Studying the LSAT While Working and Being a Student

Studying the LSAT While Working and Being a Student

Studying may not be in your list of favorite things to do, but you’ll need to love it if there’s an LSAT waiting. Many undergraduate students work part-time and some work full-time depending on their work schedules. Striking a good balance between working hours and schooling sessions is already a challenge for many. Adding LSAT test prep to this tight schedule makes everything seems impossible. The truth is, combining all three will mean you’ll be getting out of your comfort zone.

The LSAT, unlike your undergrad exams, can be more difficult and more demanding. Students can miss classes and lectures, and still pass their ordinary exams. The same cannot be said for the LSAT. This four-hour test will determine whether or not you’ll join your dream law school.

Studying

Early preparation is one of the best ways to tackle the LSAT. Students who are working either part time or full time should formulate a strategy that will see them have at least, 15 hours per week for their LSAT test prep. This may seem difficult and unrealistic, but we’ll break it down and show you how possible it is. To ensure productivity, every minute you use to study should be fully utilized. Your study plan should be organized in such a way that learning is easy and efficient. Below are some learning hacks you would want to incorporate into your LSAT Test Prep plan:

Always study in short bursts

In a 3-hour learning session, for example, you should have some 20 minute breaks in between so that you’re learning for approximately 50 minutes before taking a short break.

Teach a friend if you have the opportunity

If you have a colleague in your workplace studying for the same LSAT, take some time during the shift breaks to learn a thing or two. Teach him/her the new concepts you just learned and also listen to what he/she knows. Alternatively, if you’re working with an LSAT test prep tutor, try talking to them as if you were the teacher and they can help you go over any areas you’re struggling with. If you don’t have someone to teach, lock yourself up in a room and pretend you’re doing so. Teaching someone speeds up the learning process.

Take notes by hand

This will help you to comprehend the content better and even boost your concentration. Using a laptop can be fast, but this often leads to mindless transcription with lots of distractions such as Instagram alerts.

Know the best learning hours

Studying on a hot summer afternoon can make you feel sleepy and going directly into your books after waking up may not help either. It’s recommended to study for an hour or two after waking up. If you’re comfortable with study naps, you can make use of them in between continuous learning sessions.

Timetabling

When it comes to budgeting your time, we have two recommendations. Feel free to adjust the reading hours and even the days; provided you hit a target of 15 study hours per week for a period of 4 months. If you have a more flexible schedule, you can choose 20 study hours per week for 3 months.

The first option (15 hours per week, for 4 months)

  • 2.5 hours per day, Mon-Thurs
  • 5 hours on Saturday
  • 0 hours on Friday and Sunday
  • The second option (20 hours per week, for 3 months)
  • 3.75 hours per day, Mon-Thurs
  • 5 hours on Saturday
  • 0 hours on Friday and Sunday

If you enjoy a decent social life and would like to get out with friends on a Friday night, these schedules have still got you covered. You just don’t want to party all night, since you’ll have to compromise the schedule for the following day.

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