Should you self-study for the LSAT or invest in a prep course? An honest look at both approaches, including when each makes sense.
The LSAT is a skills test, not a knowledge test. This makes the self-study vs. prep course decision different from the MCAT — because you're training abilities rather than memorizing content.
Self-Study: When It Works
Self-study can be highly effective for the LSAT if:
- You're a strong self-directed learner who can create and follow a study schedule
- You're starting from 155+ on your diagnostic (you already have solid reasoning skills)
- You have 4+ months to prepare (self-study typically takes longer)
- Budget is a primary concern (you can self-study for under $300)
The self-study toolkit:
- LSAT PrepTests ($8 each or bundles) — the gold standard for practice
- The LSAT Trainer by Mike Kim (~$40) — excellent self-study textbook
- 7Sage free explanations — video walkthroughs of Logic Games
- Khan Academy LSAT — free official prep partnership
Prep Course: When It's Worth It
A prep course adds the most value when:
- You're starting below 155 and need to build foundational skills
- You've plateaued after self-studying and can't break through
- You need accountability to stay consistent
- You're targeting 165+ and want structured skill development
- Time is limited (courses are more efficient than self-study for most students)
The Honest Cost-Benefit
A 5-point LSAT improvement can mean $30,000–$100,000+ in scholarship money over three years of law school. Even a $1,500 prep course has an extraordinary ROI if it helps you improve by just a few points.
But this calculation only works if the course actually helps you improve. The key question isn't "is a prep course worth it?" — it's "will THIS course help ME improve?"
Making the Decision
If you're unsure, try self-studying for 4–6 weeks first. Take a diagnostic, study with free resources, and take another practice test. If you're improving steadily, self-study may be sufficient. If you're stuck or struggling to stay consistent, a course is likely worth the investment.
For detailed reviews of every major LSAT prep option, see our Best LSAT Prep Courses [blocked] rankings.