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Law schools are known for their demanding admissions requirements. To apply to law school, pre-law majors typically write a personal law school statement, polish their resumes, and submit test scores to demonstrate their willingness to succeed in a rigorous curriculum.
The most common standardized test that law schools consider is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)®. The LSAT tests your logical reasoning, reading, and writing skills related to concepts taught in law school. Law schools use the LSAT to determine if applicants are a good fit for their JD program.
Find out what to expect from the LSAT in this guide, which explores the subject areas of the test, its structure, and how to prepare for the LSAT.
What is the LSAT?
The LSAT – offered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)® – is a standardized test for prospective law students. The test assesses your reading, writing, analytical and logical thinking skills and measures your potential for success in a law school. The LSAT features multiple choice questions and a writing section.
LSAT Questions
The multiple-choice section tests your critical thinking and reading comprehension using four blocks of 35-minute questions. The questions cover the following topics:
- reading comprehension. This section contains reading material typically found in law school. The questions measure your ability to dissect information, draw conclusions, and understand key points. The LSAT consists of four reading passages, each with a series of follow-up questions.
- Analytical thinking. This section presents scenarios with facts, rules and context. You’ll answer questions using problem-solving skills to piece together the puzzle of each scenario while adhering to any relevant rules or restrictions.
- Logical thinking. The reasoning portion of the LSAT contains source-based passages, each with up to two follow-up questions. The questions include analogies, argumentation errors and logical argumentation patterns.
The test also includes an unscored question section covering one of the subject areas mentioned above. LSAC uses these QA questions to improve the accuracy of future tests.
LSAT letter
LSAT Writing consists of a scenario prompt with two options. In this section, you must choose a side of an argument and use your logic and logic skills to support your choice in a compelling essay. You will complete this section separately from the rest of the LSAT and will have 35 minutes to complete it. The LSAT writing is monitored by live monitoring software.
LSAT rating
The LSAT counts each question you answer correctly, rather than subtracting questions you answer incorrectly from a cumulative score. (In other words, there is no penalty for guessing.) LSAC does not score LSAT writing samples.
The LSAT grading scale ranges from 120 to 180. The final score report includes your score, your percentile rank compared to other test takers, and a score band highlighting your proficiency in each area of the exam. LSAC will send your LSAT score report and writing sample to the law schools of your choice.
Frequently asked questions about the LSAT
How long does the LSAT last?
The LSAT lasts 185 minutes, including all five sections and one intermission. You can take the 35-minute writing portion up to eight days prior to the day you take the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT.
The LSAT consists of two 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions, followed by a 10-minute break. The test then continues with its final two 35-minute multiple-choice sections.
You can request additional breaks between each segment if you qualify for accommodation.
How often can you take the LSAT?
You can take the LSAT up to seven times. However, you are limited to three tests per year and five tests during the current and the last five test years. These rules only apply to tests taken from September 2019 to present. Therefore, any LSATs you have taken prior to this point will not count towards your limit.
You cannot retake the LSAT if you have a perfect score in the current or previous five years of the exam.
Is the LSAT required for law school?
The LSAT is not required for all law schools. Some schools also accept the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)® or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)™. Law schools that accept the GRE or GMAT also accept LSAT scores.
What can you expect on LSAT test day?
The LSAT is managed online with a remote proctor. Halfway through the test you will be given a 10 minute break. You can leave the room during your break, but you must check in with your supervisor before the second half of the LSAT begins.
LSAC allows a pen or pencil, up to five sheets of scrap paper, and earplugs during the multiple-choice sections. You can also have tissues, a drink and medication on your desk if needed.
You can complete the written part before or after completing the standard LSAT. The LSAT writing also takes place online with live supervision but does not allow scrap paper or writing utensils.
What is a good LSAT score?
LSAT scores range from 120 to 180, and the median of LSAT scores is around 152. However, each law school sets its minimum LSAT score for applicants, with more competitive schools preferring scores of 160 or higher.
Frequently asked questions about the LSAT letter
Is LSAT letter required for law school?
LSAT Writing is not required for law schools that do not require an LSAT for admission. You can take the GRE for these schools instead. However, if your school requires the LSAT, you must complete LSAT Writing. Your school will not consider your LSAT complete if it does not include LSAT Writing.
Is LSAT writing assessed?
No, LSAT Writing is not graded. LSAC will send your writing sample to the law schools you are applying to. These schools will assess your writing sample based on their own requirements.
Do law schools actually read your writing sample?
Law schools that require LSAT scores read each applicant’s writing sample. A school may use its discretion to weigh the importance of LSAT writing samples in determining whether an applicant qualifies for admission.
Does LSAT writing have a minimum or maximum word count?
There is no minimum or maximum word count in LSAT writing. Instead, test-takers should focus on writing a well-planned, organized, and thorough essay during the 35-minute portion of the test.
Frequently asked questions about LSAT Prep
When should you start preparing for the LSAT?
Anyone preparing for the LSAT should spend at least a few weeks dealing with relevant content. If you have a lot of time to study, you might feel ready after just a month or two of preparation. However, some test takers may need three months or more to feel more prepared to take the LSAT.
What is the best LSAT preparation strategy?
When deciding how to prepare for the LSAT, test-takers should consider using learning strategies that have worked for them in the past. This can include making note cards, reviewing sample questions, and reading exam prep books. LSAT practice tests are also good starting points. LSAC LawHub® offers free and paid exam preparation with official practice tests and instant feedback.
Are there free LSAT prep resources?
Yes, there are several free LSAT prep resources, including official LSAC LawHub practice tests. Khan Academy also offers a free online LSAT preparation course.
LSAT preparation resources to consider
Studying for the LSAT can help you feel more confident in understanding the exam material. Below are some of the most popular resources for LSAT preparation.
LSAT Prep®
LSAC’s LawHub offers the free LSAT prep program for test takers who want additional practice before the exam. The plan includes exam-like test modules and four official practice tests with immediate scoring to identify critical areas of study.
LSAT Prep Plus®
LSAT Prep Plus is a paid version of the free LawHub study program, priced at $99 per year. It includes 75+ practice exams, educational resources, and a status tracker for law school applications.
LSAT eBooks and prep books
LSAC offers several official eBooks and test prep books for purchase from Amazon and other online retailers. One of his most comprehensive books The new official LSAT TriplePrep Volume 1™contains three topical practice tests with answer keys, a score conversion table, and three LSAT writing prompts.
Other books contain single or multiple practice tests. Each book typically costs between $10 and $25.
Official Khan Academy LSAT Prep
Khan Academy’s Official LSAT Preparation Program is a free learning resource that outlines which exam areas you may need to develop. This information is then used to create a customized plan of lessons and practice exercises.
LSAC-approved test prep companies
Several companies provide official LSAT materials to help learners prepare for the exam. LSAC approves the content of each company’s official, licensed materials before they are released to the public. However, LSAC does not guarantee the results of an accredited test preparation company.
The costs vary significantly depending on the company and the type of program. For example, 7Sage’s LSAT course subscription costs $69 per month and includes lessons, 99 practice tests, and custom problem sets. In the meantime, Odyssey’s $5,500 LSAT prep course offers detailed instruction, tutoring and access to a success coach. Some companies, such as Access Prep and LSAT Lab, offer fee waivers for prep students.
