LSAT Prep Self Study
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Is taking a prep course for the LSAT necessary or is self-studying using test prep books sufficient?
Nice use of sufficient and necessary--regardless of how you study for the LSAT, you will be seeing a lot more of those terms soon 
The question you ask really depends on the person. For some people, self-study is great. for others, a course is essential for them to do well. 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
First, if you are just getting started now, you don't have a lot of time, so unless you are near your target score, it might be best to postpone the test until December. Better to take the test a bit later if that will get you more points on the exam.
Second, as far as how to best prep, there are a couple of questions you have to ask yourself before making a decision on which route to take:
* Where are you scoring now, and how much do you need/want to improve?
* What kind of studier are you? Can you motivate yourself, or does a more structured environment and study plan better suit you?
* What kind of time do you have for studying on a weekly basis?
For the first question, if you haven't already, go to http://www.lsat.com/jd/LSAT/lsat-prep-materials.asp and download the free June 2007 practice LSAT and take it as a timed test (or use one of the practice exams you already have). Getting a starting score will help you make some decisions on what method to use when you start studying.
Depending on how much you need to improve, you have a few options: self-study with tests and prep books, take a prep class, or get personal tutoring. Books are cheaper but you have to do all the work, and you have to be motivated to study and a good self-learner. Courses are more expensive, but they give you a lot of material and provide a schedule and study plan for you. Tutoring is the most expensive, but it is completely personalized and focused solely on your needs, with someone there to help you at every turn.
If you go the book route, these were the three best prep books I used:
1. PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible (http://www.powerscore.com )
2. PowerScore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible
3. Kaplan LSAT 180 (http://www.kaplan.com )
You will need to practice what you are learning, so get actual tests from Law Services (the people who make the test and who are behind http://www.lsat.com ). If you don't have them already, these are the three cheapest ones, each is $30:
4. The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
5. 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
6. 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
If you work through the first three books, you would be in pretty good shape in terms of strategies, and then do a ton of the tests from the second group of books. Try to take at least one test a week if you can. The only real trick to studying is to put in a lot of hours and to take a lot of practice tests. Getting familiar with the test format and your own strengths and weaknesses will make you as comfortable as possible on test day.
If you are scoring relatively low, or if a particular section is killing you, or if you need a double-digit increase, strongly consider taking a prep course or getting personal 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? Like a lot of things, part of it hinges on whether you put the time in. I took a PowerScore class and I ended up scoring well. I do know that I worked pretty hard, though. Whatever class you choose, find a class that uses a lot of real LSATs 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.
Regardless of what approach you use, you have to study a huge amount of time to lock down a high score. Just be prepared to clear your schedule for it as much as you can.
Good luck!
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