While most people who have decided to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) begin to feverishly organize study groups and timed practice exam sessions, it is important to remember that a review of the anticipated materials is only one aspect of LSAT readiness. A prospective law student must also understand what the test is, what it seeks to measure, and what one can expect on that important day in a burgeoning career.
The LSAT has no passing score. You should contact the law schools you want to apply to (or visit their Web sites) to find out the average LSAT score of accepted students.
What Is the LSAT?
The LSAT is a standardized test that takes approximately a half day to complete. It is administered four times per year at hundreds of locations globally and is the definitive examination required for entry into almost every accredited legal program in the United States and Canada. While fall enrollees are encouraged to take the exam by the previous December at the latest, it is further advisable to take an earlier session (June or October).
What Does the LSAT Measure?
The LSAT tests reading and verbal reasoning skills necessary to successfully complete a legal education. Many people believe that it is not a test for which one can “study,” but by understanding the aim of each section, a student can significantly improve their outcome.
Five 35-minute sections of the LSAT include the following:
- Reading comprehension
Test takers read passages and answer 26-28 related questions - Analytical reasoning
Examinees are given 24 questions based on deductive reasoning puzzles. - Two logical reading sections
24-26 items require students to analyze statements for errors in logic. - Experiment section
Used randomly to pretest new test items; not factored into final score.
Finally, a writing sample is collected at the end of the LSAT wherein test takers are given a topic on which they will write for 30 minutes. The writing test is not scored, but is offered to a candidate's chosen law schools as a demonstration of writing and thinking skills.
The Day of the Test
Test takers must bring the required items on the day of the test or they may be asked to reschedule. An admission ticket will be required, which contains the reporting time, reporting address, and testing center instructions. Examinees will also need one current, valid (not expired) form of photo identification bearing their signature. Social security cards, insurance cards, credit cards, and employee identification will not be accepted. Additionally, test takes should bring three to four sharpened No. 2 pencils, as neither pencils nor sharpeners will be supplied by the testing facility.
Only the following items are allowed on the desktop during completion of the exam:
- Tissues
- Identification
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Pencil sharpener
- Highlighter
- Analog (not digital) watch
More official information, as well as helpful tips about commonly overlooked LSAT details—such as thumbprinting, tardiness, seating, and the use of scratch paper—is available at www.lsac.org.
By Hannah Roberts
