The LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day, standardized test administered four times each year at designated testing centers around the world. The exam provides a standard measure of reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants.
LSAT Timing and Preparation –
Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. Taking the test earlier, such as in June or September/October, is advisable. Do not take the test until you have studied more than 1,500 hours for the exam, and have taken practice exams several times. Studying should begin in your junior year if not sooner!
Preparation for the LSAT –
It is recommended that students prepare for the LSAT by obtaining test preparation materials and books, or by arranging for tutoring. A limited number of exceptional students may qualify for a scholarship to receive test preparation support. Students may contact the Keystone Honors Academy to learn more about these opportunities.
Law School Admission Criteria – Criteria that law schools may use for admission decisions
- Undergraduate grade-point average (3.4 and higher is competitive)
- LSAT score (160 and higher is competitive)
- Undergraduate course of study
- Graduate work, if any
- College attended
- Improvement in grades and grade distribution
- College curricular and extracurricular activities (particularly leadership roles and service learning)
- Ethnic/racial background
- Individual character and personality
- Letters of recommendation/evaluations
- Writing skills (this is critical, as much of law school centers around writing)
- Personal statement or essay
- Work experience or other post-undergraduate experiences
- Community activities
- Motivation to study and reasons for deciding to study law
- State of residency
- Obstacles that have been overcome
- Past accomplishments and leadership
- Anything else that stands out in an application