The Law School Admission Test (LSAT®) is a proficiency exam used by many aspiring law school students in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The test is made up of four different multiple choice sections and one writing section. Multiple choice sections include reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and two logical reasoning portions. There is often an experimental section that is not scored and which is used to determine which questions might appear on future tests. Types of LSAT® preparation used by test takers who would like to improve their scores include practice tests, study books, courses, and practicing behaviors that may improve their mental functions.
Many individuals who are interested in LSAT® preparation begin with a practice test. Such tests can often be accessed online at little to no cost. A practice test is a great way for an individual to become familiar with the kinds of questions on the exam and to learn for which sections he or she should spend the most time preparing. An individual's test score normally improves with each taking of an exam.
LSAT® preparation books are also common among individuals who are getting ready to sit for the exam. These books often contain practice tests as well as explanations as to how certain solutions to problems are determined. Insight into what graders of the LSAT® written portion are looking for in a high scoring answer may also be included in a LSAT® preparation book.
Courses may be offered to aspiring law students who are preparing for the LSAT®. These course may span several weeks and provide students with a complete overview of the exam. Other courses may focus on certain sections, allowing students to work only on those areas in which they need the most assistance.
A number of individuals preparing for the LSAT® may also choose to hire tutors. Unlike courses, tutoring sessions are normally one-on-one and provide students with a more personalized training. People who prefer tutoring to courses may feel that they are struggling in certain areas or may simply learn better when they can direct a curriculum to fit their needs.
How well a person performs on a test can often be impacted by how sharp his or her cognitive abilities are during an exam. For this reason, an effective form of LSAT® preparation may be to practice behaviors that decrease stress and sharpen mental faculties. Getting a good night's sleep, eating well, and drinking plenty of water can help a person to perform well on an exam. Learning relaxation techniques can be another useful kind of preparation.