Preparing for the LSAT

Tara Bourdeau conducts some research for her paralegal studies class at CTC's law library. | 性欲社 Photo by Todd Paris

The most important event in the application process is the  (LSAT), administered by the LSAC. The test is given multiple times per year and can be taken either in person or through remote proctoring. The LSAT is designed to measure skills important for law school success.

Schools vary in the importance they attach to the LSAT score, but you should assume that it will be a significant factor in determining the success of your applications. You have the option of taking the LSAT more than once, though law schools differ in how they consider multiple LSAT scores.

If you already know you want to go to law school or just want to explore more about what that process entails, one of the first steps is to set up an account with the Law School Admissions Council which had an incredible amount of information to help one navigate the law school application process. You can  which will put you on the LSAC's email list to be notified about webinars and other informational opportunities.

 

 

The LSAT includes four sections of multiple choice questions covering three topics:

Reading Comprehension

Analytical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning

Each LSAT administration includes one unidentified unscored section used to evaluate future test questions. Test takers are also required to complete an essay designed to demonstrate your persuasive writing skills. 

 

 

 

Fee Waiver

Taking the LSAT is not free, but you may qualify for a fee waiver for the LSAT and the Credential Assembly Service if you earn less than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.

 

There are things you can do to prepare for the LSAT. Advice for preparing for the LSAT and sample LSAT questions and answer explanations for each of the three topic areas are available on the LSAC website.

There are numerous LSAT test preparation books and courses that can assist in studying for the LSAT. You can also purchase LSAT practice tests in paperback volumes online or can order one from your local bookstore. There are also LSAT prep courses which can be purchased. 性欲社 does not endorse or recommend one LSAT prep company over another but is just simply informing you that such companies exist and these are two of the most well-known:

 

The best thing you can do to prepare for the LSAT is to take multiple practice tests under conditions that as closely as possible simulate the actual administration of the LSAT. Doing this will give you a sense of what your LSAT score range might be, which could affect to which law schools you consider applying. You may find that you need more work in one topic area than others, which in turn can make subsequent studying more efficient and effective. And, it will also, in some small way, help you prepare for the stress of the actual LSAT test.

Free Practice Tests:

Shannon Kim, left, and Rose Mattson spend a few minutes prepping for a quiz in their summer sessions anatomy and physiology class in a Bunnell Building lab. | 性欲社 Photo by Todd Paris