The LSAT is a standardized test, but it's quite different from others you may have take at university and in secondary school. You won't just be asked to choose the correct answer from four possible answers; instead, the LSAT tests your analytical and logical reasoning skills and your ability to understand complex relationships and draw logical conclusions, both of which are crucial to success in law school. All LSAT questions carry the same weight, but the writing section is unscored. However, your writing sample will be sent to law schools to which you applied, so make it count.
The LSAT is one of the few tests that experts recommend studying for alone. It is designed to reveal your individual strengths and weaknesses; therefore, your study buddy's knowledge won't help much. Develop a study schedule that spans several months in advance. Be completely prepared the first time, since retaking the LSAT seldom results in a higher score. Take as many practice tests as you can find, but don't stop there; tabulate your results and analyze your incorrect answers to find out where you made a wrong turn. Razor-sharp analysis skills are an excellent weapon when taking the LSAT and key to consistent improvement in your LSAT score.
The LSAT doesn't test any knowledge you may have learned at university or secondary school, but you can use both places to help you prepare. Classes that challenge your powers of reasoning and analysis, such as philosophy, logic or critical thinking will help you get into the habit of using the skills that the LSAT will test. They're also useful for getting comfortable with quickly reading and breaking down dense and wordy texts. The LSAT writers purposely choose topics for reading selections that most students will not be familiar with, so focus on methods rather than subject matter.
Eat breakfast -- your concentration will be enhanced and you won't be distracted by hunger. Print your admission ticket just before you leave for the test to make sure you have the most up-to-date test location information. Pack a snack and something to drink for lunchtime, a dozen or so freshly sharpened pencils (mechanical pencils are not allowed), a pencil sharpener, extra erasers and picture identification. Use the restroom and warm up with a few practice problems before the test starts.