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101 Ways to Score Higher on Your LSAT: What You Need to Know About the Law School Admission Test Explained Simply

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Linda Ashar, a practicing attorney, refers to a newspaper article in her opening statement that describes the LSAT as "one of the most grueling admissions test in the world." This much is obvious. The question, however, is whether or not her book stands out from the thousands of other LSAT prep. books that return from an Amazon.com search.

One aspect that stands out immediately is that instead of simply giving practice questions (although she offers many of these), Ashar teaches one how to think like a lawyer, instead. She gives lists of keywords that will be a test-taker's clues in reading and answering questions about any court argument. She gives great guidance in the section on critical thinking and analogies. Another thing Ashar offers is a chapter that details pre-test preparations - from health to relaxation to information retention.

Finally, after the practice questions and great case studies of students, lawyers and teachers who have taken the test previously and offer their own anecdotes and advice, Ashar ends on the note that no one book or routine will prepare you for a successful test. That said, this book could certainly help.

I bought this book because the title was appealing and the good reviews it had received. This book was a huge disappointment. The 101 ways mostly consist of throwaway paragraphs packaged as tips. Here's some of the more ridiculous ways (you can verify these for yourself by looking at the table of contents):
49. Drink Plenty of Water
54. Therapeutic Massage for Stress Relief
56. Hypnosis as a Tool for Improving Test Scores

As you can see, the author believes in a "holistic" approach to the LSAT. As such, a large part of this book is devoted to talking about how you need to eat right, get a decent amount of rest, don't stress yourself out, and other obvious notes that you already knew to do. As for the "questions" that other reviewers mentioned, they are few and far between, and only a handful are from past LSATs. Most of the useful information in this book can either be found on the LSAC's LSAT web page or in the free resources offered by test prep companies (Kaplan, Powerscore, Princeton Review)

All in all, you're much better off buying a real LSAT test prep book from Kaplan, Powerscore, Princeton Review, etc. rather than throw money away on this book.

Linda Ashar does a phenomenal job showcasing thee LSAT test and telling you the best way to get an excellent score. The book opens by going into great detail as to the test and all of the components which go along with it. The author also discusses law school and what you can expect there. Ashar describes the LSAT's format and what every test section is designed to accomplish. She reveals many very helpful study programs and goes through a detailed timeline. This explains when you should take the test and apply for law school. Also, the book is great if you are unsure of what to expect when you get to law school. This is because Ashar outlines law school's class structure and what you should expect during your first year.

This book also has a very well detailed prep plan which Ashar recommends that you follow before taking the test. Ashar goes through where to do test prep work, how to do test prep work, and the frequency with which you should do test prep. Even things that you may not have thought are covered of such as what you should eat or how you should breathe while testing or even unique ways to reduce your pre-test stress levels.

But, the tips on how to take the test are by far the most helpful parts of the book. Ashar does a wonderful job of giving a future test taker inside knowledge on the way in which they should take this extremely important test. Techniques like first answering the easy questions before doing the harder ones are described and explained. Another really beneficial section of the book discusses why many times the right answer usually has the most information. And, there are tons of other really helpful techniques. All through the book there is excellent information on how to defeat this formidable test. Therefore, whoever out there that is thinking about becoming a lawyer and planning to go to law school should read and utilize the valuable information that is housed inside this book.

Written by practicing attorney and critical thinking professor Linda C. Ashar, 101 Ways to Score Higher on Your LSAT: What You Need to Know About the Law School Admission Test Explained Simply is a test preparation resource well worth the study. Ashar presents a well-written, thorough examination of the renowned (or notorious) Law School Admission Test, otherwise known as the LSAT.

Looking at the different types of questions on the test is only one element of her approach. Ashar also recommends that the student understand his or her own learning style before preparing. Listing many helpful resources and techniques, the author's suggestions and tried-and-true methods that have helped other students achieve their personal best on this difficult examination.

Ashar sensibly details the basis of critical thinking necessary for lawyers to be successful, as well as the manner of thinking and decision-making prevalent in the courtroom. For instance, LSAT hopefuls should be aware that the Socratic method of teaching utilized by many top law schools has evolved from the approach of past decades. They should also be aware that jurisprudence is not a static thing, and certain modes of thinking must be present not only for taking the LSAT, but also to achieve success in law school and beyond.

101 Ways to Score Higher on Your LSAT is an excellent resource that can help to greatly demystify the approach and constructs of the LSAT. It should be the beginning of the long road of test preparation, as it will help to guide students toward the best methods and techniques needed to ace one of the most demanding examinations faced by post-graduates.

Gives you dangerously wrong ideas such as:
* take a 35 minutes brake during The Experimental Section (do you know where exactly this section is? You might end up taking a break during scored section!)
* take some drugs to control your anxiety or practice some yoga instead of studying
* pick questions choices that are the longest (really?!)
Examples used in her book are not from actual LSATs, they are made up by her and they are quite different from LSAT
Buy a different book!

Thorough explanation of of the aspects involved in preparing to take and succeed on the LSAT.

Definitely some great tips and not just on the LSAT but on school and working as a lawyer. For the price, I recommend for someone interesting in law school. I really didn't see an increase in my score by reading the book. I think the other study materials are much better for that but this did add some insightful information.

Picture this...you're in high school, trying to decide what to do with the rest of your life. Exploring your options, you cross the standards of teacher, doctor, and pilot off of your list. How about becoming a lawyer? You quickly self-analyze your abilities against the requirements of the position. Dedication, check. A want and desire to help people, no problem. The ability to commit to and fight for a cause, piece of cake. Completing a half-day worth of standardized testing within a timed window.....can you repeat the question?

For most people, even those contemplating the lawyer route, the thought of the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) will bring a shiver to their spine and a shake to their hand. It's not so much that it's a test as we face tests both written, mental, and physical everyday in some shape or form, but the importance placed on the final score from this test can make the difference between getting into the most coveted law schools versus settling for "second best". How does one go about preparing themselves for such a task? Do you have to be driven from birth to even dream of becoming a lawyer one day?

In "101 Ways to Score Higher on Your LSAT", author Linda C. Asher tackles the questions you knew to ask and those you may not have imagined. It is written by an experienced professional in the law field who not only put in her time, but researched proven methods with students still in school as to obtain a fresh take on current techniques. She suggests a holistic approach to conquering the "beast", training not only the mind for success, but the body and spirit. Each individual learns and retains information in their own way and so the time honored method of true nose to the grindstone studying is not undermined within this book; rather it is shown as the glue to which other practices stick, thereby allowing you to formulate your own plan of attack. Subjects covered within these pages start with the basics....the reason behind the test, what types of questions it contains, and why the score is important. However, where some books may then jump directly into practice tests, Ms. Ashar offers readers another way to view the results with a look behind their measure as well as several ways to help alleviate the unavoidable anxiety and stress that plagues many applicants.

Written in a reference format, you will find your topic of interest easy to locate and the discussion of each short, sweet and to the point. The author takes the role of leader in guiding you to a way to meet your chosen end while allowing you the opportunity to carry forward with a renewed sense of self-power, and your dreams within reach. When the right plan is created by you for your individual needs, there is nothing that can stand in the way of your success.