How to Take the LSAT

Most law schools require you to take the LSAT as an admissions requirement. In order to ace the LSAT, you need to be well prepared. This guide to how to take the LSAT will show you what you need to do.

• The Law School Admission Test, or LSAT, is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It's given four times a year, and consists of five 35 minute multiple choice sections, as well as a 35 minute writing sample. The writing sample is not scored, but is included with the test results sent to law school admissions departments. Before taking the test, you need to register and prepare for the exam.

• Most law schools require that you take the exam by December of your senior year in college, although many students take the test earlier.

1. Regular registration usually closes one month before the test date.
2. Late registrations, with an additional fee, are usually accepted for another week after the regular registration deadline.
3. Registration can be done online, by phone, or by mail.

(Creative Commons photo by umjanedoan)

• Law schools handle multiple LSAT scores differently. If you've taken the test more than once, your score report will list the individual test scores, as well as the average. Some schools take only the highest score, some use the average, and if you've taken the test multiple times, some average the highest two scores. Because of this, unless you are only applying to schools that take the highest score, it makes sense to study hard and do well, so that you only take the test once.

1. Before beginning your preparation, take a practice exam under test conditions, to assess your baseline performance level.
   1. Test prep companies, such as Kaplan or Princeton Review, will generally do this at the first class session.
   2. You can do this on your own by downloading a sample test from the LSAC website.
2. Begin studying for the LSAT at least two months before the test date.
3. There are three types of multiple choice questions on the LSAT, reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning. Work on one type at a time.
4. Time yourself while working through practice questions.
5. Take as many practice tests as possible.
6. Take the practice tests under test conditions.

• If you are unprepared, and still have future dates available for the test, don't take the test. The LSAC may grant a partial refund of your fee. If you are ready for the test, approach it confidently. Here are some strategies that will help you best utilize your time:

1. Scan the section first before beginning to answer questions, and identify the easier questions. Do these first.
2. Skim over the remaining questions, crossing out multiple choice answers that you know are wrong.
3. Go back and work on the remaining questions.
4. There are no deductions for guessing, so make sure you fill in every bubble completely.

• Be confident on test day. You only need to get 75% of the questions right to get a score in the 90th percentile. If you are prepared, keep a positive attitude, and attack the test systematically, you'll maximize your chances for success.

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