We have the answers to your questions about the content, structure and the types of questions you'll see on the the LSAT, as well as the costs and when to take the exam. Law school is the next step and we have many resources to help you begin the process.
The LSAT is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all American Bar Association (ABA) approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many non-ABA-approved law schools. The test is administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). The LSAT provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The test is administered 4 times a year at hundreds of locations around the world. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall.
The test consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. A 35-minute writing sample is administered at the end of the test. Visit the LSAC website for more information.
The LSAT is administered 4 times per year as a paper based test. The September/October, December, and February LSAT dates are on Saturdays. The June exam is administered on Monday.
The LSAT is required by all American Bar Association (ABA)approved law schools, most Canadian schools, as part of the admission process. Many other law schools also require or accept the LSAT. Any current undergraduates, graduates, or anyone looking to pursue Law school should take the LSAT exam.
Reading Comprehension Questions - Measure your ability to read and understand complex materials
Analytical Reasoning Questions - Measure your ability to structure relationships and draw logical conclusions about relationships.
Logical Reasoning - Assess your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments after reading a short passage.
A Writing sample
The fee for the test is $175, but the price changes frequently. Late registration and to change your test date are both $90. Check the LSAC website for cancellation fees and other fees.
Scores range from 120 to 180. Your score on the LSAT is based on the number of questions you answer correctly within the 4 scored sections of the exam. You are not penalized for incorrect answers.
LSAC takes your raw score and translates it to a score within the standard scale range to account for variance in difficulty on test forms.
Four of the five sections contribute to the test taker's score. LSAC uses the other section to test new questions and/or question formats. You will not know which section is not being scored.
The writing sample is not scored by LSAC, but is forwarded to the law schools to which you are applying.
A good score is defined as one that gets you into the program you want, not by a number. Check with the programs you are considering, and ask them if they have a minimum and an average for everyone in the program to get a better idea of what a good score will be for you. The 50th percentile for everyone that takes the test is approximately 150.
You can contact LSAC at 215-968-1001 or visit their LSAC website.
You can take the LSAT up to 3 times in a 2 year period. However, all of your scores will be reported to the schools to which you request reporting. In the event that you take the test multiple times, LSAT advises that schools take the average of your test scores as an indicator of your true ability. Many schools now only consider the higher score, but it is important to know the policy of the schools to which you apply and perform as well as possible on the exam when you take it.
Practice tests are available free from LSAC. A previous LSAT exam is available in PDF format at the LSAC website.
Register online for the test via the LSAC website.
LSAC makes arrangements for test takers than need special accommodations. However, you must submit an Accommodations Request Packet. The website contains information about requesting accommodations and accommodations at ABA-approved law schools.
You must register for the LSAT before submitting your request for accommodation.
You may reach them by phone: 215-968-1001, the LSAC website or by email at accom@lsac.org.
The University of South Carolina provides the resources you need to apply for law school.
Open since 1867, USC is home to one of the nation's oldest law schools. The USC School of Law offers degrees in Juris Doctor (JD); Children's Law, Clinical legal education, legal research, and dual degrees in over 10 programs. Search for your area of interest and learn more.
To apply for admission to law school at the University of South Carolina, a candidate must complete an application with a personal statement, resume and submit LSAT scores through the LSAC electronic application service. Take a look at the application requirements, deadlines and learn more about what to do before you apply.
Pursuing a law degree can be a wise investment and USC's Financial Aid and Scholarship Office is your starting point to learn about scholarships, assistantships, work-study programs, and other forms of financial aid.
The best way to learn about our campus is to see for yourself. Take a quick look around, plan your visit and call the Visitor Center at 800-922-9755 to inquire about available tours.
The Office of Pre-Professional Advising can help you apply for law school by providing advice and assistance with the application and admission process.
The Career Center can help you identify full and part-time employment options. The center also hosts career fairs, job shadowing opportunities and offers mock interviewing, counseling, career assessments and workshops.
Preparing for the LSAT is a great first step toward law school and if at any time you have questions or need more information, you can ask an expert.