Understanding the LSAT

A How To Guide to Acing the LSAT

What is the LSAT?

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test required for admission to most law schools in the United States and Canada. The test measures critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logical thinking skills that are essential for success in law school.

The LSAT consists of multiple-choice sections that test your ability to analyze arguments, understand complex texts, and solve logic puzzles. You'll also complete a writing sample, though it isn't scored. The test is scored on a scale from 120 to 180, with most test-takers scoring around 150. Your LSAT score, combined with your undergraduate GPA, plays a significant role in law school admissions decisions.

Most students prepare for the LSAT over several months using practice tests and study materials. The test is offered multiple times throughout the year, and you can take it remotely or at a test center. Registration opens several months before each test date, so it's important to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to prepare thoroughly.

What is featured on the LSAT?

The LSAT does not test legal knowledge or memorization. Instead, it measures how well you read, reason, and think through problems. The test is designed to evaluate how clearly you can understand information, analyze arguments, and make logical decisions under time pressure.

A major part of the LSAT is Logical Reasoning. In this section, you read short arguments and answer questions about them. You may be asked to identify what the author is assuming, what would weaken or strengthen the argument, or what conclusion logically follows. This section tests your ability to break down reasoning and recognize flaws in thinking.

Another important section is Reading Comprehension. You will read long, dense passages and answer questions about the main idea, the author’s tone, specific details, and sometimes how two viewpoints compare. This section measures your focus, reading stamina, and ability to understand complex writing.

The LSAT now includes two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section. There is also an unscored experimental section that looks like the others, but you will not know which one it is during the test.

Finally, there is a Writing Sample completed separately online. You will be asked to choose between two options and write a short essay explaining your reasoning. Law schools read this to see how clearly and effectively you can express an argument in writing.

Each section of the LSAT is timed, so part of the challenge is learning how to think clearly and stay focused while working under pressure. Overall, the LSAT measures how you think, not what you already know.

Test Prep Tips

Start with a diagnostic test to see your baseline before studying.

  1. Focus on understanding question types, not just getting answers right.

  2. Review every mistake carefully. This is where most learning happens.

  3. Practice timed sections early so you get used to the pace.

  4. Build a habit of reading dense material regularly to improve stamina.

  5. Study a little every day instead of cramming.

  6. Take full practice tests to build endurance.

  7. Track your weak areas and spend extra time improving them.

  8. Do not ignore rest. Burnout hurts performance.

  9. Remember that consistency matters more than long study hours.

Recommended Study Materials

Preparing for the LSAT requires quality study materials and consistent practice. Here are some recommended resources to help you study effectively:

  1. LSAC Official PrepTests (previously administered LSATs)

  2. LSAC LawHub (official digital practice platform)

Official LSAC Materials

  1. The LSAT Trainer by Mike Kim

  2. The Loophole in Logical Reasoning by Ellen Cassidy

  3. PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible

  4. PowerScore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible

  5. PowerScore LSAT Reading Comprehension Bible

  6. The Fox LSAT Logic Games Playbook

Test Prep Books

Paid Online Platforms