Self-reported Methods of Test Preparation Used by LSAT Takers: A Summary of Responses from June and September 1989 Test Takers (RR-90-01)
by Linda F. Wightman

Executive Summary

This report summarizes self-reported information about the kinds and extent of test preparation used by LSAT takers. For the first time, in June 1989, test takers were asked to voluntarily report information about how they prepared for the LSAT. Specifically, the following questions appeared on the LSAT answer sheet:

How did you prepare for the LSAT? (Select all that apply)

• By studying the sample questions in the Law Services Information Book.
• By studying through one or more LSATs published by Law Services.
• By using a book on how to prepare for the LSAT published by Law Services.
• By using a book on how to prepare for the LSAT not published by Law Services.
• By attending a test-preparation or coaching course.
• By using LSAT-preparation software.
• Self study.
• Other preparation.
• No preparation.

• a large number of test takers fail to make use of the sample questions and explanations that are provided free of charge,
• a surprisingly small number of test takers work through a sample LSAT on their own prior to taking the test,
• approximately 45 percent of the test takers take a test-preparation or coaching course, and
• a small number of test takers report taking the LSAT without having prepared at all.

The patterns of reported test preparation are not consistent across subgroups. Females are more likely than males to participate in LSAT-specific preparation. Minorities are less likely to make use of test-preparation materials or to attend a test-preparation course, although there are some exceptions as discussed in the report. Older test takers are less likely to attend a test-preparation course and, overall, less likely to prepare at all.

A most striking observation, and one that is critical to interpretation of the data presented in this report, is that the majority of test takers use a variety of methods to prepare for the test. Test takers spread themselves so broadly across the different combinations of methods that it becomes difficult to draw even simple descriptions of those who use the various individual methods.

The importance of this report is that it provides information for the first time about how test takers prepare, as well as some description of test takers who prepare in different ways. However, it is a descriptive not a causative study. That is, it does not provide information about the effects on subsequent test performance of using different preparation methods. The most definitive conclusions evident from the descriptive data are (1) test takers who prepare in some way perform better than those who do not and (2) test takers who make use of multiple methods of preparation tend to perform better than those who use a single method.

Among the methods of preparation investigated, the largest difference in mean LSAT score is observed between those who work through one or more actual tests compared with those who do not, moderate differences are observed for those who study the questions and explanations in the Information Book or use a book not published by Law Services, and the smallest differences for those who attend a coaching course. These data should be particularly relevant to those who are responsible for advising potential test takers about whether to prepare for the test and who may be aided by knowing what options are used by others.

Self-reported Methods of Test Preparation Used by LSAT Takers: A Summary of Responses from June and September 1989 Test Takers (RR-90-01)

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