Time Management Strategies for the LSAT

Why Time Management Matters on the LSAT

The LSAT is a timed test with strict limits on how long you have to complete each section. There are five sections on the LSAT:

• Logical Reasoning (2 sections): Each section is 35 minutes long.
• Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games): 35 minutes.
• Reading Comprehension: 35 minutes.
• Experimental Section (unscored): 35 minutes.
• Writing Sample (unscored): 35 minutes.

With a total testing time of about 3.5 hours (including breaks), it’s crucial to develop a strategy for each section to avoid running out of time. Managing your time effectively allows you to give each question the attention it deserves and ensures you can finish the test without rushing.

Key Time Management Strategies

Here are several time management techniques to help you stay on track during the LSAT:

1. Set a Target Time for Each Section

Each section of the LSAT is strictly timed, so it’s essential to allocate your time wisely. While the clock is ticking, having a clear idea of how much time to spend on each section can keep you on track.

Here’s a general guideline for how much time to spend on each section:

• Logical Reasoning: 35 minutes per section. Aim to spend about 1 minute per question and leave the last 5 minutes for review.
• Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games): 35 minutes. Try to complete each game in about 8-10 minutes and use the remaining time for review.
• Reading Comprehension: 35 minutes. Spend 8-9 minutes per passage, leaving the last 5 minutes for review.

2. Use a Timer During Practice

To develop a sense of pacing, practice answering questions under timed conditions. Use a timer during your practice tests to simulate real test conditions. This will help you build the necessary skills to stay on schedule during the actual exam.

Track how much time you’re spending on each section and note where you’re running out of time. If you notice a section where you're consistently spending too much time, you can adjust your strategy during your preparation and focus on improving efficiency in that area.

3. Don’t Get Stuck on One Question

It’s easy to get frustrated by a challenging question, but spending too much time on one question can jeopardize your ability to finish the test. If you find yourself stuck, move on to the next question and come back later if time permits.

Use a process of elimination to rule out obviously wrong answers. If you’re still unsure, make an educated guess and move on. Mark any questions you want to revisit, and if you have extra time at the end, go back to them.

4. Practice Skimming for Speed

For sections like Reading Comprehension, reading the passages efficiently is crucial. Practice skimming the passages to get the main idea and structure without reading every word in detail. Focus on:

• The first and last sentences of each paragraph.
• Key words or phrases that indicate the main argument or point.
• Transitional phrases that signal a change in the author’s tone or perspective.

Skimming effectively will help you save time without sacrificing comprehension. The goal is to understand the passage’s overall meaning, not memorize every detail.

5. Know When to Move On

It’s important to recognize when it’s time to move on from a question or section. Don’t dwell on questions that are taking too long. If you’re stuck, make your best guess and move forward. You’ll save more time in the long run by answering all the questions rather than spending too much time on just one or two.

In each section, if you’ve answered the majority of questions and are spending too much time on one, it’s better to skip it temporarily and return to it later if time permits.

6. Allocate Time for Review

Although the LSAT is a timed test, it’s still important to allow time for review. Ideally, you should leave the last 5 minutes of each section to go back and review your answers, especially those that you were uncertain about. Use this time to double-check for errors and make sure you’ve answered every question.

If you have extra time at the end of the entire test, use it to review questions you marked for revisiting or to ensure you haven’t left any unanswered questions.

7. Develop a Strategy for the Experimental Section

One of the sections of the LSAT is an experimental section, which is unscored and used to test new questions. This section is mixed in with the other sections, so you won’t know which one it is.

Because the experimental section doesn’t count toward your score, you can use this section as an opportunity to test your pacing. If you’re unsure which section is experimental, treat every section with equal importance, but if you finish early on one, you can use the time to focus on other sections.

Practice Time Management on Full-Length Tests

The best way to refine your time management skills is by taking full-length practice tests. Simulate test conditions by setting a timer and treating each section as if you were taking the actual exam. This will help you get accustomed to the pacing and allow you to make adjustments based on how you’re managing your time.

Try to take at least 3-5 full-length practice tests before your LSAT. After each test, review your performance and time management. Identify which sections took longer than expected and work on improving those areas.

Final Tips for LSAT Time Management

• Stay calm and focused: Panic can lead to poor time management. Stay calm, breathe deeply, and focus on one question at a time.
• Practice consistently: The more practice you get, the more comfortable you’ll be with pacing yourself on test day.
• Learn from your mistakes: After practice sessions, analyze where you lost time and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

Time management is a critical skill for succeeding on the LSAT. By practicing effective strategies like setting time limits, skimming efficiently, and avoiding getting stuck on difficult questions, you can improve your pacing and finish the test confidently. Start practicing time management techniques early in your LSAT preparation, and you’ll be ready to tackle the test with a solid strategy and a clear mind.