LSAT FAQ

 

1. What is the LSAT?

The LSAT is a 3-hour and 30 minute test required for admission to law school.

The LSAT includes 5 sections: Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, un-scored Essay and an un-scored experimental section.

  • The Logical Reasoning portion of the LSAT consists of two 35-minute sections of 24 – 26 multiple-choice questions.
  • The Reading Comprehension portion consists of one 35-minute section of 26 – 28 multiple-choice questions.
  • The Analytical Reasoning portion consists of one 35-minute section of 23-24 multiple-choice questions.
  • The Essay section is 35 minutes long and is designed to assess ability to respond to a prompt with a compelling and clear argument.

2. How important are my LSAT scores?

The importance of the LSAT varies from school to school. Some schools place tremendous emphasis on the LSAT and will not consider applicants who don’t meet certain score minimums. While GPA, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and recommendations are extremely important, the LSAT is the sole opportunity for law schools to fairly compare applicants across a uniform scale. Bottom line: An outstanding LSAT score will wow any admissions committee and bolster your chances for acceptance into a top tier law school.

Your Sentia tutor will help you target your test-prep to meet the specific requirements and priorities of your top-choice schools.

3. What is considered a “good score” on the LSAT?

The national average score for the LSAT is a 152. While anything above this score is typically considered “good,” you will need to aim higher than this if you wish to be accepted into a prestigious program.

For example, top-ranked Yale Law School boasts an average LSAT score of 173. For those not aiming for a top 10 law school, a respectable top 50 law school, such as American University, still has an average LSAT score of 162.

4. Can I take the LSAT multiple times?

You can only take the LSAT up to three times in a two-year period—even if you cancelled your scores from any administration. The LSAT is offered four times a year, typically in February, June, October and December.

LSAT scores are valid for 5 years; thus, all scores from the past 5 years will be included in your official score report.

5. How is the LSAT scored?

The LSAT is scored by tallying how many questions you answer correctly. This number corresponds to a raw score of 0-100 or 0-103 (depending on how many questions on the test total). This raw score is converted to a scaled score from 120 – 180 using a curve unique to your test.

There is no penalty for wrong answers, simply a lost opportunity to amass points.

6. Can I cancel my LSAT scores?

You are permitted to cancel your LSAT scores immediately after you finish the exam, but before you see your scores. You may send a written cancellation request up to six calendar days after the test. There is no way to cancel your LSAT scores once they have been reported to you.

7. What types of questions are on the LSAT?

The LSAT tests Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Analytical Reasoning. Test-takers also compose an un-scored writing sample.

Reading Comprehension Questions – This section contains short passages and requires test-takers to:

  • Answer content-based questions
  • Draw logical conclusions
  • Make inferences
  • Identify main themes.

Logical Reasoning Questions— This section contains short arguments or sets of facts and requires test-takers to:

  • Analyze the validity of the argument
  • Draw conclusions about the next logical step of the argument

Analytical Reasoning Questions-- These questions are often known as logic games and require test-takers to answer a set of questions based on a puzzle missing important information. Test-takers must solve the logic puzzle by using deductive skills based on the present information.

8. How do I register for the LSAT?

The quickest way is to register online - https://os.lsac.org/release/startup.aspx - or call 215-968-1001

9. What fees are associated with the LSAT?

It costs $180.00 to take the LSAT. There is a $66 surcharge for registering late.