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Preparing for the LSAT

Registration for the Spring 2008 LSAT Review is now OPEN

What is the LSAT? When should I take the LSAT? How often should I take the LSAT?	The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all ABA-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many non-ABA-approved law schools. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The scoring range on the LSAT is 120-180. Generally, a score of 165 or higher is a competitive score for the top 20 law schools in the nation. Scores are good for five years. The test is administered four times a year at hundreds of locations around the world. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier—in June or October—is often advised. A good rule of thumb: Take the LSAT EARLY and take it ONCE. Never take it for practice. You may want to repeat it if the initial score is disappointing. But many of those who take it twice do not improve and they may even lower their scores. Many schools will average multiple scores, which means you will have to get a significantly higher score on your second test to raise your overall LSAT score. But, some law schools will use the second score if it is considerably better than the first. Contact your law schools of choice to determine how they handle multiple test scores.
What are the components of the LSAT?	Reading comprehension: measures your ability to read with understanding and insight. Analytical reasoning: measures your ability to understand a structure of relationships and to draw conclusions about the structure. Logical reasoning (2 sections): evaluates your ability to understand, analyze, criticize and complete a variety of arguments. Variable section: an experimental section that takes the form of one of the 3 aforementioned test sections that is used to help formulated new LSAT questions. This section will not count toward your LSAT score. You will not be told which section is the variable one. Writing Sample on a prescribed topic. The 35-minute writing sample is not scored, but is sent to law schools to which you apply. Some law schools compare the writing sample to your personal statement to measure consistency in your writing ability.
How do I register for the LSAT?	Register through the Law School Admissions Council's Website. You will find a wealth of information there on the LSAT, the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS), and the admissions process.
How do prepare for the LSAT?	Preparing in advance, at least 4-6 weeks prior to test. is crucial. People prepare in different ways, depending on the manner in which they learn best, their financial situation, etc. Many Stonehill students take a review course and many do not. There is no guarantee that taking a review course will significantly boost your score. First consider the materials provided through the Law School Admission Council. If you wish to take a review course, Stonehill offers one at a significantly reduced rate from commercial test prep courses. Our course is offered three times a year, in advance of the October, December, and June exams. A registration form for the next course is available here.