LSAT Prep & Study Guide: Best Practices & Free Resources (2026)

LSAT prep is the foundation of your law school journey. The Law School Admission Test is a standardized test used by the Law School Admission Council to measure skills that matter for law school admission. Your LSAT score affects where you can apply, how competitive you are, and how much money you may save through scholarships.

This guide is built to help you prepare with clarity. You will learn how the official LSAT works, how to build a study plan, how to use practice tests the right way, and how to access free tools like LawHub. The goal is simple: help you prepare with confidence and improve performance on the actual test.

Read: How Important is the LSAT for Law School Admission?

What the LSAT Is and How It Works

The LSAT is created and administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It is created to measure the critical thinking skills you use in law school. It does not test memorization or subject knowledge; instead, it focuses on skills used in coursework and exams.

What the LSAT Measures

The LSAT consists of multiple sections that assess reading comprehension, reasoning, and writing skills. It focuses on skills used in law school and legal work:

• Reading and understanding complex text
• Analyzing arguments
• Identifying wrong answers
• Making logical decisions under a timed test format

These skills matter for law school admission because they reflect how you handle legal material, not what you studied in school.

LSAT Format and Actual Test Structure

The LSAT is administered in two parts. First, test takers complete four 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. After that, they are required to submit an unscored writing sample, known as LSAT Argumentative Writing.

The multiple-choice part of the exam includes three scored sections and one unscored section. The unscored section is used to try out new questions before they are used on future tests. This helps keep the exam fair and reduces bias. The unscored section can be either Reading Comprehension or Logical Reasoning and may appear anywhere in the test. Most test takers can also choose to take the LSAT in person or online, depending on what is more convenient for them. Below's the format overview:

LSAT Scores, Medians, and What a Good Score Means

LSAT scores range from 120 to 180, with 120 as the lowest possible score and 180 as the highest. Your score depends on the number of questions you answer correctly. Since there is no penalty for incorrect answers, it’s always better to guess than to leave a question blank.

Understanding Your LSAT Score Report

Your LSAT Score Report provides a detailed overview of your performance, including:

• Your result score.
• Your test results. This includes up to 12 reportable tests, including any absences or cancellations. For standard LSAT takers, this includes all absences and cancellations. For LSAT-Flex takers, it includes cancellations related to COVID-19. Each score can be reported for up to five years after the test. LSAT testing years run from July 1 to June 30.
• Your percentile rank, which shows the percentage of test takers who scored below you over the past three testing years. Each score includes a percentile, and all percentiles are updated annually by the end of July.
• Your score band, which reflects the range in which your actual score is likely to fall.

Setting a Target Score

Start with research. Look at the median LSAT score for schools you plan to apply to. Then compare that data with your diagnostic practice test score. This gives you a clear point to aim for during your LSAT prep process.

Note: A good score depends on your goals, your target school, and how much time you can invest in test preparation.

How to Start Preparing for the LSAT

LSAT starting points vary by person. Your background, learning style, and schedule matter.

Your First Step as a Test Taker

Start preparing with a full practice test under timed conditions. This first exam helps you:

• See how the test works
• Identify strengths and weak skills
• Learn how the timing feels

Expert Tip: Do not study before your first practice test. You need a true baseline score.

Self Study vs Test Prep Companies

Some students succeed with self-study. Others prefer structure from test prep companies or a formal course.

Self-study works best if you:

• Are disciplined with planning
• Can review wrong answers on your own
• Have time to organize your study plan

Test prep companies may help if you:

• Need structure and deadlines
• Prefer guided explanations
• Learn better with instructor support

Both paths can lead to success if used with focus.

Question Types and Section Strategies

Understanding the different LSAT question types and knowing how to approach them can improve accuracy and speed. Each section requires specific skills and strategies.

Logical Reasoning Section

The Logical Reasoning sections make up about half of the LSAT and test your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments.

Important Skills to Focus On:

• Identifying Conclusions: Look for the statement the author is trying to prove. Signal words like “therefore,” “thus,” or “consequently” often indicate conclusions.
• Spotting Assumptions: Every argument relies on assumptions. Ask yourself: What must be true for this argument to work?
• Recognizing Flawed Logic: Watch for common traps like overgeneralizations, false cause, or circular reasoning.

Expert Tip: Practice by underlining premises and conclusions in sample questions, then check explanations to see what patterns you missed.

Reading Comprehension Section

The Reading Comprehension section tests your ability to understand and analyze complex texts, not memorize details.

Focus on:

• Main Point: Summarize the author’s argument or purpose in one sentence.
• Author Tone: Note if the tone is critical, neutral, or persuasive.
• Paragraph Purpose: Identify whether a paragraph provides evidence, counterargument, or context.

Expert Tip: Read actively. Grab your pen and annotate as you go. Highlight important keywords, underline conclusions, and scribble quick summaries in the margins. Make it a habit to time yourself, too. Speed is important, but never at the expense of understanding.

Read: 10 Ways to Strengthen Your LSAT Reading Comprehension

Argumentative Writing Section

This section evaluates your ability to construct a clear, logical argument in writing. While this section is not scored, law schools may review it to assess your reasoning and communication skills.

What You Do:

• You are presented with a prompt offering two options or courses of action.
• Your task is to choose one option and defend it with clear reasoning.
• You should analyze the situation, justify your choice, and address potential counterarguments.

Expert Tip: Think of your essay as a story you’re telling. Start strong with a clear introduction, build your case with solid arguments, address counterpoints like a pro, and wrap it up with a confident conclusion. Make your choice compelling, stay clear and concise, and write in a polished, professional tone that law schools will respect.

Best Free Resources for LSAT Prep

Online Courses

• Khan Academy offers many free LSAT prep materials, including practice questions and an online prep course. These courses will give you instant feedback on areas you should target in your preparation, and were created in collaboration with the makers of the LSAT.
• LSAT Max is currently offering a free trial of their top-rated LSAT prep course, including video lessons, practice tests, and analytics on your progress. Sign up for a free trial to access all of their top-rated content.
• 7Sage LSAT Prep is a program created by two Harvard Law School grads that includes video lessons, practice questions, and explanations for each question.
• LSAT Lab offers a free trial of their prep course. The trial includes a comprehensive video library that goes into detail about question types, topics, reasoning structure, and more. They also provide a bank of practice tests, practice questions, and analytics to track your progress.

Question Banks

• LSAC Official LSAT Prep Plus: LSAC offers a free study bank containing over 60 real LSAT practice tests, as well as access to LSAC's official LSAT Prep Plus online platform. The study bank is accessible on the LSAC website.
• Manhattan Review: Access a bank of 90+ sample questions that will help you target specific areas of improvement.
• 7Sage LSAT Prep: In addition to a course, 7Sage provides students with a free study bank that includes over 10,000 LSAT practice questions. One of the things that sets 7Sage apart from other LSAT resources is that they also include explanations for each question, walking you through the logic and reasoning behind each answer.
• Kaplan: A series of logical reasoning and logic questions to help students gauge where they stand.
• Magoosh: Prep questions along with video explanations to help you learn the skills behind main question types.
• Get Prepped: A tutoring program created by a team of pro LSAT tutors that includes a free list of sample questions.
• The LSAT Trainer: 23 total questions with guided video explanations from Mike Kim, author of the most popular LSAT textbook of the last decade by the same name.

Flashcards

• Quizlet offers a variety of free LSAT flashcard sets created by other LSAT test takers and instructors. These are searchable flashcards and can be studied on the Quizlet app anywhere.
• Magoosh offers a free set of LSAT flashcards that cover key LSAT concepts and strategies. You can download these flashcards as a PDF or use them on the Magoosh LSAT app to study on the go. Magoosh also offers a free practice exam.
• Brainscape offers a free set of LSAT flashcards that cover all sections of the LSAT. These are available in a mobile form to study anytime, anywhere.
• Blueprint offers a free trial of their downloadable LSAT Flashcards to give you a head start on your LSAT preparations.

Forums/Communities

• Manhattan Prep offers an in-depth forum with a variety of pages. These pages target the focuses of the LSAT, from ongoing discussions on logical reasoning and reading comprehension to more generalized study tips. Some of these pages also include a series of free LSAT games to test your analytical skills.
• 7Sage offers a comprehensive forum for those preparing for the LSAT. It includes discussions of podcasts, webinars, scholarships, study groups, study guides, and more. Specific pages also discuss the law school admissions process, the bar exam, and specific LSAT dates.
• The LSAT subreddit is a community of LSAT test takers and experts who discuss LSAT strategies, study tips, and test-taking advice. This forum is not quite as targeted or specific as others, but it may help when you need to ask more general questions or study tips for the exam.
• Top Law Schools is a popular online forum for law school applicants that includes discussions on LSAT preparation, the admissions process, and what life looks like after admission into school.
• PowerScore hosts a forum on all things LSAT and law school prep, broken down by section.

Forums and other online communities can be fantastic sources of information and support during your preparation for the LSAT. However, it is important to remember that not all online sources have gone through multiple fact-checks. Make sure you approach any online advice with a sense of caution, and do your own research to confirm the accuracy of any information you receive.

Podcasts

• Thinking LSAT: Hosted by LSAT experts Nathan Fox and Ben Olson, this podcast covers in-depth discussions on test-taking strategies, study tips, and advice. Their website also contains helpful explanations about the different sections of the exam, and would be a fantastic source for those who are looking for more basic explanations of the LSAT.
• LSAT Unplugged: Hosted by LSAT tutor and admissions expert Steve Schwartz, this podcast covers a wide range of LSAT topics, including test-taking strategies, application tips, and law school admissions advice. The podcast also features interviews with LSAT and law school experts.
• LSAT Demon Daily: While there are many podcasts discussing law school, the LSAT, and the admissions process, this podcast, hosted by tutor Ben Olsen, is a shorter version, meant to kickstart your day.
• The Legal Level: This podcast is hosted by LSAT and law school admissions experts Jelena Woehr and Branden Frankel, and focuses on legal careers. This podcast provides a well-rounded look at the LSAT, law school experience, and life as a practicing attorney.

Video Lectures

• Khan Academy LSAT Prep: Khan Academy offers a series of free instructional videos taught by LSAT experts that cover all the different sections of the test.
• LSATMax LSAT Prep: LSATMax offers a free video course that includes over 50 video lessons taught by experts.
• Blueprint LSAT Prep: Blueprint offers a free trial of their video course that includes over 60 video lessons on a variety of topics.

Other Resources

• TestMaxPrep: Download a free copy of "The Road to 180", a strategy guide on preparing for the LSAT, to make sure that you're approaching studying efficiently and effectively.
• Magoosh: Download their free PDF study guide to see four different study schedules and additional prep and test-taking strategies.
• Leland Law School Blog: Articles and guides written by experts on the law school admissions process.

Free LSAT Prep Resources From LSAC

LSAC provides free access to official tools through LawHub.

LawHub Account and LawHub Advantage

A LawHub account gives you:

• Free official LSAT practice tests
• Real test interface
• Answer explanations

A LawHub Advantage, priced at $120/year, offers an extensive library of LSAT practice tests, study tools, and resources to help you prepare more effectively.

LSAT Prep Books

LSAC offers official LSAT prep resources, including print books with practice tests and answer keys, as well as Official LSAT Prep digital products for interactive computer-based practice. Accessible formats are also available for eligible users.

Choosing LSAT Prep Books

Good preparation books:

• Use official LSAT-style questions
• Provide clear explanations
• Match your learning style

Note: Avoid outdated books that do not reflect the current test format.

Preparing for your LSAT Test Day

As you prepare, you may test online or in person. Remember, being prepared can reduce stress and help you focus. Make sure your computer meets technical requirements, your ID is ready, and your testing space is quiet and distraction-free. Gather any allowed materials, check your internet or travel time in advance, and give yourself a buffer so you can start calmly and confidently.

Using Practice Tests the Right Way

Practice tests are the core of LSAT prep. They help you familiarize yourself with timing, question types, and pressure.

Full Practice Tests and Timed Practice

Don’t just take tests. Simulate real conditions. Use a computer, follow official timing, and eliminate distractions. Track your pacing question by question, noting which sections slow you down, so you can adjust strategies before test day. Treat each test as a learning tool, not just a score.

Reviewing Wrong Answers

After each test, go deeper than the answer key. For every mistake, write down why you got it wrong, whether it’s a misunderstanding of the question, a content gap, or a timing issue. Look for patterns across tests; these reveal your weak points. Then, create mini drills targeting those areas. Over time, this method transforms repeated mistakes into mastered skills, making your study more efficient and targeted.

Common LSAT Prep Mistakes

Many students lose points on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) due to avoidable habits. Here’s what to watch out for:

Skipping Review of Wrong Answers

Mistakes are your best teachers. Simply marking answers wrong isn’t enough; you need to analyze why you missed them. Was it a misread question, a timing issue, or a gap in content knowledge? Create a simple log for each error, categorize it, and track patterns over time. This turns each mistake into a targeted study opportunity instead of repeated points lost.

Taking Too Many Tests Without Analysis

Practice tests are powerful, but only if you learn from them. Taking multiple tests without reviewing results is like running laps without direction: you expend energy but don’t improve. After each test, spend time reviewing not just what you got wrong, but also what you got right. Ask yourself: Which question types took me the longest? Where did I second-guess myself? This reflection helps refine strategies and builds mental endurance for the test day.

Ignoring Weak Question Types

It’s natural to avoid questions that frustrate you, but neglecting weak areas only amplifies them. Identify the question types that consistently challenge you and create targeted drills. Mix in timed practice with these types so you improve both accuracy and speed. Over time, this targeted focus can turn your weakest sections into strengths.

The Bottom Line

Your LSAT journey is personal. Use tools that fit your learning style, plan your weeks carefully, and focus on review. Free resources from LSAC can support your preparation without extra cost. With steady practice and clear planning, you can improve your LSAT score and strengthen your future law school options.

Boost Your LSAT Score with Expert Support

Prepare with support from expert coaches who understand the LSAT. Leland offers free events to help you plan your study, practice effectively, and build confidence as test day approaches. Take charge of your LSAT prep now!

Read these next:

• How Long Is the LSAT: Duration and Format of the Law School Admission Test
• How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT? A Guide to LSAT Retakes
• Law Schools That Don't Require the LSAT: Exploring Your Options

FAQs

Is 148 a bad LSAT score?

• A score of 148 is generally considered below average for law school admission and falls around the lower end of the score range, with many test takers scoring higher than that.

Is 172 a bad LSAT score?

• A score of 172 is a very strong LSAT score and far above what most test takers achieve, though some top law school applicants may aim even higher depending on their goals.

Is a 170 on the LSAT hard?

• Scoring a 170 on the LSAT is difficult because it places you well above the average test taker and requires consistent, correct answers across all sections.

Is a 147 a bad LSAT score?

• A score of 147 is generally on the lower end of the LSAT scoring scale and is below the median score for many law schools, which can make competitive admission more challenging.