Do LSAT prep courses really help?

Asked by: Henriette Harvey  |  Last update: November 30, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (25 votes)

Studies show, however, that students who take a live study course perform 2-5 points better than students who don't. If at all possible, take a preparation course, as they can be very meaningful to your LSAT score. Even if you only get a two-point bump in your score, this investment is well worth the money and effort.

Is it worth it to take an LSAT prep course?

While an LSAT prep course can certainly help you study for the LSAT, you also need to put in the work to study and improve. Many students also use free and paid LSAT study materials, LSAT books and practice tests to help them prepare.

Are law school prep courses worth it?

If you feel pretty confident about the information you have gathered and have an efficient approach to law school, then you may not need a course. If you are looking to gather an exact step-by-step approach that is personal to you, then you may find a law school prep course to be more worth it.

Can you actually improve on the LSAT?

If you've sat for the LSAT multiple times, and have not seen much change in your score, you might think it's impossible to increase it, no matter how much you study. However, this is not true! We've had students increase their scores by 5-10 points on their third or fourth attempt at the LSAT.

Why are LSAT prep courses so expensive?

It's a way of making sure that if you buy the preptests alone, you buy them from LSAC. It's also a way of making sure that prep companies add real value such as explanations and training to go along with the preptests. Otherwise, they could not justify their higher price point.

THE BEST LSAT RESOURCES | How I Scored a 175

35 related questions found

How long does the average person prep for the LSAT?

We recommend that most students look to spend 150–300 hours on LSAT prep; that's a healthy range over a two or three-month period at around 20–25 hours per week, which is a standard amount for most students. Keep in mind that those hours include any classes or private LSAT tutoring sessions you might be using.

How effective is Khan Academy LSAT prep?

Overall, Khan Academy can be a great tool in performing well on the LSAT. Still, it may work even better if you supplement your prep course in studies with other study aids such as private tutoring, books, and other online prep courses.

How hard is it to get a 170 on the LSAT?

A 170 represents a percentile of 97.4%, meaning that test takers with a score of 170 have a score higher than 97.4% of all LSAT takers. So, that's pretty good! But what does it take to achieve that score? On the most recent LSAT, you would have to answer at least 89 out of 101 questions to receive a 170.

Should I keep a 145 LSAT score?

The median LSAT score is around 151-152, so 144-145 is significantly lower than this. As such, the majority of law schools will not accept scores below this.

How realistic is it to get a 170 on LSAT?

However, it is possible. Despite what many people believe, there is no trick or shortcut to getting a 170 or more on an LSAT score. Very few people can walk into the room on test day with very little or no practice and be able to score that highly. It takes a lot of hard work to be able to score up to 170 or higher.

What is the toughest year of law school?

Most students consider the first year of law school to be the most difficult. The material is more complex than they're used to and it must be learned rapidly. What's more, the way students are taught and tested is very different from high school or undergrad.

How many hours a day should I take the LSAT prep?

If take 5 months to study for the LSAT, you'd need to spend between 12 to 18 hours every week, on average. This means you'd need to spend between 2.5 and 3.5 hours a day studying, 5 days a week. If you are on an extended 6-month schedule, you only need to study a manageable 10 to 15 hours per week.

How many hours a week should you study for law school?

All in all, however, law students typically spend around 30 – 40 hours per week studying. That may sound like a lot, but a good rule of thumb is that you should be studying at least two hours for every one hour of class time per week.

Does the LSAT get progressively harder?

10: The LSAT becomes progressively harder throughout the test, so focus your concentration at an even higher level for the last few questions of each section.

How many LSAT prep tests should I take a week?

When you are ready to start taking practice tests, take the oldest tests first, reserving the most recent ones for the weeks leading up to the day of the test. Until you start approaching your target score, take 2—4 tests per week, as follows: Take 1—2 untimed tests per week.

What degree best prepares you for the LSAT?

Students with a math degree excel at critical thinking and logical reasoning, which is why they tend to have high LSAT scores — well above 160, on average. Also, the American Bar Association advises that pre-law students have a strong foundation in math and an understanding of financial math.

Is 158 a bad LSAT score?

As mentioned above, the average LSAT score nationally is a 152. Generally speaking, a score of 160 and above is necessary to guarantee admission into top-100 schools like Tulane, UC Hastings, or Case Western Reserve.

Is 159 a bad LSAT score?

The typical LSAT score for 2022 law school enrollees was about 159, but top programs require scores in the 170-175 range.

What is the lowest LSAT score accepted at Harvard?

Law schools generally require that you have specified minimum collegiate GPA and LSAT scores to qualify for admission. Harvard, Yale, and the other top five-ranked law schools require that you have a GPA of at least 3.50 and an LSAT score of 170.

What is the average LSAT score for Harvard?

Harvard Law is tied for #1 in terms of the median LSAT score (173) among those applicants granted admission who enrolled as full-time students.

Has anyone got a 180 on the LSAT?

Remember, the LSAT is one component of the application, and the definition of a good LSAT score depends upon your specific goals. While only 0.1% of test-takers get a 180, many more get accepted into law school each year.

What LSAT score do I need for a full scholarship?

It depends on what type of scholarship you're hoping to be granted. Needs-based scholarships don't require a high LSAT score. However, to be considered for a merit-based scholarship, it's wise to have a score close to 170.

What is the hardest section to improve on LSAT?

Typically test takers find Analytical Reasoning to be the most difficult section of the LSAT.

What is the hardest month to take the LSAT?

You'll look at my LSAT PrepTest Raw Score Conversion Charts and calculations of what it takes to get an LSAT score of 160 or 170. Using that data, you'll find that the December exam consistently has the easiest "curve," and the June exam consistently has the hardest.

What is a realistic LSAT study schedule?

In total, we recommend devoting about twenty hours per week for a period of three months (approximately 250 to 300 hours all together) as a good benchmark. Here are some tips for determining exactly how much time you should spend studying for the LSAT.