The Law School Admission Test (LSAT), given by the Law School Admissions Council, is one of the most important parts of preparing your law school application. The LSAT exam structure consists of multiple choice questions that are designed to test your ability to perform reasoning skills that are considered paramount for success in law school. Read on to learn more about what to expect when you take the LSAT.
LSAT Exam Content
The LSAT exam covers reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and writing abilities. Reading Comprehension questions test your ability to read, synthesize, and interpret similar types of texts as you will encounter in law school. Each Reading Comprehension section consists of four selections of reading material followed by several questions that are specific to the text. Analytical Reasoning questions measure your ability to draw conclusions and make inferences based on a set of stated relationships. Logical Reasoning questions test your ability to understand and critically evaluate arguments based on the information given. The test also includes a writing sample, which is not scored but is sent to the law schools where you've chosen to send your LSAT scores.
LSAT Exam Structure
There are a total of five multiple-choice sections in the LSAT test; each section is 35 minutes long. There is also one 35-minute writing section. Four of these sections are scored, while a fifth multiple choice section is considered "experimental" and consists of questions that are being evaluated for use on future versions of the LSAT. Each section typically contains 25-30 questions. The experimental section can be in any one of these areas; you won't know which section is experimental.
How and When to Take the Test
The LSAT is given four times a year at designated testing centers throughout the United States and across the world. Most experts recommend taking the test in December for law school admission the following fall, but you may want to take it earlier if you think you may retake the test in an attempt to get a higher score. You may take the LSAT up to three times within two years. You can register for the test online and after registering, you'll receive an admission ticket in the mail which you must bring with you to the testing center along with a valid, government issued form of identification such as a driver's license or passport. Prepare to be at the testing center for about seven hours on test day. You may bring one sealed, clear ziplock bag that can include your ID and other personal items, however make sure to check the list provided, as they are very particular on what is allowed and not allowed.
Entrance exams are a common for admission into a graduation degree program. If you are considering applying to law school, make sure you become familiar with the LSAT exam structure and practice with actual versions of the test. Such preparation is key to achieving your best possible score and entrance to your preferred degree program.