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What is the LSAT?
The LSAT is a half-day, paper-based test required for admission
to nearly all American Bar Association approved schools. The test
consists of five sections. Four of the five sections contribute
to your score and include: one reading comprehension, one analytical
reasoning section, and two logical reasoning sections. The fifth
section may be any one of the areas listed above and is not included
in your score but is used to pretest future test questions. A 35-minute
writing sample is administered at the end of the test. The test
does not determine whether you will be a successful lawyer. Rather,
it helps determine whether you will successfully complete the first
year of law school.
How is the LSAT scored?
LSAT scores range from 120 to 180 with the mean being about 152.
The writing sample is not scored but is sent to all law schools
to which you apply.
How important is the LSAT scores?
The two main criteria used in law school admission are the LSAT
and the GPA, so the LSAT is very important. The ABA/LSAC Official
Guide to Law Schools (in the Law School section of the Career Center’s
Resource Room and on LSAC.org) lists the 25%, mean, and 75% LSAT
scores for all ABA approved schools.
When is the LSAT offered?
The LSAT is given four times a year: early June, September/October,
December and February. Many schools will not accept a test date
after December. Ideally, you want to take the LSAT in June or September/October
the year before you begin law school.
How do I register for the LSAT?
The Law School Admission Council is encouraging everyone to register
on-line at LSAC.org.
Be sure to register early for the test, especially the October test,
since exam locations fill up. The test is offered at UCSC all dates
but the June test date.
What are the fees?
The LSAT fee is $127. Please note, most law schools also require
you to register for the Law School Data Assembly (LSDAS). The LSDAS
is a central receiving point for your transcripts, LSAT scores and
letters of recommendations. The LSDAS prepares a report for each
law school along with sending your transcripts and letters. The
fee for this service is $117 plus $12 for each law school to which
you apply.
How can I prepare?
Although most law schools will take the higher LSAT score of repeated
tests, never take the LSAT as a practice test. Practice questions
are available in the back LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information
Book. You also may purchase official prep tests and study guides
from the Law School Admission Council (see Registration book or
web site for details). A test sample also is available at LSAC.org.
The Career Center usually offers a free practice LSAT each quarter
through Kaplan or Princeton Review. Check the Career
Center’s quarterly schedule for dates.
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