The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an admission requirement for many ABA-accredited law schools in the United States. It is given several times per year and is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It is recommended you take the test no later than June or October, a full year prior to when you plan to attend law school. However, it is even more important that you have put enough preparation into the test in advance.

Note that most schools have rolling admissions, which means they start accepting students as soon as they receive completed applications. The later you take the test, the later you will submit your application, and the fewer spots available.

About the LSAT

The test is made up of five 35-minute sections of multiple choice questions. A writing portion must be completed online as well. The test measures the following:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Logical Reasoning

Preparing for the LSAT

Due to the importance of the LSAT score on your application, it is recommended that you take anywhere from 3-6 months to study for the LSAT. This includes taking practice tests under actual time constraints. There are a number of good resources to help you prepare for the LSAT. Some applicants choose to self-study while others opt for a commercial preparation course. Your choice will primarily depend on you and your preferred method of study. Overall, the amount of time you spend studying will make the greatest impact on your overall score.

Print and Online Resources

Commercial Programs

If you choose to take a commercial preparation course, finding the best one for you is the important thing. While we do not endorse one over another, below are a few resources that can help you decide.