The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is one of the most critical factors used to evaluate prospective law school students’ applications.

It is a standardized test administered four times a year at designated testing centers throughout the world, and provides a measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills for law schools looking at applicants.

The test is an important component of the law school admission process. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law school admission offices can use in assessing applicants.

Test Format

The LSAT consists of five 35-minute sections and a writing sample that is administered at the end of the test. The five sections are composed of multiple-choice questions. Four of the sections contribute to the test taker’s score. The unscored section, commonly referred to as the variable section, is typically used to pretest new test questions or to pre-equate new test forms. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) does not score the writing sample, but copies of the writing sample are sent to the law schools to which the test taker applies.

LSAT Tips

• Get test preparation materials early so you have adequate time to study. Most recommend starting at least three months before taking the test. 
• Take practice tests until you gain a level of comfort with the material. Also, time yourself. The LSAC offers test preparation tips and materials on their website, http://www.lsac.org/jd/LSAT/about-the-LSAT.asp. 
• Practice until you have mastered your weakest section first, and then move on to a section that is easier for you. 
• Take note of the testing restrictions so you will be prepared and in compliance when it comes time to take the test. 
• The night before the test, get a good night’s sleep. 
• On test day, try to start as normally as possible. For example, if you like to jog each morning, go for a run the morning of the exam to get energized. 

• Find a way to reduce your stress before you answer the first question.

Other LSAT Study Options

If you can afford it, tutoring might help you prepare for the LSAT. One-on-one tutoring can provide personal attention and a tutor can tailor the work to your needs.

Preparing for the LSAT might at times be overwhelming, but this is a normal part of studying for such an important test. Realize that all the hard work can pay off and result in a good score. The better your LSAT score, the better your chance of getting into the school of your choice.

Author: Darice Britt