The Dos and Don’ts of LSAT Test Prep: Common Mistakes to Avoid
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is critical for every prospective law student. As the gateway exam to your legal education, it tests your analytical reasoning, logical thinking, and reading comprehension skills—essential abilities for success in law school and beyond.
However, preparing for the LSAT can be overwhelming without a structured approach.
This 3.5-hour standardized test is only offered at few specific times of the year. Some law school admission teams care more about a good LSAT score than your overall GPA, so trust us: you don’t want to wing this test unprepared.
Score At The Top specializes in helping students prepare for critical exams such as LSAT. We know what works (and what doesn’t), and we want to share some of our LSAT prep knowledge with you.
Let’s examine the dos and don’ts and provide actionable advice on how to avoid common mistakes and impress law school admissions teams.
About the LSAT
The LSAT is a standardized exam required for admission to most law schools in the United States, Canada, and other countries. It’s administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and is a pivotal part of the application process. It’s also deemed the single best predictor for law school success.
The exam consists of several required sections:
Two logical reasoning sections
One analytical reasoning (or "logic games") section
One reading comprehension section
An unscored experimental section for testing new questions
Additionally, there is a separate LSAT writing sample, which is not scored but is sent to law schools as part of your application.
LSAT scores range from 120 to 180. The score reflects the number of correct answers, which is then converted to this scaled range to account for slight variations in test difficulty.
The median LSAT score is about 152, but elite law schools such as Sanford and Yale may look for scores in the high 160s or 170s. According to LSD, an applicant needs a top score of 169 to be in the top 10% of applicants.
As you can imagine, each point can make a significant difference in your competitiveness. So, what’s the best way to prepare? Let’s explore some of the top dos and don’ts.
DO: Start Preparing Early and Stay Consistent
Starting early is the cornerstone of effective LSAT test preparation. According to the Princeton Review, most students need to aim for 250 to 300 hours of LSAT preparation.
Ideally, you should begin studying at least three to six months before your planned test date. This timeline allows you to break the material into manageable sections and focus on consistent improvement rather than rushing through it.
Consistency is key. Create a realistic study schedule to prepare for the LSAT ー one that you can stick to, even with other commitments. Break your study sessions into smaller, focused time blocks to avoid burnout and ensure your brain absorbs the material.
For example, dedicating 2 to 3 hours daily, 5 days a week, is more effective at raising your LSAT score than cramming 10 hours into a single day of researching and writing notes.
DON’T: Procrastinate or Cram
Many students underestimate the complexity of the LSAT, assuming they can avoid putting time into preparing until right before the test date. This approach can (and likely will) backfire, as the LSAT is designed to assess skills that develop over time, not knowledge that can be memorized quickly.
Last-minute studying leads to stress, poor retention, and inadequate practice. Avoid this by setting realistic milestones and sticking to your study plan from the start. A gradual build-up of skills is far more effective than attempting to absorb everything at once.
Additionally, you can build an extra level of confidence through unlimited practice. It’s never too early to start!
DO: Take Full-Length Practice Tests
Taking full-length, timed exams under realistic testing conditions is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the LSAT. An authentic test interface familiarizes you with the real format and timing of the exam while helping you build mental endurance.
Plan to take a diagnostic test at the beginning of your LSAT prep journey to assess your starting point. From there, schedule regular practice tests—ideally, one every 1 to 2 weeks with instant scoring feedback.
DON’T: Ignore Your Performance Data
Taking practice tests is only half the battle; the real growth comes from analyzing your LSAT score results. After each paced and simulated exam, thoroughly review every question. Identify the types of questions you consistently miss and focus on those areas during your study sessions.
Ignoring your performance data or dismissing certain mistakes as "flukes" can prevent you from addressing underlying weaknesses. When you understand the patterns in your practice test history, you can develop targeted strategies to improve your LSAT score.
DO: Invest in a Commercial LSAT Prep Course
For many test-takers, a structured LSAT prep course can provide the tools and resources needed to succeed. These courses are designed to teach strategies, improve time management, offer simulated exam modes, and clarify complex question types.
At Score At The Top, our LSAT prep courses are tailored to meet your unique needs, whether you prefer one-on-one tutoring, small group sessions, or online resources for self-study.
Our experienced instructors provide invaluable insights into the test and offer personalized feedback to help you improve your baseline score. We also boast an extensive library of full LSAT resources to bolster your learning experience.
We especially recommend taking a commercial course if you’re getting a late start or have been scoring below the Median LSAT score on previous practice tests. Reach out to the test prep companies in your area to learn what’s available.
DON’T: Overlook Reasoning and Time Management
The LSAT heavily emphasizes logical reasoning, which accounts for nearly half of the test. Strengthening your skills in this area should be a priority. Practice identifying arguments, assumptions, and flaws in reasoning, as these are the foundation of many LSAT questions.
Similarly, time management is critical. John Hopkins University even states that the time constraints are what make the LSAT the most difficult.
Although 3 hours might sound like a lot, many prospective law school students struggle to complete all sections within the allotted time. Practicing under timed conditions is essential to develop a sense of pacing and simulate the test-taking experience.
DO: Develop a Growth Mindset
The LSAT is designed to challenge you, but every mistake you make during practice is an opportunity to learn more.
Adopting a growth mindset will help you stay motivated and avoid the frustration that can derail your progress. Celebrate small improvements and use setbacks as stepping stones toward your ultimate goal.
DON’T: Underestimate the Importance of Self-Care
Studying for the LSAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Neglecting your physical and mental health can hinder your performance. Make sure to prioritize sleep, eat nutritious meals, and incorporate regular exercise into your routine to keep your mind sharp.
Take breaks to recharge during long study sessions, and don’t hesitate to step away from your LSAT prep if you feel overwhelmed. A well-rested, focused mind will always outperform one that is fatigued or stressed.
In fact, a 2019 study found that sleep quality, duration, and consistency are associated with better academic performance in college students. As much as 25% of the variance in performance may be attributed to sleep measures, so get enough shut-eye!
DO: Familiarize Yourself with Test-Taking Strategies
Success isn’t solely about mastering content—it’s also about using smart strategies to approach the test. When you prepare for the LSAT, employ techniques such as:
Eliminating wrong answers: Narrowing down options increases your chances of guessing correctly.
Prioritizing questions: Answer the easier questions first and return to the more challenging ones later.
Reading actively: Engage with passages by underlining key points or summarizing them in your head.
Practicing these strategies during your LSAT prep courses or self study sessions will help build test day confidence.
DON’T: Compare Yourself to Others
Everyone’s LSAT journey is different. Comparing your progress or scores to those of other test-takers can create unnecessary stress and self-doubt. Remember that your test preparation is about achieving your personal goals and bolstering your law school applications, not meeting someone else’s standards.
Stay focused on your law school plan, trust your process, and seek support when needed. If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to a tutor, consider taking a commercial prep course, or join a study group guidance.
Prepare for the LSAT: Your Roadmap to Success
Preparing for the LSAT requires dedication, strategy, and patience. By starting early, focusing on your weaknesses, and using resources like official LSAT prep courses, you can significantly improve your performance.
Score At The Top is here to help you achieve your goals with guidance and proven strategies. Whether you’re just starting your official LSAT prep or looking to refine your approach to the LSAT writing section, our Florida courses and tutors will support you up until the big test day.
We specialize in helping test takers achieve success, regardless of their learning style, background, or experience levels. At our facility, you’ll gain access to an extensive array of quality test preparation resources, as well as in-person tutors and study groups.
Contact us to learn more about our LSAT prep courses and take the next step toward your future career in law.
