LSAT Law School Admission Test Preparation

As of August 2024, the LSAT no longer includes the Analytical Reasoning section (commonly known as Logic Games). This archived certification blueprint reflects the pre-August 2024 exam format, which is the version many law school applicants prepared for and on which historical admissions data is based. Current test-takers should consult the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website for the most up-to-date exam structure, which now consists of two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section.

The LSAT is a primary, standardized metric used by virtually all American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools in the United States and Canada. A high score, achieved through certified preparation, is a significant factor in admissions decisions, often weighted equally with or more heavily than undergraduate GPA. It is a key component for merit-based scholarships and can substantially improve an applicant's competitiveness, especially for candidates seeking admission to top-tier programs or those with non-traditional academic backgrounds.

These are two core question types that test your ability to evaluate an argument's logical structure. A 'strengthening' question asks you to identify the answer choice that, if true, would provide the most support for the argument's conclusion, often by bolstering a key assumption. A 'weakening' question asks for the choice that most undermines the conclusion, typically by attacking a central premise or showing an alternative explanation. Mastery requires identifying the argument's core (conclusion, evidence, and unstated assumptions) before assessing the impact of new information.

The Writing Sample is unscored because it is sent directly to law schools in its original form as part of your application file. Admissions committees use it to assess your ability to construct a coherent, persuasive argument under timed conditions, which mirrors law school exam and legal writing tasks. Approach it seriously: clearly take a position, provide structured reasoning with examples, acknowledge potential counter-arguments, and maintain a professional tone. It serves as a direct writing sample for committees to evaluate.

LSAT scores are reportable for five years. Test-takers may take the LSAT a maximum of five times within the current and five past testing years (the period in which scores are reportable), and no more than three times in a single testing year. Law schools typically see all scores from the past five years, though an increasing number consider only the highest score. It is crucial to prepare thoroughly before each attempt to present your strongest possible application profile.