The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam, produced by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which is administered four times a year. It serves as a prerequisite to getting into a majority of the law schools in the United States. The LSAT is designed to assess a student’s level of reading comprehension, logical, and verbal reasoning.
How is it structured?
The LSAT is made up of 5 sections of questions each being 35-minute long. Four of the five sections are scored, however one of the sections, commonly referred to as the variable section, is not scored. The placement of the variable section will vary. The LSAT also has a 35-minute writing sample that is administered at the end of the test; the writing sample is not scored, but copies of the writing sample are sent to all law schools to which you apply.
Section | # of Questions | Time (min) |
|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning (aka Arguments)1 | 48 - 50 | 70 |
| Analytical Reasoning (aka Logic Games) | 22- 23 | 35 |
| Reading Comprehension | 25 - 28 | 35 |
| Variable2 | 22 - 28 | 35 |
| Writing – Essay | 1 | 35 |
Total Time: 3 Hours and 30 minutes
1 The Logical Reasoning subsection has two parts. Each subsection is made up of 24 – 25 questions and is 35 minutes each.
2 The Variable section, which is not scored, can be in the form of a reading comprehension, logical or analytical reasoning section.
How is it scored?
The LSAT score is based on the number of questions answered correctly, which makes up the raw score. There is no deduction for incorrect answers, nor are individual questions on the various test sections weighted differently. Raw scores are converted to an LSAT scaled score through a statistical procedure known as score equating; a method that adjusts for minor differences in difficulty between test forms. Students will receive an LSAT scaled score that is within the range of 120 to 180 points, with 120 being the lowest possible scaled score and 180 the highest possible scaled score. According to the LSAC Research Report, the average LSAT scaled score for students is about 150.
Dolphin Academic Prep offers personalized LSAT tutoring!
The LSAT is the doorway in to law and therefore it’s essential that they are mastered as best as you possibly can. Dolphin Tutors provide a fully customized LSAT prep program tailored to your needs and varying schedules. Our talented private LSAT tutors meet one-on-one with you in the comforts of your home or another location of your choice. Our Directors provide free law school consultations in which you’ll learn how our hand-picked, highly credentialed Dolphin LSAT tutors can help you achieve your test goals. While you may know that preparing for the LSAT isn’t simply a matter of repetition, drills and memorization, that doesn’t really give you the true sense of how to prepare. Simply taking practice exams may not be enough, as the LSAT exam covers a wide range of skills. Whether you’re looking for help with specific LSAT problems, for an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, for LSAT study strategies or insights into the material, or simply in need of a tutor to keep you motivated, reassured, and on track, one of our experienced, private LSAT tutors is available to help. As someone who knows how to excel on the LSAT and how to teach others to succeed on the test, your Dolphin LSAT tutor will engage you with the key concepts and skills needed for success on the test.
More information
Our Dolphin Academic Prep Directors advise our students to take the LSAT no later than December if they are planning on applying for admission to law school in fall of the following year. That being said, they advise that it’s always best to take the test earlier, such as in June or September. One of the most important things to remember is that you may not take the LSAT more than three times in any two-year period. This LSAC policy applies even if you cancel your score or if your score is not otherwise reported. Because most top tier law schools average multiple LSAT scaled scores, it’s best to prepare as thoroughly as possible and only take the test once if possible.
We are here to answer your questions, so give us a call or send us an email to see how personalized LSAT tutoring with a private Dolphin Academic Prep tutor can start you on a pathway towards achieving your law degree.
When is the LSAT offered?
Check to see when the LSAT is being offered.