New LSAT Prep Books – From LSAT
LSAT Announces New LSAT Prep Books – Direct From LSAT
It’s been a long time coming. Finally, it looks like LSAT will be releasing some new LSAT Prep Publications. It will be too late for those of you taking the LSAT this year, but here is what appears to be in the works:
1. A new book of 10 Actual LSATs (although this won’t be the title). This should arrive in late 2010 or early 2011.
2. This one is really big news! A sequel to the Official LSAT SuperPrep. LSAT SuperPrep is the most important book for LSAT Prep. Think of it as “LSAT on the LSAT”. It should be thought of as:
“The one LSAT book that you can afford to buy, but can’t afford not to have!”
This will be a fantastic addition to the world of LSAT prep and is almost certain to be adopted by all LSAT preparation courses. The bad news is that this is apparently not slated to arrive until 2012.
All of this strongly suggests that there are no format changes to the LSAT on the horizon!
Welcome to the LSAT Blog
My name is John Richardson. I live in Toronto, Canada. I am a lawyer and have been involved in LSAT preparation for many years (sometimes as a business and sometimes as a hobby).
LSAT preparation has evolved over the years. In many ways, it is almost “open source”. The rise of social media sites (Facebook, Myspace, discussion boards, internet LSAT study groups, etc.), has made LSAT preparation very much a group activity.
I originaly created this site because of the the number of questions I received about “the best LSAT prep books, etc). Most of this site is static. But, I will post my thoughts on LSAT preparation. I will sometimes reference other sites.
Please make sure that you have a look at all the pages and links on this site. If you have a site that you would like to be added to the links (no guarantee) please email me.
Also, if you have a specific question that you would like me to try to answer (LSAT or otherwise), either post a comment here or send me an email:
prelawforum@gmail.com
Finally, I would like to invite LSAT teachers, LSAT test takers or anybody else with an interest (can’t imagine who that might be) to contribute to this blog. You can do this in two ways:
1. By posting a comment on specific pages;
2. By suggesting additional links;
3. By actually writing “guest posts”
All are welcome and encouraged!
John Richardson
Richard Montauk – How To Get In Top Law Schools
A Rare Event – Richard Montauk – Toronto – Saturday September 19
Montauk - Top Law Schools
Who: Richard Montauk – Author: How To Get Into The Top Law Schools
Where: University of Toronto – St. Michael’s College – Carr Hall – 100 St. Joseph St. – Room 103
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
It has always been tough to get into the top law schools. Success in the law admissions game requires: knowledge, a plan and the execution of that plan. Like many things in life:
“People don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan!”
You are invited to a rare opportunity to learn from Richard Montuak who is the author of: How To Get Into The Top Law Schools
Mr. Montauk is one of the most well known and most successful law school admission consultants in the U.S.
http://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Into-Top-Schools/dp/0735204292/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252326523&sr=1-1
This event is free to all Richardson LSAT GMAT GRE and MCAT course students (http://www.prep.com). We are also allowing members of our Pre-Law Forum and LSAT Study Facebook groups to attend for free. But, pre-registration is required (email prelawforum@gmail.com).
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7644906956
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2338673922
Note: this event will blend nicely with our “Law School Personal Statement Workshop” on September 20.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2338673922#/event.php?eid=135549807679
Can’t make this seminar? Check out our law school admissions manual at:
http://www.lawschoolbound.org
Woman’s fight opens legal titans’ secret files
A comment about this article is:
__________________________________
In the wake of a lawsuit alleging “systemic, gender-based discrimination,” one of the country’s biggest law firms is being forced next week to reveal top-secret data on the way it compensates and promotes lawyers.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP must also release an internal report on the status of women at the firm prepared by Catalyst Inc., well-known consultants on gender issues in the workplace.
It’s believed to be the first time that a major Canadian law firm has been ordered to reveal such normally confidential information related to gender, one reason the case is attracting international attention in legal circles.
The Superior Court of Ontario has ordered McCarthys to provide that information as a result of a $12 million lawsuit filed by a former McCarthys partner, Diane LaCalamita.
To read the complete article:
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/69028
Please comment on this.
Knewton LSAT plans free release of LSAT 57
I just received the following:
“Studying for the LSAT? The June ‘09 test is about to be released online for free…”
http://www.twitter.com/lsat57
LSAT 57 was the June 2009 LSAT. It included the “infamous” dinosaur game.
The moment the scores were released various LSAT test prep companies started talking about dinosaurs on the internet. These include:
BluePrint LSAT – Parts 1 – 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YttKYUmMPsg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GFMsQmpdpk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4li8wYspvsk
Atlas joins the LSAT Book Competition
Atlas LSAT has just released three LSAT prep books in each of the following areas:
- Logic Games
- Logical Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
Atlas joins Powerscore and ExamKrackers by publishing books in each of the three main LSAT areas.
If you have comments on any of these books (they are brand new), feel free to post them.
How to begin your LSAT Prep
Welcome!
Before you start learning about the best LSAT books and LSAT preparation courses, check out the following (a bit of advertising):
One Day! One Location! Many Schools!
What: Pre-Law Forum
When: Spring 2010
Where: Osgoode Hall Law School – Toronto, Canada
Get accurate information direct from the admissions officers of Canada’s law schools!
Free Admission – Pre-Registration – Not Required
Want updates? Follow Pre-Law Forum on Twitter.
__________________________________________________________
Now, back to the main point.
This post and the topics listed in the pages and links to the left should help you find the answers to:
- everything you ever wanted to know about the LSAT; and
- some things that you must know, but didn’t know you had to know!
Here are some additional links to LSAT test preparation and tutoring sites that may be of help to you:
- LSAT Test Prep Facebook Group
- Pre-Law Forum Facebook Group
- Law School Bound links
- LSAT Preparation Course Directory
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LSAT Preparation – Getting Started – First Steps
– The “Bear” (Sorry “bare”have you seen the movie “Jungle Book”?) Necessities
You should start by reading and understanding what LSAT says about its own test. Remember, it’s their test. They get to set the rules. Only after having read, considered and understood what LSAT says, should you move to “third party” books and courses.
LSAT on LSAT
Two Free Sources and One Inexpensive Source
Free:
1. A link to a presentation made by Law Services about the LSAT.
2. The LSAT Registration Book with a free LSAT sample test.
Inexpensive:
The one book that is mandatory for effective LSAT prep comes from Law Services and is called “LSAT SuperPrep”. You will want to practice with as many actual LSAT tests as you can.
If you are interested in a third party article about the “predictive value” of the LSAT see:
http://www.prep.com/lsatarticle.pdf
What is the LSAT?
The letters “L S A T” stand for “Law School Admission Test. The LSAT is administered by Law Services based in Newtown, PA. The test is required as part of the application process to the overwhelming majority (I know of only one exception) to Canadian and U.S. (ABA approved) law schools.
If you desire more information “About The LSAT” see:
http://aboutthelsat.wordpress.com
When Is The LSAT Offered?
At present the test may be taken four times a year – usually in June (best time), October (very good time), December (a bad time of year for those in school) and February (suitable only as a retake or an early bird start).
When Should You Take The LSAT?
“Success Favors The Prepared Mind.”
Part of preparation is planning. Planning is so important that:
“Many people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan!”
In an ideal situation you should:
Plan to take the LSAT in June. In a perfect world you will NOT have to do the LSAT again. But, if you must repeat the LSAT (and may people do), you will have the chance to take the October LSAT. You should try very hard to avoid the December (it is the first weekend of December) and February (it is very late) LSATs. I might add that you should consider taking the LSAT the first June that you are free to do so. If you are sure that you will apply to law school, then there is no reason to delay taking the test.
How and When Do You Register?
You register online. You should register well in advance of the deadline for registration. Major test centers fill up quickly. Registration for the June 2008 LSAT opened in January 2008 and the most popular test centers were filled within days.
What Is The LSAT About And Are There Specific Skills That It Tests?
The LSAT is a multiple choice test of reading and reasoning in context.
All LSAT question types test these skills. That is both good and bad news.
Good News: The LSAT tests only reading and reasoning – no specific background knowledge is tested.
Bad News: The LSAT tests only reading and reasoning – no specific background knowledge is tested.
It is easier to prepare for tests that test background knowledge. All you need do is learn that particular knowledge. LSAT preparation is NOT that simple.
What Is The Specific Format Of The LSAT?
The LSAT is composed of six thirty-five minute sections. Four of the six count toward your test score (reported on a scale of 120 – 180). One of the six is experimental (not counting toward your score) and one is a writing sample (which although does not count toward your score is used as part of your application file) at some law schools.
The four sections that count are:
- two separate and distinct Logical Reasoning sections (24 – 26 questions each);
- one Reading Comprehension section which contains three passages and one “Comparative Reading” set (total number of questions 26 – 28);
- one Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) section (total number of questions 22 – 24).
Although these sections have different names, they all test reading and reasoning in context.
About LSAT Preparation – What Does It Mean?
To put it simply:
Your goal in LSAT preparation is to improve to the point where you are able to achieve the highest score that you can with your level of reading and reasoning ability.
LSAT Preparation And Anxiety
The LSAT preparation industry (books and courses) create the impression that you are hopeless without preparation. This is not true. Many people can answer many questions without any preparation. Don’t forget this! Your goal when you prepare is to improve your timing (there isn’t enough time) and to improve on the question types that give you trouble.
Sources Of LSAT Preparation
There are two sources.
Source 1 – LSAT Themselves – www.lsac.org
It is imperative that you begin by seeing how LSAT describes their own test. They have a publication – The LSAT Registration Book – that contains a free sample test and commentary on the questions. The contents of the book are also available on their site – www.lsac.org
Start with this! You must understand what LSAT says about their own test.
This is another example of:
“The best things in life are free.”
LSAT also sells most a number of actual LSAT exams. Use them!
Source 2 – Third Party Books And Courses
There are a large number of “third party” books and courses. “Third party” means the book or course does not come directly from LSAT. This doesn’t make it either bad or good. A good book or course can add a great deal to your understanding of LSAT questions. Almost all test takers use “third party” sources. Just remember, to begin by understanding what LSAT says about their own test! Here are some steps to successful LSAT preparation:
Step 1 – Becoming Familiar With The LSAT
Start with the LSAT registration book. Read it from cover to cover. LSAT also publishes a book called “LSAT SuperPrep” which is an important part of your prep. After all, it does come directly from LSAT.
Step 2 – Take A Sample LSAT Under Timed Conditions
This will give you a sense of how much preparation you need. Some of you will not need any additional work and some will. There is at least one free LSAT sample test on the LSAT site.
Step 3 – Acquire A Number Of Actual LSATs
These can be purchased directly. They also come with the course materials of almost all LSAT courses.
Step 4 – Purchase Any Third Party Books You May Want
People are always asking the question:
What is the best LSAT book? Well, it really depends on the stage of LSAT preparation that you are at. This blog will provide some thoughts about LSAT books for whatever stage you are at.
You will see that groups will be grouped into the following categories:
- Beginning LSAT Books
- Intermediate LSAT Books
- Advanced LSAT Books
- Specialty LSAT Books – Logic Games (Analytical Reasoning)
- Specialty LSAT Books – Logical Reasoning
- Specialty LSAT Books – Reading Comprehension
The site lsatbooks.com is another site that you may want to consider when evaluating or purchasing LSAT preparation books.
Step 5 – Enroll In An LSAT Course – If This Is The Route That You Want
LSAT preparation is a function of:
First, being prepared; and
Second, feeling prepared.
It is possible to achieve a high score without taking an LSAT preparation course. To put it another way – an LSAT course is (to use the language of certain LSAT questions) neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for a high score.
That said, a good course should help most people, improve their scores, most of the time.
I once heard an LSAT teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience offer the following insight:
“A good LSAT course will help some people a lot and a lot of people some.”
Since all LSAT courses teach from LSAT tests, you are paying for the instruction. Hence, the issues are:
– who is teaching and (given that there is no universal agreement on what constitutes a good, medium or bad teacher)
- do you like the teacher.
Shop the market looking for a teacher. You may also want to consider private tutoring.
Although this blog is about the LSAT, the author or a recent GMAT book had the following to say about GMAT courses:
“I’m a fan of test-prep courses and believe that every candidate should take one, notwithstanding availability, wherewithal, and the time required to complete a course. In my opinion, test-prep courses get results first and foremost because they provide structure. This should not be underestimated. We all know how difficult it is to motivate ourselves; any serious undertaking requires a schedule backed by commitment. The best test-prep courses typically provide live instruction and rely on “good” instructors. An experienced instructor is able to frame course material and add valuable examples and anecdotal information, which may not be part of the formal course offering. Many times the answer to the question, “Which company has the best GMAT course?” may very well be the same as asking, “Which company has the best GMAT instructor(s)?”
- Brandon Royal – Chili Hot GMAT”
The same may be said about LSAT courses.
There are basically two kinds of course formats – those offered on weekends and those on weeknights.
Step 6 – The Most Important For Last – Don’t Adopt Just One Method!
Please remember that there is NO best or universally correct way to answer LSAT questions. There is no shortage of books and courses trying to sell you on their method. Do NOT buy into one method. Your approach should be as flexible as possible and incorporate as many methods as you can. In some cases, the best method is:
No method at all. I just know the answer!
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