Five BIG LSAT Mistakes

I thought it would be helpful to share five of the top mistakes made by individuals who are preparing to take the LSAT:

1. Not allowing enough time to prepare.

This may be the single biggest problem faced by those preparing to take the test. The LSAT is a very learnable test, meaning that much improvement can occur by taking an LSAT preparation course. Even those who have excelled on the SAT, AP, IB, and other standardized tests without much preparation must prepare or fail. The LSAT is a skill-based exam (analytical reasoning, reading for argumentative structure, logical reasoning, reading comprehension, etc.) and not a curricular knowledge-based exam like most other standardized tests which exist. Students must prepare in order to succeed.

Students who do not allot enough time to prepare many times do so by forcing themselves into taking the test in an earlier administration than is necessary. Click here for more information on when to take the test. Many students also “prepare” for a significant amount of time but in reality have not put in as much focused preparation time per day as many others who are preparing for the test. This mistake can be avoided by enrolling in a test preparation course which provides guided practice schedules and expectations for each student.

Additionally, individual practice time outside of test preparation coursed must be quality and not wasted. Sacrifices must be made in order for an individual to train their brain to succeed on the LSAT. I remember taking LSAT preptest 39 instead of watching the first three quarters of the BYU-Oklahoma football game. While in the short term such sacrifices hurt, in the long run I was rewarded with a score which helped me get into a top-five law school.

2. Focusing too much preparation time on one section.

Everyone has a section which is comparatively harder to them than the other sections of the test. However, all sections in the LSAT must be given attention if one is to succeed on test day. While it seems that a large portion of test takers struggle most on either the logic games or reading comprehension sections, remember that missing five on each of the two logical reasoning sections is like missing ten on logic games or reading comprehension.

Also, just because you are succeeding on a particular section does not mean that you can stop paying attention to it. I did not miss a point on nearly twenty logic games sections in a row. Eventually, I stopped reviewing my logic games answers. Before the actual test, I was surprised to see that I had missed two questions on two logic games sections in a row during practice. Instead of reviewing my mistakes and finding solutions to my deficiencies, I dismissed these tests as flukes and refused to practice more on logic games. I was then surprised to see that I had missed two points on logic games on my actual LSAT because I had not corrected my logic games mistakes. Neglecting logic games toward the end of my preparation likely cost me tens-of-thousands of dollars in scholarship money.

3. Not adequately reviewing completed tests.

One of the best tools one has in preparing for the LSAT is the problems they’ve missed on previous tests. Each problem you’ve missed stands as a snapshot into your individual weaknesses. Review every problem you’ve ever missed. Try to write down why you missed each problem in the margin near the problem. If you aren’t sure why you are missing particular problems, consult your test prep instructor. Look for common deficiencies you’ve shown in the problems you’ve missed and develop ways to improve in these areas.

4. Not seeking the help of others.

No man is an island. Test preparation course instructors can be very valuable in identifying individual weaknesses within their students and helping them improve. Also try to meet with other students who are preparing for the LSAT in your preparation course, or will be taking the test at the same time that you will be. It is extremely helpful to take proctored tests and discuss previous practice exams in such groups. Make sure to also keep in regular contact with your family and friends while you prepare. The encouragement of my wife was essential to enduring through months of preparation and having the confidence to succeed on test day.

5. Having a self-defeating attitude.

Initial test diagnostics tell little of the ceiling on one’s LSAT score. Practicing initially at a 145 does not procure you from achieving a 175 on the test. There are also those who initially test at a 160+ and stay the same or drop from their diagnostic on the actual test. Those individuals who have the positive mental outlook and faith to work diligently through months of preparation courses and individual preparation will find great success at the end of their preparation. Likewise, those who have no faith in themselves or label themselves as unintelligent or not able to improve will find their attitude to become a self-fulfilling prophesy. While I did horribly on my initial practice tests, I pushed forward and worked for months to get the score necessary to get into a top school. A positive mental outlook kept me going and focused during these times.