Have not done a reader question in awhile, so here it goes:

I am currently beginning a committed 2 full months into prepping for the LSAT. I originally signed up for the Blueprint LSAT full course, but was did not mesh with its classroom style. I prefer to study on my own. i have a low GPA 2.35 but went through hell (divorce, tragedy, etc.) while in school. I am 32 years ols and a single dad. I am absolutely committed to preparing and dead to the world for the next two months. i am purchasing the Powerscore Bibles to add to my study. What advice, if any can you elaborate on in preparing and what are the prospects, assuming I do well on the LSAT, of any top schools offering me admission?

Click below to see my answer...

CHANCES OF GETTING INTO TOP SCHOOL:
Your GPA could be a significant deterrent to some schools. But a high LSAT along with the diversity element (your age) and a good story can make a difference.

It all comes down to the LSAT though. Take some practice LSAT exams, decide what score is feasible, and see how you stack up to the numbers at your target schools (check out the stats at http://officialguide.lsac.org/). I'll leave it to you to define top school.

MY ADVICE:
The LSAT really is the most important thing for you right now, so do whatever is necessary for you to perform well. If that means a personal tutor or a training course, then that may be worth it despite the cost. A high LSAT makes that much of a difference.

I too self-studied due to cost. I told myself the same thing ("I study better on my own"). Now I realize I likely missed out on certain techniques or developed bad habits in the way I approached LSAT problems (especially the logic games section). It's tough to identify that when you study on your own. Not that I was unhappy with my score, but I will never know if something other than self-study would have made a difference.

I'm telling you this with no vested interest in an LSAT prep course and having never taken one, I cannot say which one I recommend.

WANT MORE?
Take a look at past reader questions, many similar questions to this, or to get your question answered follow this link.

Also, here is a past post on LSAT preparation with some thoughts on study methods.