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The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a critical part of the journey for prospective law students aiming for admission to law schools. Administered by the Law School Admission Council, the LSAT evaluates essential skills needed for success in law school, including logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension.
Understanding the LSAT’s test format, timing, and structure can help you approach the exam with confidence. This guide covers everything you need to know about the LSAT’s duration and format, and how to make the most of your preparation.
Read: Top 30+ Free Resources for the LSAT
How Long is the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)?
The LSAT exam spans approximately 3 hours for standard test-takers. Each of the four multiple-choice sections is timed at 35 minutes, while the writing sample section is administered separately and typically completed at home. There is a 10-minute intermission between the second and third sessions.
Structure and Content of the LSAT
The LSAT consists of multiple sections, each testing different skill sets.
Logical Reasoning
These sections evaluate your ability to analyze and critically evaluate arguments, a key skill for law students. Two logical reasoning sections are included, making this skill an essential component of the test.
Analytical Reasoning (aka Logic Games)
This section measures your capacity to understand and reason through complex relationships. Often one of the more challenging sections, analytical reasoning requires strategic thinking and time management.
Reading Comprehension
This section assesses your ability to understand and analyze long, dense textsa frequent requirement in law school. Success in the scored reading comprehension section can indicate your potential to excel in courses that require extensive reading.
Unscored Experimental Section
Used to test new questions for future exams, the unscored experimental section can appear in any part of the test. Though unscored, it resembles the other sections, making it challenging to identify.
LSAT Writing Sample
Following the multiple-choice sections, the writing sample is an opportunity for test takers to demonstrate their argumentative writing abilities. Although the LSAT writing sample isn’t scored, many law schools review it to assess a candidate’s clarity and style.
Breakdown of the Different LSAT Sections
1. Logical Reasoning
The LSAT includes two Logical Reasoning sections. These are scored and test your ability to analyze, evaluate, and complete arguments. Each section includes short passages followed by questions that assess how well you understand logical structure and identify flaws in reasoning.
2. Analytical Reasoning
Often called the Logic Games section, this part of the LSAT presents scenarios involving relationships among variables. You’ll be asked to make deductions based on rules or conditions. This section tests your ability to understand structure and apply logic under time pressure.
3. Reading Comprehension
This section includes dense reading passages from areas like law, science, and the humanities. You’ll answer questions that test your understanding of the main ideas, details, tone, and logical structure. It assesses how well you process and analyze complex written material.
4. Experimental Section
The experimental section is unscored and can be any of the scored section types. It’s used by LSAT test makers to try out new questions. It is not labeled during the test, so it looks and feels like a normal scored section.
5. Writing Sample
The writing portion is also unscored but is sent to law schools along with your LSAT score. You’ll be asked to write an essay responding to a decision-based prompt. This section is now completed online and separately from the main test.
How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT?
The LSAT is administered multiple times a year, and test-takers are limited in how many times they can take it to:
- 3 times in a year (from July to June)
- 5 times in the current reportable period
- 7 times over a lifetime
You'll likely never feel completely prepared for the LSAT, but we recommend not taking it until you are confident that you can get close to the score that you want. The LSAC reports all LSAT scores in the last year or 5 years, including absences and cancellations, to all the law schools you apply to.
When Can I Take the LSAT?
Registration is open for the 2024-2025 testing year, which began in August. For this cycle, the LSAT fee is $238. Most people taking the test will have the choice of online, live remote-proctored environment, or in-person at a digital testing center. To see all upcoming dates, head here.
What To Expect on Test Day: Proctoring and Administration
Test day for the LSAT is highly structured, with specific rules and guidelines to ensure a fair and standardized environment. Whether taken in-person or remotely, the LSAT requires test takers to adhere to strict proctoring procedures. Test takers must bring their LSAT admission ticket, and a valid ID, and are limited to specific items like an analog watch, pencils, and erasers. No electronic devices, including cell phones or smartwatches, are permitted.
For those taking the LSAT online, proctors monitor the session via camera, ensuring that the test taker follows all protocols. Both formats are designed to ensure the integrity of the exam, and any violations may result in score cancellation or dismissal from the testing center or virtual test session.
Tips for Preparing for the LSAT
1. Start early and follow a study schedule.
Give yourself enough time to prepare. A structured study plan helps you break down topics into manageable parts and track your progress over time. Many students begin studying several months in advance.
2. Use official LSAT prep materials.
Rely on official LSAT practice tests and question sets. These resources reflect the actual test format and help you understand how questions are worded and scored.
3. Take full-length timed practice tests.
Simulating the real test environment is important. Practice completing full exams under timed conditions to build your pacing skills and mental endurance.
4. Focus on your weakest areas.
Review your results from practice tests to find patterns. If you're consistently missing questions in one section—like logical reasoning or reading comprehension—spend extra time reviewing that area.
5. Practice time management.
Each section of the LSAT is timed. Get comfortable working within those time limits. If a question is taking too long, move on and come back later if you have time.
6. Take care of your health.
Being physically and mentally ready matters. Get enough rest, take regular breaks during study sessions, and follow a healthy routine in the weeks leading up to the exam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking the LSAT
1. Overthinking logical reasoning questions.
The logical reasoning sections test your ability to evaluate arguments quickly and clearly. Spending too much time on a single question can hurt your pacing and leave you with less time for other questions. Stick to a method that helps you move efficiently through each one.
2. Neglecting the LSAT writing sample.
While the writing sample is not scored, it is still reviewed by some law schools as part of your application. Writing clearly and logically shows your ability to organize ideas under time pressure, so treat it as part of your overall performance.
3. Mismanaging time in the analytical reasoning section.
Also known as logic games, this section rewards pattern recognition and speed. Without regular practice, it's easy to get stuck on one setup. Learning strategies for diagramming and moving quickly through questions is key.
4. Ignoring test day protocol.
Being late, forgetting your ID, or bringing prohibited items can add unnecessary stress or even prevent you from taking the test. Review the test day checklist in advance and make sure you’re fully prepared to follow all rules.
How to Interpret Your LSAT Scores
LSAT scores range from 120 to 180, with each score reflecting the test taker’s performance relative to others. A percentile ranking accompanies each LSAT score, showing where a test taker stands compared to peers. Most law schools use these scores to assess candidates objectively. High LSAT scores are advantageous for law school applications and can even help qualify applicants for merit-based scholarships.
What Role Does the LSAT Play in Law School Admissions?
The LSAT is widely recognized as a critical component of the law school application process. Law schools place significant weight on LSAT scores to assess a candidate’s critical thinking skills and potential for academic success. The law school admissions test score often plays a pivotal role in admissions decisions and can also influence scholarship opportunities.
While other application components, such as the undergraduate GPA, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, are also evaluated, the LSAT score is typically considered one of the most objective measures of an applicant’s aptitude. This standardized test provides a level playing field, allowing law schools to assess each applicant’s deductive reasoning skills fairly.
What Role Does the LSAT Play in Law School Rankings and Scholarship Opportunities?
Top law schools receive an abundance of applications; therefore, they use LSAT scores as a way to measure a prospective student’s academic potential. LSAT scores range from 120 to 180, with each score reflecting the test taker’s performance relative to others. A percentile ranking accompanies each LSAT score, showing where a test taker stands compared to peers. Most law schools use these scores to assess candidates objectively. High LSAT scores are advantageous for law school applications and can even help qualify applicants for merit-based scholarships.
The Bottom Line
For those pursuing a future in law, the LSAT is a pivotal step in the law school admission process. A comprehensive understanding of the LSAT’s test format, effective time management, and strategic preparation can increase the likelihood of achieving a competitive LSAT score. Preparing diligently allows prospective law students to confidently approach the LSAT and maximize their opportunities for law school admission and scholarships.
Work with an Expert
For guidance on LSAT preparation, consider exploring an expert-led LSAT prep course or consulting with Leland’s top LSAT test prep coaches.
Check out more related topics:
- LSAT vs. GRE for Law School–Which to Take and How to Ace Both
- LSAT Reading Comprehension Guide: Tips, Strategies, & Practice
- Law Schools That Don't Require the LSAT: Exploring Your Options
- How to Improve Your Evaluation Skills for the LSAT
- 10 Ways to Strengthen Your LSAT Reading Comprehension
FAQs
How long does the LSAT take to complete?
- The LSAT takes about 3 hours to complete, including multiple-choice sections and the unscored writing sample, with short breaks in between.
How rare is a 170 LSAT score?
- A 170 is a top 2–3% score, meaning only a small percentage of test-takers achieve it each year.
How bad is a 155 on the LSAT?
- A 155 is around the 60th percentile, which is average, it may be enough for some law schools but is below the median for top programs.
Is LSAT or MCAT harder?
- The MCAT is generally considered harder due to its length and science content, while the LSAT focuses on logic, reading, and reasoning skills.
