Read This Before Taking the LSAT

By Brittany Loeffler on November 7, 2017

If you’re thinking of going to law school, you’ve probably been informed that you must take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).

Similar in idea to the SAT or the GRE, this standardized test determines your skills, strengths, and weaknesses when applying to law school. Schools will analyze your results to determine if you have the essential and necessary skills to attend and graduate from their school.

The LSAT is a big deal and requires a lot of attention and sacrifice. It doesn’t matter if you have been studying for months or are merely doing research on what it takes to get into law school, you should read this before taking the LSAT.

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What is the LSAT?

The LSAT is the Law School Admission Test. It is a standardized test that determines if you have the skills necessary to succeed in law school. Almost all law schools in the United States require applicants to take the LSAT.

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Test format

The LSAT has five sections that are 35 minutes each. These sections are all multiple choice. One section focuses on Reading Comprehension. Another focuses on Analytical Reasoning. Two sections focus on Logical Reasoning. The fifth section is an unscored section used by test makers to test different questions for upcoming tests.

Lastly, there is a 35-minute unscored written part of the exam. This portion of the exam is sent to the law schools you apply for as a writing sample. Keep in mind that it is not considered in your overall score, but the admissions office will take a look at it in consideration of your acceptance.

How the LSAT is scored?

The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120-180. The average score of test-takers is 150. However, to qualify for the top 25 law schools such as Harvard and Cornell, applicants must have a score of at least 160.

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When to take the test

Timing is everything when it comes to taking the LSAT. You want to give yourself enough time to study for the test and apply to law schools. Many applicants start planning to apply for law school about a year in advance.

Law school application deadlines are typically in February, which means you will have to take your LSAT test before January, giving you time to send in applications. Registration for the LSAT closes 4-5 weeks before the test is given. However, 4-5 weeks is not enough time to fully study for the test. It is recommended that you take at least 3-4 months to study for the LSAT.

How much does the LSAT cost?

The cost to register for the LSAT is $180 and includes one free score report. Reports are then an extra $35 after. Along with the registration fee, you must subscribe to CAS (Credential Assembly Service) formerly known as LSDAS, for $185. This service holds important documents for law school applicants.

You can take the test multiple times

Just like the SAT, you can take the LSAT multiple times. However, this can both help or hurt you. It’s advised not to take the test and see it as “practice” or with the mindset that you can just take it again. When applying to law school, the schools will take the average of your scores.

You are able to take the test three times within a two-year period. If after you take the test and you feel that you did not do your best, you can cancel your score and it will not count.

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How long should I study?

As mentioned before, you should spend at least 3-4 months studying consistently for the LSAT. That means spending 4-6 hours a week looking through your material, taking practice tests, and fully grasping the skills needed to receive a high score on the test.

If you are just starting out, you may want to look into a prep class. Being in a classroom setting and having someone lecture and answer questions about the LSAT can help you gain important background knowledge and a firm understanding of what is expected of you.

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Study to retain, not memorize

The difference between studying for the LSAT and studying for a test in college is that you need to retain the information and skills learned from studying. Since the LSAT is an indicator of your skills and will determine if you are fit to succeed in law school, you need to take studying seriously and hone these skills.

You must put the skills learned to use and practice them often. Incorporate them into your everyday life, because when you become a lawyer, you bet you will be using them every day. Be aware when studying that you are studying to retain the information, not just memorize it.

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