Application & LSAT
The Law School Admission Test is a standardized exam designed to evaluate abilities necessary to study law. It is not a measure of knowledge; rather, its purpose is to measure your ability to think analytically and critically. Reading comprehension and writing skills are also tested.
This page summarizes some of the most important information about the LSAT to give you an idea of what to expect. Please check the official LSAT website for detailed instructions and information about the exam.
Test Components |
Reading Comprehension section; Two Logical Reasoning sections; LSAT Writing (unscored) section |
Test Format |
Computer-based |
Test Location |
Online or in-person |
Test Duration |
Approximately 3 hours |
Test Availability |
Test dates are available throughout the year; most availability between June and January |
When to Take the Test |
Work with your PPAC advisor to discuss the advised LSAT administration(s) |
Required Test Scores |
Scores range from 120 to 180. View most recent LSAT percentiles |
Test Score Validity Period |
All your 12 most recent LSAT (or LSAT-Flex) results will be reported to the law schools to which you apply if earned in the current testing year or if earned in the prior five testing years. Test takers are able to take the LSAT three times in a single testing year (July to June); five times within the current and past five testing years; a total of 7 times over a lifetime. |
Fees |
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Financial Assistance |
Fee waivers are available for eligible, financially under-resourced applicants. |
Registering for the LSAT
You can register for the LSAT on the official website. Testing dates are grouped by calendar month and registration usually closes about five weeks prior for the entire month (for example, the registration deadline for any test date in September is July 23).
Preparing for the LSAT
It isn’t too early to start preparing yourself for the LSAT. There are no specific college classes that will directly prepare you in terms of content. However, courses that develop analytical skills, logical reasoning, reading comprehension and writing ability will help you. Purchase LSAT prep materials to become familiar with the test format and proficient in answering the questions quickly. Buy a book of logic games from a bookstore or supermarket. Become familiar with reading, comprehending, and analyzing factual material. By the time you take the LSAT, you should have taken multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions. If you are proactive and begin preparation early enough, you will be able to better assess your need to enroll in a prep course.
Test Prep Resources
You are encouraged to speak to a PPAC advisor about your LSAT study options. The following resources offer classes and/or home preparation. The PPAC does not endorse a particular product.
LSAT Prep and Law School Application Timeline
The timeline below is an LSAT-oriented supplement to the general timeline listed on the Pre-Law page. Check both to make sure you complete all required and recommended steps towards completing a successful law school application.
June-August
- Sign up for and review LSAC Law Hub Admissions Unmasked on Demand to build foundation for understanding the process.
September-November
- Familiarize yourself with LSAT format and questions through LSAC Law Hub Free Resources.
- Register for and attend Law School Application and Personal Statement Writing Workshop.
- Set your score range goal through research: ABA 509 Standard Disclosure, LSAC Law School Search Tool.
December-February
- Take free full-length, timed diagnostic test.
- Research test prep options and make decision.
- Create test prep schedule to include 12-15 hours week; include when you will take full-length practice tests.
- Attend Law School Application and Personal Statement Writing Workshop if you haven’t done so already.
March
- Begin test prep; 12-15 hours per week, stay committed to schedule.
- Register for June LSAT.
- Prepare asking for letters of recommendation.
April-May
- Continue test prep; 12-15 hours per week; include full-length practice exams.
- Deadline to register for June test is early to mid-April!
- Begin drafting Personal Statement.
June
- Take final practice test.
- If your score is not in goal range: Meet with PPAC advisor and reassess. Consider retake in August or September and strategize for stronger score.
- If your score is within goal range: Take the official test; complete Writing portion within one week of taking the test to receive score by end of June.
July
- Pay for and begin completing LSAC Credential Assembly Service.
- Request transcripts from every institution where you earned college credit.
- Meet with PPAC advisor to review personal statement draft.
August
- Continue to work on personal statement draft and meet with PPAC advisor.
- Make final ask for letters of recommendation and include letter writer contact information in Credential Assembly Service.
- Make final decision on which schools you want to apply to.
September-November 15
- Complete and submit application to chosen schools.
December
- End of the calendar year is the absolute latest you should submit applications.
January
- Complete FAFSA.
What to Expect on Test Day
Visit the official LSAT website to learn more about what to expect on test day.
Getting Your Test Scores
Your scores are not released until you have completed the LSAT Writing component. Other than that, scores are usually released about four weeks after taking the test (view the most current timelines).