When I first took the LSAT, I wasn't even close to my goal score and was absolutely heartbroken. I thought all of my dreams of going to a top law school were over. A pre law advisor had told me that most people are only able to jump 10 points on the LSAT, and I'm so glad that I didn't let that limiting advice hold me back. I jumped 30+ points from my first score to my final LSAT score. It took being patience and a lot of hard work, but it's possible. I'm hoping to provide some encouraging advice.
1. Accept that it's a very difficult test and you're not going to learn it overnight: It personally took me about 2 1/2 years to get my dream score. If I had given up, I wouldn't have achieved it. You need to go in understanding that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Many of us will study, take a practice test, get discouraged, and fall into a toxic cycle. It's really important to remember that this process can take years, and that's okay. The test was designed to be difficult.
2. Read "The Loophole" by Ellen Cassidy: I personally believe that this is the best LSAT prep book out there. It fundamentally changed the way I read and thought. I recommend reading it all the way through once, just to absorb it, and then reading it a second time while making flashcards and taking notes. It is hands-down the best LSAT book out there (in my opinion).
3. Get a great tutor: I used a company called Elemental Prep, run by Ellen Cassidy, the author of "The Loophole". Tutoring lessons with her were ultimately what boosted my score. She is incredibly talented, and while it was expensive, it was an investment I was willing to make. I knew I needed a higher LSAT score for admission to certain schools and to qualify for scholarships. However, when working with a tutor it's important to ensure they're working for you. I initially had a different tutor who didn't help at all, and it ended up being a waste of time and money. So do your research on the prep company/ tutor before hand, and trust your gut if you feel a tutor isn't working out.
4. Make a schedule and stick to it: Even with great prep materials and a great tutor, inconsistency will make it hard impossible to improve. Make sure you come up with a study schedule that is consistent and manageable. Even if it means studying just an hour every day, that's better than cramming all your studying into one day and doing nothing the rest of the week. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
5. Implement some sort of wellness routine: For me, as a Muslim, my spirituality was crucial. I leaned on my faith prayer, and community for peace of mind. This process is incredibly harrowing, especially for those aiming for top law schools. There were times I felt my dreams were out of reach, but my faith helped me stay hopeful.
6. Don't make the LSAT your whole life: You need balance to avoid burnout. Have a realistic study schedule and stick to it, but also make time to see friends, volunteer, and connect with your community. I worked full-time while studying and volunteered at my local mosque, and found that maintaining a healthy, balanced life was key.
7. Assess and reassess your progress: Once you get your LSAT score, take a moment to reassess. Determine if it's worth the additional time and effort to try again. Recognize your personal limits and accept them. For example, I knew my particular score was the best I could do, and it wasn’t worth the effort, time, and money to try to study more to earn a higher score. However, I have friends who scored in the high 170’s and chose to retake for a 180. It's important to push yourself, but it's just as important to recognize your limitations.
8. Understand that the LSAT is not the be-all and end-all: Many applicants are admitted to top law schools with scores well below the school’s medians. There are numerous factors in law school admissions beyond the LSAT. If you put in your best effort and still don't get the score you hoped for, remember that it's not the sole determinant of your future. Applicants from marginalized backgrounds may face systemic disadvantages that can affect their performance on standardized tests. Admissions committees are aware of these disparities and often consider them in their decisions. Therefore, don't lose hope if your score isn't as high as you aimed for.
9. Avoid comparing yourself to others: Stay off Reddit and other online platforms where people discuss their LSAT scores. People often lie about their scores, and everyone’s journey is unique. Comparing yourself to others is a waste of energy and can be discouraging.
10. Enjoy the process: This might sound difficult, but try to find enjoyment in studying. Towards the end of my prep, I actually started doing LSAT problems for fun, which I know sounds ludicrous considering I started off hating studying, feeling defeated, and even crying at times. But it is a learnable test, and you will learn to like it, or at least not hate it.
Ultimately, trust yourself, lean on your faith, keep healthy connections with the world around you, and believe in your potential. If I had listened to the professor who said a 10-point jump was the maximum, I don’t think I would have ended up at Penn. Keep pushing, and you'll achieve your goals. If I was able to do it, you can to. We at Underrepresented are rooting for you!
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