Boris Ignachkov Whether you have 2 months, 3 months, or 6 months to prepare for the big test, this article will help you create the best LSAT study plan schedule. Before we start, it’s important to remember that the key to creating this schedule should be flexibility and tailoring it to your life. A “perfect” schedule that works for someone else doesn’t mean that it will suit you. Below, we will give you the tools and examples so that you can create a study plan that is personalized to you.
What is an LSAT Study Plan?
An LSAT study plan is a structured approach to preparing for the Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections of the LSAT. Think of it as your personal game plan, personalized to your strengths and weaknesses. A good study plan helps you manage your time effectively, focus on areas that need improvement, and build confidence as you progress. A good study plan will include a mix of practice tests, targeted exercises, and review sessions.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, so your plan should be flexible and adaptable to your needs. With a solid study plan, and finding the best way to study for the LSAT, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the LSAT with confidence!
Examples of LSAT Study Plans For You
Below, you will see examples of study plans for 2-month, 3-month, and 6-month periods. Look, we are realistic when creating these examples because you do not need 2 years to study for the LSAT, nor can you fully prepare in just a few weeks (unless you are a genius), neither should you ever take the LSAT without studying. We also try to mix the variety of different materials that you can use; of course, you are not limited to using what we are suggesting.
2 Month LSAT Schedule - Intensive Plan
This intensive plan requires a significant time commitment, increasing from about 40 hours in the first week to 70-75 hours at peak practice. It's designed for full-time and dedicated study. The plan allows for a targeted focus on weaker areas while building overall test-taking skills and endurance.
Week 1: Foundation Building
Hours Required: 40-45 hours
Overall Goal: Establish a baseline and begin Logical Reasoning mastery
- Take the initial diagnostic test
- Begin PowerScore Logical Reasoning Bible, 2-3 chapters per day
- Daily practice: 1-2 timed Logical Reasoning sections
- Review mistakes and redo games until perfect
- Start reading dense non-fiction articles daily for RC practice
Week 2: Logical Reasoning Focus
Hours Required: 45-50 hours
Overall Goal: Deepen Logical Reasoning skills
- Complete PowerScore Logical Reasoning Bible
- Start 7Sage Logical Reasoning curriculum
- Begin Loophole in Logical Reasoning, 1 chapter every 2 days
- Daily practice: 3 LR sections
- Continue reading dense non-fiction articles
Week 3: Balanced Approach Introduction
Hours Required: 50-55 hours
Overall Goal: Develop a balanced approach to all sections
- Continue 7Sage LR curriculum
- Progress through Loophole in Logical Reasoning
- Introduce focused Reading Comprehension practice
- Daily practice: 1 section each of LR, and RC
- Weekend: Full practice test, followed by thorough review
Week 4: Skill Reinforcement
Hours Required: 55-60 hours
Overall Goal: Reinforce skills across all sections
- Complete 7Sage LR curriculum
- Continue Loophole in Logical Reasoning
- Increase Reading Comprehension practice
- Daily practice: 1 section each of LR, and RC
- Weekend: Full practice test, analyze performance trends
Week 5: Intensive Practice
Hours Required: 60-65 hours
Overall Goal: Increase practice volume and identify weaknesses
- Complete 1 full practice test every other day
- Thorough review of all mistakes
- Focused practice on identified weak areas
- Continue daily section practice
- Continue reading dense non-fiction articles
Week 6: Targeted Improvement
Hours Required: 65-70 hours
Overall Goal: Address weaknesses and build test-taking endurance
- Complete 1 full practice test daily
- Thorough review of all mistakes
- Focused practice on weakest section
- Continue reading dense non-fiction articles
Week 7: Peak Practice
Hours Required: 70-75 hours
Overall Goal: Maximize performance and fine-tune skills
- Complete 1 full practice test daily
- Thorough review of all mistakes
- Timed section practice focusing on weak areas
- Implement advanced strategies for each section type
Week 8: Final Preparation
Hours Required: 50-55 hours
Overall Goal: Maintain skills and prepare mentally for test day
- Continue daily practice tests
- Review only missed questions to avoid burnout
- Create and stick to a test day routine
- Last 2 days: Light review, watch motivational law-related movies
- Day before test: Complete rest, no LSAT work
3 Month LSAT Schedule - Balanced Plan
This gradually increases the workload from about 25-30 hours in the first week to a peak of 50-55 hours before decreasing in the final week. It emphasizes consistent practice, thorough review, and a balanced approach to both the Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections. The plan includes materials from the Princeton Review and the Loophole method while also emphasizing the importance of regularly reading complex nonfiction. Remember to stay flexible and adjust based on your progress and needs.
Week 1: Foundation Building
Hours Required: 25-30 hours
Overall Goal: Establish baseline and introduce core concepts
- Take initial diagnostic test
- Begin Princeton Review LSAT course, focusing on test overview and basic strategies
- Start Loophole in Logical Reasoning, covering 1-2 chapters
- Begin daily practice of reading dense non-fiction articles for RC preparation
- Complete 2-3 untimed Logical Reasoning sections
Week 2: Logical Reasoning Basics
Hours Required: 30-35 hours
Overall Goal: Develop foundational Logical Reasoning skills
- Continue Princeton Review course, focusing on Logical Reasoning question types
- Progress through Loophole in Logical Reasoning, 2-3 chapters
- Complete 3-4 timed Logical Reasoning sections
- Review and analyze all mistakes in detail
- Continue daily reading of dense non-fiction articles
Week 3: Reading Comprehension Introduction
Hours Required: 30-35 hours
Overall Goal: Introduce Reading Comprehension strategies
- Focus on Reading Comprehension in Princeton Review course
- Complete 2-3 timed Reading Comprehension sections
- Continue Loophole in Logical Reasoning, 2-3 chapters
- Practice active reading techniques on dense articles
- Review and analyze all mistakes in both LR and RC sections
Week 4: Balanced Practice
Hours Required: 35-40 hours
Overall Goal: Develop a balanced approach to both sections
- Alternate daily focus between LR and RC
- Complete 2 timed sections of each type per week
- Finish Loophole in Logical Reasoning
- Take first full-length practice test, followed by thorough review
- Continue daily reading of complex non-fiction material
Week 5: Targeted Improvement
Hours Required: 35-40 hours
Overall Goal: Identify and address weaknesses
- Analyze practice test results to identify weak areas
- Focus Princeton Review study on areas needing improvement
- Complete 3 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Begin implementing advanced strategies from Loophole for LR
- Continue daily reading, focusing on topics similar to weak RC areas
Week 6: Skill Reinforcement
Hours Required: 40-45 hours
Overall Goal: Strengthen skills across both sections
- Take second full-length practice test, followed by detailed review
- Intensify practice on identified weak question types
- Complete 4 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Review and drill specific question types from Princeton Review materials
- Develop a strategy for time management during the test
Week 7: Advanced Techniques
Hours Required: 40-45 hours
Overall Goal: Implement advanced strategies for both sections
- Focus on advanced LR techniques from Loophole and Princeton Review
- Practice complex RC passages with multilayered questions
- Complete 4-5 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Take third full-length practice test, analyzing performance trends
- Begin developing a personalized approach to each question type
Week 8: Intensive Practice
Hours Required: 45-50 hours
Overall Goal: Increase practice volume and refine skills
- Complete 1 full practice test, thoroughly reviewing all questions
- Focus on timing strategies for both sections
- Practice 5-6 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Review and drill the most challenging question types
- Continue daily reading of complex non-fiction material
Week 9: Peak Practice
Hours Required: 50-55 hours
Overall Goal: Maximize performance and build endurance
- Take two full practice tests this week, with thorough review
- Complete 6-7 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Focus on maintaining concentration for long periods
- Review and refine personal strategies for each question type
- Practice stress management techniques for test day
Week 10: Fine-Tuning
Hours Required: 45-50 hours
Overall Goal: Address final weak areas and maintain strengths
- Take one full practice test, focusing on replicating test day conditions
- Drill specific question types that still pose challenges
- Review and refine time management strategies
- Practice 5-6 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Continue daily reading, focusing on maintaining engagement with dense material
Week 11: Consistency Building
Hours Required: 40-45 hours
Overall Goal: Ensure consistent performance across all question types
- Take one full practice test, aiming for consistent sectional scores
- Review any fluctuations in performance and address them
- Complete 4-5 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Focus on maintaining a calm and focused mindset during practice
- Review key concepts from Princeton Review and Loophole materials
Week 12: Final Preparation
Hours Required: 30-35 hours
Overall Goal: Maintain skills and prepare mentally for test day
- Take final full practice test early in the week
- Review only missed questions to avoid burnout
- Lightly review key strategies and concepts
- Practice visualization and relaxation techniques for test day
- Last 2 days: Light review, watch motivational law-related movies
- Day before test: Complete rest, no LSAT work
6 Month LSAT Schedule - Extended Plan
This extended plan gradually increases the workload from about 15-20 hours in the initial weeks to a peak of 25-30 hours. The plan incorporates materials from the Princeton Review and the Loophole method while also stressing the importance of reading complex non-fiction regularly. This approach allows for sustained practice, thorough review, and strategic refinement over a longer period, ensuring comprehensive preparation for the LSAT.
Week 1: Initial Assessment and Introduction
Hours Required: 15-20 hours
Overall Goal: Establish a baseline and familiarize with test format
- Take initial diagnostic test
- Begin Princeton Review LSAT course, focusing on test overview and basic strategies
- Start reading dense non-fiction articles for RC preparation
- Review diagnostic test results to identify strengths and weaknesses
Week 2: Logical Reasoning Basics
Hours Required: 15-20 hours
Overall Goal: Develop foundational Logical Reasoning skills
- Continue Princeton Review course, focusing on Logical Reasoning question types
- Begin Loophole in Logical Reasoning, covering 1-2 chapters
- Complete 2-3 untimed Logical Reasoning sections
- Review and analyze all mistakes in detail
Week 3: Reading Comprehension Introduction
Hours Required: 15-20 hours
Overall Goal: Introduce Reading Comprehension strategies
- Focus on Reading Comprehension in Princeton Review course
- Complete 2-3 untimed Reading Comprehension sections
- Practice active reading techniques on dense articles
- Review and analyze all mistakes
Week 4: Balanced Practice
Hours Required: 15-20 hours
Overall Goal: Develop a balanced approach to both sections
- Alternate daily focus between LR and RC
- Complete 2 timed sections of each type per week
- Continue Loophole in Logical Reasoning, 2-3 chapters
- Continue daily reading of complex non-fiction material
Week 5: Targeted Improvement
Hours Required: 15-20 hours
Overall Goal: Identify and address weaknesses
- Analyze practice test results to identify weak areas
- Focus Princeton Review study on areas needing improvement
- Complete 3 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Implement advanced strategies from Loophole for LR
- Continue daily reading, focusing on topics similar to weak RC areas
Week 6: Skill Reinforcement
Hours Required: 20-25 hours
Overall Goal: Strengthen skills across both sections
- Take first full-length practice test, followed by thorough review
- Intensify practice on identified weak question types
- Complete 4 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Review and drill specific question types from Princeton Review materials
- Develop a strategy for time management during the test
Week 7: Advanced Techniques
Hours Required: 20-25 hours
Overall Goal: Implement advanced strategies for both sections
- Focus on advanced LR techniques from Loophole and Princeton Review
- Practice complex RC passages with multilayered questions
- Complete 4-5 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Take second full-length practice test, analyzing performance trends
- Begin developing a personalized approach to each question type
Week 8: Intensive Practice
Hours Required: 20-25 hours
Overall Goal: Increase practice volume and refine skills
- Complete 1 full practice test, thoroughly reviewing all questions
- Focus on timing strategies for both sections
- Practice 5-6 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Review and drill the most challenging question types
- Continue daily reading of complex non-fiction material
Week 9: Consistency Building
Hours Required: 20-25 hours
Overall Goal: Ensure consistent performance across all question types
- Take one full practice test, aiming for consistent sectional scores
- Review any fluctuations in performance and address them
- Complete 4-5 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Focus on maintaining a calm and focused mindset during practice
- Review key concepts from Princeton Review and Loophole materials
Week 10: Fine-tuning
Hours Required: 20-25 hours
Overall Goal: Address final weak areas and maintain strengths
- Take one full practice test, focusing on replicating test day conditions
- Drill specific question types that still pose challenges
- Review and refine time management strategies
- Practice 5-6 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Continue daily reading, focusing on maintaining engagement with dense material
Week 11: Peak Practice
Hours Required: 25-30 hours
Overall Goal: Maximize performance and build endurance
- Take two full practice tests this week, with thorough review
- Complete 6-7 timed sections each of LR and RC
- Focus on maintaining concentration for long periods
- Review and refine personal strategies for each question type
- Practice stress management techniques for test day
Week 12: Final Preparation
Hours Required: 25-30 hours
Overall Goal: Maintain skills and prepare mentally for test day
- Take final full practice test early in the week
- Review only missed questions to avoid burnout
- Lightly review key strategies and concepts
- Practice visualization and relaxation techniques for test day
- Last 2 days: Light review, watch motivational law-related movies
- Day before test: Complete rest, no LSAT work
Week 13-24: Sustained Practice and Review
Hours Required: 20-25 hours per week
Overall Goal: Maintain and improve skills through consistent practice
- Alternate weekly focus between LR and RC
- Complete 3-4 timed sections each of LR and RC per week
- Take one full-length practice test every two weeks, followed by thorough review
- Continue reviewing and drilling specific question types
- Maintain daily reading of complex non-fiction material
- Regularly review and refine time management and test-taking strategies
Week 25: Final Review and Mental Preparation
Hours Required: 20-25 hours
Overall Goal: Ensure readiness and confidence for test day
- Take one final full practice test early in the week
- Review only missed questions to avoid burnout
- Lightly review key strategies and concepts
- Practice visualization and relaxation techniques for test day
- Last 2 days: Light review, watch motivational law-related movies
- Day before test: Complete rest, no LSAT work
Create Your Own LSAT Study Plan in 8 Steps
Are you planning to take the LSAT and feeling overwhelmed about creating a study schedule? Don’t worry! We’re here to help you craft your own personalized LSAT study schedule by providing step-by-step guidelines and tips.
- Step 1: Assessing Your Starting Point
- Step 2: Create a Study Timeline
- Step 3: Develop Section-Specific Strategies
- Step 4: Incorporate Practice Tests
- Step 5: Utilize Study Resources
- Step 6: Maintain Consistency and Avoid Burnout
- Step 7: Fine-Tune Your Approach
- Step 8: Prepare for Test Day
Step 1: Assess Your Starting Point
Before you dive headfirst into your LSAT study, you need to understand your starting point. First, you must take a diagnostic baseline test – take an official timed test now. By knowing your baseline score, you can figure out how to structure your study plan and which areas of the test you need to focus on more. Then analyze your strengths and weaknesses and set a realistic score goal that you’d like to achieve.
Take a Diagnostic Baseline Test – take a diagnostic test to simulate the LSAT experience and assess your abilities in Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Use an official LSAT practice test under timed. Pay attention to challenging question types and note your overall score as a baseline.
Analyze Strengths and Weaknesses – review your diagnostic test to identify questions that you had difficulty answering. Categorize your mistakes and create a strengths and weaknesses chart to track areas that need more of your attention.
Set Realistic Score Goals – look up the average LSAT scores for the law schools you are interested in to set a realistic target score, and then break this down into manageable monthly goals, aiming to improve by 5 points each month (or something along those lines). Keep track of your progress by taking practice tests and adjusting your study plan when needed.
Baseline LSAT Score | Target LSAT Score | Improvement Needed | Months to Study |
165 | 170 | 5 Points | 2 Months |
160 | 170 | 10 Points | 3 Months |
155 | 170 | 15 Points | 4 Months |
150 | 170 | 20 Points | 5 Months |
<150 | 170 | 20+ Points | 6+ Months |
Step 2: Create a Study Timeline
Next, you need to set a study timeline. A well-structured timeline will help you understand where you need to spend your time during your studies and where to allocate your time. This is to ensure that you cover all the necessary study material, get to practice regularly, and, most importantly, balance your LSAT study with your life commitments.
Determine Study Duration – most students choose to study anywhere between 3 and 6 months before they take their first LSAT. Choosing the month when to take the LSAT will also play a big role in figuring out how long you will need to study. When choosing how long you are going to study, be sure to take into account the following:
- Your life and work commitments
- Access to study materials
- Difference between your starting score and target score – the bigger the gap, the longer you will need to study
Set Study Hours per Week – it’s all about consistency rather than infrequent study. If you are looking to study for 3 months, then you will need 20 – 30 hours a week; if you are 6 months, then 10 – 20 hours a week would be ideal. The allocation of time between Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension will heavily depend on your needs.
Balance LSAT Prep with Other Commitments – your LSAT study is the priority for the duration of your study plan; however, you must also be able to keep living your life. Ensure that you can schedule your LSAT study sessions around the most important areas of your life and not the other way around.
Step 3: Develop Section-Specific Strategies
If you want to do great on the LSAT, it’s really important to come up with specific strategies for each section of the test. Since the LSAT now only has Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, let’s focus on getting better at these. Effective preparation means understanding different question types, practising regularly, and looking at how you do to keep getting better.
Logical Reasoning Strategies
To improve your skills in Logical Reasoning, it's crucial to understand the different question types and common logical flaws.
- Pay attention to how questions are structured and the traps set by test makers.
- Practice 1-2 timed Logical Reasoning sections daily using official LSAT practice tests to build speed and accuracy.
- After each practice section, review and analyze mistakes to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
- Implement the "Loophole" method for tackling arguments by following the steps outlined in the book to identify flaws in arguments effectively.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
To improve your Reading Comprehension skills, consider the following strategies:
- Practice reading complex non-fiction articles from sources like The Economist, Scientific American, or academic journals and really understand the main ideas, structure, and arguments presented.
- Work on adapting strategies for different passage types by practising with diverse LSAT Reading Comprehension sections, such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and law passages.
- Develop effective annotation techniques by underlining main ideas, circling key terms, and noting the structure of the argument.
- Dedicate time each day to reading and analyzing dense non-fiction articles to practice reading skills. Each time you read, you can question the author's assumptions, identify the main argument, and note any supporting evidence.
Step 4: Incorporate Practice Tests
You need to practice as much as possible; it’s as simple as that. Regular practice tests will help you assess your learning progress and familiarize yourself with the format of the test. Below, we will tell you how to incorporate practice tests into your study plan.
Weekly Full-Length Practice Tests – regular full-length tests are important for building endurance and assessing your skills. Schedule a weekly practice test, ideally on the same day and time as your actual LSAT. Pay attention to your overall score section scores, and identify any patterns in the types of questions you consistently miss. Weekly tests are a must when you only have 1 – 3 months to prepare for your LSAT.
Bi-Weekly Tests for Longer Study Plans – to prevent burnout during extended study plans of 4-6 months, consider having bi-weekly tests. Alternate between full practice tests and focused section practice every other week. Monitor long-term progress and adjust your study plan based on persistent weaknesses.
Tracking Your Progress – to track your progress, create a score log by recording the date, test number, overall score, and section scores. Note specific question types or topics that gave you trouble, and track your time management for each section. Look for trends in your scores, consistency across practice tests and any performance dips that may require adjustments to your study strategy.
Step 5: Utilize Study Resources
Choosing the right study resources is super important for getting ready for the LSAT. With so many options out there, it’s essential to pick materials that work for your learning style and focus on the specific sections of the LSAT: Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. We are here to help you find recommended prep materials, balance different study methods, and even think about tutoring or study groups for some targeted improvement.
The Princeton Review – the company offers comprehensive LSAT prep courses covering Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. It provides a structured curriculum, expert instructors, and extensive practice materials, ideal for guided and interactive learning. Simply follow the course schedule and utilize the practice tests and drills.
7Sage – this resource offers an extensive online LSAT prep program with video lessons, practice questions, and detailed explanations. Benefit from flexible, self-paced learning with practical strategies and real LSAT questions. Use video lessons to grasp core concepts and practice with their question bank, focusing on Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections.
PowerScore LSAT Bibles – these books thoroughly explore different question types and strategies, offering detailed explanations and effective strategies for addressing them. Study the books chapter by chapter, practice the provided questions, and apply the strategies in timed practice sections.
The Loophole in Logical Reasoning – this book presents a unique approach to mastering Logical Reasoning by focusing on identifying and exploiting logical flaws. It offers innovative strategies, practical exercises, and emphasizes developing critical thinking skills. Work through the book methodically, practice the techniques with real LSAT questions, and incorporate the “Loophole” method into your daily practice.
Step 6: Maintain Consistency and Avoid Burnout
Making a sustainable study routine is extremely important for doing well in LSAT prep in the long run. Start by setting up a consistent daily schedule that includes study sessions for Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
Remember to take smart breaks to stay fresh, like a 5-10 minute breather every hour and longer breaks after finishing full practice sections. Also, don’t forget to add stress-relief techniques like exercise, meditation, or hobbies to keep your spirits up.
Check-in on your progress regularly and switch things up to keep things interesting. By keeping a balanced and sustainable study routine, you’ll be able to boost your prep while keeping burnout at bay.
Step 7: Fine-Tune Your Approach
Here are some tips to help you fine-tune your LSAT preparation:
- Regularly reassess your progress by taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks. Track your scores for both Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections separately.
- Analyze your mistakes after each practice test. Identify patterns in the types of questions you consistently miss.
- Focus on your weak areas by dedicating extra study time to the question types or passage topics that give you trouble.
- Adapt your study methods based on performance. If you’re not seeing improvement in a particular area, try a different approach or resource.
- Use a spaced repetition system to review difficult questions. Revisit challenging problems at increasing intervals to reinforce your learning.
- Adjust your time management strategy if you consistently struggle to finish sections. Practice with stricter time limits to improve your speed.
- Seek feedback from study groups or tutors on your approach to difficult questions. Fresh perspectives can help identify areas for improvement.
In the video below, you can find out how Jisoo’s LSAT study plan helped her go from 168 to 175.
Step 8: Prepare for Test Day
As the big test day gets closer, you need to take it easy with your studying to avoid burning out. During the last week, try to study less and focus on reviewing lightly instead of pushing yourself too hard. This will help you keep your mind fresh and reduce any anxiety.
Don’t forget to also double-check all the test-day details, like where the test centre is, what you need to bring, and the schedule. And don’t worry, it’s essential to have a pre-test routine that includes getting a good night’s sleep, enjoying a healthy breakfast, and doing a bit of light exercise to help you feel calm and focused.
Finally, on the day before the test, make sure to take a breather and avoid cramming in too much studying. Once you are done, your score will not expire for 5 years, and you can apply it to law schools!
Following these tips will help make sure you’re mentally and physically ready to do your best on test day! Good luck!