Demystifying the LSAT

Hi everyone! My name is Kennedy Baker, and I am a third-year Political science student with a minor in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State and a minor in Law, Ethics, and Philosophy on the Pre-law track. If you’re a prelaw undergraduate student like myself, you’re probably thinking about taking the LSAT. Right now, I am currently studying to take my LSAT in November. Studying for the LSAT can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. However, I hope this LSAT guide can help Demystifying the LSAT!

Step 1: Understand the purpose of the LSAT

• The Law School Admissions Test (Known as the LSAT), is a standardized test that allows law school admissions to assess an applicant’s critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and persuasive writing skills.

Step 2: Review the median LSAT scores of the Law Schools you’re interested in

• Median scores: These numbers indicate that 50% of admitted students have LSAT scores below the indicated number, and the other 50% of admitted students have LSAT scores above the indicated number.
• Do not allow a Law School’s median LSAT score to discourage you!
• Make sure to apply to law schools if you believe you have a strong application with a great personal statement, GPA, and resume, even if your median LSAT score falls below the median.
• Reviewing these scores can help you set goals while preparing for the LSAT.

Step 3: Create a LSAC account

• The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) is the primary account for registering for the LSAT and finding LSAT prep resources and instructions for Law School Applications.
• If you plan on using your LSAT to apply to a juris doctor (JD) program, make sure to create a JD account while creating your LSAC account.
• By creating an account, you can explore multiple resources for the LSAT.

Step 4: Understand the mechanics of the LSAT

• Components:
  • 2 scored logical reasoning sections
    • 24-26 multiple choice questions per section
    • 35 minutes per section
  • 1 scored Reading comprehension section
    • 27 multiple choice questions
    • 35 minutes
  • 1 unscored logical reasoning and or reading comprehension section
    • Varied multiple-choice questions
    • 35 minutes

• • 1 unscored Writing sample
    • Although unscored, the essay will be sent to law schools, along with your LSAT score, as part of your official report.
    • Topic is released 8 days prior to your LSAT
• Mechanics:
  • The LSAT is online and can be taken at a test site or at home via digital proctoring.
  • Test is approximately 3 hours
• For more information, visit: https://www.princetonreview.com/law/lsat-sections#:~:text=Important%20Notice%3A%20LSAT%20Logic%20Games,section%2C%20and%20one%20unscored%20section.

Step 5: Take a practice LSAT exam

• This will help you understand the test and set reasonable score and prep expectations

Step 6: Sign up for an LSAT test date through LSAC

• Setting a date for your LSAT

Step 7: Continue to study and ACE THE LSAT!