About the LSAT

The Law School Admission Test is a standardized test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for prospective law school candidates. It is designed to assess reading comprehension, analytical reasoning*, and logical reasoning.

As of the August 2023 LSAT, most test takers have the choice of whether to take the test in a preferred location, proctored by a live, remote proctor, or in-person at a Prometric digital testing center.

LSAT Writing is a proctored, on-demand writing exam that is administered online using secure proctoring software that is installed on the candidate’s own computer. Using LSAT Writing, candidates can complete the writing sample portion of the test at a convenient time and place of their choosing. LSAT Writing will open eight (8) days prior to every test administration. Candidates must have a complete writing sample in their file in order to see their LSAT score or have their LSAT score released to schools.

All American Bar Association-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many other law schools require applicants to take the LSAT as part of their admission process.

Increasing numbers of law schools now accept the GRE for admission. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) updates a list of law schools accepting the GRE; students are advised to discuss their testing plans with an advisor to determine what is best for them. Each law school seems to have its own manner of handling the GRE option.

Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by January for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier—in June, August, September, October or November—is optimal.

LSAT Registration and Fee Waiver

Applicants need to register for the LSAT with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The test registration deadline is about 6 weeks prior to the test. There are ever-expanding ways to prepare for the LSAT. Explore your options and feel free to consult with Maureen Walz and others as you seek the right fit.

LSAC has a process for applicants to potentially qualify for a fee waiver for their services.

The Candidate Referral Service

At the time you register for the LSAT you will have an option to register for the free Candidate Referral Service (CRS). Participating in this service allows LSAC to share your LSAT score and other data with law schools that might reach out to you, possibly with fee waivers for their application fee.

LSAT Special Accommodations

It is essential that you read and understand the LSAC process for requesting test accommodations well in advance of when you want to register to take the LSAT. You might find answers to your questions here. If you receive special accommodations at Lafayette College through the Academic Resource Hub, you may want to consult with them to discuss what accommodations you might request from LSAC.

The National Association of Law Students with Disabilities has some helpful resources on its website for applicants.

Test Format

As of the August 2023 LSAT, most test takers have the choice of whether to take the test in a preferred location, proctored by a live, remote proctor, or in-person at a Prometric digital testing center.The test includes three scored sections — logical reasoning, analytical reasoning (also known as logic games), and reading comprehension. A fourth unscored variable section allows LSAC to validate new test questions for future use. The LSAT includes a 10-minute break between the second and third sections.

*NOTE: Beginning with the August 2024 LSAT administration, the LSAT will include two logical reasoning sections and one reading comprehension section. The analytical reasoning (logic games) section will be removed from LSAT testing. A fourth unscored variable section will still be included, but it can only be a logical reasoning or a reading comprehension section. Read more about the change here.

What the Test Measures

The LSAT is designed to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: the reading and comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it; the ability to think critically; and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and arguments of others.

The three multiple-choice question types in the LSAT are:

Logical Reasoning Questions

These questions are designed to evaluate your ability to understand, analyze, criticize, and complete a variety of arguments. Each logical reasoning question requires you to read and comprehend a short passage, then answer a question about it. The questions test a variety of abilities involved in reasoning logically and thinking critically.

Reading Comprehension Questions

These questions measure your ability to read, with understanding and insight, examples of lengthy and complex materials similar to those commonly encountered in law school work. The reading comprehension section contains four sets of reading questions, each consisting of a selection of reading material, followed by five to eight questions that test reading and reasoning abilities.

Analytical Reasoning Questions

These questions are designed to measure your ability to understand a structure of relationships and to draw logical conclusions about that structure. You are asked to make deductions from a set of statements, rules, or conditions that describe relationships among entities such as persons, places, things, or events. They simulate the kinds of detailed analyses of relationships that a law student must perform in solving legal problems.

*NOTE: Beginning with the August 2024 LSAT administration, the LSAT will include two logical reasoning sections and one reading comprehension section. The analytical reasoning (logic games) section will be removed from LSAT testing. Read more about the change here.