150 to 178: Sean’s LSAT Success Story

When Sean started his LSAT journey, he never imagined it would require four attempts to reach his goal. But he put in the hard work, made strategic adjustments as necessary, and committed to improvement. That work helped him achieve an official 178. 

LSAT Demon tutor Erik recently had the opportunity to interview Sean about his study, and in this article, we’ll discuss his approach to the LSAT and what he learned along the way.

Discovering the LSAT and Taking the First Steps

Sean’s interest in law began in middle school, but he only seriously started preparing for the LSAT during the summer after his sophomore year in college. His initial diagnostic score of 150 gave him a new sense of challenge, especially as someone who typically excelled at standardized tests. With plans to attend law school right after college, Sean knew he needed to begin working diligently right away.

Initially, Sean’s study plan relied on a common approach: taking as many practice tests as possible. He subscribed to an online testing service and took test after test, gradually improving. By the end of the summer, he scored a 170 on his first official LSAT, but Sean felt he could do better.

Adjusting His Approach to Focus on Daily Improvement

After his initial LSAT attempt, Sean discovered LSAT Demon and started listening to the Demon’s podcast, Thinking LSAT. Through the podcast, he encountered a fresh perspective on test prep. Instead of aiming for rapid, large-scale progress, he learned to focus on incremental improvements, working on getting a little bit better each day.

This shift led Sean to adjust his study habits. Rather than rushing through multiple tests daily, he dedicated time to understanding each question fully, especially those he missed. He examined the reasons behind each correct answer and each error, building a stronger foundation with each session.

Hitting a Plateau and the Power of Patience

After scoring 170 on his first LSAT attempt, Sean continued to study, achieving a 171 on his second attempt. Despite his improvements, he faced setbacks, including a 167 on his third attempt. At this point Sean almost gave up, wondering if he’d already reached his peak.

But after a break and time to reflect, he realized his practice scores showed he could achieve more. He also knew that the LSAT’s August test format would no longer include the Logic Games section, which had been a consistent struggle for him. This opportunity encouraged him to take one final shot at his goal.

Reaching 178

In August, with his strategy refined and the Logic Games section removed, Sean approached the test feeling more prepared than ever. When the scores were released, Sean’s persistence was rewarded with a 178, marking the end of his LSAT journey.

Plans Beyond the LSAT

Though Sean’s impressive score could secure admission to nearly any law school, he plans to delay applying for a year. He’ll spend time teaching English in Spain and possibly continue teaching in the U.S. when he returns, giving him time to consider his next steps thoughtfully. Sean’s target schools include top programs like Yale, Stanford, and Harvard, but he remains open to exploring all his options.

Advice for Other LSAT Test-Takers

Reflecting on his journey, Sean emphasizes the importance of small, consistent improvements. Rather than aiming for massive breakthroughs, he suggests focusing on understanding one new concept or mastering one more question type each day. This steady approach, rather than a quick-fix mentality, helped him build a strong and lasting foundation for LSAT success.

Sean’s journey shows that success on the LSAT is as much about perseverance, patience, and a willingness to adapt as anything else. For others embarking on this journey, his advice is simple: embrace each small step forward, and trust that, with persistence, your best score is within reach.

Follow this study plan to build your own success story.