Preparing for the LSAT

All students applying to law school must take the LSAT. The LSAT is a test of your general skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and your ability to deal with the unfamiliar. You do not need to have any legal knowledge to do well on this test!

When and how often should I take the LSAT?

• Ideally you will take the LSAT the summer before your senior year.
• This time is ideal because it allows you to spend time on your law school applications in the fall, and gives you an opportunity to retake the LSAT (if you so choose) before your applications are due.
• Plan to take the LSAT only once, and take the study process seriously. If you decide to take the LSAT a second time, be aware that some schools will not just look at the highest score, instead they will take the average. Law schools throughout the nation differ in how they view an applicant who has taken the test more than once.
• The PreLaw Program generally proctors a full Mock LSAT each semester. Due to COVID restrictions, we do not currently have a Mock LSAT scheduled. 
• LSAC has a free practice test that you can utilize now when studying for the LSAT.

How do I register?

First, sign up for an LSAC account. 
After creating an account, follow the steps for registering for the LSAT exam through your online account. The Administration Fee for the LSAT exam is approximately $200.00 (2020-2021 exams) with late fees added for students who register after the deadline. Fee Waivers are applicable if you meet the requirements. For more information can be found regarding the fees and refunds of the LSAT on the LSAC website. 

LSAT Quick Facts

• The test is offered multiple times a year, in a variety of locations around the world.
• The test is comprised of five 35 minute sections:
  • (2) Logical Reasoning
  • (1) Reading Comprehension
  • (1) Logic Games
  • (1) Experimental section
• All of these sections are multiple choice, and the experimental section will not be scored.
• The total test time is 3 hours and 25 minutes, but expect to spend more time at your test center depending on the number of people testing and testing accommodations.
• There are 120-130 total questions on the LSAT.
• The Law School Admissions Council is currently also offering an online-remote proctored version of the LSAT called the LSAT-Flex.

How should I prepare for the LSAT?

 

• There is no "best" way to study for this test. What is best for you depends on your study habits and skills as a student. For example, some students prefer to have someone teach them, others would rather study independently. Cost is also a factor to consider when trying to decide how you will study for the LSAT.
• Khan Academy offers LSAT Prep which is free. However, most means of preparation will be more expensive. Spending money on the LSAT can be daunting but it is important to consider this preparation for the LSAT as a way of investing in your future.

 

Test Preparation Options

You can choose to do any of the following. Again, there is no "best" way to study for the LSAT so take your personal preferences and other factors into account.

 

• Buy official LSAT tests from the Law School Admission Council.
• Get a LSAT book (or a set of books)at your local bookstore.
• Participate in these, or other preparatory courses.
  • Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions
  • Powerscore
  • Princeton Review
  • ScorePerfect
  • Blueprint LSAT prep
  • LSAT Max