Self-reported Methods of Test Preparation Used by LSAT Takers - A Summary of Responses from June and September 1989 Test Takers

Aug 30, 2026

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The report summarizes self-reported data on the types and extent of Law School Admission Test (LSAT) preparation used by test takers. In June 1989, LSAT applicants volunteered information on preparation methods, with combined responses from June and September 1989 presented in the analysis. Results show many candidates do not use free sample questions and explanations, while few complete a sample LSAT independently before testing. Approximately 45% took a test-preparation or coaching course, and a small share reported no preparation at all, with differences by gender, race/ethnicity, and age.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

How did you prepare for the LSAT?

AUTHOR TITLE INSTITUTION REPORT NO PUB DATE NOTE PUB TYPE EDRS PRICE DESCRIPTORS IDENTIFIERS ABSTRACT DOCUMENT RESUME Wightman,Linda F. # Self-Reported Methods of Test Preparation Used by LSATTakers:A Summary of Responses from June and September 1989Test Takers.LSAC Research Report Series.Law School Admission Council,Newtown,PA.LSAC-RR-90-011990-04-0012p. Reports -Research(143) EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. *College Entrance Examinations;Higher Education;LawSchools;*Law Students;*Self Report;*Study;*Test Coaching*Law School Admission Test This report summarizes self-reported information about thekinds and extent of test preparation used by those taking the Law SchoolAdmission Test (LSAT).For the first time,in June 1989,test takers wereasked to volunteer information about how they prepared for the LSAT. Approximately 758 of the test takers in June and September 1989 responded tothe test preparation questions.Respondents represented the test takingpopulation fairly well in terms of gender,ethnicity,and geographicbreakdown,but they tended to be younger and more able than their nonresponding counterparts.Findings show that a large number of test takersfailed to make use of the sample questions and explanations that are providedfree of charge,and a surprisingly small number worked through the sampleLSAT on their own before taking the test.Approximately 45%of test takerstook a rest preparation or coaching course,and a small number reportedtaking the LSAT without having prepared at all.Females are more likely thanmales to participate in LSAT-specific preparation.Minorities are less likelyto use test preparation materials or to attend a test preparation course,andolder test takers were less likely to prepare at al1.The largest differencein mean LSAT score was observed between those who work through one or moreactual tests compared with those who do not.Moderate differences areobserved for those who study the questions and explanations in the "Information Book"or use a book not published by Law Services.The smallestdifferences are seen for those who attend a coaching course.(SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be madefrom the original document. ED 468954 TM034441 LS A C R E S E A R C H R EP0R T S E R IES U.S.DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONOffice ol Educational Research and improvementEDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIONCENTER(ERIC) PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE ANDDISSEMINATETHIS MATERIAL HASBEEN GRANTED BY This document has been reproduced asreceived from the person or organizationoriginating it. 口Minor changes have been made toimprove reproduction quality. TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESINFORMATION CENTER(ERIC) ·Points of view or opinions stated in thisdocument do not necessarly representofficial OERI position or policy. 1 # ■ Self-reported Methods of Test PreparationUsed by LSAT Takers: A Summary of Responses from June and September1989 Test Takers Linda F.Wightman ■ Law School Admission CouncilResearch Report 90-01April 1990 2 APublleatlon of Law SchoolAdnission CouncilLaw SchoolAdnisalon Services BEST COPY AVAII ABLF TM The Law School Admission Council is a nonprofit association of American andCanadian law schools.Law School Admission Services (Law Services)administersthe Council's programs and provides services to the legal education community. Law Services and Law Access③are service marks of Law School AdmissionServices,Inc.LSAT⑧and The Official LSAT PrepTestTMare trademarks ofLaw School Admission Services,Inc. CopyrightC 1990 by Law School Admission Services,Inc. All rights reserved.This book may not be reproduced or transmitted,in whole orin part,by any means,electronic or mechanical,including photocopying,recording,or by any information storage and retrieval system,without permission of thepublisher.For information,write:Publications Division,Law Services,P.O.Box 40,Penn Street,Newtown,PA 18940. # Executive Summary This report summ

FAQs

What information does the report collect about LSAT preparation?

It collects self-reported information about the kinds and extent of LSAT preparation methods used by test takers, based on response options shown on the LSAT answer sheet.

How were the survey results gathered and combined?

Test takers volunteered information in June 1989, and the report combines responses from June and September 1989 to present the overall findings.

What key preparation patterns does the report highlight?

Many test takers do not use free sample questions and explanations, relatively few complete a sample LSAT on their own beforehand, about 45% take a test-preparation or coaching course, and a small number report no preparation.

Aug 30, 2026

Upload by Eden