Resuming LSAT prep after taking a break

[hyperfang9000]

Hi all!

I was following the PowerScore 3 month self-study schedule plan, and I originally intended to take the LSAT in April, but some unexpected family emergencies caused me to need to take a break for a while, and I'm now aiming to take it in June. Does anyone have advice on how to resume studying after a break? Should I restart the study plan, or start by taking another diagnostic and pick back up where I left off? Thanks so much in advance!

[Jeff Wren]

Hi hyperfang,

In this situation, a lot depends on the details.

How long was the break? How far were you into your studying before you stopped? How well do you remember the material that you studied? (This can vary a lot from person to person, which is why there's not one right answer for everyone.)

My advice would be to take a timed practice test and see how your performance compares to your earlier scores. If your score is similar, then picking up where you left off may be fine, especially if the break was fairly short. If your score is significantly lower, then that should be an indicator that starting over may be the best approach.

As a general rule, I'd err on the side of starting over (especially if the break is over a month). There's really little downside to starting over (other than the investment in your time), as reviewing the material more than once is usually worthwhile for its own sake. On the other hand, if you try to pick up where you left off, that can backfire if you have forgotten the earlier foundational concepts that are needed to continue your studies.