1. What is the LSAT? The Law School Admission Test. This standardized
test is required for admission to any American Bar Association approved
law school. According to Law Services, the producers of the test,
the LSAT is designed "to measure skills that are considered essential
for success in law school: the reading and comprehension of complete
texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of
information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it;
the ability to reason critically; and the analysis and evaluation
of the reasoning and argument of others." The LSAT consists of the
following five sections:
- 2 Sections
of Logical Reasoning (short arguments, 24-26 total questions)
- 1 Section
of Reading Comprehension (3 long reading passages, plus one set
of short Comparative Reading passages)
- 1 Section
of Analytical Reasoning (4 logic games, 22-24 total questions)
- 1 Experimental
Section of one of the above three section types
You are given
35 minutes to complete each section. The experimental section is
unscored and is not returned to the test taker. A break of 10 to
15 minutes is given between the 3rd and 4th sections.
The five-section
test is followed by a 35 minute writing sample. Students are assigned
a Decision Prompt Writing Sample Topic, which follows the following
scenario: a choice between two options is introduced, two criteria
to be considered in making the decision are stated, and then the
two possible courses of action are detailed. The writing sample
is not scored, but a copy is sent to all the law schools to which
a student applies.
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2. How
is the LSAT scored? On a scale of 120 to 180, with 120 being
the lowest score and 180 the highest score. The median score is
approximately 151. Only about 2% of all test takers receive a score
in the 170’s, and almost 70% of all test takers fall into the 140
to 160 score range.
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3. What does
it cost to take the LSAT and what is the registration deadline?
The current fee to register for the LSAT is $123. Typically, mailed
registration forms must be received about one month prior to a given
LSAT test date. The same deadline is given for telephone and on-line
registration. Late registration usually closes about three weeks
prior to the LSAT. The late registration fee is an additional $62.
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4. What
is LSDAS?
The Law School Data Assembly Service. LSDAS prepares and provides
a standardized report that is given to each law school to which
you apply. The report contains some of the information law schools
will need to make a decision on your application, such as the school
you attended for your undergraduate degree, your transcript, your
LSAT scores, and copies of letters of recommendation processed by
Law Services. To apply to an ABA-approved law school you must sign
up for LSDAS, which costs $113. Each LSDAS subscription lasts for
12 months. There is a $10 fee for each law school report you request
with your initial subscription, and a $12 fee for each law school
report you request at a later date.
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5. How do
I sign up for the LSAT and LSDAS?
All registration must be done through Law Services. The most efficient
way to register is online at www.lsac.org.
By registering online, you will be able to print out your LSAT ticket
instead of waiting for it to be mailed. You will also be able to
get your LSAT score early via email and can keep track of your entire
file in your online account. If you are not able to apply online,
you may also register via the telephone at 215-968-1001, or by mail.
Either way, we recommend that you order or download the "LSAT
and LSDAS Registration and Information Book," which is provided
free of charge. The handbook can be ordered by phone at (215) 968-1001
or on the web at www.lsac.org.
The handbook contains general information on both the LSAT and LSDAS,
lists all available test centers, and outlines relevant Law Services
testing policies and fees. The handbook also contains a complete
copy of a previous LSAT.
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