LSAT is an acronym for Law School Admission Test. It is a standardized test that is conducted as part of the admission process to many law schools in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia, Canada, and Europe.
There is no minimum age requirement to take the LSAT. Though there is no educational requirement, most test takers have a bachelor’s degree nonetheless. It is a good idea to check with the law school you are interested in applying to if they accept LSAT scores, as acceptance of LSAT scores can vary by school and by country.
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) administers the LSAT exam. The exam is conducted on a set date and time so you must register in advance to secure a seat. Testing centers are in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, London, and Sydney, among others. The test is held four times a year. The objective of the test is to assess the analytical and critical reading skills of the candidate.
Know the Exam Structure
The LSAT exam consists of five sections and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. The general breakdown of the exam structure is 35 minutes for each section.
Reading Comprehension: This section will test your ability to comprehend complex texts and make deductions by answering questions given toward the end of a given passage. It assesses your critical reading and analytical skills.
Analytical Reasoning: A candidate has a higher chance of success at cracking the LSAT when they are competent in their deductive and analytical skills. Here, you will be given to solve problems based on a set of rules.
Logical Reasoning: Critical thinking and reasoning skills are a must for the LSAT. You should have the ability to critically analyze and evaluate complex situations and place your arguments based on clear logic and reasoning.
Writing Skills: Here, you will be given to write an essay on a given topic which will assess your writing skills. This section is not scored but is still sent to the law schools as part of your application.
Experimental Section: This section is also unscored. It tests your knowledge on a set of new questions that will appear in future LSATs. Your scores will help to determine future scoring scales.
Eligibility for LSAT
You must meet certain basic requirements to be eligible to take the LSAT exam.
Age is no bar to taking the LSAT exam. However, you must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to apply to most law schools. A high-school diploma or an equivalent degree is required to be eligible. You need not have a Master’s in any specific subject but a bachelor’s degree in English, Mathematics, or Social Sciences helps.
You need to have advanced skills in English to crack the exam. You may also be required to provide proof of your proficiency. Also, LSAT candidates need to be quick in solving problems based on critical and analytical thinking, logic and reasoning.
Candidates must note that the eligibility requirements could vary with different law schools. You must check with the individual school before registration, or consult the LSAC website for the latest information.
When is LSAT Conducted?
LSAC administers the LSAT exam four times a year in February, June, September, and December. As for the cost, the fee for taking the test is $200 (USD). The cost may increase if you later plan to change the test center or register late for the exam. The exam fee structure also depends on the location selected.
Again, it is a good idea to check out LSAC’s official website for the most up-to-date information regarding LSAT exam fees.
How to Register for LSAT? Who To Contact?
Follow these steps to register for LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
- Visit the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website.
- Create your LSAC Account! Just as we create an email account, you will be required to provide some basic personal information to create your LSAC account like your full name, date of birth, email address, etc.
- Proceed to complete your full personal and academic profile on your LSAC account by providing additional information like your educational background and contact details.
- To register for LSAT, select the exam date, time, and testing center that suits you. Now, pay the registration fee online by your preferred mode.
- On successful registration, you will receive a confirmation by email informing you about the testing center, date, and time of the exam, procedures, and restrictions to comply with (as may be applicable).
If you face difficulties during the registration process or have any queries or concerns regarding the LSAT exam, please contact the LSAC (Law School Admission Council) support staff.
To get help over phone, you can call 215-968-1001 during business hours. You may write to LSACinfo@LSAC.org as well. Additionally, you may try the live chat option on LSAC’s website to connect with a customer support representative.
How to Check Scores for LSAT?
LSAC releases LSAT exam scores a month after the exam date. Follow the steps outlined below to check your LSAT scores.
- Visit LSAC’s official website www.lsac.org.
- Log into your LSAC account with your username and password.
- You can view your LSAT scores by clicking on “View My Scores” on the “My Account” page.
- If you wish to have a hard copy of your LSAT scores, you can click on the download and print options on the “View My Scores” section of the LSAC website.
If you have questions regarding your LSAT scores, you can contact the LSAC by phone, email, or live chat option.