With about eight weeks until an official LSAT administration, test day is right around the corner. In fact, it’ll be here before you know it. Don’t panic! I’m not here to freak you out. In fact, I’m here to help. Below you’ll find a list of resources, links, and general suggestions, all designed to help you make the most of your final two months, and finish–or, as may be the case, start–strong!
First Order of Business
First things first, you’ll want to make sure you’re registered for the exam. Don’t delay! Go to LSAC’s registration page here and sign up.
Now that you’re registered, the next seven to eight weeks become all about improving your LSAT score. If you are a student currently enrolled in a PowerScore course, congratulations: the course itself will give you all of the structure and guidance you need to make the most of your time! Ditto for those about to begin a course. You’re on the right path.
For non-students, however, the road may be a little less clear, and you are my intended audience for this post. Here’s what you should consider:
Study Plans
To capitalize on the remaining time, you first need a plan of attack! Fortunately, we offer a comprehensive eight-week plan for self-studiers (those working with the PowerScore Bibles) here. If you are just starting out that is a tremendous asset, as it will outline exactly what you’ll need to do over the coming weeks.
Practice Tests
For many people, the primary focus of the last two months is a shift away from conceptual knowledge, and towards timed practice tests, as you prepare your body and mind for the rigors of test day. Once you feel you have a strong grasp of the mechanics of how to beat the exam, it’s crucial you put those skills into practice with test content in the form of complete LSATs.
Typically we encourage around 2 timed tests per week on average (three, or even four, is acceptable if you have the time and energy), but always prioritize quality over quantity: given the choice of thoroughly reviewing a completed test, or taking another test, ALWAYS go with the review. Similarly, before you commit yourself to practice tests over conceptual review, you need to be fully confident that your conceptual understanding is rock solid! Don’t skimp on the fundamentals to get to the application.
As you begin a more intense practice test schedule be sure to read this information to better understand exactly how you should self-administer an exam. And after you’ve taken the practice test, review your performance thoroughly.
Free Resources
Our philosophy at PowerScore has always been much more about how we can help, rather than how we can sell, and to that end we provide a wealth of free content and assistance to everyone, not just our students, looking to succeed on the LSAT. So let me direct your attention to a few spots where there’s help to be found without paying a penny.
First is our LSAT Discussion Forum. Monitored by PowerScore instructors and staff nearly around the clock, the Forum is a place where students and non-students alike can ask questions, seek advice, and even post about their own LSAT experiences, and receive expert assistance throughout. Use it!
Secondly, we have a Free LSAT Help Area on our website that covers every aspect of the test—from the fundamentals to the truly unique (Profile Charting games, say)—as well as Admissions. Again, use it! There is so much awesome content provided on those pages; take a moment and read through some of the articles, and listen to some of the virtual Lessons. You’re sure to learn something useful.
Third, we have the PowerScore Podcast. Hosted by our very own Dave Killoran and Jon Denning, the PowerScore LSAT PodCast offers hours of extra instruction. Topics range from specific LSAT concepts and strategies to test changes and updates to admissions advice and frequently-asked student questions. Don’t miss an episode!
Finally, subscribe to this blog to keep up on all of the new articles, and dig into some of the older ones as well!
Mentality
To use an oft-quoted line, “How you expect to perform on the LSAT is likely to become reality.” Your final month or two, and in particular your final week, should see you actively constructing the ideal mindset for success on test day. You simply have to be in the right frame of mind if you want to perform as well as possible. Start with The Ultimate Guide to Test Mentality as it is a great article to enforce mental toughness. In the days immediately before the test, watch the Virtual Module on Test Mentality. Be sure to follow the specific recommendations in that discussion!
You still have plenty of time to see tremendous improvements in your LSAT score, but time is truly of the essence—spend your final weeks wisely and give yourself the best possible chance to succeed on test day!