What is the LSAT?

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test required for admission to most law schools. Your LSAT score, along with your college GPA, is one of the most important factors considered when applying to law school, as it helps determine admission into law schools and funding as well.

The LSAT consists of four, 35-minute, multiple-choice sections in the following categories:

  • Reading Comprehension (click for a description including sample questions)
  • Logical Reasoning (two sections; click for a description including sample questions)
  • One unscored section either in Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension

For LSAT prep resources and study materials, check out our resources page for some recommendations.

What is the LSAT like?
  • The LSAT has two parts. The first part of the test is a multiple-choice exam administered in-person. This part of the exam has 2 types of multiple choice questions: logical reasoning and reading comprehension. There are a total of 5 multiple choice sections. 
  • LSAT Argumentative Writing: This section of the LSAT is not scored, but is a required part of the LSAT. This is a remote-proctored, online writing test, delivered through LawHub. The test will last 50 minutes and can be taken on-demand, anywhere in the world with a strong and stable internet connection. 
  • Online or In-Person: LSAC gives test-takers the option of taking the LSAT remotely or in-person at a testing center.
  • Score Preview Option. The Score Preview option is for first-time test takers only. Test takers can choose to see their scores before deciding to keep or cancel their LSAT score. This service is an additional $45 if you select this option before the test day, and $80 if you select this option after the test day. For those who have an approved LSAT fee waiver will receive the Score Preview option for free.
When should I take the LSAT?

The June prior to submitting your application is an ideal time to take the LSAT, as the June test allows your LSAT score to be reported in advance of most application deadlines. The September test also provides your score in time to decide whether to retake the test in December, if necessary, and still meet many application deadlines. Check the list of all LSAT testing and score release dates.

That said, any time of year is appropriate to take the LSAT, so long as the score is available in time to include with your application. Be sure you will have enough time to study for the test! Factors such as school, work, or family obligations may affect your availability to study at different times of the year.

Should I take the test more than once?

If there was an extenuating circumstance such as illness that affected your performance, it may be worth considering retaking the LSAT. Otherwise, LSAC reports that barring extenuating circumstances, LSAT scores generally rise only slightly when retaking the test.

Because LSAT scores are only estimates of proficiency, individual LSAT scores are reported within score bands of approximately plus-or-minus 3 points that represent a statistical standard error. However, law schools are advised to consider your average LSAT score, and the score band is narrower when applied to this average.  This means that unless you can significantly increase your average score (i.e. by scoring 3-4 points higher by retaking the LSAT), it may be worth sticking with your original score in order to maintain the benefit of the doubt that comes with a more generous score band.

In any case, before you consider retaking the LSAT, it is important to have multiple practice test scores to inform whether you are prepared to earn your target score.

LSAT Accommodations

If you have had accommodations for courses at the UO and/or previous standardized tests, you may be eligible for accommodations on the LSAT. You must register for an LSAT date in order for your accommodation request to be processed. Be sure to check the accommodation request deadlines here.

 Please review the LSAC Policy on Accommodations page for more information and details.

Do law schools accept the GRE?

Some law schools do accept the GRE! The GRE is a very different kind of test, it is offered more often than the LSAT, and it can be used in applications for some law schools as well as graduate schools. Law schools often rely on percentiles to determine eligibility for law school, and have found that GRE students and LSAT students that earned similar percentile scores performed similarly in law school. There is no stigma related to taking the GRE instead of the LSAT.

You can find a list of law schools that accept GRE scores here. Refer to the school websites and application instructions to ensure you have all the information you need to decide which test is the right fit.

Is there any financial assistance for taking the LSAT/LSAT prep?