LSAT 101: Learn the LSAT Basics in This Video Series

You know you want to go to law school, but you don’t know where to start. You need to take the LSAT if you’re committed to going to law school. To begin, you need to figure out how to start your LSAT prep. For that, I recommend jumping right in by taking an LSAT practice test with zero preparation. By throwing yourself into the fire, you’ll get a “diagnostic” LSAT score, which will be the baseline on which you seek to improve throughout your studies. You’ll also learn a bit, through trial by fire, about how the LSAT is structured and what the LSAT tests.

But what next? Next, you’ll want to begin your studies by learning as much about the LSAT as possible, starting with the basics. For that, I recommend the LSAT 101 video series, which I helped build in order to provide students with information on the basics of the LSAT as they begin their studies. Read on to learn about and view each video in the series.

LSAT 101 Pt. 1: Overview with Matt Shinners

This video covers the basics of the LSAT: when it’s given, what’s on it, and how it’s scored. Note: The LSAC is changing up the schedule over the next couple years, but the basics of scheduling in this video still apply.

LSAT 101 Pt. 2: Logic Games with Matt Shinners

An intro to the basics of Logic Games. In this video, I break down what the Logic Games section tests, as well as the process for tackling a game. This video also includes a breakdown of the types of questions in this section.

LSAT 101 Pt. 3: Logical Reasoning with Matt Shinners

Description: Here, we take a look at the basics of the LR section. I break down the questions into different families, define arguments and validity, and walk through the process you should go through for every LR question.

LSAT 101 Pt. 4: Reading Comprehension with Matt Shinners

Description: This is my favorite video in the series. I break down the skills that RC tests, as well as how to approach passages. Then, I dive into a passage from the June 2007 LSAT to show you how I’d approach the text.

LSAT 101 Pt. 5: Basic Ordering with Matt Shinners

Description: We broke Logic Games into a few types in our first video on this section. In this video, we take a deeper dive into Ordering games, specifically. How do you recognize them? What basic diagram should you use? What types of rules should you expect? What twists will they use to throw you off your game?

LSAT 101 Pt. 6: Basic Grouping with Matt Shinners

Description: Similar to the Ordering games video, this video breaks down Basic Grouping games instead, going into the proper diagram and common rule types, as well as twists you’re likely to see.

LSAT 101 Pt. 7: Logic Chains with Laura Damone

Description: While Reading Comp might be my favorite section, the Logic Chain is my favorite tool for tackling the LSAT. Weird? Yes. Intuitive? No. But can it be used to get through almost any In/Out Grouping game in under 6 minutes? I personally did that just so I could make that claim. In our Logic Chains video, Laura checks out this third (and final) basic diagram. Learn why she can’t imagine doing an In/Out game without it.

If you find the LSAT 101 video series helpful, feel free to subscribe to our channel on YouTube to receive notifications about future LSAT videos.

For further LSAT prep resources, I recommend that you check out the following options:

Free resource: THE BRIEF, Manhattan Prep’s free LSAT Prep email series. THE BRIEF is a complete LSAT prep experience, with 60+ emails guiding you through key LSAT concepts with in-depth breakdowns and a study schedule that’s easy to follow. It’s a comprehensive, clear, and digestible way to prep for the LSAT on your own.

Books: Manhattan Prep’s LSAT Strategy Guide Set

Classes and on-demand:

• Live courses (try it for free!)
  • In-Person
  • Online
• On-demand, interactive video lessons (try it for free!)
• Private tutoring

Best of luck! If you have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment on YouTube, or email lsat@manhattanprep.com.

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Matt Shinners is an LSAT Instructor and Head of LSAT Academics for Manhattan Prep. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Matt owns a perfect 180 LSAT score and has made a career combining his passion for teaching with knowledge of the test to help students achieve their goals. Manhattan Prep is a leader in LSAT prep, with courses engineered using the latest techniques in learning science to optimize high-level learning.