LSAT
Law School Admission Test
The admissions test for law schools.
What is the LSAT?
The LSAT, administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), is the central admissions test for law schools in the United States and Canada, and is accepted by a growing number of law programmes elsewhere. It does not test legal knowledge — it tests the reasoning and reading skills that legal study and practice depend on.
The test focuses on logical reasoning and reading comprehension, with a separate, unscored writing sample completed online. It is scored on a distinctive 120–180 scale, and for most applicants the LSAT (alongside their grades) is the single most important number in a law-school application.
Because it rewards precise reading of dense arguments and rigorous logic, sustained, strategic preparation tends to move scores more on the LSAT than on many other tests.
Who needs the LSAT?
- Applicants to JD and law programmes in the US and Canada
- Students applying to law schools elsewhere that accept the LSAT
- Anyone whose target law schools require a standardized reasoning test
Test format, section by section
Logical Reasoning · scored sections
Short arguments you must analyse — identifying assumptions, flaws, inferences and what strengthens or weakens a case.
Tip: Learn the question types and a repeatable approach for each; the LSAT reuses the same logical structures.
Reading Comprehension · one scored section
Dense academic passages, including a comparative pair, with questions on meaning, structure and inference.
Tip: Read for the author's argument and structure, not just facts — most questions hinge on reasoning.
Writing sample · unscored, online
A short argumentative essay completed separately and sent to law schools with your score.
Tip: Take a clear position and defend it logically; schools read it even though it isn't scored.
Variants & versions
The LSAT is delivered digitally, either at a test centre or remotely under live proctoring (LSAT at home). The writing sample is completed separately online.
How the LSAT is scored
The LSAT is scored on a 120–180 scale based on the number of correct answers (there's no penalty for wrong ones). Competitive law schools often want 160+, and the most selective look for 170+.
| If you're applying for… | Typical score |
|---|---|
| Many accredited law schools | 150–160 |
| Competitive law schools | 160–168 |
| Top law schools | 170+ |
Where and when to take it
Offered many times a year on set dates, at centres and remotely. You register through LSAC, which also hosts the application service most US law schools use.
Results, validity & retakes
Results: Scores are typically released about 2–3 weeks after the test.
Validity: Scores are reportable for 5 years.
Retakes: You can take the LSAT up to three times in one testing year and several times over a few years, within LSAC's limits.
How much does it cost?
Approximately US$200+ plus LSAC service fees.
How to prepare: a study plan
- Learn the logical-reasoning question types and a method for each; the LSAT is highly patterned.
- Build close, fast reading of dense argumentative passages, including comparative pairs.
- Practise under strict timing — pacing is decisive on the LSAT.
- Review every wrong answer to understand the reasoning, not just the right option.
- Complete the writing sample seriously, since schools read it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating logical reasoning as common sense instead of learning the formal question types.
- Reading passages for facts rather than for the author's argument and structure.
- Neglecting timed practice and then running out of time on test day.
- Skipping or rushing the unscored writing sample.
How the LSAT compares
The LSAT is specific to law admissions; a number of US law schools now also accept the GRE. If you're applying only to law, the LSAT is the expected and best-understood test; the GRE can suit applicants keeping options open across fields.
The LSAT rewards precise reading and reasoning in complex English — skills our advanced reading and critical-reasoning practice strengthens for non-native speakers.
Official site: lsac.org. Always confirm current format, fees and requirements there before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is the LSAT only for the US?
It's most common for US and Canadian law schools, and accepted by a growing number elsewhere. Some countries use their own law-admission tests.
What LSAT score do I need?
Many accredited schools admit around 150–160; competitive schools want 160+, and the top schools look for 170+. Check each school's median score.
Can I take the LSAT at home?
Yes — the LSAT is offered remotely under live proctoring as well as at test centres.