- Getting into law school in the US (and Canada) means taking the LSAT, a test designed to measure the skills needed for legal studies.
- A high score can significantly improve your chances of getting into a top law school, but the LSAT can be challenging even for top students.
- Did you know you can take the LSAT only a few times? Find out how many.
- Preparing takes months of intensive study. Learn how to prepare using preparation tests to get a high score.
If you’re considering becoming a lawyer in the US, you’ll need to get into law school, which means taking the LSAT.
This test is a big part of the admissions process, checking whether you have the skills needed for legal studies. Understanding the LSAT is the first step in getting into a top law school and starting your journey to becoming a lawyer.
What is the LSAT?
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardised exam required for admission to law schools, primarily in the United States and Canada. Recognised by ABA-accredited law schools, it is designed to test reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking—skills that are essential for law students and future lawyers.
Unlike other exams that assess subject knowledge, the LSAT focuses on how well you think rather than what you know. Since it plays a crucial role in law school admissions, achieving a high LSAT score can significantly boost your chances of getting accepted into a top law school.
Explore your options for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law.
What is the LSAT used for?
The LSAT is a mandatory requirement for students applying to law schools in the United States and Canada. Some universities in Australia and other countries also accept LSAT scores as part of their law school admissions process. This exam is specifically designed for those pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is the first step toward becoming a lawyer in these countries.
In addition to JD programs, some master’s (LLM) degrees may also accept LSAT scores, though this is less common.
Eligibility and registration
Who can take the LSAT?
There are no strict eligibility requirements for the LSAT, making it accessible to anyone interested in pursuing a law degree. While most test-takers are students in their final year of a bachelor’s degree or recent graduates, there are no official age limits or nationality restrictions. However, it’s important to check the specific admission requirements of the law schools you're applying to, as some may have additional prerequisites beyond just the LSAT.
Registration process and deadlines
To register for the LSAT, follow these steps:
- Create an LSAC account on the official LSAC website.
- Choose your test date and format, whether in-person or online.
- Complete the registration process by selecting your test centre (if applicable) and paying the exam fee.
- Receive confirmation and prepare for test day.
The LSAT is offered multiple times a year, typically in January, February, April, June, August, September, October, and November. Since registration deadlines usually close four to six weeks before the exam date, it’s important to check the latest dates on the LSAC website and register early.
Exam costs and additional fees
Taking the LSAT requires an investment, with the standard registration fee set at $222 USD. Additional costs may apply, such as:
- Late registration fee: $50 USD
- Test rescheduling fee: $135–$222 USD (depending on when you reschedule)
- Score report fee: $45 USD per additional school
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS) fee: $200 USD (required by many law schools)
For students facing financial difficulties, LSAC offers fee waivers that cover the cost of the test, CAS registration, and additional score reports. If you qualify, this can help reduce the financial burden of applying to law school.
Exam structure and scoring
What’s on the LSAT?
The LSAT consists of multiple sections designed to assess critical thinking skills rather than legal knowledge. The test includes:
Section | Questions | Time | Weight (% of Total Score) | Description |
Reading Comprehension | 27 | 35 minutes | ~25% | Four sets of reading passages (one comparative). Tests main ideas, interpretation, and analysis. |
Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) | 25 | 35 minutes | ~25% | Four logic games requiring grouping, ordering, and matching elements to make logical deductions. |
Logical Reasoning (Arguments) | ~25 per section (2 sections) | 35 minutes each | ~50% (both sections combined) | Presents short arguments. Tests ability to identify assumptions, find flaws, and evaluate reasoning. |
Unscored Experimental Section | Varies | 35 minutes | Not scored | An extra section (Reading, Logical, or Analytical) used to test new questions. Not included in final score. |
LSAT Writing Section | 1 essay | 35 minutes (taken separately online) | Not scored | Decision-based prompt where you choose between two options and support your reasoning. Not scored, but reviewed by law schools. |
Exam duration and format
The LSAT takes approximately 3 hours (excluding breaks) and follows a fixed format with standardised questions.
- Digital format: The LSAT is now computer-based, administered via tablet at official test centers
- Online format: Some test dates offer a remote-proctored LSAT for students taking the test from home
Score range and difficulty
Score range and percentiles
The LSAT score range goes from 120 (lowest LSAT score) to 180 (highest LSAT score). The test is scaled, meaning raw scores (number of correct answers) are converted into a scaled score to ensure fairness across different test versions.
Your LSAT percentile reflects how your score compares to other test-takers. For example, scoring 170 places you in the 97th percentile, meaning you performed better than 97% of test-takers. The average LSAT score is around 152, which sits in the 50th percentile.
What is a good LSAT score?
A good LSAT score depends on where you want to study. Top law schools, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, usually require 170+ for competitive admission. Many strong law schools accept scores in the 160s, while a score in the 150s may be enough for less competitive programs.
There is no official passing LSAT score, but some law schools have minimum LSAT requirements. If you're applying to a JD program, always check the school's LSAT expectations.
How hard is the LSAT?
The LSAT is considered one of the most challenging standardised tests due to its logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension sections. The test doesn’t assess memorisation or subject knowledge but rather your ability to think critically and apply reasoning skills under time pressure.
Many students struggle with logical games (analytical reasoning) because they require structured thinking and pattern recognition. Additionally, the reading comprehension section is difficult due to its dense, complex passages. Time management is one of the biggest challenges, as the LSAT has strict time limits.
How many times can you take the LSAT?
You can take the LSAT up to 3 times in a single testing year, 5 times in five years, and 7 times in a lifetime. If you score 180 (the perfect score), you cannot retake the LSAT for five years.
There is no waiting period between LSAT attempts, but you should consider whether retaking will improve your application. Some law schools may see all your scores, while others focus on your highest LSAT score.
How to prepare for the LSAT
Study plan and timeline
How long to study for the LSAT depends on your current skill level and target score. Most students prepare for 3 to 6 months, with at least 10–15 hours per week.
A good study plan might look like this:
- Months 1–2: Learn the test format, question types, and strategies.
- Months 3–4: Take practice tests, review mistakes, and refine techniques.
- Months 5–6: Focus on timing, endurance, and mastering weak areas.
If you need a higher LSAT score, you may need more than six months of preparation.
Preparation resources and practice tests
The best way to study for the LSAT is through official practice materials and LSAT prep courses. Here are some top LSAT study resources:
- LSAC Official LSAT Prep – LSAC website offers free and paid practice tests.
- Khan Academy LSAT Prep – Free online LSAT prep with personalised study plans.
- The LSAT Trainer – A popular self-study book for test strategies.
- 7Sage LSAT Prep – Offers video explanations and a large practice question bank.
Many LSAT practice tests and sample questions are available for free, but investing in full-length timed tests will improve your readiness.
How to improve your LSAT score
To improve your LSAT score, focus on time management, test-taking strategies, and targeted practice. Here are some tips:
- Master logical reasoning techniques – Identify argument patterns and learn to spot flaws.
- Improve analytical reasoning – Solve logic games by making effective diagrams and tracking constraints.
- Boost reading comprehension – Practice summarising dense texts and answering efficiently.
- Take full-length practice tests – Simulate real test conditions to build endurance.
- Analyse mistakes carefully – Review wrong answers to understand where you went wrong.
A combination of practice, strategy, and consistency will help you score higher.
Additional resources:
- Cheap Law Schools
- Become a Lawyer by Studying an Affordable Online Law Degree
- Top Affordable Law Degree Bachelors to Choose From
- Top 7 Reasons to Study a Law Degree
- Should I Study an LLM Law Degree and What is the Cost?
- Best 10 US Law Schools and How They’ll Help You Become a Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I take the LSAT?
The LSAT is available worldwide at official test centres and can also be taken online with LSAT-Flex. Check the LSAC website for locations and availability.
2. How long does it take to get LSAT results?
LSAT results are released within three weeks after taking the exam. Some test-takers receive their scores earlier if they have an LSAT writing sample on file.
3. How long are LSAT scores valid?
LSAT scores are valid for five years, after which they expire. If your score is older than five years, you must retake the LSAT to apply to law school.
4. Which is better: LSAT vs. GRE for law school?
Some law schools now accept the GRE instead of the LSAT, but most still prefer LSAT scores. The LSAT is designed specifically for legal reasoning, while the GRE is a general test used for various graduate programs. If you're unsure, check the law schools you’re interested in to see if they accept the GRE.