The Ultimate LSAT Test Prep Guide For Aspiring Law Students

What is the LSAT Test?

The Law School Admission (LSAT) Test is a half-day standardized test given six times every year at designated testing centers throughout the world. The Law School Admission Council administers it for prospective law school candidates to assess critical skills required for success in law school, including reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.

The LSAT test an essential part of law school admission in the United States, Canada, and other countries. It is the only test accepted for admission purposes by all ABA-accredited law schools and Canadian common-law law schools.

It is among the list of the hardest entrance examinations to pass. That’s why it is highly encouraged to take the test and prepare for it seriously. Although some law schools accept test admissions other than LSAT, students are advised to take the LSAT to increase the chances of law school admission.

Each test year, LSAC discloses three tests, and the rest are nondisclosed. Once tests are disclosed to takers, they will never be administered again. Students taking a nondisclosed test will have access to their LSAT score, score band, and percentile rank using their LSAC.org account.

Meanwhile, those taking disclosed tests can access their LSAT score, score band, percentile rank, a copy of the answer sheet, score-conversion table, and copy of the scored sections that contributed to their score.

LSAT Test Questions

The LSAT test consists of five sections of 35-minute long multiple-choice questions. Four of these sections add to your score, which includes one reading comprehension, one analytical reasoning, and two logical reasoning sections.

The unscored section, which is usually referred to as the variable section, is used to evaluate new test forms and questions. The placement of this section varies on every administered LSAT. You will only know which part is unscored once you receive your score report.

The test also comprises a 35-minute unscored writing sample section, which presents a decision problem. You will be asked to choose between two points or courses of action, and defend your choice. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer. This section allows you to demonstrate your argumentative writing skills. Law schools are looking at the reasoning, clarity, organization, language usage, and writing mechanics you display in your sample. Copies of your writing sample are given to the schools to which you apply.

LSAT Test Registration

When taking the LSAT, you must take note of the date of the deadline for registration to LSAT test prep doesn’t go to waste. You can either register now through online or phone registration.

Online Registration:

• Register online by creating and using your LSAC.org account.

Phone Registration:

• Register by calling LSAC at 215.968.1001.
• Register through phone during the following hours and months:
  • September through February: Weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (ET)
  • March through August: Weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. (ET)

Note: Monday is LSAC’s busiest day. That’s why it’s advised to call later in the week.

LSAT Test Cost, Refunds, and Form of Payment

The basic fees and packages for the LSAT 2019-2020 start at $200, and this cost increases for each law school where you applied. Additional fees include things like test date changes, test center changes, and handscoring of your exam.                                        

Below is the complete breakdown of the basic fees and packages:

Standalone LSAT Writing	$15
Law School Report	$45
Credential Assembly Service (CAS)	$195
LSAT (includes LSAT Writing)	$200
Single-Report Package: LSAT (includes LSAT Writing), CAS, 1 Law School Report	$430
Six-Report Package: LSAT (includes LSAT Writing), CAS, 6 Law School Reports	$650

Auxilliary Fees

Handscoring	$100
Test Center Change	$125
Test Date Change	$125
Nonpublished Test Center	Domestic: $295 International: $390

Refunds

LSAT Registration Refund	$50
CAS Registration Refund	$50

Forms of Payments

For online registration, LSAC allows the following:

• VISA, MasterCard, American Express, DISCOVER credit cards
• LSAC fee waiver

All fees are credited in US dollars. If you reside outside of the U.S., your country’s taxes and exchange rate may influence the fee.

LSAT Test Dates & Locations

Below are the lists of dates and locations for the 2019-2020 LSAT examinations by region:

United States, Canada, and the Caribbean

LSAT Test Day & Date	LSAT Test Time	Disclosed
Monday, June 3, 2019	12:30 P.M.	Yes
Monday, July 15, 2019	8:30 A.M.	No
Saturday, September 21, 2019	12:30 P.M.	Yes
Monday, October 28, 2019	12:30 P.M.	No
Monday, November 25, 2019	8:30 A.M.	Yes
Monday, January 13, 2020	12:30 P.M.	No
Saturday, February 22, 2020	8:30 A.M.	No
Monday, March 30, 2020	12:30 P.M.	No
Saturday, April 25, 2020	8:30 A.M.	No

Australia and New Zealand

LSAT Test Day & Date	LSAT Test Time	Disclosed
Sunday, October 13, 2019	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No
Sunday, January 12, 2020	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No
Sunday, March 29, 2020	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

LSAT Test Day & Date	LSAT Test Time	Disclosed
Saturday, October 12, 2019	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No
Saturday, January 11, 2020	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No
Saturday, March 28, 2020	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No

Asia

LSAT Test Day & Date	LSAT Test Time	Disclosed
Saturday, October 13, 2019	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No
Saturday, January 12, 2020	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No
Saturday, March 29, 2020	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No

South America, Central America, and Mexico

LSAT Test Day & Date	LSAT Test Time	Disclosed
Saturday, October 12, 2019	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No
Saturday, January 11, 2020	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No
Saturday, March 28, 2020	Refer to the admission ticket for the exact reporting time.	No

Note: You can also check the LSAT test centers by visiting the Test Center Search website at https://tcs.lsac.org/SearchCenter.aspx. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the LSAT?

The LSAT is a lengthy exam with a total of five sections. Each section is 35-minute long. So, if everything goes according to plan, the total LSAT test length would take 4 to 5 hours long, including breaks. 

How many questions are there on the LSAT test?

The LSAT test usually comprises approximately 100 or 101 questions, and each LSAT score is based on the total number of items a test taker correctly answers.

How is an LSAT test form constructed?

The LSAT a standardized test constructed with the domain of psychometrics that employs a hybrid technique of purchasing some question items from independents, complimenting them with an in-house team of philosophers, logicians, and the like.

Do LSAT test centers have a place to put my backpack?

Backpacks are not allowed in the testing centers, so it is best to use a zip-lock bag with everything you’re planning to bring. Although there are corners and hallways you can stash them, your things won’t be 100% secured.