LSAT Overview

LSAT Section Details

 

LSAT Test

  • The LSAT consists of four 35-minute test sections. There is a 10-minute intermission between the second and third sections. The test takes approximately 3 hours for standard test takers and can be taken at any one of many test centers in the United States and around the world 9 times a year.
  • The LSAT composite score ranges from 120 to 180 and is drawn from the four scored multiple choice sections. The writing section does not get factored into the composite score.
    • The average and most popular LSAT score for nearly all administrations is 151.
  • The test measures a student’s aptitude in those disciplines required in the legal profession: understanding and creating solid arguments, logical thinking, and document analysis.
  • It costs $238 to register for a single LSAT administration.
  • The LSAT is held only 9 times a year (August, September, October, November, December, January, February, April, June)

LSAT is Digital and Can be Taken at Test Centers or Remotely

Beginning in September 2019, the LSAT exam has been exclusively offered in digital format in North America. The Digital LSAT contains the same multiple-choice content and structure as the traditional paper-and-pencil LSAT, but it is delivered on easy-to-use tablets instead. These tablets are provided to test takers at each testing center.

The LSAT Writing is administered separately from the LSAT multiple-choice test sections, online via a secure testing platform. The tablet offers great features such as a timer with a five-minute warning, highlighting, and flagging to keep track of questions that a test taker may want to revisit in a section.

Starting from August 2024, the LSAT no longer contains the challenging Logical Games section.

A student can also take the test remotely at a location of their own choice with programs and test-taking setting approved by the LSAC.

It was first administered in 1948 and has remained one of the most consistent and standardized of all entrance exams.

LSAT Section Comparisons

  Section # Of Questions Time Allowed Details  
  LSAT Reading Comprehension 26-28 1 35 min section 4 Passages: Natural Science, Social Science, Humanities, Law (5-8 questions per passage). There is 1 un-scored 35 min Reading Comprehension section or Logical Reasoning section.  
  LSAT Logical Reasoning 49-51 2 35 min sections Assumption-based – Assumption, Strengthen, Weaken, Flaw (50%), Inference-based (20%), Method of Argument (5%), Parallel Reasoning (5%), Point of Contention (5%), All other types (15%). There is 1 un-scored 35 min Reading Comprehension section or Logical Reasoning section.  
  LSAT Writing Sample 1 Essay 50 min (15 min prep; 35 min writing; Not part of the test To be completed up to 8 days before the LSAT. Test takers are presented with a debatable issue along with different perspectives that provide additional context. Each of these perspectives is conveyed in a few sentences and is representative of a system of beliefs or values. Together, the perspectives illustrate competing ideologies and arguments around a particular issue. The test taker drafts an argumentative essay in which they take a position, while addressing some of the arguments and ideas presented by the other perspectives.  
  Total Time   About 3 hours (excluding separate essay)