What is the LSAT?
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It is required for admission to virtually all ABA-accredited law schools in the United States and Canada and is one of the most heavily weighted factors in law school admissions.
The LSAT measures the reasoning skills most critical to success in law school: logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and reading comprehension. It does not test content knowledge — it tests how you think.
3 hrs 30 min
Total test time
8–9 times/year
Offered annually
120–180
Score range
Test Format
The LSAT consists of four scored sections and one unscored Writing Sample.
Logical Reasoning
2 sections · ~25 Qs each · 35 min each
Tests your ability to analyze, evaluate, and complete arguments. You'll identify assumptions, flaws, and logical relationships in short passages.
Strategy Tip
Learn to identify the conclusion and premises quickly. Most wrong answers are irrelevant or use extreme language.
Logic Games
1 section · ~23 Qs · 35 min
Also called Analytical Reasoning. You arrange, sequence, or group elements under a set of constraints. Requires strict deductive reasoning.
Strategy Tip
Diagram every game before answering questions. Master the most common game types (sequencing, grouping) first.
Reading Comprehension
1 section · ~27 Qs · 35 min
Four passages (one comparative) from law, humanities, social science, and natural science. Questions test understanding, inference, and structure.
Strategy Tip
Read actively — mark the main point, author's tone, and structure. Refer back to the passage for specific details.
Writing Sample
Unscored1 section · 35 min · Taken online
You argue for one of two options given a scenario with specific criteria. This section is unscored but is sent directly to all law schools you apply to. Most admissions offices review it at least briefly — write clearly and stay organized.
How LSAT Scoring Works
Scores range from 120 to 180. The national average is approximately 150.
~150
National average score
~50th percentile
160
Competitive for many schools
~80th percentile
170
Strong T14 candidacy
~97th percentile
175
Top 1% of all test-takers
~99th percentile
Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score between 120 and 180. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so always answer every question. LSAC reports your highest score from the last five years to schools, though all scores are visible on your record.
Score Targets by School Tier
Use these benchmarks to set your score goal based on your target schools.
T14 Schools
170+
Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Chicago, NYU, Penn, Virginia, Duke, Northwestern, Cornell, Georgetown, UCLA, Michigan
A 170+ gives you a realistic shot at these elite programs. Median LSAT at Yale and HLS is 174.
T25 Schools
165+
Vanderbilt, Washington University, Emory, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Boston University, George Washington, Illinois, Arizona State
Scores in the 165–169 range are competitive for top 25 programs and may earn merit aid.
T50 Schools
160+
Ohio State, Wisconsin, Indiana, Colorado, Florida, Wake Forest, Tulane, Temple, Georgia, Alabama
A 160+ opens doors to the top 50 and can yield strong scholarship offers.
T100 Schools
155+
American, Loyola (LA), Pacific, Detroit Mercy, New Hampshire, Akron, and many regional programs
Solid options for regional practice; scholarships are often available above median.
Regional Schools
150+
Local and regional ABA-accredited programs serving specific geographic markets or niche practice areas
Can be excellent choices for those committed to practicing in a specific state or city.
Study Timeline
Choose a study plan based on your timeline and availability.
3-Month Intensive Plan
~20–25 hours/week. Best for those with fewer obligations and a near-term test date.
Month 1 — Foundation
- • Learn all question types and section structures
- • Complete a full diagnostic test
- • Study logical reasoning fundamentals (stimulus types, conclusions)
- • Begin logic games diagramming practice
Month 2 — Skill Building
- • Drill hardest question types (strengthen, weaken, must be true)
- • Master all common logic game types
- • Practice reading comprehension under timed conditions
- • Take one full practice test with blind review
Month 3 — Full Tests
- • Take 2–3 full practice tests per week
- • Review every missed question in detail
- • Identify and drill persistent weak spots
- • Simulate real test conditions; practice the Writing Sample
6-Month Standard Plan
~10–15 hours/week. Best for students balancing school or work.
Months 1–2 — Concepts
- • Diagnostic test and baseline scoring
- • Study all logical reasoning question types methodically
- • Introduction to logic games with step-by-step diagramming
- • Active reading practice for RC passages
Months 3–4 — Drilling
- • Timed section practice on all three scored sections
- • Focus on your two weakest question types each week
- • Begin taking full timed practice tests (1/week)
- • Blind review every practice test
Months 5–6 — Refinement
- • 2 full practice tests per week with thorough review
- • Consolidate logic games mastery
- • Simulate actual test-day conditions
- • Practice Writing Sample; finalize test-day logistics
Free vs. Paid Resources
You can prepare effectively on a budget — but paid resources offer more structure.
Free Resources
Khan Academy LSAT Prep
Official partnership with LSAC. Thousands of real LSAT questions with video explanations, personalized practice, and full-length tests. Best free option available.
LSAC Official Practice Tests
LSAC offers several free official PrepTests on their website. Real past exams are the single best study material available.
7Sage Free Tier
Free logic games explanations and a limited set of drills. Great for bootstrapping your games foundation before investing in a course.
Paid Resources
7Sage (~$170–$500)
Widely regarded as the best value. Strong curriculum, detailed video explanations for every game ever, and an active student community.
Blueprint (~$449–$1,399)
High-quality adaptive platform with engaging content and live instruction options. Good for self-studiers who want live class support.
PowerScore / Princeton Review / Kaplan
Traditional prep giants. PowerScore's Logic Games Bible is a classic. These are best for students who prefer structured course formats and tutors.
Common LSAT Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls to make the most of your prep time.
Skipping the diagnostic test
Taking a real practice test before you study tells you where you are and where to focus. Without a baseline, you study blind.
Not reviewing wrong answers
Drilling questions without blind review is the most common mistake. Understanding why a wrong answer is wrong is more valuable than doing more questions.
Neglecting Logic Games
Many students avoid games because they feel hard. But Logic Games is the most learnable section — consistent diagramming practice can move your score significantly.
Relying only on timed tests
Speed comes after accuracy. Practice untimed first to build correct habits, then layer in timing as you improve.
Studying from memory instead of text
On the LSAT, everything you need to answer the question is in the stimulus. Don't bring outside knowledge — read precisely.
Ignoring the Writing Sample
While unscored, an incoherent or underdeveloped writing sample can hurt your application at the margin. Practice at least a few times.
Over-relying on prep books alone
Books teach concepts, but real LSAC PrepTests are the only source of authentic question quality. Use books to learn, real tests to train.
Burning out before test day
Taking 5 full tests in a week before the exam destroys performance. Taper your intensity the final week and prioritize rest.
Test Day Tips
Logistics and mindset matter as much as preparation on test day.
Arrive early
Log in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time for the online format.
Use a quiet, well-lit space
For the digital LSAT, your testing environment must be distraction-free. Test your setup the day before.
Bring approved materials
Scratch paper is provided digitally. Have a valid ID ready. No outside materials are allowed.
Eat a real meal beforehand
Don't take a 3.5-hour test on an empty stomach. Eat a balanced meal 1–2 hours before.
Don't change your strategy
Test day is not the time to try a new approach. Execute the methods you trained on.
Skip and return on hard questions
If a question is taking too long, flag it and move on. Come back with fresh eyes at the end of the section.
Use the break wisely
The break between sections is short. Stretch, breathe, and reset mentally — don't dwell on previous sections.
Answer every question
There is no penalty for wrong answers. Never leave a question blank — guess if you must.
Sleep 8 hours the night before
Sleep has a larger impact on cognitive performance than last-minute cramming. Prioritize rest.
Trust your preparation
Anxiety is normal. Remind yourself that you have prepared, take a breath, and work methodically.