What does the LSAT writing portion look like?

Every LSAT Writing prompt instructs you to make a decision and develop an argument about it. You are asked to make a choice between two positions or courses of action. Both of the choices are defensible, and you are given criteria and facts on which to base your decision.

What does the LSAT writing section look like?

LSAT Writing uses the same decision-prompt structure that schools and candidates are already familiar with from previous LSAT administrations. This structure is specifically designed to elicit the kind of argumentative writing that candidates will be expected to produce in law school.

What is the written portion of the LSAT?

Candidates will be given 35 minutes to write an essay in response to the prompt that is presented to them. If you do not have a writing sample on file, we encourage you to complete LSAT Writing as soon as you can. LSAT Writing opens eight (8) days prior to every test administration.

How do I prepare for the LSAT written portion?

Is the writing portion of the LSAT proctored?

You can take LSAT Writing at home, or in another quiet, well-lit, private space. and supervised by ProctorU. This portion of the LSAT can be taken on-demand and is only administered online using secure proctoring software that you'll install on your computer.

5 Tips to Ace the LSAT Writing Sample

Do law schools actually look at LSAT writing?

The LSAT writing sample is ungraded but included in the report that law school admissions officers receive. In practice, the essay is of negligible importance.

Can I take LSAT writing in my bedroom?

To take the LSAT remotely, you'll need: A quiet, well-lit, private work area within a fully enclosed room (no transparent/glass walls or doors), where you can complete the test without interruption. A hard work surface, such as a desk or table, and a chair.

Is the LSAT writing section hard?

You won't want to totally blow it off since LSAT Writing is quite easy to master. There's always the chance that a law school admissions counselor will read it, so it doesn't hurt to put some effort into it. By the same token, by no means should you sacrifice study time from other LSAT sections to work on LSAT Writing.

What is the hardest portion of the LSAT?

Analytical Reasoning Tips

This is considered one of the most difficult sections of the LSAT because of how abstract it is. Test-takers will be thrown curve balls left and right and have to find a way to keep up.

What makes a good LSAT writing sample?

How long does it take to approve LSAT writing?

If you do not have a completed and approved writing sample, we strongly encourage you to complete your LSAT Writing sample as soon as possible as it can take up to 14 days, or longer in some cases, for review and approval.

Is there math on the LSAT?

No, the LSAT does not explicitly test math. You may see some questions about percentages in the logical reasoning (arguments) section, and some analytical reasoning questions (i.e., logic games) may resemble math problems, but these questions are designed to test your logical reasoning, not your mathematical knowledge.

Can I retake LSAT writing?

If you have already completed an LSAT writing sample, you do not need to complete LSAT Writing again. However, if you would like to retake LSAT Writing as well, please contact LSAC's Candidate Services team at [email protected] or 1.800. 336.3982.

Can you have paper during LSAT writing?

If you're testing remotely, you are permitted to have six (6) blank sheets of 8.5”x11” scratch paper. The paper may be lined, unlined, or graphed. For more information, please review Section 15 of the LSAC Candidate Agreement. Please note that scratch paper is not allowed for taking LSAT Writing.

Is the LSAT all multiple-choice?

The LSAT is a five-section, multiple-choice, standard-scored “aptitude” test, followed by a 30-minute writing sample. Taking the test requires 3 hours and 25 minutes, not including rest breaks and the time needed for the distribution and collection of test materials, as well as other test center procedures.

What is a good LSAT score?

According to U.S. News, law school admissions experts recommend striving for at least a 150; however, for a top-ranking law school, you should aim for a 160 or better. For a Top 10 law school, a 170 or more is desired. Of course, this all depends on which schools you are applying to.

Is a 135 on the LSAT bad?

Around half of test-takers score above a 150, which is the median score on the test. But competitive applicants often need a higher score in the 160s or 170s to gain admission to their top-choice schools. The LSAT is scored on a scale from 120-180.

What is a poor LSAT score?

Typical LSAT score ranges include: 120-147 Low. 148-156 Mid. 157-164 High. 165-180 Exceptional.

How rare is a 178 LSAT?

178 is on the order of a 99.9th percentile. It is higher than the 75th percentile LSAT score anywhere in the country.

Is a 157 LSAT bad?

The average range is from 120 to 180 points. That's a pretty narrow score range, but it reflects a wide diversity of abilities and outcomes. The mean LSAT score is approximately 150, but you're going to have to do well above average to get into a top law school.

Is 2 months enough to study for LSAT?

You should spend at least 300-400 hours studying for the LSAT, over 4-6 months, at a rate of 30-40 hours per week. Anything less than this will put you at risk of being underprepared for one of the most important exams of your career!

Which LSAT is usually the easiest?

Over the years, we have heard a number of pervasive myths discussed as people attempt to compare one particular LSAT administration to another, perhaps the most common of which is that one test is typically easier, harder, or somehow different than the others. The truth is that every LSAT is more or less the same.

Can I whisper during the LSAT?

Talking aloud: Unless you have an accommodation, talking or whispering aloud during the exam is not permitted. Being out of camera view: Your face, chin to forehead, needs to be in the camera view at all times. Anyone entering your testing area: You may not have anyone else in your testing location with you.

Is it better to take the LSAT in person or online?

For most people, taking the LSAT at home is more convenient than driving to a test center. Ask anyone who had to take the LSAT before 2020 whether driving to a testing center and a lengthy check-in process contributed to their test-day stress. The at-home test eliminates these annoyances.

Do you need pen or pencil for LSAT?

Pencils aren't listed as a requirement for the LSAT, but you can't take the test without them if it's a paper exam. Even if the exam is administered digitally, as the majority of LSATs are nowadays, you should still bring some pencils with you.