Law School Admission Test
The current LSAT consists of four 35-minute sections of multiple choice questions, plus a writing sample. The components are as follows:
- Reading comprehension: measures your ability to read with understanding and insight.
- Logical reasoning : evaluates your ability to understand, analyze, criticize and complete a variety of arguments.
- Variable section: an experimental section that takes the form of one of the 3 aforementioned test sections that is used to help formulate new LSAT questions. This section will not count toward your LSAT score. You will not be told which section is the variable one.
- Argumentative Writing: assesses your ability to construct a cogent argument based on a variety of evidentiary sources. The 50-minute writing sample is not scored, but is sent to law schools to which you apply. Some law schools compare the writing sample to your personal statement to measure consistency in your writing ability.
** Starting with the August 2024 LSAT, the multiple-choice portion of the test will consist of two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored section of either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension.
Take it Early: The LSAT is currently offered about eight times a year. While many people take the early fall test, the June test has real advantages in that the scores are available in plenty of time to plan out an application strategy and/or take the early fall test, if necessary.
Preparing for the Exam
Since the LSAT is a very important factor in admissions decisions, preparing in advance for it is crucial. Most students start preparing for the LSAT 3-6 months prior to their test date. People prepare in different ways, depending on the manner in which they learn best, their financial situation, etc.
There is extensive study material provided through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), including suggested approaches to questions, explanations, and LSAT Prep Tests. You can also access free test prep through LSAC’s LawHub.
Prep options prior pre-law students have used include:
- Courses: Blueprint, Testmasters, Powerscore
- Self-study options: 7Sage, Mike Kim LSAT Trainer, LSAT Demon
Retaking the Exam
Before you decide to retake the exam, ask yourself:
When you took the LSAT…
- were you sick?
- were you going through something emotionally stressful?
- were you not able to give your LSAT preparation 100%?
- knowing what you went through (and all the things you still have to do), do you want to do it again?
A positive response to one/any/all above special circumstances may mean you should retake the test. But, keep in mind that most people who retake the LSAT fail to score substantially higher on it the second time around. Some even score lower. Also, keep in mind that most law schools average multiple test scores, so you would have to score significantly higher the second time around. Finally, keep in mind the timing of your application. Is the next LSAT administration too close to application deadlines?
Testing Accommodations
Accommodations for the LSAT are available for students who have documented disabilities. To find out more about these types of accommodations, please see the Accommodated Testing section of the LSAC website or contact the Law Services Testing Accommodations Section at accom@lsac.org or (215) 966-6625.
Fee Waivers
Information about fee waivers and downloadable forms are available on the LSAC website.