There are no shortcuts to succeed in the LSAT. You have to put in the hours, and work smart.
However, many had come before you who developed strategies that helped them perform better.
In this article, we have assembled some of the top tips recommended by the experts at LSATMax to help you along.
For Logical Reasoning
1. Questions First
Read and understand the questions first before you invest time in the passages.
This will help to read in reference with what exactly you are looking for.
2. Eliminating Choices
If more than one choice appears to be true at first glance, play closer attention to the argument’s boundaries.
The trick is to find which options do not fall strictly under the relevant limitations of the question.
3. Attacking the Assumptions
Assumptions questions are a challenge for many.
Always remember that the assumption you make has to be true for the conclusion to be right.
If you are confused, consider the assumption as false, and then look at the conclusion. Is it still valid?
4. Finding the Discrepancies
While reading the passages, keep an eye out for disparities in the statement.
It is difficult as most LSAT questions do not have quantitative information to analyze.
Think of the most probable answer to the question, and then look for the choice that most matches your idea.
Analytical Reasoning
5. Work with Diagrams
Focus the most on crafting a diagram that best represents the passage.
It might take time, but it will help you find the answers quickly.
6. Include Assumptions
Though not obviously stated in the passage, some questions in the logical games might rely on your assumptions.
For instance, if A is taller than B, and B is taller than C, then make sure that you also note A is also taller than C.
Similarly, do not go overboard with assumptions as well.
Only infer from information that is clear from the passage.
Reading Comprehension
7. Read Actively
The purpose of reading here is to understand the structure of the passage.
You have to focus on what is being said rather than how it is being said.
If needed, circle important phrases or draw out a structure of the passage.
8. Understanding the Passage
The framework of the argument is the key to correctly answering any question.
Once you have got it right, you can answer questions without having to reread the passages.
Instead, refer only to the parts pertaining to the question.
9. Go for the Easiest
Try to skim reading all passages first to organize them in the order from easy to hard of comprehension.
Target the easy passages first, and then move to the toughest.
Every question carries the same weight, and this will help you move forward through the questions without spending too much time on one.
10. Managing the Time
If you have to rush through the passages, try concentrating on inferences.
Make a note of the keywords, or conjunctions such as however, consequently, firstly, so you can break down the information to the conclusions.
The more you practice in times sessions, the better it will get during the actual exam.
Aim to take at least five full-length LSAT tests, covering all sections.
It will prepare and help you familiarize the levels of difficulty you are likely to encounter during the test.