Too Many Practice Tests?

In a recent episode of the LSAT Demon Daily podcast, hosts Nathan Fox and Ben Olson responded to an email from a frustrated listener who had hit a wall in her LSAT prep. After months of daily studying, she felt stuck. Her subject line said it all: “HELP! Urgent!”

She’d been prepping since January 2024 and, by August, was spending four to six hours a day on full-length practice tests, timed sections, and detailed reviews. Her practice scores sometimes reached the high 160s, but her official results were noticeably lower. With another test just weeks away, she asked: “How can I maximize my preparation and finally get the score I’m aiming for?”

Her situation raises a crucial question: Can taking too many practice tests actually hurt your LSAT performance?

The Pitfalls of Overdoing Practice Tests

It’s easy to assume that more practice tests mean more progress. But that’s not how LSAT prep works. When you grind through test after test, you risk burnout and reinforce bad habits rather than improving your skills.

Nathan pointed out that the listener was likely chasing test scores rather than focusing on true understanding. “Once in a while, you score a 167,” he said, “but you're missing six or seven questions per section—and another six or seven you don't fully understand.”

If your goal is to see your score go up, don’t fixate on completing as many practice tests as possible. Instead, slow down and make sure you understand each question you attempt.

Confidence vs. Competence: Know the Difference

The listener mentioned feeling confident during her exams, even when her scores didn’t reflect that confidence. This disconnect is common among LSAT students who prioritize finishing sections instead of solving each question correctly.

Confidence should come from competence, not speed. If you walk away from a test feeling great just because you answered every question on time, you are focusing on the wrong goal. Real confidence stems from knowing you can identify the correct answer and explain why each incorrect answer is wrong.

Quality Over Quantity: A Better Study Strategy

So, what should you do instead of taking endless practice tests? Nathan and Ben recommend this simple, effective approach:

1. Drill individual questions: Drill questions to give yourself space to understand the question and each answer choice fully.

2. Review every mistake thoroughly: After answering a question, ask yourself: Why was this answer right? Why were the others wrong? Don’t move on until you understand it entirely. If you get stuck, hit the Ask Button.

3. Practice timed sections occasionally: Once you feel confident drilling, add in timed sections. Don’t attempt to finish the section. Focus on accuracy first; speed will come naturally with practice. 

4. Limit full-length practice tests: Take no more than one test per month. Daily tests lead to burnout and false confidence.

When Should You Take Full-Length Practice Tests?

Full-length tests are still valuable when used strategically. Their primary purpose is to replicate test-day conditions—not to teach you how to get better. If you’re regularly drilling and reviewing, you don’t need more than one practice test per month. Remember, improvement happens during review, not during the test itself.

How to Break the Practice-Test Loop

If you’ve been caught in the practice-test loop, here’s how to reset:

• Take a break: Step away from the LSAT for a day or two to clear your head.

• Shift your mindset: Stop seeing practice tests as progress markers. Focus on understanding individual questions instead.

• Trust the process: Mastery takes time. Slow down, stay curious, and let the test teach you how it works.

The Bottom Line

LSAT prep isn’t about racking up practice test scores. It’s about understanding what the question is asking and knowing why each correct answer is right. If you find yourself grinding through full-length tests without seeing results, it’s time to step back and reassess.

Fewer tests, more drilling with thorough review. That’s the key to LSAT success. 

Join Ben and Nathan in their classes, and they’ll show you how The LSAT Is Easy.