The test consists of four scored, 35-minute sections, involving three question types: logical reasoning, analytical reasoning and reading comprehension. In addition, there is an unscored 35-minute section composed of experimental questions, and a 30-minute writing sample ends the test. Test takers do not know which section is experimental. The scoring scale ranges from 120 to 180 points.

When To Take the LSAT

For students who plan to apply to law school in their senior year (for admission to the fall class after graduation), you should plan to take the LSAT in June following your junior year. This date has several advantages. Since the semester is finished, there is no tension between trying to study for classes at the same time as preparing for the LSAT. You have approximately a month between the end of classes and the LSAT administration to prepare. Your score is in your hands by the end of July so you can begin the process of selecting law schools. You also have the opportunity to take the test again should you decide to cancel your score or feel you need to retake the test.

For some, a school-year date is preferable. The summer may be too busy, exam sites may be too distant, or a student may be going abroad. Many feel they are more focused during an academic year or slip into "test mode" more easily. If you plan a Fall admission to law school, you should take the test no later than October of the year prior to anticipated entry into law school.

Scores

Law Services reports scores for five years. Scores for all LSAT exams taken in the five years prior to your application to law school will therefore be reported to the law schools you designate. Multiple scores will be averaged by Law Services in its report to law schools. Copies of your writing samples for those tests will be included, up to a maximum of three samples. Some law schools will not accept a score earned more than three years prior to an application (so, yes, you will have to take the exam again if your score is more than three years old). Check the catalogs to determine if you need a more recent score.

Preparation

You SHOULD prepare for the LSAT. Generally, you should take the exam once, and be well prepared. There are many methods of preparation (and multiple modes of preparation are most effective in improving scores), that will allow you to become familiar with the types of questions asked on the exam before you take it. The Prelaw Society offers a mock LSAT that duplicates an actual administration at least once each semester so you can understand what you will face in the actual exam. Law Services has various "PrepTests" (disclosed tests you can use to practice) and other preparations you can order using the order form in the LSAT/LSDAS. Copies of several preparation materials, including a disclosed past test are available in our library in 104 O'Shaughnessy, and may be checked out on a limited-time basis. Information on commercial preparation courses may be obtained in 104 O'Shaughnessy.

When it is time to take the test, if you feel unprepared, distracted due to family or personal problems, or ill, DO NOT TAKE THE TEST. You can get a partial refund of the test fee. Prepare for the exam, and be sure you can give it your best effort. Law Services tells us that someone who has taken the test once can be expected to score a few points higher the second time, so schools will often discount any improvement on a score on a retake. Many schools will average multiple scores, so you would need to score substantially better on the retake to make it worth your time and money. You also always run the risk of lowering your score.

Still, if you take the LSAT once and receive an unsatisfactory score, you may wish to take it a second time. The information you glean from your first test can help you target the question types you need to study and practice. You CAN improve your skills--and thus your score--with increased preparation. Some law schools will forgive an earlier low score if you improve your score substantially on a subsequent test.

Registration

Regular registrations for the LSAT are due approximately one month before the test date. Deadlines may vary for those requesting special arrangements for test sites. Late registrations, accepted only as space is available, are permitted by mail, or by telephone or at http://www.lsac.org. Test dates and deadlines are listed on the inside front cover of the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book and at www.lsac.org. Registration forms are in the back of the book. To be certain of getting your first choice of test site, you should mail your registration well ahead of the deadline date. If you anticipate applying to law school within a year, you may register for the LSDAS at the same time.

When you register to take the LSAT, please be sure to have your score reported to Notre Dame. This will enable the prelaw advisor to offer you and future students personalized advice and accurate statistical information on law school acceptance ratios and rates. All information held in our office remains strictly confidential.

Fees

Current fees for the LSAT are listed in the Registration and Information Book and online. Fee waivers can be obtained in cases of need, but you must prepare well in advance to obtain one.

You can apply for a fee waiver either through Law Services or through a participating law school. Fee Waiver forms are available in 104 O'Shaughnessy, through law schools, or from Law Services. The fee waiver covers the following services:

One LSAT $112.00
One LSDAS with 3 reports and 3 letters of recommendation $123.00
One TriplePrep Plus book $28.00
Total $263.00

Fee waivers are intended for only the most needy candidates and this implies need in excess of that required for routine financial assistance; only those with extreme need should apply. All waivers are for the combination of services listed above and vouchers will not be used. Whether granted by a law school or requested from Law Services, the fee waiver application form and supporting documentation must be submitted to Law Services with the registration or publication order form and a check, money order or credit card number for additional services or publications not coveredby the fee waiver. Fee waivers will not be issued retroactively. Deadlines for submission of fee waiver forms are listed online and on page 8 of the 2004-05 Registration and Information Book.