The Logical Reasoning
Most of the test is based on logical reasoning, and most people approach it incorrectly from the beginning. They read an argument, form an opinion, and then search for an answer that matches that opinion.
We need to focus on the structure of the argument. What within the question makes the claim, and what evidence do you have to support it? Your job as the test-taker is to figure out and understand how the evidence supports the claim, and then answer a question about that relationship. The shift is from “do I agree with this?” to “what is the purpose of this argument… what is it doing?” Switching your mindset to the structure of the argument rather than its content will be a lifesaver.
Reading Comprehension
Now, since this is a timed test, it is so difficult not just to read fast. This doesn’t solve the problem of not understanding; it means you're taking in more content than A) necessary and B) wasting time because you have to go back and reread it after not understanding. The passages aren’t hard because they’re long, but more so because there is still that thought process of content over structure. Thinking:
Where does the main argument show up?
Where does the argument shift?
What’s the purpose of this paragraph? Evidence, counterargument?
I have found that focusing on the argument's layout is way more impactful for consistent, correct answers.
Logic Games
Now this is an interesting section, not necessarily one we are used to thinking about in other standardized tests. This challenges analytical reasoning, and is surprisingly meant to be one of the easiest sections due to its pattern-like nature. This section measures your ability to work a system accurately; to do this, diagram everything. Could you write it all down on paper and organize it in your head? This can surprisingly be more efficient, and can really bump up this score.
Real Talk
People who get a 170+ aren’t necessarily the smartest by default. they’re the ones who stopped treating the LSAT like any other test. It isn’t the ACT or the SAT, and you have to boil the LSAT down to the patterns and skills that it is testing.
This is a rabbit hole I myself have just jumped down, and it is overwhelming. Pacing a full prep cycle and properly studying is definitely a skill to build, and I myself have a long way to go, but it is definitely learnable.
Thanks for being here for issue four. If you're a pre-law student and any of this resonated, or you're in a totally different place in your journey, I'd genuinely love to hear from you.