Overview of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the exam most often required for admission to an ABA-accredited law school in the United States. It is administered by the Law School Admissions Council. Alongside the undergraduate GPA, an LSAT score is considered to be a reliable predictor of an applicant's performance in the first year of law school, and for that reason it is one of the most important factors considered in the admissions process. Some law schools place greater weight than others on the LSAT. A low LSAT score will hamper your chances for admission, particularly at the most competitive schools. However, most law schools make a genuine effort to evaluate all your credentials. 

The LSAT is administered in two parts. The first part consists of four 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. The second part of the LSAT consists of an unscored writing sample. There is a registration fee for the LSAT, which you can learn about . This fee, along with other associated costs such as CAS reports, can be waived for qualified applicants. For information on the fee waiver application, visit . A sample law school application budget template is available . 

Keep in mind that have also begun to accept Graduate Records Examination (GRE) in place of the LSAT. The GRE provides a good degree of flexibility for students considering law school alongside other graduate-level programs, but the LSAT remains the best choice for most applicants who intend only to apply to law school.  Please note that if an applicant has both an LSAT and a GRE score on record, the LSAT score will take precedence on law school applications, even if the GRE score appears to be more favorable.

A newer exam option, , is now being accepted by some schools alongside an LSAT or GRE score to demonstrate preparedness to the application committee, but are accepting JD Next all by itself in lieu of an LSAT or GRE score. It is advised that applicants check with the law school's admissions office to verify how JD Next will be factored into their decision.

  • How is the LSAT structured?  What is on it?  How is it scored?

    Unlike a number of other graduate-level entrance exams, such as the MCAT or even the GRE, the LSAT does not have any actual content for a test taker to memorize in advance.  Instead, it is a skills-based exam meant to test the sorts of skills that are required in law school. 

    The multiple-choice portion of the test consists of two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored section of either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension that is used to validate new test questions for future use. Test takers who do not have a previous writing sample on file must also take LSAT Argumentative Writing, a proctored, on-demand writing exam that is administered online using secure proctoring software that is installed on the candidate’s own computer. 

    Test takers will complete LSAT Argumentative Writing separately from the multiple-choice portion of the test, at a convenient time and place of their choosing. LSAT Argumentative Writing becomes available in candidates’ online accounts eight days prior to their test administration. The LSAC will not release your LSAT score to law schools until you have a writing sample on file, so it is advisable to complete the writing portion as soon as possible. Applicants only need to complete the LSAT Writing once, even if they decide to retake the LSAT.

    Most test takers have the choice of taking their test in an online, live remote-proctored environment, or in person at a digital testing center, such as ßÙßÇÂþ»­. LSAC gives test takers the choice of whichever option works best for them. The exam is approximately three hours for test takers without , including a 10-minute intermission between the second and third sections. During the intermission, you can leave your testing area to have a snack or use the restroom. 

    LSATs are scored on a scale that ranges from 120 to 180, with all questions weighted the same.  Test-takers are typically notified of their scores within a month of having taken the test. A good LSAT score is the one that not only gets you into your school of choice but also helps you qualify for a merit-based scholarship. To determine this, you need to look at the LSAT score ranges accepted at that school, which are reported on the ABA Standard 509 Reports. This information is also provided by Law School Transparency, a nonprofit organization. A good initial goal is the median LSAT score for your schools of interest. 

    Test takers may choose to cancel their scores within six calendar days after the test, for whatever reason they feel is appropriate. If they choose to do so, they will not receive a score, and the exam will appear as "Cancelled" on any score report sent to law schools.  When registering for the test, test takers may opt to purchase a "Score Preview" option, which allows them to see their scores before deciding whether to cancel. You can make an appointment with your pre-law advisor to discuss your options if you are unsure about cancelling your score. 

  • When should I take the LSAT?

    Law schools begin accepting applications each year on or around September 1 for admission in the following year. You cannot submit your applications without an LSAT score and writing sample on file with LSAC. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, which means that schools will begin reviewing them as soon as they are received. As the cycle progresses into January, most of the seats and available scholarship dollars for the incoming class will already have been given away. 

    Therefore, students should aim to take the LSAT for the first time during the spring (June) or summer (August) of the application year. Taking the test before the beginning of the application cycle leaves time for an applicant to retake the test, if necessary, and still apply on time, ideally before the end of November. For students still enrolled in classes during the spring semester, the summer test may be more convenient, as it allows for dedicated study time after classes have ended. 

    The LSAT is currently offered nine times per year. Please note that applicants typically must register for an exam more than a month before the actual test date. Please see for a schedule of upcoming LSATs, including registration deadlines. 

  • Should I plan on retaking the LSAT? How does that look to law schools?

    In short, no. You should prepare for the LSAT as though you will only take it once. This advice is not meant to make what is already a very stressful test even more so, but rather, it is meant to put the emphasis on preparation. The test is expensive and, for the reasons discussed below, multiple scores can create a complicated picture for law schools. It is simpler and cheaper to prepare well enough in advance that you do not need to retake it.

    Of course, you can retake the LSAT if you feel that you need to. Make an appointment with your pre-law advisor after you receive your first score if you would like to discuss your options. You may take the LSAT five times in a single application cycle and seven times total in your lifetime. You should only retake the test if you feel that there is something materially different that you can do with regard to preparation, or if other factors impacted your performance on the day of the test. Research has shown that individuals who maintain the same study regimen and retake the test hoping for a higher score are often disappointed. Most, indeed, find that their scores change only by a few points, and some find that their scores actually decrease.

    Law schools to which you apply will receive all of your LSAT scores, and while they are only required by the ABA to report the highest, internally they may consider those scores as they wish.  If in retaking the exam you find that your score has changed dramatically, you should consider including an addendum in your application to address the difference. See the Pre-Law Guide for more information on writing an addendum. 

  • How do I study for the LSAT?

    Because the LSAT is an aptitude test, there is no finite body of knowledge that will be tested. A solid undergraduate program that emphasizes reading, analytical thinking, and logical reasoning skills will help you prepare for the LSAT, but you will also need to dedicate extensive time to studying the specific elements of the test itself. Law School Admission Council research indicates that diligent practice on previously administered LSATs (practice tests), in conjunction with some sort of self-directed structured study program, is the most effective preparation strategy. 

    Nevertheless, there are a variety of study materials and courses available to help students prepare for the LSAT. Think about how you have prepared for previous standardized tests, such as the SATs.  What worked well, and what didn't work?  Your own learning style, time management habits, and budget are very important in this decision. Some students find that they learn best in a group (class) setting, while others work better on their own. The key is consistency. 

    Whether studying on your own, in a group, or through a course, try to work in as many timed practice tests as possible before you register for your first exam. Taking full practice tests will help you to develop the endurance that the exam requires, as well as give you ample opportunity to identify areas that you find challenging. 

    All registered LSAC users have access to a free account that contains four full LSAT practice tests, which allow you to review your answers and familiarize yourself with the actual testing interface of the LSAT. Using these practice tests, you’ll be able to do everything you can do during the actual exam—eliminating and selecting responses, highlighting passages, setting screen preferences, and more. Additionally, LawHub includes free drill sets focusing on specific types of Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning questions, as well as sample prompts for the Argumentative Writing section. The pre-law library also includes numerous practice tests that are available to students by appointment. If you exhaust these free testing options, 54 full-length practice tests are available through for a fee. 

    To ensure your success, make sure to allow enough time to prepare. Work at it regularly! Set aside time each week that you can devote to studying, develop a plan that will help you to make the most efficient use of that time, and be consistent. This is an opportunity to develop the time management skills that you need to be successful in law school as well. 

    In short, to determine how to best prepare for the LSAT, it is a good idea to take a practice LSAT exam. Start with the free materials available through LSAC, which are linked below. Work through a few practice tests to begin identifying areas where you will need to improve. Here are some ways to do this:

    • The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) offers four full, free LSAT practice tests through its called LawHub to help applicants determine their test preparation needs.
    • The pre-law library includes numerous practice tests that are available to students by appointment.
    • LSAC also offers a relatively inexpensive subscription to the "Official LSAT Prep Plus" program called LawHub Advantage, which includes 54 additional practice tests.
  • Should I take the LSAT prep course or hire a tutor?

    For some students, self-study with study books and practice tests is a fine way to prepare for the exam. For those who feel that they learn better in the structured environment of a classroom or working in a group with others, a prep course or a tutor could be useful resources. Research on the effectiveness of these sorts of programs is inconclusive, in large part because there is no one "correct" way to prepare.  What may have dramatic results for one student may not work for another.  

  • What other resources are available for LSAT study?

    Overall, you are encouraged to approach purchasing test prep as a good consumer. Consider how you learn most effectively. Once you take a practice test and have an idea of the sort of support that would be most helpful, seek out the resources that can provide it. Research the available methods, materials, and courses, and choose the one that best suits your needs. Please note that prep courses and private tutors are among the most expensive LSAT prep options. The LSAC provides , including books and other services. It is strongly recommended that students do not look for materials outside of this list, as it could be out of date.