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The LSAT is one of the most critical steps on your journey to law school. It’s not just a test of knowledge—it’s a test of reasoning, focus, and endurance. Unfortunately, many test-takers unknowingly fall into traps that cost them points. To help you maximize your score, let’s explore the biggest mistakes people make on the LSAT and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Neglecting Logical Reasoning Practice
The Mistake: Assuming Logical Reasoning will come naturally or not devoting enough time to understanding its nuances. This section makes up a significant portion of the LSAT, so poor preparation can heavily impact your score.
The Solution: Treat Logical Reasoning as a core component of your study plan. Focus on mastering question types like assumption, flaw, and inference. Break down arguments systematically, identifying premises and conclusions, and practice frequently with real LSAT questions.
2. Focusing Too Much on Speed Over Accuracy
The Mistake: Rushing through questions to complete the section, leading to careless mistakes.
The Solution: Accuracy is more important than answering every single question. It’s better to answer 20 questions correctly than 25 with a 60% accuracy rate. Develop a pacing strategy through timed practice tests. If you’re stuck on a question, skip it and return later if time permits.
3. Ignoring the Passage Structure in Reading Comprehension
The Mistake: Treating Reading Comprehension like a speed-reading exercise instead of analyzing the structure and arguments within the passage.
The Solution: Approach each passage methodically. Identify the main idea, the author’s tone, and how the arguments are organized. Make annotations or mental notes to help you reference the passage more quickly during questions.
4. Not Practicing With Real LSAT Questions
The Mistake: Using unofficial materials that don’t accurately reflect the LSAT’s style and difficulty.
The Solution: Stick to official LSAT Prep materials from LSAC or other trusted providers. The Official LSAT Prep Plus platform offers access to hundreds of real questions and exams. Practicing with authentic questions ensures you’re prepared for the nuances of the test.
5. Failing to Review Mistakes Thoroughly
The Mistake: Completing practice tests but failing to analyze errors.
The Solution: Every mistake is an opportunity to learn. After each practice session, review every wrong answer to understand why you missed it. Was it a misreading of the question? A misunderstanding of logic? Keep a journal of mistakes and revisit similar question types regularly.
6. Overloading on Study Hours Without Breaks
The Mistake: Studying for hours on end without giving your brain a chance to rest.
The Solution: Quality trumps quantity when it comes to LSAT prep. Stick to 3–4 focused hours of study per day, broken into manageable blocks with breaks in between. A well-rested brain processes information more effectively.
7. Ignoring Time Management Strategies
The Mistake: Spending too much time on early questions and rushing through the rest of the section.
The Solution: Use the 1-minute-per-question rule as a benchmark for multiple-choice sections. Allocate extra time for more complex questions if necessary, but don’t sacrifice entire sections by lingering too long. Practice under timed conditions to develop a sense of pacing.
8. Letting Anxiety Take Over
The Mistake: Allowing stress or nerves to interfere with performance on test day.
The Solution: Build confidence by simulating test-day conditions in your prep. Learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. Remind yourself that you’re prepared and focus on one question at a time.
9. Cramming in the Last Few Days
The Mistake: Trying to learn everything at the last minute instead of reviewing and solidifying what you already know.
The Solution: Use the final week to take light practice tests, review core concepts, and focus on high-yield strategies. Prioritize rest the night before the exam to ensure you’re mentally sharp on test day.
10. Skipping Experimental Sections in Practice Tests
The Mistake: Ignoring the experimental section during practice tests because it “doesn’t count.”
The Solution: While the experimental section isn’t scored, it’s still part of the exam. Include a fifth section in your practice tests to build endurance and prepare for the real exam structure.
Final Thoughts
The LSAT is challenging, but avoiding common pitfalls can give you a significant edge. With careful preparation, strategic practice, and a calm mindset, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the score you need for your dream law school.
Good luck—and remember, the LSAT isn’t just a test of knowledge; it’s a test of strategy and perseverance. You’ve got this!
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