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The LSAT and Test Preparation

  • What is the LSAT (Law School Admission Test)?
    • The LSAT is a half-day, paper-based test (but starting July 2019, the LSAT is going to be digitalized) required for admission to nearly all American Bar Association (ABA) approved schools
    • The test consists of 5 sections. Four of the five sections contribute to your score. The unscored section, commonly referred to as the variable section, typically is used to pretest new test questions 
      • 1 reading comprehension section
      • 1 analytical reasoning section
      • 2 logical reasoning sections
      • A 35-minute, unscored writing sample is administered at the end of the test. Copies of your writing sample are sent to all law schools to which you apply
  • How is the LSAT scored?
    • LSAT scores range from 120 to 180 with the mean being about 152
  • How important is the LSAT scores?
    • The two main criteria used in law school admission are the LSAT and undergraduate GPA, so the LSAT is very important
  • When is the LSAT offered?
    • Four/six times a year in the months of: June/July, September/October, November/December and February/March
    • Ideally, you want to take the LSAT in February or June the year before you begin law school, this way your score will be available when applications open in early September. It takes about 3 weeks for your LSAT score to be released
  • How do I register for the LSAT?
    • Register on-line at LSAC.org. Register early for the test, especially for the September/October test, since exam locations fill up
  • How much does it cost?
    • Please check LSAC.org for current the current test fee. Students with financial need can apply for a fee waiver to take the test and to open a credential file with LSAC
  • How many times can I take the LSAT?
    • Every LSAT you take will be reported to the law schools, so it is best to take it once and do well.  Most law schools will take the higher LSAT score of repeated tests and some average the scores
  • How can I prepare?
    • It is best to study and prepare for at least 3 to 6 months before taking the LSAT. Test samples are available at LSAC.org., along with  official prep tests and study guides to purchase
  • What about the GRE?
    • Not all schools offer the GRE, so it's up to you to research who is accepting it. If you take both the GRE and LSAT, the school will only look at your LSAT. 

Please follow this link to explore specific LSAT prep companies

Click here for list of fees for the LSAT and CAS