Information About the LSAT

The LSAT is an integral part of the law school admission process in the United States, Canada, and a growing number of other countries. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants.

The LSAT is administered four times a year. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier is often advised.

NOTE: Candidates should expect the test day to cover up to seven hours.

LSAT Dates

Visit www.lsac.org for the complete list of LSAT dates, deadlines, and test centers, as well as information for Saturday Sabbath Observers. Note: Walk-ins are not allowed.

Fees

Visit www.lsac.org for a complete list of basic and auxiliary fees (including Late Registration, Test Date Change, and Handscoring).

Test Format

The test consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. Four of the five sections contribute to the test taker’s score. These sections include one Reading Comprehension section, one Analytical Reasoning section, and two Logical Reasoning sections. The unscored section, commonly referred to as the variable section, typically is used to pretest new test questions or to pre-equate new test forms. The placement of this section will vary. Identification of the unscored section is not available until you receive your score report.

A 35-minute, unscored writing sample is administered at the end of the test. Copies of your writing sample are sent to all law schools to which you apply.

What the Test Measures

The LSAT is designed to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: the reading and comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it; the ability to think critically; and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and arguments of others.

There are three multiple-choice question types in the LSAT:

  • Reading comprehension questions measure the ability to read, with understanding and insight, examples of lengthy and complex materials similar to those commonly encountered in law school.
  • Analytical reasoning questions measure the ability to understand a structure of relationships and to draw logical conclusions about that structure.
  • Logical reasoning questions assess the ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments as they occur in ordinary language.

LSAT Score

  • If you choose to receive your LSAT score by e-mail, you will receive it approximately three weeks after you take the test. This is the quickest way to receive your score with no additional charge.
  • If you choose to receive your LSAT score by mail, it will take approximately four weeks after you take the test.
  • You are also able to cancel your LSAT scores by sending a written cancelation request to LSAC within 6 calendar days of taking you test.
  • More info on understanding your score