The Law School Admission Test, or LSAT, is a standardized exam consisting of four 35-minute sections. Multiple-choice questions cover reading comprehension, analytical reasoning (also known as "logic games"), and logical reasoning skills. The test is scored on a scale of 120-180. Read about major changes coming to the LSAT in August.
Your LSAT score is a major determining factor in whether you get accepted into law school and which schools accept you. It is not advisable to take the LSAT for practice. Instead, you should complete your preparation and practice before you attempt the official LSAT. Law schools have varying policies on how they view multiple attempts at the LSAT.
The English-version LSAT exam is a proctored test administered eight times a year. Be aware that you must check the LSAC website for the dates when scheduling opens up; and that LSAC may decide to stagger the scheduling dates, in order to minimize wait times.
Only three out of the four sections are scored (although you do not know during the test which four sections are scored). Separately, the test administers a writing sample that does not contribute to your score on the 120-180 scale.
LSAC has announced significant changes to the LSAT that go into effect with the August 2024 test. Starting with the August LSAT, the Logic Games section will go away. In its place, LSAT will add a second Logical Reasoning (LR) section.
Thus, the August 2024 and subsequent LSAT tests will be scored on the basis of one reading comprehension section and two LR sections. In addition, the test will include one experimental, unscored section that could be either RC or LR.
Read What to Expect Starting with the August 2024 LSAT.
Read about the Logical Reasoning section.
Read about the Analytical Reasoning section (leaving in August 2024)
Read about the Reading Comprehension section.
Read about the separate writing exam.
In the past, certain blind test takers argued that the Logic Games section disadvantaged them because solving Logic Games questions efficiently requires drawing or using diagrams. We sympathize with their position. After a decade of coaching for the LSAT, it is clear to us that while LR and RC involve language reasoning skills, Logic Games depend to a significant degree on visual reasoning, thus disadvantaging blind test takers. In 2019, LSAC reached an agreement intended to remedy this. About five years after that settlement, Logic Games will finally go away.
Actually, no. Prior to the Covid pandemic, the test used to have two LR sections, one RC section, and one Logic Games section. So, effectively, the August 2024 LSAT (and subsequent tests) will revert to the pre-pandemic test structure, minus the Logic Games.
If you are excellent with Logic Games but not with LR, consider taking the June 2024 LSAT or an earlier test. Conversely, if you are very strong in LR but struggle with Games, consider waiting until the August LSAT. Most test takers, however, may not experience a significant difference in scores between the current test and the new (August) test, according to extensive research conducted by LSAC.
The changes play to our strength. We do an extremely in-depth job on Logical Reasoning, which requires understanding approximately 12 different types of LR questions. We approach each question type with an optimized but easy-to-follow strategy. With the test reverting to two LR sections (about 50 questions), mastering each of these strategies the way our course teaches them should serve you, the test-taker, well on the LSAT.
The LSAT exam is provided in a digital format only. The digital format provides a timer with a five-minute warning, the capability to highlight text, and the ability to flag questions that you want to revisit within a section. Prometric administers the LSAT exam at both the test centers and for the at-home testing platform. Both testing formats are proctored; the at-home version is overseen remotely via camera. LSAC allows test-takers to use scratch paper and a pencil during the exam.
You may take a 10-minute break after finishing the second section. You must inform the proctor before leaving the testing area and when you return.
Be sure to arrive at the LSAT test center well in advance of your scheduled time; although LSAC says that you may arrive just 15 minutes in advance, you may have a line of test-takers checking in before you. Bring a valid ID and your LSAT eligibility number, Prometric confirmation number, and your LawHub username and password.
Read the Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital LSAT.
Read about Your LSAT at a Test Center.
Read about the Remotely Proctored LSAT.
The at-home LSAT exam requires that you have a computer (undocked) with a movable camera and a microphone, and a strong, stable Internet connection (speed 1.0 Mbps or greater). You may not have a separate monitor. You will need to present a valid ID to the remote proctor before the exam.
The essay writing section is administered separately on a secure online platform. Test-takers can type their essays (instead of writing by hand) where and when they want as of the date of the LSAT and up to one year thereafter. Repeat LSAT test-takers do not have to repeat the essay.
To ensure that the essay writer is not receiving improper assistance, the writer must complete a check-in process. The writer must display an ID to the computer's web camera, and show that the workspace is clear of electronic items. Both sides of any scratch paper must be shown. No other people may be in the room. The software will automatically close any messaging, word-processing, or web-browsing applications and prevent such applications from being opened during the essay writing time.
The writer will be recorded via webcam and microphone, as well as everything that happens on the screen. Audio and video from every writing session will be reviewed by proctors, and retained for later review in case of a misconduct investigation.
