Before applying to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Your score from the LSAT is then sent to all law schools where you apply.
Most law schools use your LSAT score to determine whether you meet the minimum requirements for admissions. For this reason, it is important to prepare for the LSAT to obtain the highest LSAT score possible.
Below is the LSAT Frequently Asked Questions, with answers to common questions about the LSAT. Here are other LSAT related pages on specific topics:
To learn more about the LSAT, continue reading the LSAT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below.
LSAT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you want to apply to law school, the first step is learning about the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Here is some basic information about the LSAT to get you started.
What is the LSAT?
The LSAT is a half-day exam given four times each year to those who want to apply to law school. Learn more at the official LSAT site.
Who runs the LSAT?
The LSAT is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
How do I sign up for the LSAT?
To sign up for the LSAT, you must register at the Law School Admission Counsel’s LSAT registration page.
When is the LSAT offered?
Here is the LSAT schedule.
How should I prepare for the LSAT?
Most prospective law students take an LSAT prep course and try a LSAT practice exams. If taking an LSAT prep course is too expensive, consider using an LSAT prep book.
How many tests are in the LSAT and how long are they?
The LSAT consists of five sections that last approximately 35 minutes each. Becoming familiar with the test format, including the types of questions in the three LSAT section types (logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension) is a first key to success. Understanding the test format will, at a minimum, work to reduce your test anxiety. There is also an essay at the end, but this essay has little value on most admissions applications. LSAC explains the three multiple choice test types:
-
Reading Comprehension Questions
These questions measure the ability to read, with understanding and insight, examples of lengthy and complex materials similar to those commonly encountered in law school. The Reading Comprehension section contains four sets of reading questions, each consisting of a selection of reading material, followed by five to eight questions that test reading and reasoning abilities. -
Analytical Reasoning Questions
These questions measure the ability to understand a structure of relationships and to draw logical conclusions about that structure. You are asked to reason deductively from a set of statements and rules or principles that describe relationships among persons, things, or events. Analytical Reasoning questions reflect the kinds of complex analyses that a law student performs in the course of legal problem solving. -
Logical Reasoning Questions
These questions assess the ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments as they occur in ordinary language. Each Logical Reasoning question requires the test taker to read and comprehend a short passage, then answer a question about it. The questions are designed to assess a wide range of skills involved in thinking critically, with an emphasis on skills that are central to legal reasoning. These skills include drawing well-supported conclusions, reasoning by analogy, determining how additional evidence affects an argument, applying principles or rules, and identifying argument flaws.
What else should I know about the LSAT?
There are a number of tips and strategies to preparing for the LSAT and taking the LSAT. Here is a collection of LSAT tips and advice to learn more and improve your performance on the LSAT.
