's rankings for recognition and funding, and a school's LSAT and GPA median account for about 20% of that ranking methodology (U.S. News & World Reports).
Consequently, you're going to need an excellent LSAT score to get into the school of your dreams.
The Law School Admission Test, or LSAT, can be a daunting obstacle that stands between you and your legal education. However, it doesn't have to be.
This article will give you all of the expert tips and techniques for getting an excellent LSAT score.
What LSAT Score Do I Need?
You may be asking yourself, what makes a good LSAT score in the first place, and what score do I need?
Statistically, a "good" LSAT score is any score above a 152. A 152 is the average LSAT score, on a scale from 120-180.
One might consider an excellent LSAT score to be at or above 160, which is just at the 75th percentile. Others believe an outstanding LSAT score to be at or above 165, which is the 90th percentile.
Looking at these score distributions, you may notice that it becomes more challenging to improve on the LSAT as you score higher.
While there is only an eight-point difference between a 152 and a 160, only 25% of test-takers can improve by that much.
This is the secret to the LSAT. If you ignore strategy, then you won't continue to improve.
You should aim for the score that is at or above the most recent median LSAT of the school that you want to attend. This will significantly increase your likelihood of admission.
For example, if you want to attend a solid regional school, such as the University of California-Hastings, you will need to meet or exceed their LSAT median of 158.
However, if you have big law dreams, you might have your sights set on a T14 law school. T14 law schools are the schools that have historically ranked in the top fourteen spots of U.S. News & World Report rankings.
These include the law schools at Yale, Stanford, Harvard, and Northwestern, just to mention a few.
Admissions to these schools are much more competitive. Generally, to get into a T14, you will need an LSAT score of at least 168. That's the 95th percentile!
Getting into a T14 law school such as Harvard law school, where the median LSAT score is in the 170+ range, is extremely competitive.
Regardless of your goals, don't stress whether you'll be able to reach them.
Now that we've discussed what your target LSAT score should be, we can delve into the tips that are sure to get you there.
Take the Diagnostic LSAT Test
You need to know your starting point before you can dive into technique. You can do this by taking a diagnostic LSAT. You should take a diagnostic test about four to five months before your desired exam date.
Khan Academy has an excellent diagnostic LSAT that simulates actual testing conditions. To get an accurate diagnostic score, you should treat this practice test like the real deal.
Find a quiet spot where you will remain uninterrupted for three and a half hours. Have three sheets of scratch paper and two No. 2 pencils by you. Grab a water bottle in case you get thirsty, and make sure you've taken a bathroom break beforehand.
It's not uncommon to score in the 140s on your first try. If this happens to you, don't panic, and don't feel discouraged!
If you start studying months in advance, you will have plenty of time to improve with a dedicated study plan.
Get an LSAT Prep Course
Once you seriously commit to studying for the LSAT, you can self-study, or you can take advantage of an LSAT prep course or a private LSAT tutor.
There are plenty of LSAT prep courses available to guide you. To help you make a purchasing decision, check out our in-depth review of the best LSAT prep courses and the best LSAT tutors on the market.
Many of these LSAT courses include set study schedules based on your goals, availability, and starting point.
However, if you’re on a budget, or if you simply know your study habits best, you can still devise an excellent self-study plan.
No matter which study plan you choose, it is crucial that you mimic test conditions while you study. This means that you time yourself and put away all distractions, every time.
At the beginning of your LSAT studies, it’s best to get yourself acquainted with each test section individually. There are three sections:
- Analytical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
Logical Reasoning constitutes the majority of the LSAT, while Analytical Reasoning accounts for the least of it. Therefore, it’s strategic to first focus on perfecting Logical Reasoning, as this section will be the greatest factor in determining your score.
How to Ace the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section
Logical Reasoning tests your ability to recognize arguments. Usually, Logical Reasoning questions will ask you to identify flaws in an argument or missing components.
As you progress in your LSAT studies, you will recognize that each section relies on the same question types. In Logical Reasoning, there are generally twelve question types:
- Evaluate the Argument
- Flaws
- Inference
- Method of Argument
- Main Conclusion
- Necessary and Sufficient Assumptions
- Paradox
- Parallel
- Point at Issue
- Principle (Stimulus/Answer)
- Role of Statement
- Weaken
Here is an example of a real Logical Reasoning question from the LSAC:
Laird: Pure research provides us with new technologies that contribute to saving lives. Even more worthwhile than this, however, is its role in expanding our knowledge and providing new, unexplored ideas.
Kim: Your priorities are mistaken. Saving lives is what counts most of all. Without pure research, medicine would not be as advanced as it is.
Laird and Kim disagree on whether pure research
A. derives its significance in part from its providing new technologies
B. expands the boundaries of our knowledge of medicine
C. should have the saving of human lives as an important goal
D. has its most valuable achievements in medical applications
E. has any value apart from its role in providing new technologies to save lives
This question is a Point at Issue question. The best technique for answering this question and the majority of Logical Reasoning questions is to first answer the question yourself before even looking at the answer choices.
Evaluate the language that Laird and Kim use. At face value, Laird notes that "research provides us with new technologies that contribute to saving lives." Does Kim agree with this statement?
Kim does not comment on Laird's initial statement. Instead, she states, "Your priorities are mistaken."
This language immediately signals that Kim considers something to be of greater benefit than exploring new ideas. The correct answer choice will reflect this.
Therefore, the correct answer is (D). Laird and Kim disagree on whether pure research has its most valuable achievements in medical applications.
You may have been tempted by answer choices (A) or (C). This is a common tactic used in the Logical Reasoning section. Other answer choices will entice test-takers by appearing to be correct on the surface.
However, the argument does not indicate if Kim disagrees that research derives some of its significance from providing new technologies. In fact, for all we know, she might agree with that statement.
Similarly, we do not know if Laird thinks that saving human lives is unimportant. His position on this topic is never mentioned.
Don't overthink Logical Reasoning questions. They aren't trying to trick you. The correct answer will fully and completely answer or fill in the holes of the argument.
While we have only explored one question type, this strategy applies to every Logical Reasoning question.
Best Tips for the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section
1. Move quickly - Since you are timed, skip a question that you don’t understand. Your time is best served if you are answering questions that you will likely get correct.
2. Don’t leave any questions unanswered - Again, Logical Reasoning makes up most of the LSAT. Every question counts, so leaving a question blank is only guaranteed to hurt you.
3. Don’t overthink it - The argument will never leave you without the answer. Most arguments are more straightforward than you think. Trust your instinct!
How to Ace the LSAT Analytical Reasoning Section
Now we can move onto Analytical Reasoning. While every person is different, test-takers regard Analytical Reasoning as the most learnable section.
Each Analytical Reasoning problem provides you with a set of conditions. Your task is to infer an answer by using those conditions. It almost feels a bit like algebra.
Here is an example of an Analytical Reasoning question from LSAC:
Seven piano students- T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z- are to give a recital, and their instructor is deciding the order in which they will perform. Each student will play exactly one piece, a piano solo. In deciding the order of performance, the instructor must observe the following restrictions:
- X cannot play first or second.
- W cannot play until X has played.
- Neither T nor Y can play seventh.
- Either Y or Z must play immediately after W plays.
- V must play either immediately after or immediately before U plays.
If V plays first, which one of the following must be true?
A. T plays sixth.
B. X plays third.
C. Z plays seventh.
D. T plays immediately after Y.
E. W plays immediately after X.
Your first step in an Analytical Reasoning problem should always be to create a diagram using these techniques from Khan Academy.
Of course, if you create a diagram method that works best for you, use that. However, trying to solve an Analytical Reasoning question without a diagram is sure to confuse you.
If you run across an Analytical Reasoning question that uses long names instead of variables (Example: Theresa, Ursula, Vince, etc.), shorten them to their initials to keep things simple.
Best Tips for the LSAT Analytical Reasoning Section
Remember these essential strategies when battling the Analytical Reasoning section:
1. The questions towards the end of the section are more complex. You might want to tackle those first for the sake of time.
2. If you have time, you can always plug in each answer choice to test if its correct. That’s the great thing about Analytical Reasoning.
3. Always make a diagram.
How to Ace the LSAT Reading Comprehension Section
Last, we tackle the lengthy Reading Comprehension section.
Reading Comprehension consists of three passages on three different subjects: natural sciences, social sciences, and the law.
The only way to get better at Reading Comprehension is to practice reading all RC LSAT passages available to you.
The writing style found in Reading Comprehension is unlike anything you read in your daily life; they are dense passages with multiple ideas packed in.
It will also help to seek out articles on complex topics that take specific viewpoints. Peruse articles in The Economist, The New York Times, and Scientific American, among other similar publications.
There is no fail-safe plan for approaching Reading Comprehension. This section capitalizes upon a life skill that is honed through years of practice.
If you aren’t a huge reader, don’t lose heart. You can still use these basic strategies to improve your RC score:
Best Tips for the LSAT Reading Comprehension Section
1. Begin with finding the main point. It is not only essential to understanding the argument behind the passage; most passages include a question about the main point specifically.
2. Deduce the author’s perspective on the main point. Many passages will ask about the author’s thoughts, whether it is through their tone, or what they are most likely to agree with.
3. Identify the concluding point of the passage and its premises. Again, most RC passages will take a stance on an issue. What has the article argued? What evidence has the author presented to support their stance?
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the LSAT is a learnable test. You are sure to reach your goal score if you dedicate time and consistent effort to strategized studying. You might be pleasantly surprised by your success.
While each section of the LSAT has its proper tactics, some central principles will help you across the entire test:
Budget your time. Panicking will never help. If you feel stumped by a question, move on and come back to it at the end.
Always practice under actual testing conditions. Many test-takers find themselves highly pleased with their practice scores, only to be astonished by their final results. This happens because they weren't practicing under actual testing conditions, so their practice scores didn't reflect their true abilities.
Have fun! The LSAT can be a fun challenge. Yes, you should work hard to achieve your dreams. However, it would be best if you never worked so hard that you lose your excitement to attend law school.
Good luck!
