| The Law School Admissions Test, abbreviated LSAT, | | | | followed by a question stem followed by five |
| is the entrance exam required by all ABA-approved | | | | possible answers. |
| law schools. The test is not content-based but | | | | Analytical Reasoning: |
| STUDYING IS NECESSARY! There is a common | | | | This section is commonly referred to as the "Games |
| misconception surrounding the LSAT that it's either | | | | Section" and, generally speaking, provides those who |
| "you know it or you don't" so there's no need to | | | | are not adequately prepared the most trouble. This |
| study for the test. However, this is not true. In all | | | | section often begins as test takers' worst section |
| sections of the LSAT, though specifically the Games | | | | BUT it is also the section where one can make the |
| section (which we will get to later), test-takers can | | | | most progress. This is because there is a specific |
| learn a technique that is necessary for successful | | | | methodology to go about answering these questions. |
| completion of the test. Before delving too far into | | | | Similarly to the Logical Reasoning sections there is a |
| depth let's cover some of the basics of the test. | | | | setup followed by a question stem followed by five |
| The LSAT is offered 4 times per year in location all | | | | possible answers. However, this section is divided up |
| over the United States and Canada. The test is | | | | into five sub-sections, each with one setup. |
| usually offered in February, June, September and | | | | Reading Comprehension: |
| December. However, on occasion the "September" | | | | The Reading Comprehension section is similar to what |
| test is actually administered in October. The test is | | | | may have seen on the ACT. There are a number of |
| composed of five sections, though one of the | | | | short readings, approximately 3/4 page in length |
| sections simply uses test-takers as lab rats to see | | | | followed by a number of related questions. While this |
| how the questions would be if they were included on | | | | section may come more naturally test takers, it is |
| future LSAT exams. The remaining four sections are | | | | also the hardest area to make improvement in as |
| logical reasoning, analytical reasoning (which I referred | | | | one will not have too much luck re-learning how to |
| to as "Games" earlier), reading comprehension and a | | | | read and comprehend in the months before the test. |
| writing sample. The writing sample is not numerically | | | | In order to gain a further understanding of each of |
| graded though it is sent to all law schools to which | | | | the sections I encourage each person to buy or |
| you apply to supplement your score. Each section | | | | borrow a book, sign up for class, take practice tests |
| gives testers 35 minutes to complete a range | | | | and start practicing early! |
| between 20-30 questions. | | | | After reviewing for the contents of the test we can |
| When it comes to scoring, scores fall in a range from | | | | also touch on some of the more logistical preparatory |
| 120-180. Since the administrators of the test cannot | | | | methods for test day. When you sign up for the |
| be positive that each test is the exact same level of | | | | test, through the LSAC Website, they will provide |
| difficulty, scores are determined using a normal | | | | you with a few pages of LSAT rules. Definitely read |
| distribution. Testers' raw scores are converted to fit | | | | through these because you do not want to get to |
| this bell curve on which the average is approximately | | | | the testing center and have to worry about anything |
| 150. | | | | other than the test itself. |
| Now that we have discussed more of the "nuts and | | | | In the days prior to the test there are a few items |
| bolts" of the test we can delve into preparation and | | | | you must acquire to be able to actually take the test |
| details of specific sections. | | | | and subsequently succeed on it. First, you must print |
| In order to adequately prepare for the LSAT one | | | | out the registration confirmation from the LSAC |
| should begin months and months in advance. Prep | | | | website. This shows the test proctors that you |
| courses, prep books and practice exams are three | | | | actually registered for the test, it has your full name |
| classic and effective ways to prepare for the LSAT. | | | | on it to be compared to your ID and has two small |
| Prep courses are often offered through one's | | | | boxes for you to get thumb-printed in. Also, as |
| undergraduate institution and always offered through | | | | previously mentioned, you need a valid form of |
| private companies such as Kaplan. These courses | | | | ID.Consult LSAC for specifics but valid Driver's |
| commonly cost between $100 and $1200 though | | | | Licenses and U.S. Passports are among the |
| their benefits could be invaluable. Now, outside of | | | | acceptable forms while University IDs are not. Also |
| prep courses, one can choose to also study alone. | | | | you are going to want to bring a small snack for |
| Personal studying can be managed by following one | | | | break. Keep it light, healthy and a good provider of |
| of many LSAT prep books available at any | | | | natural energy (apples, granola bars, etc.) Try to |
| bookstore or online. These books often outline the | | | | avoid anything too high in caffeine so you don't crash |
| sections, offer strategy and then allow for practice. | | | | halfway through the test. Also, you need a few |
| Most of them also include 2-3 actual past LSAT | | | | items to take the test. You should bring 3-4 |
| exams in the back of the book that one can use to | | | | pre-sharpened #2 HB pencils with a pencil sharpener |
| actually simulate the test day. It is recommended | | | | to accompany them. Also, if you want to be able to |
| that one should take at least five practice exams | | | | keep time at your desk, you should bring a |
| prior to taking the actual test. While simulating the | | | | stopwatch. Be careful because certain types are not |
| test you should ask someone to time you or time | | | | allowed. As a note, most proctors are good about |
| yourself so it will be as similar to the test day as | | | | making sure everyone can see the clock and knows |
| possible. | | | | when the start and stop times are. |
| Now we can begin to touch on the specific sections | | | | Last but not least, relax. Do not start the test by |
| of the exam: | | | | playing mind games with yourself and get off track. |
| Logical Reasoning: | | | | If you took those practice tests, read the books and |
| This section asks test takers essentially to dissect an | | | | took a course you should not be worried because |
| argument into pieces and then answer questions in a | | | | you have done it all before. Don't be anxious because |
| logical fashion related to the argument. Arguments | | | | while the LSAT is important it is by no means the |
| are commonly only a short paragraph in length | | | | end of the world. |