The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is the standardized test accepted by all ABA-accredited law schools and Canadian common law schools. The LSAT is administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC).
The LSAT is offered in digital format
Test takers can choose to take the exam remotely or in-person at a testing center.
The LSAT is a multiple-choice exam, consisting of four 35-minute sections, of which three are scored. The fourth section, usually referred to as the variable section, pretests new questions and new forms and is not included in an LSAT score. This portion of the test will consist of two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored section of either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension.
LSAT Writing, administered separately online using secure proctoring software that can be installed on the candidate’s own computer. Applicants complete LSAT writing at a time and place of their choosing and copies of test taker's writing samples are sent to all law schools to which they apply. Note: Applications require a complete LSAT on file, and an LSAT is not complete until the LSAT Writing is done.
The LSAT tests skills, not content, measuring your ability to think logically and analytically. It is recommended that students spend 250-300 hours studying for the LSAT; thus, plan to dedicate multiple hours per week studying over the course of months prior to the test. This is not an exam you can cram for.
The best way to prepare depends on your study habits. Do you like to manage your own pace, studying on your own schedule? Is it helpful to have scheduled class time that will hold you accountable? Do you prefer to study independently or with others? These questions can help guide the best preparation strategy.
When is the best time to take the LSAT? When you are ready. The exam is offered multiple times throughout the application cycle. It is not uncommon to take the exam more than once. Allow time for dedicated preparation.
LSAC Resources: The opportunity to take practice exams using the actual testing modality used on exam day; LSAT Prep books, a partnership with Khan Academy are just some of the many resources LSAC offers to help students prepare.
LSAC: List of test prep companies that use licensed official LSAT content
Wyzant: Site to find tutors across the country (virtual, in person)
NOTE: The following three test prep companies offer discounts to Davidson students:
Blueprint: Offers a 10% discount to all students and a 50% discount to students who receive a Matthews Center Professional Development funding grant.
1. 10% Discount: Works on Live and 170+ classes*. Use promo code 10PCTOFF46060 at checkout. *If you want to instead use the code toward self-paced course options, please email Will Yaris, Blueprint Manager of Institutional Success at william.yaris@blueprintprep.com
2. 50% Discount if received Matthews Center Professional Development Grant:
a. Email Will Yaris, Blueprint Manager of Institutional Success (william.yaris@blueprint.com) to indicate the course you will be registering for.
b. You will need to send proof of your professional development funding award to receive the 50% discount. Forwarding to Mr. Yaris the email received from the Matthews Center upon the funding award will suffice.
Kaplan: Offers a 40% discount off of the live online or on-demand courses
Testmasters.net: Offers a discount to students who register using their school email address: $300 off the live online LSAT courses, or $100 off the online on-demand LSAT course. To receive the discount:
Register for the class
Alert Testmasters.net to apply the discount by emailing info@testmasters.net, chatting on the website, or calling 800-696-5728.
Wyzant (to find private tutors)
As of 2023, over 100 law schools accept the GRE as the standardized test for admission to their JD law programs. Items of note:
Carefully consider which test best suits you. While the GRE is being accepted by more law schools each year, law schools still statistically favor the LSAT.
If an applicant takes the LSAT, schools will receive that score and evaluate the candidate as an LSAT candidate. The GRE is not meant to be a substitute for the LSAT once the LSAT is taken.
Data about GRE applicants (how many apply, how many are admitted, etc). is still not yet reliable, as law schools only began accepting the GRE in 2016. More time is needed.
For more information about the GRE, visit ETS.org.