How to Survive your LSAT

How to survive your LSAT Part One – Logical Reasoning Section

Much dreaded by aspiring lawyers, the LSAT strikes fear into their hearts simply because it is like nothing else they have had to face before. The questions in the LSAT aren’t like the test questions they faced at school, and there is a definite score you have to get in the LSAT before the law school clerks even bother to look at your file.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. With careful planning and a cool head, you can give yourself every chance to pass the LSAT. Sure, there is no real knowledge you can cram on before the day of the test, but the style of the questions is definitely something you can prepare for.

The reason the LSAT is so heavily dependent on logic (two logical reasoning sections as opposed to, say, one for analytical reasoning) as a questioning framework is because legal minds are purely logical. They don’t get emotional, they don’t worry over small details, it’s all about cause and effect, facts and outcomes. There are two logical reasoning sections in the LSAT, with 24-26 items, and in these sections the LSAT will ask you to find errors in logic. There may even be a third logical reasoning section as an experimental question.

So the very best thing you can do to prepare for the logical reasoning sections of your LSAT exam is become an expert at solving logical problems.

Aim to:
Take a course in logical reasoning. This is essential. If you don’t do this, you will fail. Learn about the major fallacies. Then, try out some test LSAT logical reasoning questions on the Internet or in a textbook.
Keep taking sample LSAT papers and get used to reading the logic questions so you know what they are asking you to do. A major frustration for candidates is failing by not answering the actual question..
Remember one crucial thing; only respond to the facts in the LSAT logic questions. Do not allow your own ideas and preconceptions to come into things.

Logical reasoning in the LSAT is challenging but not impossible. Like all skills, the more you practise, the more proficient you will get. And if you want any chance at all when it comes to dealing with what is potentially over half of the LSAT paper, you have to be able to ‘do logic’ like clockwork.