Structuring Your LSAT Study Schedule

Preparing for the LSAT requires a consistent and structured approach, especially if you’re balancing work, hobbies, or other commitments. Here’s how to create a flexible yet effective study schedule that fits your lifestyle while maximizing your progress.

LSAT Prep with a Busy Schedule

Many LSAT students juggle responsibilities like school, jobs, and family obligations. The key to staying on track is consistency, not perfection. Aim to study at least five days a week for steady progress. On lighter days, commit to an hour or more and on busier days, even 15 minutes can help maintain momentum. Alternate between short practice drills and timed sections to reinforce skills without burning out. 

Have a goal to learn at least one new thing every time you study. Consistency matters more than cramming or sticking to an overly rigid schedule.

How Many Timed Sections Should You Do?

A good goal is to complete about three timed sections per week while balancing this practice with drilling and reviewing mistakes. This approach helps improve accuracy and time management without overwhelming you. Full-length practice tests can be helpful in gauging pacing and endurance, but they aren’t essential. If you take full tests, limit them to once a month, and only if you feel they add value to your preparation. For most students, regular timed sections combined with drilling are enough to build confidence and see improvement.

Balanced Approach

Logical Reasoning makes up a larger portion of the LSAT than Reading Comprehension, so it’s natural to spend more time practicing LR. You can alternate focus areas by dedicating a couple of days to Logical Reasoning and a couple of days to Reading Comprehension. However, avoid sticking to rigid schedules if they don’t align with your learning style. Tools like Demon’s Choice can help you prioritize weaker areas while targeting sections that have the most weight in your overall score.

Drill Regularly

Drilling is one of the most effective ways to improve on the LSAT, especially when time is tight. Short, targeted drills can help build skills without requiring long study sessions. Breaking your study time into smaller 15-to-30-minute blocks may seem fragmented, but it’s an efficient way to stay consistent and make progress over time. 

Combining drilling with regular timed sections will help you become more familiar with the test format and develop the stamina needed for long testing sessions.

Final Tips for a Strong Study Routine

An effective LSAT study plan doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on steady, consistent practice rather than rigid schedules. Mixing drills, timed sections, and thorough review will allow you to make meaningful progress. Adjust your routine as needed to fit your schedule, and don’t worry about perfection. By staying consistent and focused, you’ll build the skills and confidence needed to perform your best on test day.