The LSAT isn’t about grinding — it’s about strategic hours. Here’s how many you actually need, based on your starting score, goals, and study style.
- how many hours to study for LSAT
- LSAT study hours by score
- how long to study for LSAT
- LSAT prep time estimate
- LSAT tutoring hours needed
- LSAT study schedule
🧠 Time Is Your Most Valuable Resource
When it comes to the LSAT, one of the most common (and most misunderstood) questions is:
“How many hours should I study for the LSAT?”
And the classic answer?
“It depends.” (Ugh, right?)
But it really does — and in this article, we’ll break down:
- How many hours different types of students actually need
- What the score improvement curve looks like
- How to study efficiently — not just endlessly
- When tutoring or structured classes can shorten the process
We’ll also show you real case studies from Kingston Prep students who went from 140s, 150s, or 160s to their target score — and exactly how many hours they put in.
📊 LSAT Study Hour Guidelines (Quick Reference Table)
| Starting Score | Target Score | Estimated Study Hours | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 140–149 | 160+ | 300–400+ | 4–6 months |
| 150–159 | 165–170 | 250–350 | 3–5 months |
| 160–164 | 170+ | 150–250 | 2–4 months |
| 165+ | 172–175+ | 100–150 | 1–2 months |
These are ballpark ranges based on Kingston Prep data. The quality of your studying — and whether you’re getting feedback — matters more than raw time.
🔍 How Study Hours Translate to Score Gains
A 10+ point LSAT jump is absolutely possible — but not all points are created equal.
- Going from 145 → 155 = foundational work: logic basics, test structure
- 155 → 165 = strategy, pattern recognition, drill efficiency
- 165 → 170+ = high-level logic, speed, mental endurance, error elimination
In short: the higher your score, the harder each additional point is to earn.
That’s why efficient study — not just more hours — becomes essential above 160.
📆 How to Break Down Study Hours By Week
Say you need ~300 hours. Here’s how it could look on a 3-, 4-, or 6-month timeline.
| Plan Length | Weekly Study Hours | Daily Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | 20–25 hrs/week | ~3–4 hrs/day (6 days/week) |
| 4 Months | 15–20 hrs/week | ~2–3 hrs/day |
| 6 Months | 10–12 hrs/week | ~1.5–2 hrs/day |
💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need marathon days — you need consistency and review. Most students get further with 2 focused hours a day than with 6-hour weekend binges.
📚 What Counts as “Good” LSAT Study Time?
Not all study hours are equal. Here’s what actually moves your score:
✅ Productive Hours
- Drilling questions by type
- Timed section practice
- Full PTs under test conditions
- Deep review using blind review
- Logging errors + analyzing patterns
- Working 1-on-1 with a tutor or review group
❌ Wasted Hours
- Re-reading theory books without application
- Watching YouTube videos for hours without drilling
- Random practice without review
- Taking PTs just to feel busy
💬 “I studied fewer hours once I got a tutor — but scored higher. It was about how I was using my time.” — Josh, Kingston Prep student (150 → 165)
🧠 When to Study More — and When to Ask for Help
You may need more total study hours if:
- You’re unfamiliar with logic games
- Reading comprehension is your weakness
- English isn’t your first language
- You’re studying inconsistently or without feedback
You may need fewer hours if:
- You’ve taken a formal logic course before
- You’re starting from 160+
- You’re working with a tutor or class that gives you structure and feedback
🎓 Real Student Case Studies
🔹 Maya — 143 to 160 (5.5 months)
- Total hours: ~350
- 3–4 hours/day, 5–6 days/week
- Tutoring: Started after month 2
- Game changer: Error log + daily LG drills
🔹 Lucas — 155 to 171 (3.5 months)
- Total hours: ~270
- 2–3 hours/day + full PTs every weekend
- Tutoring: Yes, 1x/week
- Game changer: Timed RC strategies + blind review
🔹 Rina — 161 to 174 (2 months)
- Total hours: ~180
- Focus: High-efficiency review + logic game mastery
- Tutoring: None (self-studied with strict review routines)
- Game changer: Eliminating careless errors
👨🏫 How Tutoring or LSAT Classes Fit Into Your Time Budget
Adding a tutor or structured LSAT class doesn’t mean you study more — it often means you get more out of less.
Tutoring helps you:
- Save 50–100+ hours of wasted solo trial and error
- Identify score blockers fast
- Stay accountable and consistent
- Personalize your study plan week to week
💬 “I thought I had to study 500 hours. Turns out I just needed 1 hour a week of someone telling me what to focus on.” — Sam, 159 → 170
🚀 Final Thoughts: Track Hours — But Prioritize Quality
The number of hours matters. But what matters more is how you use them.
Are you practicing under real test conditions? Reviewing deeply? Tracking your progress?
If you want a customized hour estimate based on your current score, goals, and schedule — book a free LSAT strategy consult with Kingston Prep.
🎯 We’ll help you create a realistic, efficient study timeline — and show you how to make every hour count.