Suzanne Said:

Is there an LSAT study guide that uses REAL logic (and not weird trademarked catch phrases)?

We Answered:

I'm pretty sure every company does that to some extent or other, partly for clarity, and partly to protect their approach. I teach LSAT for PowerScore, and we definitely do a little bit of that, although not as extreme as the example you cite.

My understanding is that one reason we use certain phrases is because it is easier for students to remember. If someone never studied logic, Affirming the Consequent doesn't really mean anything and isn't necessarily obvious in terms of meaning, whereas Mistaken Reversal makes a lot more sense to non-logic people (you reversed it and it was a mistake to do that). So, that probably explains at least some of that you see out there.

The DeMorgan's Law example you mention is a case where we talk about that concept in class, but we don't call it DeMorgan's Law (most people would have no idea what that meant). However, I mention to my students that if they've taken philosophy or logic that what we're talking about is called DeMorgan's in logic. That way logic students can simply fall back on what they've already learned, but new students don't have to worry about it.

Nora Said:

Preparing for LSAT. Just got study guide, my "diagnostic test" result..?

We Answered:

It about how you problem solve. It's something you must learn and practice. Not something to be read and remembered quickly.

Michael Said:

What is the best study guide for the LSAT?

We Answered:

There are tons of books out there for LSAT prep, so it can be confusing at times to make a decision. Here's a list of the three best prep books I used (and I looked at a lot of books):

1. PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible (http://www.powerscore.com )
2. PowerScore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible
3. Kaplan LSAT 180 (http://www.kaplan.com )

To get actual tests, go to the Law Services website (the people who make the test and who are behind http://www.lsat.com ). These are the three cheapest ones, each is $30:

4. The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
5. 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
6. 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests

If you work through the first three books, you would be in pretty good shape in terms of strategies, and then do some of the tests from the second group of books. Start slow since you have plenty of time at the moment, and then as the test approaches try to take at least one test a week if you can. The only real trick to studying is to put in a lot of hours and to take a lot of practice tests. Getting familiar with the test format and your own strengths and weaknesses will make you as comfortable as possible on test day.

Also, you might want to visit a law discussion forum such as http://www.top-law-schools, http://www.lsatdiscussion.com, or http://lawschooldiscussion.org to talk to other people taking the LSAT.

Good luck!

Howard Said:

Whats the best LSAT study guide?

We Answered:

I loved the Powerscore books, especially the Logic Games one. What I did was read them all twice and take a lot of notes, then I did as many tests as possible. It was a lot of work and it took a while but eventually I got really good at anticipating what was going to happen in each question. After that I had the confidence to go out and do well. I still don't like the LSAT very much tho!

Dennis Said:

Powerscore LSAT study guides: reading comprehension?

We Answered:

It helped me, but I started out doing worse than you, so I had more room to go up.

Everyone on the chat boards says to get their books, and after reading them, I agreed. Much better than the whole Kaplan course I took.