The LSAT - What to Expect

The LSAT is a marathon of a test administered by the Law School Admission Council. It is a test not to be taken lightly. Your score is a deciding factor for admissions in most law schools.

The LSAT is a standardized test that demonstrates to law schools how well you can read dense material, analyze arguments and problem-solve. Law schools believe the LSAT shows how well a student can handle first year studies.

The LSAT has four sections:

• Logical Reasoning
  This section consists of passages that are three to four sentences long. Each passage will apply to one question. There are a total of 24 to 26 questions and you will have 35 minutes to complete the entire section. There are two Logical Reasoning sections on the LSAT which means these sections make up about half of your total score.
  
  What's the point of this section? It's a test to see how quickly you can grasp and analyze material. The passages put forth are arguments that you must dissect. You may be asked to identify a flaw in the argument, identify assumptions or determine logical conclusions.
• Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games)
  This section consists of four logic games with five to eight questions per game. There will be a total of 24 questions and 35 minutes in which to answer them.
  
  Each game puts forth statements or rules that will apply to a set of people, places or things. You will be asked questions that can only be answered by analyzing the relationships.
  
  This section tests your ability to see how a set of rules limits possible outcomes. You are allowed to draw diagrams to help you maintain the facts and rules. This tests your problem solving abilities since first year law students spend much time analyzing and solving legal problems.
• Reading Comprehension
  This section consists of four passages. Each passage is 400 to 500 words long and is followed by a set of five to eight questions. In total, there will be 26 to 28 questions and 35 minutes in which complete them.
  
  The purpose of this section is to test your ability to understand what you're reading. The passages are usually written on topics found in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and law. The passages are similar to academic texts so expect the reading to be a bit dry and dense.
  
  This is a test on how well you can identify main ideas, structure and purpose. Don't get bogged down if you find technical terms that you don't know. All writing has an underlying structure, logic and a main point. This is what you'll focus on.
• Experimental
  This section is included with all LSAT exams. It mimics one of the sections in the exam. For example, you may see three logical reasoning sections while taking the test. One of the sections will not be scored since these questions are test runs for future exam questions. There is no way for you to identify which section is experimental so treat each section as if it were scored.
• Writing Sample
  The writing sample is also a non-scored section. You will be given a prompt where you will write a two page response. The essay section tests your ability to analyze an argument or argue a particular position.
  
  Although the essay is not graded and not included in your LSAT score, the essay will be sent to law schools along with your scores. It may or may not be read by an admissions committee. Some applicants seek help in writing a spectacular admissions essay. The LSAT writing sample is included with your LSAT score so it will be seen as a true representation of your writing ability.
  
  Since most law school admissions weigh your LSAT score more heavily than your GPA, be sure to prepare for the exam. Take the time to study how the exam is structured and complete practice exams that will mimic exam time during test day.

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