LSAT Preparation Tips 2026: Study Plan, Strategies, Scores & Timeline

Preparing for the LSAT is a crucial step for students aspiring to pursue law degrees at top universities abroad. The LSAT assesses critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logical thinking—skills essential for success in law school. Effective preparation starts with understanding the test structure and question types. 

Students should familiarize themselves with the Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games), and Reading Comprehension sections through consistent practice. Time management plays a key role; setting a study schedule that allocates ample time for each section helps build both accuracy and speed.

To achieve a competitive score, candidates should use official LSAT prep materials and take multiple full-length timed practice tests to simulate the real exam environment. Analyzing mistakes and focusing on weak areas significantly enhances performance. Joining LSAT coaching programs or online courses can provide expert guidance and personalized feedback. 

Additionally, developing reading habits by engaging with complex materials—such as legal journals or opinion pieces—sharpens comprehension and argument analysis skills. A disciplined, strategic, and consistent approach can maximize scores, increasing the chances of admission to prestigious law schools like Harvard, Yale, or Oxford.

What is the best way to prepare for the LSAT?

The best way to prepare for the LSAT is through consistent practice using official materials, understanding each section’s format, and taking timed mock tests. Focus on improving logic, reasoning, and reading comprehension skills. Analyze mistakes, refine strategies, and maintain a structured study plan for steady progress and confidence on test day. The table presents a detailed analysis of the best way to prepare for the LSAT exam. 

How long should I take to prepare for the LSAT?

Ideally, students should dedicate 3 to 6 months to LSAT preparation, depending on their familiarity with the test format and reasoning skills. This period allows ample time for concept learning, consistent practice, and full-length mock tests. A structured study plan with regular review ensures steady progress and confidence before exam day.  The table presents a detailed analysis of the steps that should be taken to prepare for the LSAT. 

Is a 162 on the LSAT hard to get?

Scoring a 162 on the LSAT is challenging but achievable with consistent, strategic preparation. It places you around the 85th percentile, meaning you must outperform most test-takers. With strong analytical skills, disciplined practice using official materials, timed tests, and focused improvement on weak areas, achieving a score of 162 is realistic for dedicated students. The table presents a detailed analysis of whether 162 is a challenging score on the LSAT.

Is a 147 a good score for the LSAT?

A 147 LSAT score is considered below average, as it typically falls around the 33rd percentile. While it may qualify for admission to some lower-ranked or less competitive law schools, it is unlikely to meet requirements for mid-tier or top law programs. Improving your score can significantly expand admission and scholarship opportunities. The table presents a detailed analysis of whether 147 is good enough for the LSAT score.

Where can I go with a 147 LSAT?

With a 147 LSAT score, you may gain admission to some lower-ranked, regional, or less competitive law schools, mainly in the U.S. These programs often emphasize overall profiles rather than high LSAT scores. However, improving your score can open doors to many more schools and significantly increase scholarship opportunities. The table presents a detailed analysis regarding the ideal choices with a 147 LSAT.

What percentile is 147 on the LSAT?

A score of 147 on the LSAT places you approximately in the 28th percentile, meaning you scored better than about 28% of all test-takers. The table presents a detailed analysis regarding the percentile achieved with a 147 on the LSAT.

Should I cancel a 147 LSAT score?

Canceling a 147 LSAT score depends on your target schools. If you aim for mid-tier or top law schools, canceling and retaking is wise, as 147 won’t be competitive. If you’re applying to less selective or regional schools, keeping it may be fine. Consider your preparation, potential improvement, and deadlines. The table presents a detailed analysis of whether 147 is an ideal LSAT score.

How rare is a 172 on the LSAT?

A 172 LSAT score is quite rare, placing you in approximately the 98th percentile of test-takers. It’s a top-tier score, making you a highly competitive candidate for elite law schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. Only a small fraction of examinees reach this level. The table presents a detailed analysis of a 172 score on the LSAT.

How hard is it to get a 172 on the LSAT?

Scoring a 172 on the LSAT is extremely challenging, as it places you around the 98th percentile. It requires exceptional accuracy, strong logical reasoning, and consistent performance across all sections. Only highly prepared candidates achieve this score through intensive practice, mastery of strategies, and disciplined, focused study over several months. The table presents a detailed analysis of whether it is hard to score a 172 on the LSAT.

Conclusion

Achieving a high LSAT score requires strategic preparation, consistent practice, and strong analytical skills. Scores like 162 or 172 demand disciplined study, mastery of logic, and the ability to perform under timed conditions. While lower scores, such as 147, may limit options, they can still provide pathways into certain regional or less competitive law schools. Ultimately, understanding your goals, evaluating your current performance, and choosing the right preparation approach are essential. With dedication, the right resources, and steady improvement, students can significantly enhance their LSAT performance and improve their chances of admission to reputable law schools abroad.

LSAT Preparation Tips: FAQs

Ques: What is the LSAT?

Ans: The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test assessing logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension, required for admission to most law schools in the U.S., Canada, and some abroad.

Ques: How long should I prepare for the LSAT?

Ans: Typically, 3–6 months is ideal, depending on your familiarity with the test format and reasoning skills. Consistent daily practice is key.

Ques: What is the best way to prepare?

Ans: Use official LSAT prep materials, take timed practice tests, analyze mistakes, and follow a structured study schedule. Coaching or online courses can also help.

Ques: How many practice tests should I take?

Ans: Aim for at least 10–15 full-length timed practice tests to simulate real exam conditions and track progress.

Ques: How can I improve Logical Reasoning?

Ans: Practice identifying arguments, spotting assumptions, and evaluating conclusions. Focus on accuracy and speed through repeated drills.

Ques: How can I improve Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games)?

Ans: Diagram games systematically, practice all game types, and time yourself to increase speed and accuracy.

Ques: How can I improve Reading Comprehension?

Ans: Read complex materials daily, summarize passages, and practice answering inference and detail questions under time constraints.

Ques: Should I cancel a low LSAT score?

Ans: If aiming for competitive schools, consider canceling and retaking. For less selective schools, keeping the score may be acceptable.

Ques: What is a good LSAT score for top law schools?

Ans: Typically, 170+ is competitive for elite schools. Scores in the 160–169 range are strong for mid-tier programs.

Ques: How can I stay motivated during preparation?

Ans: Set clear goals, track progress, take regular breaks, join study groups, and maintain a positive mindset. Consistency is more important than intensity.