LSAT Prep Advising

What Does the LSAT Consist Of?

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is one of the most critical elements of the law school application. The LSAT is typically offered eight to nine times each testing year. For the 2023 -2024 testing cycle, the LSAT will be offered in August 2023, September 2023, October 2023, November 2023, January 2024, February 2024, April 2024 and June 2024.

There is a new testing option for the 2023-2024 LSAT Testing Year. Beginning with the August 2023 LSAT administration, test takers will be given the option of choosing a remote (at-home) administration, or a testing center (in-person) administration. Online/at-home testing will be proctored by a live, remote proctor while the in-person test will be administered at a Prometric digital testing center. Test takers will be able to choose the option that best suits their preference. Keep in mind that in-person testing centers tend to fill quickly, so if you are leaning towards choosing an in-person LSAT date, register as early as possible.

There are three multiple-choice question types featured on the LSAT:

  • Reading comprehension questions measure the ability to read, with understanding and insight, examples of lengthy and complex materials similar to those commonly encountered in law school.
  • Analytical reasoning questions measure the ability to understand a structure of relationships and to draw logical conclusions about that structure.
  • Logical reasoning questions assess the ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments as they occur in ordinary language.

*Beginning in August 2024, the Analytical Reasoning section, often referred to as “Logic Games,” will no longer be included on the test. Instead, a second section of Logical Reasoning will replace it.

**Starting with the August 2023 test administration, test takers will be permitted to take the LSAT:

  • Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2018).
  • A total of seven times over a lifetime.

Important Notes

  • Tests taken prior to August 2023 will be counted against these numerical limits (except for the exceptions listed by LSAC).
  • Canceled LSAT scores, including those canceled with the Score Preview optionwill be counted against these numerical limits, whereas absences and withdrawals will not.

 

LSAT – Frequently Asked Questions

 


Before You Take the LSAT

Test early

Take the LSAT in the spring or summer of your junior year if you plan to apply for the following cycle and you are well-prepared. This allows you to focus on the other elements of your applications during the fall of your senior year. Taking the LSAT early also allows you to retake it in the fall if you do not make the score you desire and still get your applications in early.

Find resources that work for you

Carefully consider the resources you use to prepare for the LSAT. Find resources that work for you. Do some self-assessment regarding how you learn best to determine whether an in-person class, online class, or a self-study plan would work best for you. Check out our updated LSAT Prep Guide: https://prelaw.ua.edu/lsat-resource-guide/

Study with a purpose

Begin studying in earnest five to nine months before you plan on taking the test. Block off time in your weekly schedule specifically for LSAT prep and have an idea what you want to accomplish during that set time. After learning the fundamentals of each section and question type, take numerous practice tests under timed conditions. Completing each section in the 35-minute time window is the greatest obstacle most students face.

Be prepared

Be prepared the first time you take the LSAT. Most law schools will take your highest score, but all of your scores will be reported to the law schools you apply to. You want to be as prepared as possible, giving yourself the best chance to make the score you want, the first time you take it.


On Test Day

Arrive prepared

Make sure you are aware of the test center rules including what items you need for check-in and what items are prohibited. Bring appropriate clothing in case your location is hot or cold. Check out your test center ahead of time, so you know where you’re going.

Get your mind ready

Get your mind right for test day. Get a good night’s sleep and eat something appropriate to get you through an ~6-hour test. Take your dog for a walk, meditate, work out, read a book or do whatever else will put you in a relaxed state of mind prior to taking the test.

Stay focused

Don’t get distracted. During the test, you have only one job: to answer as many questions correctly as you can during each 35-minute section. Any time spent thinking about the importance/implications of what you’re doing, worrying about the other test-takers around you, or letting your mind wander to other things is time wasted. Stay focused on the task at hand.