How Long Does LSAT Prep Take?

A common question I get is “how long does it take to prepare for the LSAT?” The answer, of course, is “it depends.” The amount of time students take to prepare for the LSAT varies considerably. But here are 10 useful thoughts to keep in mind to give you some guidance on how much time you should plan to devote to LSAT Prep:

1. For most students, I would estimate that LSAT Prep takes about 3-6 months of part-time work to maximize your LSAT score.
2. An important caveat to the statement above is that it definitely takes some students longer than 6 months, and that includes students who are doing very well on the LSAT but want to get as high a score as possible. I have seen many students prep for over one year, and in rare cases over two years.
3. Student goals differ. You can get a lot done, and potentially see significant improvement, in 1-2 months. But to maximize your potential, I believe it will take closer to 3-6 months – and considering the importance of the LSAT, I would plan on the longer end of that range (if possible).
4. Aim to prep approximately 15-20 hours per week (including class time, if taking a course). Once again, though, that estimate will vary. If you can’t devote 15-20 hours per week for 3-6 months, devoting 5-10 hours per week for 1-2 months is a lot better than nothing. If you are motivated to devote more than 15-20 hours per week, you should do so.
5. LSAT Prep does not have to be a full-time job. You can prep for the LSAT on top of a job or being in school…but try to lessen your load of other obligations, if possible, while prepping for the LSAT.
6. Even more important than the total number of hours is the quality of those hours. You need to be alert while prepping for the LSAT. For example, practicing while you are really tired, or right after you ate a huge meal, isn’t ideal – try to set aside time when you will be mentally alert.
7. If possible, start early and give yourself more time than you think you need.
8. The first reason you should give yourself more time than you think you need is that the LSAT is likely a different type of exam than you have ever taken. It takes time to familiarize yourself with the exam, get used to the way in which the LSAT requires you to process and analyze information, and to practice extensively in timed conditions.
9. The second reason you should give yourself more time than you think you need is that you may decide to take the LSAT more than once. Law schools focus on your highest LSAT score, so there are obvious reasons why you might choose to take the LSAT a second (or even third) time.
10. The final reason you should give yourself more time than you think you need is that the LSAT is the single most important part of your entire law school application, and every single LSAT point (on the LSAT’s 120-180 scale) matters – and matters a lot. In light of that, how much time do you feel you should devote to preparing for this critically important exam? 🙂

If you have questions about your particular situation, please feel free to email me at mark@scoreitup.com. Good luck!