If your child has dreams of going to law school and has to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), you’re probably wondering how you can support them throughout the process. The LSAT tends to cause anxiety for students and parents alike, and rightfully so: it is a challenging multi-faceted test that plays a crucial role in the law school admissions process.

Here, we’ll break down what the LSAT is all about, how students can prepare for the exam, and what you can do during their LSAT prep to help them achieve the best LSAT score they can!

What is the LSAT?

The LSAT is a multiple-choice test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It is required for admission to law schools in the United States and Canada, though some schools do accept the GRE. 

The LSAT is taken on a computer and can be completed at home or in person at a testing center. The exam is approximately three hours long, including check-in and check-out times, as well as breaks. 

LSAT Sections

The LSAT is comprised of the following sections:

• Logical Reasoning
  • The Logical Reasoning section of the LSAT mainly tests a student’s ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments.
• Logic Games
  • Also known as the Analytical Reasoning section, Logic Games measured a student’s ability to understand relationship structures and draw conclusions about those structures. (Imagine these as really intense puzzles.)
  • Note: As of August 2024, the LSAT will no longer have a Logic Games Section. The June 2024 exam will be the final LSAT with Logic Games. Learn more about the change here.
• Reading Comprehension
  • The Reading Comprehension section tests students’ ability to understand passages comprised of long-form, complex materials and pull out the main ideas.

How Do Students Prepare for the LSAT?

Notice we are using the word “prepare” rather than “study.”  Because the LSAT is a skills-based test, the process differs from studying for an undergraduate exam. Students review LSAT-specific content, complete released practice questions (these are questions from past official exams), and simulate test day conditions with full-length practice LSAT exams to build test-taking stamina.  Of course, some guidance regarding pattern recognition from an LSAT expert will go a long way to make this practice more effective.

The average student trains for about three months, but students who need to balance LSAT prep with school, a job, or other responsibilities may need to prep longer to get the score they want without burning themselves out.  And those who don’t have much of a “gap” between their starting score and target score could spend less time prepping.

How Can A Parent Help Their LSAT Student?

Assist in Selecting Test Prep Resources

One of the most critical decisions your child must make is which LSAT prep resources to use. They might even ask what the best LSAT prep is. A key component of LSAT prep is the LSAC’s Official LSAT Prep Plus, which provides access to a comprehensive set of LSAT resources and practice exams.

Aside from official resources, students need additional practice materials and may also consider extra guidance with options such as tutoring, live classes, or self-paced courses, depending on their learning style. 

Act as an Accountability Partner

Students are much more likely to stick to their plan if they’re held accountable by another person. It can be challenging to balance LSAT studying with other pre-law obligations and everyday pressures. Checking in on their progress can help them stay on track, but it’s important not to add additional undue stress, so don’t push too hard.

Facilitate Other Aspects of Their Life

For students juggling classes, work, childcare, or other significant commitments, fitting LSAT prep into their day can seem overwhelming. Parents can support their children by assisting with other tasks like grocery shopping, car maintenance, or household chores, which can free up valuable study time and reduce stress. Any way that you can help minimize distractions will go a long way in your child’s LSAT success!

Promote Healthy Habits and Rest Days

While staying consistent with LSAT prep is crucial, self-care habits are also vital for success. Encourage your child to maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular exercise, eating well, and getting sufficient sleep. These habits can enhance their LSAT performance.

Moreover, avoiding burnout is essential for students. Taking a rest day each week is necessary to protect your child’s mental health. Encourage them to plan enjoyable activities on their rest day, such as going out for lunch or watching a movie.  It’s perfectly acceptable (and even preferable) to have planned days away from LSAT work; what an aspiring law student should avoid, though, are days of simply avoiding LSAT work.

Be Positive

While it is only one exam, this exam can have a significant impact on your child’s future law school and career prospects. Your child is going through a lot right now and is likely under a ton of stress. Staying optimistic about their studying efforts and celebrating their daily successes can provide the motivation they need to keep working toward their goal LSAT score!  Success breeds confidence, but confidence also breeds success.

Don’t forget that Blueprint has all the tools your student needs to crush the LSAT! Check out all our LSAT prep options designed for every learning style and learn how your student can increase their LSAT score by 15 points on average!