LSAT Preparation
What do I need to know about the LSAT?
- All students applying to law school must take the LSAT.
- This is a test of your general skills in reading, analysis, and logic, and your ability to deal with the unfamiliar, remain stable under pressure, and tolerate ambiguity.
- You do not need to have any legal knowledge to do well on this test.
When and how often should I take it?
- The "ideal" LSAT is the test given in June at the end of your Junior year.
- Taking the June test frees you up to concentrate on putting together your law school applications in August so that they are ready to be submitted in September and October.
- Plan to take the LSAT only once. Many schools will review test scores for consistency if you take the test multiple times.
- Instead of planning to take the actual LSAT more than once, complete Mock LSATs in order to identify areas of strength and necessary improvement.
- The Prelaw Program proctors a full Mock LSAT twice each semester and provides opportunities for review of your score with the Prelaw Advisor. In that session you will receive detailed analysis of your score and develop a detailed, individual study plan.
How do I register?
You can register for the LSAT by picking up a free Registration and Information book in the Prelaw advising office in 79 Holden Hall or from your Prelaw Advisor. This book contains a practice test, registration information, and an explanation and application for LSDAS.
You can also register on-line at www.lsac.org. Regular registration closes approximately one month prior to the test date. A late registration fee ($50.00) is accessed to all registration materials submitted after the deadline.
LSAT Quick Facts
- Offered in early June, late September or early October, early December, and early February.
- 5 timed 35-minute multiple choice sections:
- 2 Logical Reasoning
- 1 Reading Comprehension
- 1 Analytical Reasoning
- 1 Experimental section that will NOT be counted towards your score (you will not be able to tell which one it is and should act as if every section is counting).
- Writing section, not scored but law schools receive copies of it. Describes a situation in which two courses of action are proposed. You must argue for one. There is no "correct answer", but it is important to avoid grammatical or spelling errors!
- Total test time 3 hours and 25 minutes, but total time at test center between 4.5- 5 hours and could be longer depending on number of people testing and testing accommodations.
- 120-130 questions total
- 15-minute break between 3rd and 4th sections
- Scores range from 120-180
- Wrong answers are not counted against you. Only correct answers count. Do not leave any blanks!
- Practice using actual LSAT tests.
How should I prepare for the LSAT?
- Take several Practice LSATs and practice material based on results.
- Practice both timing of sections and endurance for entire test.
- Take practice LSATs at least 4 times so you can establish a range of possible scores.
- Take the free LSAT available at www.lsac.org
- Do the LSAT Question of the Day at www.lsac.org
Test Preparation Options
- Buy official LSAT prep tests from the Law School Admission Council for $8.00 a piece.
- Get a LSAT prep book. They are available at your local bookstore (campus bookstore, Hastings, Barnes and Noble, etc.) in the reference section.
- The Texas Tech University Prelaw Program is currently running a pilot LSAT study session that will be available in the Fall of 2009.
- The services listed in the right column will offer resources that equip you to acquire the logical reasoning and analytical thinking skills necessary for success on the test.
Preparatory Courses
- Educational Testing Service (GRE): www.ets.org
- Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions: www.kaptest.com/lsat
- Law School Admissions Council (LSAT):www.lsac.org
- LSAT Proctor: www.lsatproctor.com
- Powerscore: www.powerscore.com/lsat
- Princeton Review: www.princetonreview.com/law
- ScorePerfect: www.scoreperfect.net
- TestMasters: www.testmasters.net