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FAQs about LSAT |
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For In depth answers to your questions about the LSAT, visit the official LSAT site.
What is the LSAT?
(from the official LSAC FAQ):
“The LSAT is a half-day standardized test administered four times each year at designated testing centers throughout the world. Most law schools throughout the US and Canada use the LSAT results as part of their admission process. All LSAC-member schools require applicants to take the LSAT.
The test consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. Four of the five sections contribute to the test taker’s score. These sections include one reading comprehension section, one analytical reasoning section, and two logical reasoning sections. The unscored section typically is used to pretest new test questions or new test forms. The placement of this section, which is commonly referred to as the variable section, varies for different administrations of the test. A 35-minute writing sample is administered at the end of the test. The writing sample is not scored by LSAC, but copies are sent to all law schools to which you apply. The score scale for the LSAT is 120 to 180.” The test is designed to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school.
When do I take the LSAT?
If you can take it in June the spring before you are applying. Thus, if you plan to apply in fall of 2006 (to begin law school in fall 2007), you should take the LSAT in June 2006. If at all possible you should not take it later than October. Most law schools operate on a rolling admissions basis, which means that they give first consideration to the applications received first. In some instances, this means that if your application is received near the deadline (e.g. late January) you may have a harder time getting in because many spots will have been filled by the time that your application is considered.
How should I prepare for the LSAT?
Practice, practice, practice. Your ability to get into the law school of your choice will be greatly enhanced by a good LSAT score. Your ability to improve your score will depend primarily on how hard you practice and study. Take a prep course if you can, but its helpfulness will really depend on how much effort you put into the course. To improve your score buy, beg or borrow LSAT prep books, work through the study guides, and take as many practice tests as possible. Also take practice tests under the actual time constraints in order to simulate actual conditions. Many practice books are available on the LSAC website.
Can I retake the LSAT?
Do not go into the LSAT with the impression that if you don't do well, you can retake the test. Every time you submit a score report to a law school, all of your scores are included. Some law schools simply average the two scores, others take the highest score. Retake it only if your first score was low (and lower than you usually have on standardized tests of this nature) and you are certain that taking the LSAT a second time would significantly improve your score.
How do I register for the LSAT?
Michigan Tech’s pre-law advisors have made information and registration packets available in the Department of Social Sciences office. If you don’t want to make the trip, go to the Law School Admissions Council Website. It has online registration for the LSAT and information about the test and other services.
Where can I find LSAT test preparation resources?
Get Prepped: LSAT Classes and Tutoring |
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