1. What is the LSAT?
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It's required for admission to virtually all ABA-accredited law schools in the United States and Canada, making it one of the most important components of your law school application.
Unlike the SAT or GRE, the LSAT doesn't test specific subject knowledge. Instead, it measures skills considered essential for success in law school: reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking. The test is designed to predict first-year law school performance.
LSAT Quick Facts
Test Format
Computer-based (at test centers or home)
Total Time
3+ hours (including breaks)
Score Range
120-180 (median: 150)
Test Dates
9 times per year (2026)
Registration Fee
$200 (as of 2026)
Score Validity
5 years
The LSAT is offered multiple times throughout the year, giving you flexibility to choose a test date that aligns with your preparation timeline. Most applicants take the LSAT in the summer or fall before they apply to law schools.
2. LSAT Sections Breakdown
The LSAT consists of four scored sections and one unscored writing sample. Understanding each section is crucial for effective preparation.
Logical Reasoning (2 Sections)
Logical Reasoning makes up half of your score. Each section contains 24-26 questions that test your ability to analyze arguments, identify flaws in reasoning, and draw logical conclusions.
- Questions per section: 24-26
- Time per section: 35 minutes
- Weight: ~50% of score
- Skills tested: Identifying assumptions, strengthening/weakening arguments, finding flaws
Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games)
Often called "Logic Games," this section presents you with scenarios involving relationships and constraints. You must diagram these relationships and answer questions about possible arrangements.
- Games: 4 games with 5-7 questions each
- Time: 35 minutes
- Weight: ~25% of score
- Skills tested: Sequencing, grouping, matching, conditional reasoning
Good News
Logic Games is the most learnable section. Students often see the biggest score improvements here with practice.
Reading Comprehension
This section tests your ability to understand complex passages and draw inferences. Passages cover law, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
- Passages: 4 passages (one is a comparative reading with 2 shorter passages)
- Questions: 26-28 total
- Time: 35 minutes
- Weight: ~25% of score
- Skills tested: Main idea, author's purpose, inference, passage structure
Unscored Experimental Section
One additional section (Logical Reasoning, Logic Games, or Reading Comprehension) appears on every test but isn't scored. It's used by LSAC to test new questions for future exams.
Important: You won't know which section is experimental, so treat every section as if it counts.
LSAT Writing
A 35-minute essay completed separately (usually at home within 8 days of your test). You'll be given a prompt and must argue for one of two positions.
- Time: 35 minutes
- Scoring: Not scored numerically, but sent to schools
- Importance: Low (most schools barely look at it)
3. LSAT Scoring Explained
Understanding LSAT scoring helps you set realistic goals and interpret your practice test results.
Raw Score to Scaled Score
Your "raw score" is the number of questions you answer correctly (there's no penalty for wrong answers). This raw score is then converted to a "scaled score" between 120 and 180 using a conversion table that varies slightly between tests.
| Scaled Score | Approximate Raw Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 180 | 98-101 (near perfect) | 99.9th |
| 170 | ~90 | 97th |
| 165 | ~84 | 92nd |
| 160 | ~77 | 80th |
| 155 | ~68 | 63rd |
| 150 | ~57 | 44th (median) |
| 145 | ~46 | 26th |
What Score Do You Need?
Your target score depends on which schools you're applying to:
| School Tier | Target Score | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| T6 (Top 6) | 173+ | Yale, Stanford, Harvard |
| T14 | 170+ | Columbia, NYU, Chicago |
| T50 | 160-165 | UCLA, USC, BU |
| T100 | 155-160 | Loyola, Temple, Arizona |
4. Study Timeline Options
How long you study depends on your starting point, target score, and available time. Here are three common approaches:
3-Month Intensive Plan
Best for: Full-time students or those who can dedicate significant hours
- Hours per week: 20-30 hours
- Total hours: 250-400 hours
- Expected improvement: 10-15 points from diagnostic
Schedule: Month 1 - Learn fundamentals. Month 2 - Practice sections, identify weaknesses. Month 3 - Full practice tests, review, refine timing.
6-Month Standard Plan
Best for: Working professionals or those balancing other commitments
- Hours per week: 10-15 hours
- Total hours: 300-400 hours
- Expected improvement: 15-20 points from diagnostic
Schedule: Months 1-2 - Fundamentals. Months 3-4 - Section practice. Months 5-6 - Full tests and refinement.
12-Month Part-Time Plan
Best for: Those starting with lower diagnostic scores or targeting T6 schools
- Hours per week: 5-10 hours
- Total hours: 300-500 hours
- Expected improvement: 20+ points from diagnostic
When to Take the Test
For fall applications, take the LSAT by August or September. June is ideal because it gives you time to retake if needed. Avoid November/January tests if possible - they don't leave room for retakes.
5. LSAT Prep Methods
There are several ways to prepare for the LSAT, each with different costs and benefits.
| Method | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Study | $100-500 | Self-motivated learners, budget-conscious |
| Online Courses | $500-1,500 | Flexible schedules, structured learning |
| In-Person Courses | $1,000-2,000 | Those who need accountability, classroom learners |
| Private Tutoring | $150-400/hour | Targeting 170+, specific weaknesses, unlimited budget |
Self-Study Approach
Self-study works well if you're disciplined and learn well independently. You'll need:
- Prep books (PowerScore Bibles are the gold standard)
- Official LSAT PrepTests (buy all of them - 100+)
- A strict study schedule you'll actually follow
Online Courses (Most Popular)
Online courses offer the best balance of cost and effectiveness for most students:
- 7Sage ($69-500): Best Logic Games instruction, excellent value
- LSAT Demon ($99-299/month): AI-driven, adapts to your weaknesses
- Blueprint ($99-1,600): Engaging video lessons, good for beginners
- Khan Academy (Free): Basic prep, good starting point
6. Best LSAT Prep Resources
Free Resources
- Khan Academy LSAT Prep: Free official partnership with LSAC
- LSAC LawHub: Free practice tests and resources
- r/LSAT Reddit: Active community with tips and support
- 7Sage Free Content: Free Logic Games explanations on YouTube
Best Prep Books
- PowerScore Bibles (LR, LG, RC): The most comprehensive books - ~$50 each
- LSAT Trainer by Mike Kim: Great all-in-one alternative - ~$60
- Manhattan Prep Strategy Guides: Clear explanations - ~$100 for set
- Official LSAT PrepTests: Use real tests for practice - buy them all!
Best Online Courses (Comparison)
| Course | Price | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 7Sage | $69-500 | Logic Games instruction |
| LSAT Demon | $99-299/mo | AI-adaptive learning |
| Blueprint | $99-1,600 | Engaging video content |
| PowerScore | $795-1,795 | Live instruction quality |
| Kaplan | $799-2,699 | Money-back guarantee |
7. Study Strategies That Work
High scorers consistently use these proven strategies:
1. Take a Diagnostic First
Before any studying, take a full timed practice test to establish your baseline. This helps set realistic goals and identify initial weaknesses.
2. Learn Fundamentals Before Practice Tests
Don't burn through practice tests early. Spend your first 4-6 weeks learning strategies and concepts. Practice tests are finite - save them for later.
3. Blind Review Every Question
After each practice section, go through every question again without time pressure (before checking answers). This helps identify where you're guessing vs. genuinely understanding.
4. Drill Your Weaknesses
Don't just take test after test. Identify your weak question types and drill them specifically. If you're bad at parallel reasoning, do 50 parallel reasoning questions.
5. Simulate Test Conditions
Take at least 10-15 full practice tests under real conditions: timed, no distractions, at the same time of day as your actual test. Build stamina.
6. Review Wrong Answers Thoroughly
For every wrong answer, understand why your answer was wrong AND why the correct answer is right. Keep a log of mistakes to identify patterns.
8. Test Day Tips
What to Bring (Test Center)
- Admission ticket (printed)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Analog watch (no digital/smart watches)
- Ziplock bag with snacks and water (for break)
- Tissues (in original packaging)
What to Expect
- Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in
- Security screening (pockets emptied, wands)
- Assigned seat at computer station
- One 10-minute break between sections 2 and 3
- Total time at center: approximately 4 hours
Managing Test Anxiety
- The week before: Light review only - don't cram
- Night before: Get 8+ hours of sleep
- Morning of: Eat a normal breakfast, avoid excessive caffeine
- During test: If you panic, close eyes and take 5 deep breaths
- Remember: You can retake if needed - this isn't your only chance
Score Release
Scores are typically released 3-4 weeks after your test date. You'll receive an email from LSAC, and scores will be available in your LSAC account.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I take the LSAT?
You can take the LSAT up to 3 times in a single testing year (June 1 - May 31), 5 times within any 5-year period, and 7 times total in your lifetime. Most applicants don't need more than 2 attempts.
Do law schools see all my LSAT scores?
Yes, law schools receive all your LSAT scores from the past 5 years. However, most schools focus primarily on your highest score. Some report the average, but highest score is generally what matters for admissions decisions.
Can I cancel my LSAT score?
Yes, you have 6 calendar days after your test to cancel. Schools will see that you canceled but won't see the score. Generally, only cancel if you're certain you performed significantly below your practice test average due to illness or emergency.
LSAT vs GRE for law school - which should I take?
The LSAT is still preferred by most law schools and scholarship committees. About 50 schools accept the GRE, but taking the LSAT keeps all options open. Only consider the GRE if you've already taken it for another program or truly struggle with the LSAT format.
What's a good LSAT score improvement?
The average improvement with dedicated study is 10-15 points from diagnostic. Improvements of 20+ points are possible but require significant time and effort. Each point gets harder to gain as you approach 170.
How important is the LSAT compared to GPA?
Both matter significantly, but a high LSAT can overcome a lower GPA more easily than vice versa. A 170+ LSAT can open doors that a 3.3 GPA might close, especially at schools above the medians. Focus on maximizing your LSAT.