LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test developed by the
Law School Admissions Services. It is designed to indicate a candidate's potential
to succeed in the first year of law school. The test is offered four times each
year, in June on a Monday afternoon, and then October, December, and February
on a Saturday morning. Alternative dates are available for observers of Saturday
Sabbath and special arrangements can be made in advance for those with handicaps
or needing special equipment or considerations.
Four scored, 35-minute sections, including logical reasoning, analytical reasoning
and reading comprehension, along with an unscored 35-minute selection of experimental
questions, and a 30-minute writing sample compose the LSAT. Test takers do not
know which section is experimental, and the writing sample always ends the exam.
Scores range from 120 to 180 points.
When to Take the LSAT
For admission to the fall class after graduation, you should plan to take the
LSAT in June following your junior year and apply during your senior year. Several
advantages for this date are:
- The semester is finished which should relieve tension between studying
for classes and preparing for the LSAT.
- You will have approximately a month between the end of classes and the
test to prepare.
- You will have your score by the end of July to begin the process of selecting
law schools.
- You also have the opportunity to take the test again should you decide
to cancel your score or retake the test.
School-year dates are preferable for some as the summer may be too busy, with
exam sites far away, or perhaps you may be studying abroad. Others feel more
focused during the academic year. For fall admission to law school, you should
take the test no later than October of the year prior to attending.
Scores
Law Services reports all your scores for five years prior to your application
to law school. Multiple scores will be averaged by Law Services in its report
to law schools. Copies of all your writing samples for those tests will be included,
with a maximum of three samples. Some law schools will not accept a score earned
more than three years prior to an application. Check the catalogs to determine
if you need a more recent score.
Preparation
There are many methods of preparation that will allow you to become familiar
with the types of questions asked on the exam before you take it. Multiple modes
of preparation are most effective in improving scores. Some preparation materials
can be ordered from Law Services or borrowed for a limited time from our resource
library in 102 Carrie Chapman Catt Hall.
When it is time to take the test, if you feel unprepared, distracted due to
family or personal problems, or ill, DO NOT TAKE THE TEST. You can get a partial
refund of the test fee. Prepare for the exam, and be sure you can give it your
best effort. Many schools will average multiple scores, so you would need to
score substantially better on the retake to make it worth your time and money.
You also run the risk of lowering your score.
However if you take the LSAT once and receive an unsatisfactory score, you may
wish to take it a second time. The information you glean from your first test
can help you target the question types you need to study and practice. You CAN
improve your skills and thus your score with increased preparation. Most law
schools will consider the second LSAT score, especially if you improve your score substantially on a subsequent test.
Registration
Regular registrations for the LSAT are due approximately one month before the
test date. Deadlines may vary for those requesting special arrangements for
test sites. Late registrations are only accepted as space is available. Test
dates and deadlines are listed on the inside front cover of the LSAT/LSDAS Registration
and Information Book and on their website.
To ensure getting your desired test site, you should register well ahead of
the deadline date.
Fees
Current fees for the LSAT are listed in the Registration and Information book
and on their website. Fee waivers can be
obtained in cases of need, but these must be obtained in advance by applying
for one through Law Services or a participating law school.
Fee waivers are intended for only the most needy candidates and this implies
need in excess of that required for routine financial assistance; only those
with extreme need should apply. Whether granted by a law school or requested
from Law Services, the fee waiver application form and supporting documentation
must be submitted to Law Services with the registration along with a check,
money order, or credit card number for additional services not covered by the
waiver. Fee waivers will not be issued retroactively.
