Kaplan LSAT Study Class
Kaplan LSAT Study Class
Do LSAT Prep Courses Help? General LSAT Questions from Prelaw Student.?
Hi I'm currently an undergraduate college student and I plan on taking the LSAT this summer and hopefully go on to Law School. I was wondering:
Do those LSAT Prep Classes (Kaplan, etc.) really help and are they worth paying for?
How long should I give myself to study for the LSAT?
How many times can I take the LSAT (without it hurting me)?
What is a good score on the LSAT (I know the higher the better, but what is the minimal score that will impress Law Schools)?
Thank you very much!
Let me try to answer your questions, in no particular order.
The best prep approach depends on a lot of factors. I prepped with both books and a course, and both had value. I now teach LSAT prep classes, and I definitely see exactly what prep courses can do for you. So, I have a lot of thoughts on the matter 
Before getting too far into the process, go to http://www.LSAT.com and download the free June 2007 practice LSAT and take it as a timed test. That will give you some sense of what the exam is like and getting a starting score will help you make some decisions on what method to use when you start studying.
Next, look at some of the average entrance scores for the law schools you are interested in. That data is also available at LSAT.com in the "Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools" section. Specifically, look for the UGPA/LSAT search tool at http://officialguide.lsac.org/ .
As you might expect, the scores needed to get into Harvard or Yale will be much higher than the scores to get into, say, Ohio State or Texas Southern. How much you need to improve will probably have a big impact on what study method you choose. Most people will tell you that the 170s are the top level scores, and what you need for schools like Harvard/Stanford/Yale. The 160s are still good and will get you into plenty of top 25 law schools. In the 150s your choices get limited and you are most likely out of the running for the top tier of schools. Scores in the 140s are big trouble and put you into the lowest tier of schools.
There are lots of ways to prepare--from self study using books to prep classes to private tutoring. The main benefits of a class are that:
A. They lay out the strategies for you so you don't have to figure them out on your own. You also have a source to go to when you have questions or need help.
B. They provide plenty of study material, and that material is directed in a particular way.
C. They structure your preparation in a way that self-studying cannot.
D. You meet other people in the same position you are in, and it helps to have friends who can motivate you to study.
Do the classes help? Definitely. Just like taking a history class gives you more knowledge about history, taking an LSAT class gives you more knowledge about the LSAT. Like a lot of things, though, part of it hinges on whether you put the time in. I took a PowerScore class and I ended up scoring well (and now teach there). I do know that I worked pretty hard. Whatever class you choose, find a class that uses a lot of real LSAT's and find out who your instructor will be. Try to get someone with a lot of teaching experience and a high score. Having a good instructor makes a big difference.
When you do start preparing, regardless of what approach you use, you have to study a huge amount of time to lock down a high score (at least two months). Just be prepared to clear your schedule for it as much as you can, and then study a bit every day. The LSAT is not an exam you can cram for.
Also, you can take the LSAT 3 times in any 2 year period, but remember, law schools see every score plus an average of all the scores you have received.
I think that about covers it. Good luck!
Kaplan LSAT Study Class available on Amazon right now
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