LSAT Writing is Changing!
Starting July 31, 2024, the Writing portion of the LSAT will have a new format designed to assess a test taker’s ability to construct a cogent argument based on a variety of evidentiary sources.
Test takers will draft an argumentative essay in which they take a position on a debatable issue, while addressing arguments and ideas presented in the prompt. This change will help law schools continue to make holistic admission decisions and help prospective law students better prepare for the writing they will do in law school and beyond — still without the need for any specialized skills, knowledge, or experience with legal concepts.
You can find a sample of the new LSAT Writing prompt on LSAC.org. Or you can explore the test functionality and digital notetaking tools by checking out the sample prompt in the practice environment on LawHub.
2024-2025 LSAT Testing Dates and Score Release Dates have been Announced:
For the 2024-2025 testing cycle, the primary test dates and score release dates are:
August 2024:
Primary test dates: August 7-10
Score Release: August 28
September 2024:
Primary test dates: September 4-7
Score Release: September 25
*October 2024:
Primary test dates: October 1-2 and October 4-5
Score Release: October 23
November 2024:
Primary test dates: November 6-9
Score Release: November 27
*January 2025:
Primary test dates: January 15-18
Score Release: February 5
February 2025:
Primary test dates: February 7-8
Score Release: February 27
February 2025 LSAT-Puerto Rico:
TBD
*April 2025:
Primary test dates: April 10-12
Score Release: April 30
*June 2025:
Primary test dates: June 5-7
Score Release: June 25
LOGIC GAMES EXITING THE LSAT STARTING IN AUGUST 2024
For anyone who is looking at taking the LSAT in the near future for admission in Fall 2025, please be aware that, beginning August 2024, the LSAT will no longer include logic games but will continue to assess reading comprehension, reasoning, and writing skills. Starting with the August 2024 test, the LSAT will consist of two scored Logical Reasoning (LR) sections, one scored Reading Comprehension (RC) section, plus one unscored section of either LR or RC that enables us to pilot items for future tests. You can learn more about the August 2024 test on the LSAC website (link below).
This may be a factor you wish to consider in deciding between a June 2024 and August 2024 administration.
The announcement is here: https://www.lsac.org/blog/what-to-expect-starting-with-august-2024-lsat.
The LSAC will soon be opening scheduling for the October LSAT. Note, they are staggering scheduling opportunities for in-person and remote testing:
The full itinerary for scheduling the October LSAT will be as follows:
Tuesday, September 26 (scheduling available for in-person testing only):
3 p.m. ET: Scheduling opens for in-person testing on Friday, October 13, remains open through 12 noon September 28, and then reopens on September 30.
6 p.m. ET: Scheduling opens for in-person testing on Saturday, October 14, remains open through 12 noon September 28, and then reopens on September 30.
Wednesday, September 27 (scheduling available in-person testing only):
5 a.m. ET: Scheduling open for international test takers only
3 p.m. ET: Scheduling opens for in-person testing on Sunday, October 15, remains open through 12 noon September 28, and reopens September 30.
6 p.m. ET: Scheduling opens for in-person testing on Monday, October 16, remains open through 12 noon September 28, and reopens September 30.
Thursday, September 28 (scheduling available for remote testing only):
12 noon ET: Scheduling for in-person testing closes until Saturday, September 30
3 p.m. ET: Scheduling opens for remote testing on Friday, October 13,
6 p.m. ET: Scheduling opens for remote testing on Saturday, October 14
Friday, September 29 (scheduling available for remote testing only):
5 a.m. ET: Scheduling begins for international test takers only
3 p.m. ET: Scheduling opens for remote testing on Sunday, October 15
6 p.m. ET: Scheduling opens for remote testing on Monday, October 16
Saturday, September 30-Thursday, October 5:
12 noon ET: Re-scheduling window opens for all test takers
12 noon ET: In-person scheduling reopens for all eligible test takers
12 noon ET: Remote testing window remains open for all eligible test takers
Friday, October 6:
11:59 p.m. ET: Scheduling for in-person testing closes
Tuesday, October 10:
11:59 p.m. ET: Scheduling for remote testing closes
Students who took the August 2023 online LSAT and experienced issues, please see below from LSAC:
We will open additional testing days on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20 for test takers whose testing sessions were disrupted by these delays. Test takers who choose to retest will have the option to test in-person at a test center, or to test remotely.
Affected test takers who do not choose to retest in August will have the option to move to a future LSAT administration at no cost to them or to request a full refund. We’re instructing test takers who were unable to complete their test, or who feel their performance was affected by these issues, to file a formal complaint through their LSAC.org account by 11:59 p.m. ET Monday, August 14. If you have any students who were affected by these delays in remote testing, we hope you encourage them to file a complaint as soon as possible. Test takers who have already submitted a complaint should not submit another one. Once we finalize the operational details and determine test center availability for both retest dates, we will be communicating directly with affected test takers so they can schedule their retest, inform LSAC if they want to change to a future LSAT administration or receive a refund of their registration fees.
May 12, 2022 LSAC Updates
The LSAC has opened registration for LSAT administrations next year (listed below). Please be sure to check the LSAC page frequently as things remain fluid. The fee for the LSAT will be $215 for the 2022-2023 cycle. The test date change fee will move from $125 to $135, and the score audit fee will move from $125 to $150. All other fees remain the same.
Eligibility for the Fee Waiver has been expanded.
And the LSAC is offering two new free programs for prospective students
(1) Law School Unmasked™, a program designed for students planning to enroll in law school this fall, which will run from June 7 through June 23, and (2) Admission Unmasked™, a program designed for anyone planning to apply to law school in the upcoming cycle or later, which will run June 20 through July 29.
Both programs are free to LawHub members, and students can register for either program within their LawHub account. Remember that LawHub is your entry to LSAC resources, including free LSAT prep from Khan Academy.
April 29, April 30
June 10, June 11
August 12, August 13
September 9, September 10
October 14, October 15
November 11, November 12
January 13, January 14
February 10, February 11
April 14, April 15
January 20, 2022
The LSAC has announced the 2022-2023 dates for LSAT administrations. Please note that the format will continue to be online with remote proctoring. The LSAT has not announced plans to return to in-person administration yet. Also note that, additional testing day, or days, may be added and these dates are subject to change. Candidates will receive detailed information from the LSAC regarding test days and scheduling as their registered test date nears or view any on the LSCAC website. The LSAC will be posting more detailed information in the days ahead about registration deadlines, score release dates, and other important milestones, but wanted to provide this overview of the 2022-2023 testing cycle as soon as possible to help you plan.
The remaining start dates for LSAT administrations during the current testing year have been updated as follows:
Friday, March 11, 2022
Friday, April 29, 2022
Friday, June 10, 2022
For the following testing cycle, planned start dates are:
Friday, August 12, 2022
Friday, September 9, 2022
Friday, October 14, 2022
Friday, November 11, 2022
Friday, January 13, 2023
Friday, February 10, 2023
Friday, April 14, 2023
Friday, June 9, 2023
July 15, 2021 - Some News From LSAC
The LSAC is expanding its support for LSAT preparation through the LSAC LawHub, a platform introduced in March 2020 to help deliver the LSAC during the pandemic. Your preparation for the the LSAT should start with a visit to https://www.lsac.org/lawhub. There you will find access to free LSAT practice exams and the Kahn Academy as well as options for the LSAT Prep Plus program. Commercial preparation courses are also an option, but any which use official LSAC test materials requires that you pay the LSAT Prep Plus Program subscription as well.
The LSAC has also announced changes to its Fee Waiver Program.
Effective July 8, 2021, there are now two distinct Fee Waiver packages to assist candidates of varying economic circumstances. Candidates who meet the criteria will receive access to the following, based on the tier for which they are approved.
Tier 1: Designed for the most under-resourced candidates. Candidates approved for Tier 1 will receive, at no charge:
Two LSATs, within the two-year fee waiver period
One score preview, first-time test takers only
One CAS subscription
One LawHub PrepPlus subscription, provides one year of free access to more than 80 full-length authentic LSAT practice tests
Six Law School Reports
Tier 2: Designed for less under-resourced candidates. Candidates approved for Tier 2 will receive, at no charge:
One LSAT, within the two-year fee waiver period
One score preview, first-time test takers only
One CAS subscription
One LawHub PrepPlus subscription, provides one year of free access to more than 80 full-length authentic LSAT practice tests
Three Law School Reports
Eligibility for the LSAC Fee Waiver Program is based on the U.S. federal poverty guidelines, with different thresholds for independent and dependent candidates. In the past, for example, an independent candidate earning less than or equal to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, and a dependent candidate earning up to 150% of the poverty guidelines, were eligible for the LSAC fee waiver, provided they met thresholds for cash balances, overall assets, and other requirements.
Under the new program, an independent candidate earning up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines will continue to be eligible for the Tier 1 fee waiver package. An independent candidate earning 250-300% of the poverty guideline will now be eligible for the Tier 2 fee waiver package. Similarly, dependent candidates will be eligible for the Tier 1 fee waiver package if they earn up to 150% of the poverty guideline; if their income exceeds this amount, they can receive further consideration if their income combined with their family income does not exceed 300% of the poverty guidelines. All candidates will still need to meet other eligibility criteria*.
In addition to creating the new tiered system for fee waivers, LSAC is also increasing the maximum cash balances candidates can have and still qualify for one of the fee waiver tiers. Previously, the limitations on cash balances had prevented some candidates from qualifying for fee waivers.
March 31, 2021 - Two new announcments from LSAC
The first update is that effective with the April administration of the LSAT-Flex, test takers will be required to schedule their testing day and time by 11:59 p.m. ET of the Thursday prior to the exam. For example, for the April administration of the LSAT-Flex, which begins on Saturday, April 10, scheduling will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 8. After that deadline passes, test takers could opt to request a date change for a future administration, but will not be able to schedule for the current exam.
The second update is that we have rolled out a new icon for the “eliminate” button in LawHub and LSAT-Flex. The look is new but the functionality remains the same. Effective with the April administration of the LSAT-Flex, a new icon for the “eliminate” button (displayed on the right side of each answer option) will be implemented which candidates may use to indicate for themselves which answers they do NOT wish to choose. Remember that only explicitly selected responses (selections made with the bubble on the left side of the answer option) will be counted towards a candidate’s score.The new icon will be implemented in LawHub effective immediately so that test takers can get used to it prior to the April administration of the LSAT-Flex. Below you will see samples of the current “elimination” icon in comparison with the new “elimination” button. The behavior is exactly the same, only the icon has changed.
February 17, 2021
The LSAC has announced that the LSAT will continue in the online, live-remote proctored FLEX format through June of 2022. The dates for 2021 have been released. There will continue to be 3 scored sections, although in August 2021 they will return to the practice of having an unscored section (for the purpose of testing questions). With the addition of a fourth, unscored section, they plan to include a short break between the second and third sections of the new LSAT starting August 2021, similar to the break mid-way through the traditional in-person LSAT that was used before the COVID-19 emergency. Post August then, the LSAT will have three scored sections and one unscored variable section for the next several years, You can learn more about the LSAT for August 2021 and beyond on the LSAC website. Scores will continue to be reported on the 120-180 LSAT range, along with a percentile ranking.
They have also just released the test administration dates for 2021-2022 (see below). You will register for one of the administrations below (check the LSAC for the deadlines and score release dates for 2021-2022: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-dates-deadlines-score-release-dates.). If registered for that administration date, you will be notified roughly 9-11 days in advance of that administration of the available time slots with a live proctor (it's first come first served for signing up for available proctor slots for that administration so sign up early to ensure your preferences).
Tip: Be sure to check you check your junk/spam folder in the days/week before the administration to be sure you are not missing the sign-up message (some students had been waiting to hear when they could sign up for a proctor slot and the message was sitting in their junk folder).
Please be sure to check the PLSA website for additional updates and items of interest for Pre-Law students (https://sites.google.com/a/daemen.edu/daemen-college-pre-law-student-association-plsa/)
February 20, February 21
March 2021 — Spanish LSAT-Flex
March 13
April 10, April 11
TBD, Week starting June 12
TBD, Week starting August 14
TBD, Week starting October 9
TBD, Week starting November 13
TBD, Week starting January 15
TBD, Week starting February 12
TBD, Week starting March 12
TBD, Week starting April 30
TBD, Week starting June 11
5/30/2020
The LSAC is replacing the in-person LSAT scheduled for July 13 in the U.S. and Canada with an LSAT-Flex administration, which would occur the week of July 12 with scores available on July 30. They have also extended the July test registration deadline to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday, June 1, to allow additional time for candidates to register given the new testing dates and format.
In addition, the in-person paper-and-pencil International LSAT scheduled for June 27-28 will also be cancelled, and those international test takers will have the option of taking the LSAT-Flex during the week of July 12 as well.
The prices for all LSAC services – testing, CAS, school reports, cancellation fees, and other services – will remain at their 2019-2020 levels.
You can find more information about the LSAT-Flex at LSAT-Flex Frequently-Asked-Questions page, and more information about 2020-2021 registration and pricing at LSAC.org. You can familiarize yourself with the format and content of the LSAT-Flex. The LSAC recommends using the free Official LSAT Prep practice tests available on LSAC’s LawHub.
June Administration of the LSAT will be Online:
From the LSAC:
All test takers who were currently registered for the June 8 test in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to take the online, remotely proctored LSAT-Flex, which we have created to provide candidates the opportunity to earn an LSAT score even though in-person testing is not possible due to the pandemic.
The June LSAT-Flex will be administered during the week of June 14. Most test takers will test on either Sunday, June 14, or Monday, June 15, with a small number of tests occurring later in the week based on specific remote proctoring requirements.
Currently, we are targeting Tuesday, June 30, as the score release date for all test takers, regardless of when they test during the week of June 14. We will update the score release date as needed.
June test registrants have been instructed to visit their LSAC accounts and submit the online form to confirm their interest in taking the June LSAT-Flex or to receive a coupon for any future test between July 2020 and April 2021. Any affected registrants that we do not hear from will be automatically registered for the June LSAT-Flex.
Since announcing LSAT-Flex earlier this month, we have received a lot of support from both candidates and schools. If you would like to learn more about the LSAT-Flex, please visit our LSAT-Flex Frequently-Asked-Questions page.
4/7/20: Big Announcement from LSAC for those who had been registered for March/April LSAT:
In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we will be offering an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT – called the LSAT-Flex – in the second half of May for test takers who were registered for the April test. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic closely and will make other LSAT-Flex test dates available this spring and summer if the situation warrants. We plan to resume the in-person LSAT once conditions allow, in strict accordance with public health authorities and using all necessary health and safety measures. In the meantime, the remotely proctored LSAT-Flex will provide candidates with the opportunity to earn an LSAT score even if the COVID-19 crisis makes it impossible to deliver the test in-person.
Candidates currently registered for the April 2020 LSAT will be automatically registered to take the LSAT-Flex in the second half of May unless they choose another option. We are committed to broad access and will work with all test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. We will also work with any candidates who may need our assistance with access to computer equipment or other necessary hardware. If you are aware of any April registrants who might need assistance, please urge them to contact us so that we can help.
April registrants who do not wish to take the LSAT-Flex in May can choose another published LSAT test date without having to pay a test date change fee.
We will announce the exact date and instructions for the May LSAT-Flex no later than Friday, April 17.
Some items to note:
The May administered of an at-home LSAT applies to the 18,000 students who were registered for the March or April exam. If you were not already registered for the March/April LSAT then this May test is not an option for you.
The test will take place over a few days, in the second half of May. Details are TBA.
This May exam will only have three sections instead of 5 sections. They are removing the experimental section and one of the Logical Reasoning sections.
The scoring scale remains but the test will have its own unique conversion curve.
The May test is also going to be nondisclosed. Those testing will receive a score and percentile, but not an item analysis.
Indications are that it will be accessible on PCs and Macs. Most hardware and software formats will be supported as will any accommodations such as extra time. But you will not be able to take the test on a tablet.
3/27/20 Update: LSAC has announced a new Review and Restore policy for those with previously canceled scores. Any candidate who registered for the March 2020 or April 2020 LSAT, and who has a canceled score from a previous LSAT, will now have the opportunity to review their canceled score and restore that canceled score to their record if they choose. LSAC will be providing March and April registrants with their canceled scores over the next few days via confidential email. For candidates who choose to restore a previously canceled score, LSAC will update their files within 2-3 business days, and new reports will be provided to any schools to which they have applied during this cycle.
Update: April administrations of the LSAT are also in doubt. Stay tuned for more from the LSAC on how they will handle April.
Please note that the March 30 LSAT Administration has been cancelled due to Covid-19-related restrictions. Candidates will be rescheduled for the next test administration in their area and offered additional scheduling options should public health authorities continue to limit travel and in-person interactions later this spring. LSAC is working closely with its member law schools to help assure a smooth enrollment process for candidates who may still be planning to apply for fall 2020 admission. All March registrants in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been automatically registered for the April 25 test in the community where they were registered for the March test. For LSAT questions, please contact the Candidate Services team at LSACinfo@LSAC.org or 215.968.1001. For questions about Fall 2020 applications, the best source of information are the law school admissions offices. Given the fluid nature of the situation, law schools are reviewing and updating their admissions practices for students impacted by LSAT administration cancellations.
Some Quick FAQ Regarding Pandemic and LSAT:
What about the LSAT?
The March 30th LSAT has been cancelled. Everyone who signed up for that date has been automatically switched to the April 25th sitting (or the June sitting for those who had signed up to take it abroad). However, with so many colleges and universities closed, LSAC remains uncertain about whether they’ll have adequate test sites. And, of course, with a still evolving situation, it’s hard to know right now whether additional public health measures will make the April sitting advisable or even possible. LSAC is updating this page regularly as new information emerges or as plans change.
Will law schools take into account how the pandemic has impacted test prep and might impact test experiences going forward?
I am certain they will. Remember that the admissions process is never just a numbers game, even as the LSAT and GPA weigh heavily in decision-making. Admissions committees really do engage in holistic reviews of applications, taking into account all the many factors that have gone into shaping applicants and their experiences, perspectives, and so on. Without question, the pandemic and the challenges it is presenting to all of us will play a role in the admissions process from here on out.
Are law schools extending their application deadlines?
Many application deadlines had passed before the anti-COVID19 measures went into effect, and are therefore not impacted by the epidemic. For those with late March or April deadlines, I expect to see most extending those dates either with a blanket deadline-change or on a case-by-case basis. If your ability to complete your application has been negatively affected by the current crisis, you should absolutely reach out to the particular law schools to ask about their own accommodations for late submissions. This includes those of you who were counting on applying with a March LSAT.
Are law schools extending their seat deposit deadlines?
If you’ve already been admitted to one or more law schools and are still trying to decide which offer to accept, you may face a more difficult situation with regard to the seat deposit deadlines. The earliest of these are coming up in April. I have not heard of any law schools issuing global extensions of these deadlines, but admissions officials are always open to considering extensions on a case-by-case basis. If there are specific reasons your decision has been impacted by the crisis (apart from inability to visit schools—see below), then definitely contact the schools to inquire about their flexibility.
How can I make a decision when I can’t visit the law schools?
It’s of course true that law school visits are critical to the decision-making process. Getting that “feel” for a school can be so important to your experience over the subsequent three years. Now that visits to most schools are impossible, how do you research that “feel”? Many schools are offering virtual tours, and making faculty and current students available for video chats. You can also ask admissions offices to put you in touch with current students, especially those that match your interests or background in ways that might make their perspectives particularly useful to you.
But don’t expect law schools to extend their seat deposit deadlines just because you haven’t had a chance to visit. Since that situation won’t change before you need to deposit, an extension wouldn’t help too much.
My spring or summer internship has been cancelled—how will this affect my application?
First, remember that law-related internships are not the make or break of a law school application. In fact, admissions committees are not generally too concerned with whether you’ve completed such an internship or job—rather, they’re interested in learning more about whatever you’ve done, and what you’ve gotten out of it. So if your summer internship in a law office has been cancelled, don’t worry about it having an impact on your application. Instead, pursue whatever opportunities are still available to you and are meaningful to you. That might mean finding an ad hoc job to replace some of your lost income, or volunteering to help folks more seriously impacted by the epidemic, or caring for family members. Whatever it is, it will add to the overall portrait you’ll be able to present to the admissions committees.
But law-related internship or job opportunities are important for helping you decide whether a legal career is right for you. If a Summer 2020 internship was going to be the thing that helped you decide whether to apply in Fall 2020, you might want to consider pushing back your application to the following cycle. There are no downsides whatsoever to working for some period of time between college and law school, and for those of you who really aren’t sure yet whether this is the right path, a post-grad law-related job could help you decide.
One or more of my Spring 2020 classes is being converted to Pass/Fail—will that count against me in the law school admissions process?
No. Again, the law school admissions committees are looking at the whole picture, not just one grade or set of grades. What’s more, they welcome addenda explaining anomalies in your academic record. A brief explanation of the circumstances will suffice to allay any concerns they might have. This is true whether you’re applying this year or several years from now with perhaps an odd-looking Spring 2020. And of course, a large number of applicants in the future will have odd-looking Spring 2020 semesters on their transcripts.
Note: Disclosed versus Non-disclosed administrations
If you take a disclosed test, you will get access to
your LSAT score
your score band
your percentile rank
a copy of your answer sheet
a score-conversion table
a copy of the scored sections that contributed to your score (available online for six months following the test date)I
your LSAT score
your score band
your percentile rank
Due to high volume, the new digital format, and a Monday test-date, the LSAC has advised that it is short of testing-sites. You may need to add your name to the "wait-list" for the LSAT. They are working on the problem. In the meantime, they've asked us to communicate the following:
If applicants are interested in taking the October LSAT, we ask them to add themselves to the waitlist which is available from their LSAC account, and then LSAC will assign them to a test center in the same area as space becomes available. Once they are added to the waitlist, LSAC will send them an email notifying them of their test center assignment as soon as possible. Please note that while we will do our best to place every candidate, being on the waitlist does not guarantee they will be assigned to a test center.
Other options are selecting a different location or a different test date.
Note: The general policy of the LSAT is that will not waive the fee for changing the test site. If, however, you were wait listed for your preferred location and registered for another site, and now want to change back to your first choice upon being informed a seat at your first choice location is now available, you may contact the LSAC to request a test-site-change fee waiver (considered on a case-by-case basis): contact the LSAC via telephone: 215-968-1001 or via email: LSACinfo@LSAC.org if you have questions about being wait-listed or the LSAC test site-change fee waiver policy.
What you need to know about your July LSAT Score.
Note: This applies ONLY to the JULY 2019 Exam (the option of canceling your score after seeing it is NOT available for any other administration of the LSAT - it is special to this digital transition administration only!)
-You can cancel this test for free and retake your exam through April 2020.
-The cancellation deadline is Wednesday, 9/4, at 11:59 PM ET (8:59 PM PT).
-If you cancel, you do not need to decide which date you’re retaking the exam by the 9/4 deadline.
-Registration for the September LSAT has closed and is not included in the free retake option. No refunds will be given for anyone who registered for this test date.**
-The first opportunity to take the LSAT for free is the Monday, 10/28 exam, which has a registration deadline of Tuesday, 9/10.
-Additional exams available for the free retake are: 11/25, 1/13, 2/22, 3/30, and 4/25.
NOTE: **July test takers who registered for September but choose to keep the score or cancel it and wish use the registration waiver instead may contact the LSAC regarding a possible refund for September. There has been contradictory information about the refund policy. It is better to call and inquire as refunds are sometimes considered on a case-by-case basis.
What to expect — launch day and score release. The LSAT’s official transition to digital begins with the July 15 test administration, when approximately half of the test takers will be assigned to take the test on a tablet provided by LSAC, and the rest will take the traditional paper-and-pencil test. In compliance with best practices in educational testing, test takers will not know in advance whether they will be taking the Digital LSAT or the paper-and-pencil version. They will receive their scores on Wednesday, August 28, 2019. The longer-than-normal timeframe to receive scores is due to the in-depth research that must be performed when a new mode of test delivery is introduced. Test takers will have until Wednesday, September 4, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time to decide whether to keep or cancel their scores. If they cancel their July 2019 test scores, they will be able to retake the LSAT at no additional charge through the April 2020 test.
Friendly Reminders Leading Up to the July LSAT offers a handy one-page reference guide for July test takers highlighting the test day experience. Additionally, the LSAC website features a comprehensive listing of Digital LSAT FAQs, and the Law:Fully blog has launched an informative series on all things LSAT, with a special focus on the digital test.
Starting with the September 2019 test administration, test takers will be permitted to take the LSAT:
Three times in a single testing year (the testing year goes from June 1 to May 31).
Five times within the current and five past testing years (the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools).
A total of seven times over a lifetime.
This policy is forward-looking, not retroactive. Tests taken prior to September 2019 will not count against these numerical limits.
In addition, test takers will not be permitted to retake the LSAT if they have already scored a 180 (perfect score) within the current and five past testing years, the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools. This policy will be applied retroactively.
There will be an appeals process for test takers who have special circumstances and want to request an exception to this policy.
The June 3 administration of the LSAT will launch LSAT Writing. This is a proctored, on-demand writing exam that will be administered online using secure proctoring software that is installed on the candidate’s own computer. All candidates must have a writing sample at least one writing sample on file — either from an earlier paper-and-pencil administration of the LSAT or from LSAT Writing. To learn more about LSAT writing visit the full list of LSAT Writing FAQs on LSAC.org. Make sure you are prepared.
Pencils, scratch paper, and more. Given the uniqueness of the July test administration, we wanted to remind you that all test takers, regardless of test format, should bring No. 2 pencils and erasers. People who are assigned the paper test will have space in their booklets to make notes, and people taking the test on the tablet will be provided with scratch paper. Read more...
Score release date. July test takers will receive their scores on Wednesday, August 28, 2019. For the July test only, all test takers will have the opportunity to see their scores and will have until Wednesday, September 4, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern (10:59 p.m. Central, 9:59 p.m. Mountain, 8:59 p.m. Pacific) to cancel their scores and retake the LSAT at no additional charge through the April 2020 test. Read more...
LSAC is also now providing two full official LSAT practice tests on the official Digital LSAT platform. Offered in response to needs expressed by students and others, these practice tests allow potential test takers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Digital LSAT interface and features under simulated test conditions. Read more...
1. They have added more test dates for 2019-2020. Please see below and double check with the LSAC.org webpage. To understand the differences in a disclosed and nondisclosed test please see here: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat/scoring/disclosed-nondisclosed-lsat-administrations.
2. The LSAT is changing from a pencil/paper to digital format in 2019. The July 2019 test administration will feature both formats (test-takers will be randomly assigned). Please note that July 2019 test-takers will have the opportunity to see their score before making a decision to cancel it; this applies only to the July 2019 administration. After July 2019, the LSAT will be administered only in the digital format.
More information can be found here: https://www.lsac.org/about/news/lsac-announces-digital-lsat-launch-schedule.
Please note: The best source for the most up-to-date information about preparing and registering for the LSAT is the Law School Admission Council website: LSAC
Please remember, you should be preparing to take the LSAT only once. Since all scores are reported and sometimes averaged, the best strategy is to be adequately prepared the first time you take the exam. See the basic advice below:
Some Basic Advice for Preparing for the LSAT:
Identify when you plan on taking the LSAT (February, June, October or December) and make sure you meet the necessary LSAT registration deadlines
Never, ever take the LSAT "cold"! make sure you understand the test - learn the structure, the sections and the amount of time you will have for each 2section
Identify the the target LSAT score you will need for admission into the law school(s) of your choice and use practice exams to determine how close you are to that target
Give yourself plenty of time (at least 4-6 months) to start preparing for the LSAT and practice consistently and regularly in advance (this is not the kind of test you can "cram" for)
Take as many full-length, timed practice tests as you can to reliably ascertain your LSAT score range (practice exams are available through LSAC and can be purchased in bookstores)
Consider the "buddy system" when preparing - trade practice manuals, help each other with the games and strategies-- but make sure to take practice tests under conditions that will be similar to the real thing!
Identify your problem areas on the test and practice, practice, practice - evidence demonstrates that LSAT scores improve with training and practice
Take the exam under conditions that will be similar to the real deal: time yourself and practice sitting for the full time allotted. Do not practice in front of the TV or plugged into your IPOD - you won't have these during the actual exam
Do NOT treat the real exam as a practice test! All scores will be reported and many schools will average the scores together
Consider taking a logic or philosophy course to help you with the logic section
Consider a commercial preparation course if you find that self-study is not sufficient in improving your practice scores. These courses are expensive, but for some students the cost may be worth the investment
Practice good time management skills. Consider on-campus workshops for time management and good study skills
Make sure you understand the policies for the administration of the LSAT well in advance of the test date and have carefully read understand the test taking policies. You'll want to arrive early, dress appropriately (hooded jackets, for example, may not be allowed, and being cold could be distracting), and understand drink/food and snack policies (being hungry can be distracting too)
Make sure you are well-rested the day of the exam - do not stay up late the night before practicing
During the exam itself - read the instructions and questions carefully, work at your own pace, but mind the clock (you should have practiced timing when studying); wear a watch!
Stay focused and on task and do not be distracted by other students' progress -- they will have a different exam than you
Answer all of the questions - there is no penalty for wrong guesses
Do all that you can to prepare so that on the day of the test you can be confident and relaxed!