LSAT Executive Summary
- Published in: LSAT
Executive Summary of the LSAT
Table of Contents
Purpose
The LSAT is used for admissions to Juris Doctor (JD) programs at law schools in the US, Canada, and select other countries. It helps law schools assess the abilities of applicants in skills deemed essential for success in law school.
A Juris Doctor, Doctor of Jurisprudence, or Doctor of Law is a graduate-entry professional degree that primarily prepares individuals to practice law. In the United States, it is the only qualifying law degree, .. - Wikiwand
Knowledge/Skills Tested
Reading Comprehension
Assesses the ability to read, understand, and analyze complex texts similar to those found in legal materials.
Logical Reasoning
Tests critical thinking skills through the analysis and evaluation of arguments. This includes identifying assumptions, drawing inferences, and detecting reasoning flaws.
Writing (unscored)
While not scored, the writing sample is sent to law schools for evaluation, demonstrating the candidate's ability to argue coherently in writing under time constraints.
Duration
Four scored sections of 35 minutes each, making a total test time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. There is also a 50-minute Writing section conducted separately.
Scoring
Scores range from 120 to 180 in single-point increments. Each question counts equally, and scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers, with no penalty for guessing.
Score Validity
[2024]. Scores from tests taken since June 1, 2008, are valid for admissions purposes.
Test Frequency
Administered up to 9 times per year as of 2023. See: Upcoming LSAT Dates
Regions
- United States (Including Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada
- Europe, Africa, and the Middle East
- Australia and New Zealand
- Asia and South Pacific Islands
- South America, Central America, Mexico, and Caribbean (Excluding Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands)
Restrictions
Candidates are limited to no more than 5 attempts within 5 years and a lifetime maximum of 7 attempts. Exceptions might be considered under special circumstances.
Geographical Coverage
The test is offered worldwide.
Language
The exam is conducted in English.
Test Takers
In the 2013-2014 cycle, there were 105,883 test takers.
Fees
The test fee is US$238, with an additional US$207 for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which includes sending scores and transcripts to law schools.
LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) simplifies the law school application process for both candidates and law schools. With CAS, your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other documents required for each of your law school applications only need to be sent one time to LSAC. All ABA-approved law school applications are available electronically through your CAS account as well, saving you time and effort. LSAC combines your documents with your LSAT score and forwards a full report to all the schools you apply to.
Official Website
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