About the LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is unlike any other exam you've encountered in your academic journey. This multiple-choice, skills-based test is specifically designed to assess your readiness for law school.
Before diving into LSAT preparation, it's crucial to understand the exam’s structure and content to ensure you're fully prepared for what to expect.
What's on the LSAT?
The LSAT is administered in two parts:
First Part:
- Three scored sections:
- Two sections of Logical Reasoning
- One section of Reading Comprehension
- One unscored experimental section (Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension)
Second Part:
- Unscored argumentative writing essay
- Administered separately online
- Can be taken as early as 8 days before the LSAT or up to a year after
The LSAT is the only exam accepted by all ABA-accredited law schools in the US and Canada. Although some schools accept GRE scores, the LSAT is considered the most critical part of a law school application and a strong predictor of law school success.
Types of Questions on the LSAT
The LSAT features multiple-choice questions in both the Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections.
LSAT Reading Comprehension Questions
The Reading Comprehension section is similar to those found on other admissions exams but places greater emphasis on analyzing structure, purpose, and differing perspectives rather than just recalling facts.
You'll encounter four passages, each followed by 5–8 questions. One passage type, called Comparative Reading, consists of two shorter passages presenting different viewpoints on the same topic. The questions require you to compare and contrast these perspectives, arguments, or supporting evidence.
While Reading Comprehension may seem familiar at first, many LSAT test-takers find it one of the most challenging sections to improve upon during their preparation.
LSAT Logical Reasoning Questions
The Logical Reasoning section assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments, as well as draw logical inferences from given facts or statements.
Each question is independent, featuring a short passage (stimulus) followed by a single question stem that tests your reasoning skills.
LSAT Experimental Section
The LSAT includes an unscored Experimental section, which can be an additional Reading Comprehension or Logical Reasoning section.
This section is used by the testmaker to evaluate new questions for future exams, but it appears identical to the scored sections and can appear in any part of the test.
On test day, avoid wasting time trying to identify the Experimental section. If you notice an extra Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension section, one of them was unscored—but you won’t know which one.
LSAT Writing Section
The LSAT Argumentative Writing section is a separate essay assignment completed on a different day from your scored LSAT exam.
It is a 50-minute exercise, with:
- 15 minutes to review the prompt and outline your response
- 35 minutes of writing time
This section becomes available eight days before your LSAT test date and remains open for one year. You must complete it to receive your LSAT score, but if you take the LSAT multiple times, you only need to submit it once.
Although unscored, your essay is sent to all law schools you apply to. Admissions officers use it to assess your reasoning and writing skills, and in some cases, to differentiate between applicants with similar LSAT scores and GPAs. It may also serve as a reference to verify the authenticity of your personal statement.
How Long is the LSAT?
The LSAT consists of four sections, each lasting 35 minutes, with a 10-minute break after the second section. In total, the test takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
You’ll take the LSAT on your own computer from home or another quiet location, selecting a test time from the available options within the testing window.
However, the full LSAT experience extends beyond the test itself. You'll need additional time for check-in procedures, including a proctor review, equipment validation, and rule acknowledgments. As a result, your entire LSAT test day may take closer to four hours, so be sure to build stamina and focus during your prep.
How Hard is the LSAT?
There’s no sugarcoating it the LSAT is a difficult test. Unlike content-based exams that assess memorization, the LSAT is a skills-based test designed to evaluate your reasoning and analytical abilities. It’s your law school audition, testing skills that aren’t typically taught in undergraduate courses.
However, because it’s skill-based, your improvement has no limit it all depends on how effectively you train. You can’t cram for the LSAT, and while certain strategies may help, there are no shortcuts.
With the right tools, coaching, and dedication, you can master the LSAT. The key is strategic practice, including knowing when and how to take practice tests and, just as importantly, how to analyze your performance to improve. With the right approach, you can achieve your target score just like thousands of other successful test-takers.
How to Register for the LSAT
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) administers the LSAT, and registration is done through your LSAC.org account.
The exam is typically offered eight times per year, so be sure to check LSAT test dates and register early, as spots can fill up quickly.
If you need testing accommodations, submit your request to LSAC well before the registration deadline for your chosen test date.
LSAT registration fee: $238
Understanding Your LSAT Score
Your LSAT score report includes three key components:
- Overall Score: A scaled score ranging from 120 to 180.
- Score Band: A range of scaled scores slightly above and below your actual score, reflecting potential variability.
- Percentile Rank: Indicates how your score compares to other test takers over the past three years.
This breakdown helps law schools assess your performance in context with other applicants.
Receiving Your LSAT Score
You'll receive your LSAT score via email about three to four weeks after the test. If you've taken the LSAT multiple times, law schools will see all scores from the past five years, though most consider only your highest score.
Law schools will also see if you canceled a score, withdrew, or did not show up, but they won’t see what a canceled score would have been. Your score is only shared with you and the law schools you apply to.
Your LSAT score remains valid for five years, so many students take the test early right after undergrad before work, travel, or other commitments make studying more challenging.
Canceling Your LSAT Score
You have six calendar days after taking the LSAT to cancel your score through your LSAC account. However, you won’t see your score before deciding.
If you take the LSAT multiple times, your report will include all scores, cancellations, and an average score. While one cancellation is generally not an issue, multiple cancellations may raise concerns with law schools.
LSAT Score Preview Option
LSAC offers a Score Preview service that lets you view your score before deciding to keep or cancel it. There is a fee for this service, which varies depending on whether you purchase it before or after the test.
How Is Your LSAT Score Used?
Your LSAT score plays a major role in law school admissions and can determine where you go or if you get in at all. Admissions committees use it to assess whether you have the skills needed to succeed in law school and to compare applicants from different schools and majors.
While law schools consider multiple factors in their holistic review process, admissions officers consistently rank the LSAT score as the most important factor because it is the strongest predictor of law school success.
Beyond admissions, LSAT scores also impact scholarships. Many law schools offer merit-based tuition discounts—including full scholarships—to applicants with high LSAT scores, making a strong performance financially valuable.
How Can Your LSAT Score Help You?
A strong LSAT score can make up for weak grades, proving to law schools that you have the skills to handle their academic demands. If you've been out of college for a while, it can also demonstrate that you’re still sharp and prepared for law school.
While a high LSAT score doesn’t guarantee admission, a low score can definitely keep you out. Scoring well gives you more options and can make you a stronger candidate, even with other weaknesses in your application.
