Preparing for the LSAT

Preparing for the LSAT is crucial in order to reach your goal score. The average test-taker scores a 150 on the LSAT their first time, which may not be high enough to go to the law school of your choice. This post includes detailed information about the structure of the test, how the test is changing in August 2024, how to practice with official materials, and how to take Parts 1 and 2.

Purpose

The LSAT measures the reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing skills that are essential for success in law school and the practice of law.

Format

Part 1: 4 sections of multiple choice questions. Each section is 35 minutes.

This is the primary part of the LSAT that receives the entire score. Part 2 is unscored.

The multiple-choice portion of the LSAT includes three scored sections and one unscored section, which allows us to validate new test questions for future use. This validation process is a vital part of our commitment to equity and helps us ensure that our questions continue their long standard of being free from any kind of bias. 

Multiple Choice Section (as of August 2024):

  • 2 scored Logical Reasoning sections
    • Questions assess your ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments.
  • 1 scored Reading Comprehension section
    • Questions measure your ability to read and understand examples of long-form, complex materials that are similar to those that you’ll encounter in law school.
  • 1 unscored section of either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension

Multiple Choice Section (Before August 2024)

  • 1 Logical Reasoning Section
    • Questions assess your ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments.
  • 1 Reading Comprehension Section
  • 1 Analytical Reasoning section
    • Questions measure your ability to understand a structure of relationships and draw conclusions about that structure.
  • 1 unscored section that could be Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, or Logical Reasoning.

Intermission: 10-minute break between section 2 and 3

Prepare for the LSAT with Curvebreakers!
Call (516) 728-1561 or click here to learn more.

Part 2: One 35-minute, unscored LSAT Writing® sample.

  • LSAT Writing will continue to be administered remotely for all test takers. 
  • LSAT Writing is separately administered online using secure proctoring software that you can install on your own computer. 
  • You can take LSAT Writing at your convenience, as early as eight (8) days prior to the date of your multiple-choice test. 
  • Your LSAT Writing prompt will present a decision problem, and you will be asked to choose between two positions or courses of action and defend your choice. 
  • There are no “right” or “wrong” positions; the writing sample is designed to let you demonstrate your persuasive writing skills. 
  • Law schools will examine the reasoning, clarity, organization, language usage, and writing mechanics you display in your sample. Copies of your writing sample are sent to all schools to which you apply.

Score Range

120 – 180

Score Band

  • A range that is slightly lower and higher than the score is also submitted to law schools.
  • The estimate of proficiency provided by a given LSAT score is not perfect, and so a range is provided
  • The value used to determine the score range is based on a psychometric statistic called the standard error of measurement (SEM).

Note: LSAT scores earned prior to June 2018 are not considered valid for law school admission and are not included in your score report.

Online Practice Materials

LawHub Library
You have to create an online account first to access

  • Paid option for $115/year
    • Access to more than the 4 free practice tests
  • Free option
  • Official LSAT Content Licensees
    • This is a comprehensive list of test prep companies that have licensed official LSAT content.
    • “Offer Fee Waiver”
      • LSAC is delighted that many of our licensees are offering free or discounted courses to LSAC fee waiver recipients.
      • Upon written request from a licensee (test prep company), LSAC will verify whether an LSAC fee waiver has been granted.
  • Official Prep:
    • Khan Academy
    • LSAC LawHub
      • Online content
      • Published books

How to Take the LSAT

Register Online: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/register-lsat 

The LSAT® is a four-section test (multiple choice only) that is administered through LawHub™

https://app.lawhub.org/ and proctored via Prometric.

Take the multiple choice LSAT at a:

  1. Prometric Digital Testing Center
  2. Online, Remote

Take the LSAT Writing

  • Access your LSAT Writing from your LSAT online account on LSAC LawHub: https://www.lsac.org/lawhub
  • One administration of LSAT Writing is included in your LSAT registration. By registering for the LSAT, you will be automatically eligible to complete the writing section as of eight (8) days before you take the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT. 
  • Physical scratch paper and writing utensils are NOT permitted
    • The interface includes a built-in, digital scratch paper tool 
  • Must have camera and microphone enabled

Testing Policies, Dates & Score Release Dates

LSAT testing year runs from July 1 through June 30.

Students may take the exam 5 times in testing year AND 7 times per lifetime

  • Canceled LSAT scores will be counted against these numerical limits. Absences and withdrawals are not.
  • Test takers will not be permitted to retake the LSAT if they have already scored a 180

April 2024 – June 2025 LSAT Testing Dates

  • April: 4/11, 4/12, 4/13 | Scores: 5/1
  • June: 6/6, 6/7, 6/8 | Scores: 6/26
  • August: 8/7 – 8/10 | Scores: 8/28
  • September: 9/4 – 9/7 | Scores: 9/25
  • October: 10/1 – 10/5 (excl. 10/3) | Scores: 10/23
  • November: 11/6 – 11/9 | Scores: 11/27
  • January 2025: 1/15 – 1/18 | Scores: 2/5
  • February: 2/7, 2/8 | Scores: 2/27
  • April: 4/10 – 4/12 | Scores: 4/30
  • June: 6/5 – 6/7 | Scores: 6/25