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About the LSAT

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About the LSAT

  1. Prepare
  2. About the LSAT
  3. Application Components
  4. Pre-Law Preparation Guide

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a skill-based standardized test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) that evaluates the logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills of prospective law school applicants. The LSAT is the only admission test accepted by all ABA-accredited law schools, and it is a substantial part of admission and scholarship decisions. As such, students should only take the LSAT once they feel fully prepared.

Unlike some standardized tests, law schools have access to every reportable LSAT score an applicant has received for a 5 year period via their LSAC Score Report. For this reason, applicants should strive to take the LSAT once and should not take an exam they do not feel prepared for. Still, it is not uncommon for applicants to take the LSAT more than once where adequate studying shows the potential for increasing one’s score. 

The LSAC does place some restrictions on the number of times that an applicant can take the LSAT. Those interested in learning more about LSAC’s restrictions on repeat testing should review the LSAC’s test repetition policy and schedule an appointment with a pre-law advisor to discuss whether retaking the test is right for them.

Recommended LSAT Preparation Plan

  1. Get familiar with LSAT and research potential law schools and set a personal goal for LSAT score
  2. Take a diagnostic LSAT and determine length of time needed to reach goal score
  3. Determine the study plan that will work best for you and start studying
  4. Registerfor LSAT and take it once you are ready

Registering for the LSAT

  • The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) administers the LSAT and plays an essential role in the application process. The test is offered multiple times throughout the year. Please be mindful of registration deadlines and do not wait until the last minute to register.'
  • In order to register for the LSAT and apply to law schools, you must first create an LSAC account. Additionally, you will need to pay a registration fee to sit for the LSAT. However, financially under-resourced candidates can apply for an LSAC fee waiver.  You should begin the fee waiver application process early—at least two months prior to the regular LSAT registration deadline—since it can take time to gather the necessary documentation demonstrating financial need.

When you register for the LSAT, please consider authorizing the release of your LSAT score to your U-M pre-law advisor. This information assists advisors in following admission trends and informs the advice we offer to all of our students and alumni.

Common Questions about Developing a Study Strategy for the LSAT

Successfully preparing for the LSAT depends on your individual learning style and requires planning and commitment. Here are some common questions that pre-law students may have about the LSAT and study plans for the LSAT.  

When is the LSAT offered?  In recent history, the LSAT has been offered eight times a year. You will need to check with the LSAC to see upcoming dates for the LSAT. 

How long does it take to study for the LSAT? It depends. A recommendation is to equate LSAT studying to the weight of taking an additional three to four credit class. Taking a diagnostic LSAT test is a great way to determine your baseline score so you can figure out how much preparation you will need to reach a score you will be satisfied with on the LSAT.

When should I take the LSAT? It depends. There is no “right” time to take the LSAT. It is best to have a satisfactory score by October for the cycle that you are planning to apply to law schools. However, if you need to take it later, it is okay.

How should I study for the LSAT? It depends. The critical question to ask yourself is how do you learn? Think of the LSAT like learning a new skill (or honing an existing skill).  How would you go about perfecting your skill? Everyone is different.

Study strategies can vary and commercial LSAT study programs can be expensive. Some students may choose to take the self-study route while other students may choose to enroll in a commercial program.

If you are considering the self-study route, the Khan Academy provides free and inexpensive materials, which can be supplemented with a commercial book. Some students hire private or tutoring through LSAT prep commercial programs. If you think that a commercial program would work best for you, Central Student Government offers a low cost test prep option - email csg.testprep@umich.edu for more information. It can be beneficial to research commercial programs as some offer free resources (such as study schedules, webinars, information sessions with raffle prizes like 1 free hour of tutoring). Students are encouraged to start thinking about their LSAT study strategy early in their academic career.

 

 

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