If you’re wondering, “What is the LSAT?” You’re probably considering law school or want to know more about law school admission test options.
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an exam for prospective law students, serving as a key requirement for entry into most law schools. Overseen by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the LSAT evaluates vital skills such as critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning, which are fundamental for thriving in legal education.
But what exactly does this mean?
In the paragraphs below, I’ve outlined the structure, added some example questions, and provided some law school admissions test tips to help you earn the score that law school admissions officers want to see. I’ve also included info about how big LSAT changes to the writing section and more.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the LSAT: The LSAT is a critical standardized test required for admission to most law schools, assessing critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning skills.
- The LSAT currently includes two sections on logical reasoning, one on analytical reasoning, one on reading comprehension, and an additional unscored section. Additionally, there is an unscored writing sample. However, changes are coming.
- Scoring and Admissions: LSAT scores, ranging from 120 to 180, are a significant factor in law school admissions, with higher scores enhancing admission prospects.
- LSAT Changes: Beginning in August 2024, the LSAT will be updated to include two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, along with one unscored section that could be either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension.
- Importance of Preparation: Effective preparation through test prep courses and practice tests is crucial for performing well on the LSAT and improving your law school application.
Structure of the LSAT
The LSAT currently consists of five sections: two logical reasoning sections, one analytical reasoning section, one reading comprehension section, and one unscored section. Additionally, there is an unscored writing sample, known as the LSAT Writing, which is administered separately.
Logical Reasoning Sections
The two logical reasoning sections evaluate your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments. Each section contains a series of short passages followed by questions that test your logical skills. This portion of the LSAT is designed to reflect the kind of reasoning required for legal problem-solving.
Example Question: Passage: “All university students should be required to take a course in logic. Logical reasoning skills are crucial for making sound decisions, and a logic course would help students develop these skills.”
Question: Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument above? A) Logic courses are easy and enjoyable for most students.
B) Many university students already possess strong logical reasoning skills.
C) Employers highly value logical reasoning skills in job candidates.
D) Courses in logic are often taught by experienced professors.
E) Some students find logic courses to be challenging and unenjoyable.
Answer: C
Analytical Reasoning Section
The analytical reasoning section, often referred to as “logic games,” presents a set of conditions and rules that describe relationships among people, events, or objects. Test takers must deduce logical conclusions based on these conditions. This section measures your ability to understand a structure of relationships and draw logical conclusions.
Example Question: Game: Three employees—Alice, Bob, and Carol—must be assigned to three different projects: X, Y, and Z. The following conditions apply:
- Alice cannot be assigned to project X.
- Bob must be assigned to project Y.
- Carol must be assigned to project Z.
Question: Which of the following assignments is possible? A) Alice to X, Bob to Y, Carol to Z
B) Alice to Y, Bob to X, Carol to Z
C) Alice to Y, Bob to Z, Carol to X
D) Alice to Z, Bob to Y, Carol to X
E) Alice to Z, Bob to X, Carol to Y
Answer: D
Reading Comprehension Section
The reading comprehension section includes several passages followed by questions that test your ability to understand and analyze complex texts. This section assesses your capacity to read critically, a vital skill for law school success.
Example Question: Passage Excerpt: “Climate change is a global issue that is in need of a coordinated international response. While individual countries have made efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the overall progress has been insufficient. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, try to bring countries together to set and achieve collective targets.”
Question: The primary purpose of the passage is to: A) Criticize individual countries for their lack of effort in addressing climate change.
B) Explain the importance of international cooperation in combating climate change.
C) Describe the specific provisions of the Paris Agreement.
D) Argue that international agreements are ineffective.
E) Highlight the successes of individual countries in reducing emissions.
Answer: B
Unscored Section
The unscored section can be any one of the logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, or reading comprehension sections. This section is used by LSAC to test new questions and does not count towards your final score. However, because you won’t know which section is unscored, you should approach each section with equal seriousness.
LSAT Writing
The LSAT Writing sample is administered online, allowing test takers to complete it on their own computer at their preferred test date. Although it is unscored, the writing sample is sent to law schools as part of your application. Admissions officers use it to assess your ability to construct a coherent argument in writing.
Example Prompt: “Governments should prioritize funding for public transportation over funding for highways. Write an essay arguing for or against this statement. Be sure to address potential counterarguments and support your position with relevant examples.”
Future Changes to the LSAT
In August 2024, the LSAT will undergo a significant update to its structure. For the 2024-2025 testing cycle, the LSAT shifts to two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, along with one unscored section of either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension. This change aims to ensure that all test takers can showcase their logical reasoning skills effectively.
Test Structure Change
Beginning in August 2024, the LSAT will be updated to include two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, along with one unscored section that could be either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension. This update is based on comprehensive research, including analysis of over 200,000 test sessions, and is designed to maintain the test’s integrity and reliability.
Maintains Integrity and Reliability
The LSAT will continue to measure the following areas: reading comprehension, reasoning, and writing skills which are all essential for law school success and legal practice. The updated approach is designed to have minimal impact on test takers’ overall scores and maintains a strong correlation between LSAT scores and first-year law school success.
The Score Range Remains the Same
The current score range of 120-180 will continue, providing continuity for schools and test takers. The Logical Reasoning section already assesses deductive reasoning skills, ensuring the test’s ability to evaluate candidates’ reasoning abilities remains unaffected.
Minimizes Impact
The change is designed to have minimal impact on test takers already preparing for next year’s LSAT. For those planning to take the LSAT between now and June 2024, the test will include one Logical Reasoning section, one Reading Comprehension section, one Analytical Reasoning section, plus an unscored section of any type.
Scoring the LSAT Exam
LSAT scores range from 120 to 180, with the average score around 150. Your raw score, the number of questions you answer correctly, is converted to a scaled score. This scaled score is then compared to scores from other test takers to determine your LSAT percentile rank.
Most law schools consider your highest score when making admissions decisions, but they also receive all your LSAT scores.
Preparing for the LSAT
Effective preparation is crucial for performing well on the LSAT. Many prospective law students enroll in a test prep course, which can provide structured study plans, practice tests, and expert guidance. Practice tests are essential for familiarizing yourself with the test format and timing.
Choosing the Right LSAT Prep
Selecting the right LSAT prep course is vital for effective preparation. Consider factors such as course structure, availability of practice tests, expert instruction, and flexibility. Some courses offer live online classes, while others provide on-demand video lessons. Look for a course that matches your learning style and schedule. Research reviews and success rates of various prep courses to make an informed decision.
Testing Accommodations
LSAC provides testing accommodations for test takers with disabilities. These accommodations can include extended time, additional breaks, or specific testing environments. Requests for accommodations must be submitted by the registration deadline.
Test Day
On test day, you will take the LSAT in a testing room with other test takers. It’s important to arrive early, bring your admission ticket and valid ID, and comply with all testing rules. The test is administered under strict conditions to ensure fairness and security.
LSAT Registration and Test Dates
To take the LSAT, you must register with LSAC by the registration deadline for your preferred test date. The LSAT is offered several times a year, and it’s important to choose a test date that allows ample time for preparation.
Conclusion
The LSAT is a pivotal skill-based examination that measures essential abilities in critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning—skills indispensable for law school success. Understanding the structure and content of the LSAT is crucial for prospective law students. Effective preparation, including the use of test prep courses and practice tests, can significantly improve performance.
High LSAT scores are a vital component of a competitive law school application, influencing admission decisions and opening doors to prestigious law schools. As the LSAT evolves, staying informed about upcoming changes ensures that candidates can adapt their study strategies accordingly, maximizing their chances of achieving their desired scores and securing a place at their preferred institutions.
FAQ
The LSAT is challenging because the it tests critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning. Thorough preparation is essential for success.
The LSAT itself does not require a GPA. However, a strong undergraduate GPA, combined with a high LSAT score, enhances your law school admission prospects.
The LSAT assesses logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills. These skills are crucial for law school success and legal practice.
To be competitive for Harvard Law School, aim for an LSAT score that is 170 or higher. A high score improves your chances of admission to top law schools.
Effective preparation includes enrolling in a test prep course, taking practice tests, and studying for the LSAT consistently. Choosing the right LSAT prep course can significantly impact your score.
The LSAT typically lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the multiple-choice sections and the writing sample.
You are allowed to take the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year, five times within the current and past five testing years, and a maximum of seven times over your lifetime.
The LSAT registration fee is generally around $238, but additional costs may apply for services such as test date changes or score reports.
