There is a lot you could learn about the LSAT.  There are 50+ preptests to write, and dozens of strategy books you could read.

You don’t need to do it all.

I still haven’t done every preptest.  But if you hand me a new test to do, I’ll do it well.  The reason is that I understand the basic principles which underly the LSAT.  And I’ve done a bit of practice.  That’s it.

Here you’ll learn the most important of these principles.  What to expect:

• A few essential logical tricks
• The basics of each section
• The major types of logic games and logical reasoning questions
• How to practice and turn knowledge into higher scores
• advanced tips

For now, a few general tips.

How High Scorers Approach LSAT Questions

1. Understand what you’re reading. 2. Figure out what you’re being asked.  3. Find the answer.

Really.

I’ve worked with many students, and 80% of problems come from not following those three steps.  Sounds obvious, but too many people:

• Rush through the question to get to the answer choices
• Ignore what they’re being asked, and look for irrelevant things
• Get lost in the answer choices and forget what they’re looking for

Slow down, understand what you’re reading, and watch your score increase.

How To Study

Practice using actual LSATs, and focus on acquiring the following skills, in this order:

1.  Comprehension: Learn the basics of each section.  Practice doing the questions well, without focussing on time.

2.  Speed: Once you’re happy with your accuracy, start to practice using complete sections, in 35 minutes.

3.  Stamina: Once you can do questions well, and fast, move on to doing complete preptests, or even two at a time.

All three are essential, but comprehension comes first, and will improve your speed and stamina.

You should practice under simulated test conditions.  This means buying the LSAC books, marking in your answers on their bubble answer sheets, and making logic games diagrams on the page.  You don’t want to be caught by surprise on test day.  If you’re used to the test conditions, you’ll probably score a few points higher – which can make a huge difference.

Next:  Basic Logic