How i increased my lsat score by 16 points in JUST TWO months!
In the summer of 2023, I took my first LSAT practice test, only to be devastated by my low score. I feared I wouldn't get into law school without spending thousands on prep courses and tutoring. Despite being a struggling college student with a part-time job, I scraped together enough to purchase the Blueprint Prep course.
That was my first big mistake.
The $2000 course was too demanding for my already busy schedule. With the pressures of work, school, and personal commitments, the rigorous Blueprint schedule quickly burned me out. I realized I needed to set realistic goals for myself if I wanted to see the improvement I desired. Trust me, I know what it's like to juggle so many things and then come home and have to study. But trust me, this schedule I put together literally allowed me to have time to go to the gym, talk to my boyfriend, hang out with friends, go to work, and do 4 online classes!
In this article, I'm going to explain why sticking to one study platform was a game changer and share my very own free tips on how I increased my score in a short period of time.
Stick to one Study Platform
When I first started out, I kept switching platforms almost every week. This proved to do absolutely nothing for me. When I finally started studying again, I chose to use LSAT Demon and STICK TO IT! This consistency allowed me to fully grasp the material and understand the test strategies deeply. LSAT Demon was also affordable, especially with the LSAC Waiver. You can get a waiver for many study platforms like LSAT Demon and 7Sage. For more tips on how to get an LSAC Waiver and its benefits, read my article on "How to Get an LSAC Waiver."
Structured Routine
I created a strict schedule balancing work, homework, and relaxation to avoid burnout. This meant allocating specific times for studying and ensuring I had enough downtime to recharge.
Optimal Study Environment
Studying on the quiet floor of my library helped me focus, free from distractions. If you're in university, finding a quiet study space can make a significant difference. Coffee shops with quiet zones are also a good alternative.
Motivational Approach
I made studying enjoyable by dressing up and creating a positive routine. Turning studying into a more pleasurable activity helped maintain my motivation and reduced the dread often associated with long study sessions.
Blind Review
This technique involves taking a timed section and then reviewing it untimed, without checking the correct answers initially. This process allows you to understand why you chose specific answers and what the questions are truly asking, leading to deeper comprehension and better retention of concepts.
Limited Practice Tests
I only took one practice test a month. Full-length practice tests are draining, and doing them too often can be discouraging due to score fluctuations influenced by mood, hormones, and other factors. Taking fewer practice tests helped maintain my confidence and focus.
Consistent Study Schedule
THIS WAS THE GAME CHANGER! For so long, I changed up my routine almost daily, and it often made it very hard for me to learn and understand the questions. In my two months of devoted studying, my routine involved daily study sessions focusing on different sections. With the upcoming test changes, my schedule now focuses on the two sections remaining in the LSAT. Having a consistent routine helped solidify my understanding and improved my performance.
My study schedule required me to give it my all for just TWO hours of studying a day, Monday-Saturday, and is perfect for working students like I was. You can use any platform that suits you, whether it's LSAT Demon, LawHub, or Khan Academy, but the key is to stick to it and incorporate blind reviews. You WILL see progress! I stuck to this, and now I'm starting law school THIS FALL, NO GAP YEAR NEEDED!
Additional Tips:
Manage Distractions
If you struggle with ADD/ADHD, consider seeking a diagnosis. You might qualify for a time extension on the LSAT, which can make a significant difference.
Find what works for you!
Who knows, Blueprint might be exactly what you need! Just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it can’t work for you. It all depends on how much time you have to study and what kind of learner you are. I didn’t find reading prep books helpful, nor did I find understanding question types helpful either. I highly recommend doing what works best for you, but once you find it, STICK TO IT AND DON’T CHANGE IT!
