The LSAT Guide: LSAT Information, Tips, and Strategies
Below you will find:
- Basic LSAT information
- Tips for each section of the LSAT: Logic Games, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
- A study timeline
Download a copy of the Manhattan LSAT Guide for you to use or distribute to your members/advisees or for easy printing!
- Register at online at www.LSAC.org, telephone, or mail (Cost: $136)
- The exam is given 4 times per year (Feb, June, Sept/Oct, Dec)
- Paper & Pencil test
- Scores valid for 5 years
- Scores e-mailed to you 3 weeks after exam. Sometimes LSAT scores are released a few days before the Scheduled Release Date. Visit: Scheduled vs. Actual LSAT Score Release Data.
- You can cancel your score up to 6 days after exam (before seeing your score)
- The LSAC produces Law School Admissions Process: What to Expect
which is a great resource to download for additional information about the exam and the law school admissions process.
Tips:
Register early to reserve a seat in a testing center that’s convenient for you. Do not cancel your score unless you suffered a test catastrophe. (If you score well below your goal, you can take the test again – law schools are increasingly honoring your highest score, but check out each school’s policy).
| Section | Questions | Scored? | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning #1 | 24-25 | Yes | 35 mins | These sections may come in any order. |
| Logical Reasoning #2 | 24-25 | Yes | 35 mins | |
| Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) | 22-23 | Yes | 35 mins | |
| Reading Comprehension | 25-28 | Yes | 35 mins | |
| Experimental (can be any of the above types) | 22-28 | No | 35 mins | |
| Essay | One Essay | No | 35 mins | This section always comes last. |
Example Question: Dogs & Kids
The five children in a certain neighborhood—Rocky, Sally, Tina, Urma, and Vivian—each own one or more of only three types of dogs: King Charles Spaniel, Labrador, and Maltese. No child owns more than one of any particular breed of dog.
The following conditions apply:
- Urma owns more dogs than Tina.
- Urma and Sally do not own any of the same types of dogs.
- Rocky and Tina do not own any of the same types of dogs.
- Vivian owns more dogs than any other child.
1. Which of the following must be true?
A) Urma and Vivian have two dog breeds in common.
B) Sally and Vivian have two dog breeds in common.
C) Tina and Vivian have two dog breeds in common.
D) Rocky and Urma have two dog breeds in common.
E) Sally and Tina have one dog breed in common.
2. Which of the following could be a complete list of children who own a King Charles Spaniel?
A) Urma
B) Vivian, Urma, Sally
C) Vivian, Urma, Rocky
D) Vivian, Tina, Rocky
E) Vivian, Rocky
To check your answers, try the rest of the questions, or find more LSAT challenge problems, go to the Training Center at www.manhattanlsat.com.
| Average Test-Taker | 170+ Test-Taker |
|---|---|
| Is unsure of how to put all the rules together in one place | Uses consistent & effective diagramming approaches and notation |
| Tries to make games fit the diagram | Flexibly applies diagrams |
| Wastes time with trial and error approaches | Follows the inference chains to save time |
| Practices by solving new games & checking answers | Re-solves games to work on speed and technique |
| Is intimidated by Logic Games | Thinks Logic Games are fun |
| Manhattan LSAT offers games intensive courses for those who need help only on logic games. Top scores on the LSAT require true mastery – not just tricks. Manhattan LSAT serves students aiming for Top Tier scores by providing a cutting-edge curriculum, the best teachers, and a singular focus on LSAT excellence. |
Considering that half of the graded LSAT is Logical Reasoning. Don’t rely on your intuition. Learn and practice a systematic approach to make real progress.
| Average Test-Taker | 170+ Test-Taker |
|---|---|
| Starts by looking for the right answer | Starts by looking for the wrong answers |
| Glosses over key details | Knows the devil’s in the details |
| Relies too much on intuition | Learns the tendencies of the question types, and exploits these tendencies |
| For more tips, attend one of our free LSAT workshops or sign up for a class. Go to www.manhattanlsat.com or call (646) 254-6480. Use discount code “FLYER2010” for a 10% discount. We have full classes, games-intensive courses, books, tutoring and self-study programs. |
The LSAT tests your ability to read effectively and quickly. To succeed on the LSAT you must read like a law student, searching for the central argument and connecting all parts of the text to that.
| Average Test-Taker | 170+ Test-Taker |
|---|---|
| Reads passively and without purpose | Reads from the correct perspective and with a clear purpose |
| Attempts to absorb or memorize all the information in the passage | Successfully separates the important from the unimportant |
| Reads at the wrong pace, either missing key points or going too slowly | Finds an effective reading pace that allows for true comprehension yet leaves time for questions |
Before you begin studying, take a practice test to set your baseline score, and research GPAs and LSAT scores for the schools that interest you. You may find you are already scoring high enough, that a self-study program will suffice, or that you need help only in one section (in which case you may want to take a class like our Games Intensive Course).
Students typically study for 3-5 months for the LSAT. Here’s a typical timeline for a junior:
The Manhattan LSAT Advantage
- Manhattan LSAT pays teachers $100/hr, up to 4 times the industry standard.
- The Best Curriculum + The Most Talented Teachers = Top-Tier LSAT Preparation.
Download a copy of the Manhattan LSAT Guide for you to use or distribute to your members/advisees.
For more information about Manhattan LSAT prep courses, self-study, or private tutoring, please contact Student Services at 646-254-6480 or email: Student Services.