Study Formats: Courses, Self-Study, Tutors & More
Note: The Pre-Law Program does not "endorse" any particular commerical LSAT resource. Some free/subsidized resources are noted below, as well as books students have found most useful.
Classroom Courses
Classroom courses structure study allow feedback from teachers and provide a community of colleagues. Students who take a classroom course often like the automatic discipline that a live course can create, by imposing external demands. Classroom courses generally cost more than a virtual course.
- There is a specially-designed, subsidized on-campus course offered through Hunter's LSAT Diversity Initiative to students and alumni each year, that runs through spring and summer. The course is taught by Carolyn Nelson. Having seen Carolyn's success at Hunter, she has since been hired by LatinoJustice and CUNYPipeline for their initiatives. Speak with the Pre-Law Advisor (and keep an eye on the listserv and screens on campus for announcements about recruitment for this course).
- 7Sage offers a fellowship summer, with intensive LSAT prep, supplemental coaching, and a stipend/
- TRIALS, a partnership between NYU and Harvard Law, is another summer fellowship program.
- Other LSAT prep prep opportunities are listed on the diversity page.
- A variety of commercial courses are available, widely ranging in price. Shop around – compare prices, amount of class-time, out-of class resources, number of simulated exams administered, and level of feedback from teachers. Be sure to attend Hunter's LSAT introduction sessions with various providers to get an inside view of their teaching styles. What matters most is WHO is in the classroom, as opposed to a particular "brand." Try to get student reviews of the particular instructor who will be teaching your class.
Web-Based Courses
Web-based courses offer the convenience of "attending" class from home, while still benefitting from instruction. Whether this approach is right for you, however, will depend on your level of diligence. As well, recognize that the virtual classroom lacks the immediacy of in-person interaction. Your ability to ask questions and receive a prompt, individualized response may be limited. Nevertheless, for students who cannot otherwise attend class due to work or family obligations, this type of approach can sometimes be helpful, depending on circumstances.
- Khan Academy, in partnership with LSAC, offers a FREE on-line course. See details at the link.
Self-Study
- There are a number of websites that offer helpful, free limited materials and resources
- LSAC's LawHub (limited number of free practice tests - again, it is essential to subscribe to lawhub to gain access to all old tests)
- 7 Sage
- Velocity LSAT
- LSAT Hacks
- Thinking LSAT
- Blueprint Prep
- Kaplan
- Powerscore
- Some websites also provide free explanations -- not just the answers but explanations -- for all parts of the exam. Having access to explanations that help you understand your mistakes is the most important part of self-study. You quickly understand the questions you get right, but it can be hard to figure out the ones you do not.
- The website does NOT ENDORSE any of the providers above.
Tutoring
Tutoring can be very expensive but does allow for extensive, personalized feedback. Sometimes a few tutoring sessions in an area of difficulty can be very useful. Most commercial providers, as well as the LSAT prep websites, offer tutoring services.
In general, you will get the most "bang for the buck" with tutoring if you have first familiarized yourself with the test, and have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to reach out to a tutor in an infomed way, and to make the most of the time you are paying for.
Study Groups
Look for friends to study with. This can make the process more fun and help structure your studying. In particular, reach out on the Facebook page of the Hunter Pre-Law Society and see who might be interested in creating a group. Be sure to clarify expectations regarding meeting times and duration for all participants.
