LSAT Test: Content and Structure

The LSAT is an integral part of the admission process for most law schools. In other words, the test score is an essential component for any individual who wants to apply to a law school. The test is multi-choice, paper and pencil,and it is developed and administered through LSAC (Law School Admission Council). In addition to the LSAT test score, law schools also consider some other components for your application. Your prospective school might require that you submit your GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and your Credential Assembly Service application. It is important to mention that a growing number of law schools are now considering the GRE as a requirement for admission in place of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Having established the basic facts, let us look at the details of the LSAT exam.

What Is LSAT?

LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is an important aspect of law school admission in Canada, the United States, and in a number of other nations. The exam is designed to evaluate the core skills that are required for success in the law school. These skills include reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning. It is essential to mention that thistest that is accepted for admission standard by all the ABA accredited schools and Canadian common-law schools. There are also some law schools that accept other tests score in place of the LSAT for their admission purposes. However, those candidates who want to boost their opportunity of being admitted into their desired schools are advised to write this exam. No doubt, it is the test that enables the students to evaluate their preparedness for a law school.

LSAT Test Details

The LSATexam is available seven times within a year. The testuses three question types to evaluate the skills of the candidates. It is broken into four sections and each section is scored separately. Each part contains multiple-choice questions, and the students have 35 minutes to complete each of the sections. There are two Logical Reasoning sections that measure the ability of individuals to evaluate and analyze arguments. You will be asked to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments, as well as what makes them weak or strong. The Analytical Reasoning section evaluates the skills in basic logic such as finding structure in organized data and deductive reasoning. This area is also referred to as ‘Logic Games’. Some of the questions require matching skills and some others need sequencing skills, or both. The Reading Comprehension section is based on scholarly passages and evaluates the ability of the students to identify the details and main ideas, make extrapolations, and draw inferences.All these sections require serious and high level critical thinking. Therefore, it is crucial that you study thoroughly to improve your scores in the different aspects of the test. You should focus your energy on developing your critical reading, analytical thinking, and etc.

There is also one more section in the LSAT exam, which is the experimental one. This part does not count towards your actual overall scores in the test. The experimental questions are designed to assess new test questions for future exams. You should know that there is no way to determine, which of the sections is experimental and which is not. This means you have to put your best foot forward in answering all the questions. There is also a 30-minute writing sample that comes at the end of the exam. It evaluates your capability to defend a position over another and support one position while knocking the other down. Note that this area is not graded. However, it is sent to your prospective law school to aid them in their admission process. To be familiar with the updates, check the official webpage.

LSAT Test Structure

Logical Reasoning One: This is an argument-based multiple-choice section. It contains between 24 and 26 questions, and the time allotted for its completion is 35 minutes.

Logical Reasoning Two: This is also argument-based multiple-choice section consisting of 24 to 26 questions. The time allowed for the completion is also 35 minutes.

Analytical Section: This also consists of multiple-choice questions. The section is based on Logic Games passages, and it is made up of 22 to 24 questions. The candidates have 35 minutes to complete this part of the test.

Reading Comprehension: This is passage-based multiple-choice section containing between 26 and 28 questions. The time given for this part is 35 minutes.

The Writing partpresupposes a single essay, and you have 35 minutes to complete it. In all, the students have 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete all the sections of the exam. To write the test, you have to register first and pay the exam fee. It is essential to mention that there are other fees that might be applicable. For instance, you are required to pay a subscription fee to the Credential Assembly Service. The LSAT score range is from 120 to 180, and the average score is 151.

When Should One Write LSAT Test?

The LSAT exam is available seven times in a year. It is recommended that the students schedule their test early enough in order to get their result for the law school of their choice. You should check the admission policies of the law school where you want to send your application so that you know the earliest deadline for admission application.

When it comes to preparing for the test, there are various materials that you can use. In addition to study materials, you should also consider taking plenty of practice questions to familiarize with the exam pattern.