LSAT Timing Strategy: How to Finish Every Section (Without Rushing)

Timing is the LSAT's great equalizer. You might know every strategy in the book, but if you can't execute them under time pressure, your skill can go to waste.

Here's what drives me crazy: students who can ace practice problems untimed but crumble when the clock starts ticking. It's like being a great driver who panics the moment someone sits in the passenger seat. The skills are there - we just need to make them automatic.

This guide will teach you how to finish every section with time to spare, without sacrificing accuracy. No more looking up with 5 minutes left and 8 questions to go. Let's fix this.

Section-Specific Timing Strategies

Logical Reasoning (35 minutes, ~25-26 questions)

Target Pace: 1 minute 20 seconds per question average

Strategy: Questions 1-15 should be faster (45-75 seconds), allowing extra time for questions 16+ (up to 2-3 minutes for the hardest ones)

Skip Triggers: Parallel reasoning with long answer choices, complex principle questions after question 20

Reading Comprehension (35 minutes, ~27 questions)

Target Pace: 8-9 minutes per passage (including questions)

Reading Time: 3-4 minutes to read, 4-5 minutes for questions

Strategy: If you're spending more than 4.5 minutes reading any passage, you're reading too slowly

The Strategic Skip System

When to Skip (Don't Be a Hero):

LR: After 90 seconds with no clear direction
RC: If you can't find the answer after checking the passage twice

Never Skip These:

First 10 LR questions (they should be manageable)
Main point/primary purpose RC questions (usually straightforward)

Mental Timing Techniques

Stay Calm Under Pressure:

Breathe strategically: One deep breath between sections
Use positive self-talk: "I'm exactly where I need to be" instead of "I'm behind"
Focus on the question: Not the clock, not your anxiety, just the question in front of you (You can even click on the timer to hide it!)

The Takeaway

Timing isn't only about reading faster or thinking quicker - it's about making smart strategic decisions under pressure. Know when to invest time, when to move on, and when to make educated guesses.

Perfect timing takes practice, but once you nail it, the LSAT transforms from a frantic race against the clock to a strategic game you can actually win. And winning feels pretty good.

Ready to Perfect Your Timing Under Pressure?

Reading about timing strategies is one thing - implementing them flawlessly under test conditions is another. Get personalized timing coaching and practice with realistic pressure to ensure you peak on test day.

Master Test Day Timing