LSAT is the acronym for "Law School Admission Test". The LSAT is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many non-ABA-approved law schools. It provides a standard measure of verbal reasoning and logical deduction skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The skills you hone while preparing for the LSAT are also vital for your success at law school.
The LSAT comprises of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. Four of these five sections contribute to your score. The fifth/unscored section is a "sample" test section that test-makers use to have a "test-run" of questions and standardize questions across test administrations (you will not be told which section is unscored).
The scored sections include the following:
- One reading comprehension section
- One logic games section
- Two logical reasoning sections
In addition to the multiple-choice sections, you are required to complete a writing sample on a given topic within a 30-minute time limit at the end of the exam. Although the writing sample is not scored, a copy is sent to all the law schools to which you apply.
The score scale for the LSAT is 120-180.
Where can I take the LSAT?
The test is administered four times a year at locations around the world. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka does not have a test center for the LSAT. The closest test locations are in Singapore and India. Register early for the LSAT to make sure that you get your first-choice foreign test center. You can register for the LSAT either by phone, mail, or online through the Law School Admission Council website at www.lsac.org.
When should I take the LSAT?
Most schools require that you take the test by December of the year you plan to apply (i.e. December 2008 if you plan to apply by January 2009 for fall 2009 enrollment). Many law school advisors recommend taking the test earlier—i.e. by June or October. By doing so you can retake the test if you are not satisfied with your score, and also give yourself more time to focus on other parts of your application, like writing the personal statement and getting your recommendation letters. Foreign test center applicants are strongly recommended to take the test in June or October and to apply early to ensure a spot at the preferred testing site.
How should I study for the LSAT?
The way you study for the LSAT is a personal choice. There are multitudes of test prep courses and books out there, and it's up to you to select the method of study that works for you. If you aren't good at forcing yourself to self-study, then enrolling in a course may be the best option. If you prefer to work on your own time and at your own pace, then buying/borrowing some test prep books and working through them may be a better option. Before choosing either, take a practice LSAT (sample LSAT and the most recent LSAT tests are available online through www.lsac.org) and make sure you time yourself as indicated. Score yourself, making note of the questions you did well on and the ones you did poorly. You may then decide that you need help with all the sections, or you might choose to buy some prep books that offer help on the sections needing improvement. Whichever decision you make, be sure you're making the best use of your time and money. One crucial aspect of preparation for the LSAT, in my personal experience, has been to take as many of the past actual LSATs as time and money allows. These real LSATs (administered at previous tests) are available through the Online Services section of www.lsac.org for USD 8.00 each. You may also find used copies for free at the US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission in Colombo. TAKE THESE TESTS. AS MANY AS YOU CAN. ALL TIMED. The practice is invaluable and cannot be replaced by any test prep course.
How good does my LSAT score have to be?
The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180, with the 50th percentile being around 150. To be competitive at a top 25 law school, you will probably need a score of at least 160. A 170+ is considered to be a great score that makes you a competitive applicant for any one of the top law schools. Again, bear in mind that even a 180 score only gets your foot in the door—even the best scores should be backed up with strong personal essays and recommendations. Some schools do employ "cut-off" scores, but these are the minority by far.
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