Preparing for the Law School Admissions Test

Keep in mind that the LSAT is not a test of legal knowledge, but rather a standardized measure of the verbal reasoning and acquired reading, logical reasoning and writing skills that law school hopefuls have developed over the course of their lifetime and education.

The LSAT is offered several times a year and consists of four 35-minute multiple choice sections: reading comprehension section, logical reasoning section, an experimental section that can be either reading comprehension or logical reasoning, and an argumentative writing section. This last section is taken separately, and you can complete it within one year of your official test date. 

Plan to study accordingly. If you plan to attend college after graduating, you should  take the LSAT during the summer of your junior year or the fall of your junior year to take advantage of early decision options and no later than December for regular decision.

Consider spending 3-6 months preparing for the LSAT - or over 250 hrs. Once understood the nature of LSAT questions, take several timed-practice tests, including the argumentative writing sample to become familiar with the format and develop the pacing and endurance needed to complete the test. Students can find sample tests at the LSAC Website. 

The ILPA does not endorse any particular course for LSAT preparation. We encourage law school hopefuls to carefully consider their strengths and weaknesses and evaluate different courses to select the course best suited to them.

The UTSA Summer Law School Preparation Academy incorporates LSAT workshops into the curriculum.