Preparing for the LSAT
The most important event in the application process is the (LSAT), administered by the LSAC. The test is given multiple times per year and can
be taken either in person or through remote proctoring. The LSAT is designed to measure
skills important for law school success. It includes of multiple choice questions covering three topics: reading comprehension, analytical
reasoning, and logical reasoning. (Each LSAT administration includes one unidentified
unscored section used to evaluate future test questions.) Test takers are also required
to complete an essay designed to demonstrate your persuasive writing skills.
Schools vary in the importance they attach to the LSAT score, but you should assume
that it will be a significant factor in determining the success of your applications.
You have the option of taking the LSAT more than once, though law schools differ in
how they consider multiple LSAT scores.
Taking the LSAT is not free, but you may qualify for a for the LSAT and the Credential Assembly Service if you earn less than 250% of the
federal poverty guidelines.
There are things you can do to prepare for the LSAT. Advice for preparing for the
LSAT and sample LSAT questions and answer explanations for each of the three topic
areas are available on the . There are numerous LSAT test preparation books and courses that can assist in studying
for the LSAT. The Pre-Law Advising Center has LSAT preparation books available for
review on reserve at the UAA Consortium Library under the course 鈥淟SAT 101鈥�.
The best thing you can do to prepare for the LSAT is to take multiple practice tests
under conditions that as closely as possible simulate the actual administration of
the LSAT. Doing this will give you a sense of what your LSAT score range might be,
which could affect to which law schools you consider applying. You may find that you
need more work in one topic area than others, which in turn can make subsequent studying
more efficient and effective. And, it will also, in some small way, help you prepare
for the stress of the actual LSAT test.