The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an assessment used
to measure the key skills needed to perform successfully in law school. The
skills assessed include reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and
logical reasoning.
How do I register?
LSAT registration is available online or by phone. If you
register by phone, registration is available September through February
weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (Eastern), and March through August
weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. (Eastern).
Test dates, cost, the
method of test delivery, and location
The LSAT is delivered in February, June, October, and
December at testing centers located worldwide. The registration fee is $190.00
and is paid via credit card. The LSAT is a paper-based exam.
Test Design
The LSAT consists of five sections, of which four sections are scored. The unscored section (variable section) contains questions used to pre-test new questions or new test forms. You will not know when you are working on the variable section as its placement varies. There is also an unscored section where you will submit a writing sample. The content sections include:
Reading comprehension
The questions assess your ability to read and understand complex materials. The reading comprehension section contains four sets of reading questions with five to eight multiple-choice questions after each reading. You have 35 minutes to complete this section.
Analytical reasoning
Questions in this section assess your ability consider a group of facts and rules and determine what is true or what could be true. The questions are based on a single passage and appear in sets, and test your deductive reasoning skills. You will have 35 minutes to complete this section.
Logical reasoning
Logical reasoning consists of two 35-minute sections. Each section assesses your ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments. The questions are based on short arguments drawn from a variety of sources, including magazines, newspapers, journals, advertisements, and informal discourse. Each question includes a short passage where you will answer one or two questions about that passage.
Writing sample (unscored)
In this section, you are presented
with a decision problem, and you must choose between two positions, and defend
your choice. This section provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your
argumentative writing skills. Your writing sample is sent, in its entirety, to
the schools you apply to.
The order of the sections is variable, but the writing sample is always last. You are given one 15-minute break between sections three and four.
Follow the links for more information about the LSAT
LSAT Information and Practice Tests
Skill Building Exercises
How should I plan my
time?
The LSAT not only measures your analytical and logical
reasoning but your ability to manage time and perform under pressure. Each
section is designed to encourage each candidate to work with a sense of
urgency. Don’t spend too much time on each question or you will run out of
time. Pace yourself, work quickly, and know when to move on to the next
question. If time remains, check your work.
Test day
On your appointment day, arrive early. When you check-in, you are asked to present the LSAT admission ticket, and a valid, government-issued ID. Bring three or four sharpened wooden pencils and a one-gallon ziplock bag. Mechanical pencils are not allowed, and the ziplock bag is used to hold your personal items. Make sure you understand what is allowed in the ziplock bag—you may be denied admission for failing to follow directions.
At your testing station, you are provided a test booklet and answer sheet—the test booklet doubles as scratch paper. All answers must be annotated on the answer sheet in pencil, including the writing prompt. Pencils, erasers, and pencil sharpeners are not provided.
How is the test
scored and when will I get the results?
Your raw score is based on the number of correct responses. Incorrect answers are not penalized so guess if you have to. Your raw score is converted to an LSAT scaled score ranging from 120 to 180. The LSAT does not have a passing score, but law schools may have a minimum score to be considered for admission.
How Can I Prepare for the LSAT?
We believe that different learning styles require different tools for success. We have compiled a list of the best study guides, flashcards, and practice tests that we’ve found on the market. Some of these guides have review videos, for you visual learners out there. Others have practice tests, which have been proven to increase student scores by a whole letter grade (in some cases more than that)!