General Information on the LSAT
The LSAT is a standardized test which measures reading comprehension as well
as analytical and logical skills. The test is administered by the
Law School
Admission Council (which is abbreviated as LSAC) and official scores are be reported to prospective
law schools by this organization. (See also the section on the LSDAS in Part
III below). Scores on the exam range from 120 to 180. Most law schools have
highly competitive standards for admission, basing acceptance on a formula
which places the heaviest emphasis on LSAT performance.
Any person wishing to attend law school must take the LSAT. Admission to law school will be based largely upon the
candidate’s performance on this particular test. While not all schools give
equal weight to LSAT scores, for most institutions your score will be the
single most important criteria for admission. In fact, some schools will not
consider applications from students who do not have a predetermined, minimum
score on the exam.
Scheduling the LSAT
The test should be taken at least one semester in advance of the application
deadline. It is, however, recommended that you take the exam two semesters
before you plan on attending law school. The test is administered four times
a year (June, October, December, and February) and results are ready to be
mailed a little over a month after the test date. The test is given at
select locations and only early registration guarantees that you can
register for the location most convenient for you. There is a fee for
registration (currently $90.00) and extra charges for late registration or
change of testing centers will be assessed. There is a fee waiver policy for
students who can demonstrate financial need (check the LSAT registration
booklet for eligibility requirements). Applications for this waiver are
available in the History & Government Department.
The LSAT is strictly administered. The LSAT registration booklet explains
the rules for registering and taking the exam as well as the policies for
special accommodations. You may pick up an LSAT booklet at almost any
college advisement or career development office or you may contact the LSAC
at www.LSAC.org. Copies are also available through your law school website.
Repeating the LSAT
The LSAC has strict policies on the cancellation of test scores. Law schools
will receive notice that the student has been exposed to the questions but
that the score has been canceled at the student’s request. In the event you
receive an unsatisfactory score, the test may be repeated, although
currently, you cannot take the LSAT more than 3 times in a 2 year period.
However, initial scores will be reported along with any secondary scores and
may be taken into account in admission decisions. (Law schools vary in the
treatment of repeat scores; however, most elect to average the scores from
the first and second LSAT).
More about Law School Admission Test... |
