How to Prepare for the LSAT
Your future as a lawyer starts long before you pass the bar exam. Of course, you know your scores on the LSAT are an important factor to enroll in a law school. If you’re wondering how to prepare for the LSAT, sign up for the LSAT Prep workshop or read on to discover your cheat sheet for studying the LSAT.
What is the LSAT?
The LSAT is the Law School Admission Test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Most law schools in the United States require an LSAT score before you can officially enroll in a Juris Doctor law program.
LSAT scores can be used at every school accredited by the American Bar Association. It’s wise to learn how to prepare for the LSAT since it can be used across the nation, unlike other school specific tests.
Is the LSAT Online?
Yes, the LSAT transitioned to a take-at-home format in 2019 and will continue to be proctored remotely through June 2023.1
How Long is the LSAT?
The LSAT has five 35-minute sections and a 10-minute intermission. In total, the test is about 3 hours long.
How Hard is the LSAT?
The LSAT is meant to be challenging. Unlike other standardized tests, the Law School Admissions Test measures skills needed to succeed in law school—not knowledge. Becoming familiar with the exam can help you develop the right skills for the best scores.
What’s a Good LSAT score?
According to the Princeton Review, the LSAT score range is 120-180, and the median score is 152.2 However, each law school has their own measurement. For example, the median LSAT score at Regent Law is 157 as of 2022.
GRE vs LSAT
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a general test of your knowledge and analytical skills. The LSAT is specific to law schools and assesses your ability to understand and synthesize information instead of having memorized knowledge.
The GRE is comprised of three sections:
The GRE is comprised of three sections:
- Analytical Writing: Essay writing
- Quantitative: basic mathematics, including arithmetic and algebra
- Verbal: Reading comprehension, such as passage analysis
The LSAT has two components—multiple-choice questions and writing.
- The multiple-choice section contains four 35-minute sections that test “reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.”3
- The ungraded writing section does not impact your score, but it is sent to schools you apply to and used in the law school admissions process.
When to Start Studying for the LSAT
You should study over 4-6 months for the LSAT. Before registering for the exam, be sure to give yourself enough time to study.
How to Prepare for the LSAT
Preparing for the Law School Admission Test requires time and dedication, but there are several steps you can take to prepare effectively.
Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format
The LSAT consists of multiple-choice questions and a writing sample. Understanding the test structure and format can help you develop a study plan.
Understand that the LSAT is not like the GRE or other standardized tests. It focuses more on reasoning and problem solving than acquired knowledge.
Take Practice Tests
Practice tests are the best way to prepare for the LSAT. Take as many practice tests as you can under timed conditions to simulate test-day conditions. Taking practice tests will familiarize you with timed testing environments and LSAT questions.
You need to review your results to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on studying to improve weak areas instead of equally allotting time to each area.
Use LSAT Prep Materials
LSAT Prep materials can help you understand strategies to solve questions on the test in the least amount of time. LSAT Prep materials can help you understand strategies to solve questions on the test in the least amount of time. Find several commercial and free LSAT prep materials through Regent University.
Develop a Study Schedule
Set aside regular study time each week and make a study schedule that is manageable and realistic. It’s easy to fall into the temptation of studying near the time of your exam. This will not help you pass the LSAT.
A study schedule can help you organize your efforts to learn and develop your skills—especially since the LSAT is not a test where memorization of information is being tested.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of your mental and physical health can improve your LSAT performance. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Avoid long study sessions without breaks and undue stress about results.
Seek Support
Study groups and tutors can be helpful supporters by helping to keep you accountable. Family and friends can also help you remember to care for yourself and your home while preparing for the examination.
Review Testing Requirements
Along with learning how to prepare for the LSAT, you must register and sit for the exam. While the LSAT is online, there are still equipment requirements you must meet. Learn more about registering and getting ready for your LSAT at lsac.org/lsat.
Enroll in the LSAT Prep Workshop at Regent University
Regent’s LSAT Prep workshop is an affordable way to develop reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and writing skills. In addition to training with a seasoned professional, you’ll take a real-time practice LSAT test.
Other benefits include:
- Learning test-taking strategize to maximize your time on test day
- Guidance to create your own self-study program
- Information about free and low-cost online study resources
- Advice from a practicing attorney and a current law student
While the LSAT is an important step to entering law school, your score is only one piece of a larger set of criteria used to assess your likelihood of success.
By taking care to prepare for the LSAT, you can increase your chances of achieving a high score.
Ready to achieve more? Request information about Regent’s award-winning law school today.
1. Law School Admission Test. Law School Admission Council.
2. Good LSAT Scores for Law School. Princeton Review.
3. Law School Admission Test. Law School Admission Council.