LSAT Info
General Information
- What is the LSAT?
- What is the quickest way to register for the test?
- Am I limited to test centers preselected by LSAC?
- If I don’t receive my admission ticket, can I still take the test?
- How long after the test will I receive my results?
- How can I cancel my score?
- How can I get a refund?
- Can I change my test date?
- If my credit card was denied for the registration fee, can I still take the test?
- Should I take the test again?
- How many times can I take the LSAT?
- If I take the test more than once, how will my scores be reported?
- Can I receive or have a law school receive a copy of my old score?
- Can I renew my LSAT file?
- What time is the test administered?
- What materials do I need to bring?
- How can I inquire about a test question?
What is the LSAT?
The LSAT is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all 197 LSAC-member schools. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The test consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions. Four of the five sections contribute to the test takers’ score. These sections include one reading comprehension section, one analytical reasoning section, and two logical reasoning sections. A fifth section typically is used to pretest new test items and to preequate new test forms. A 30-minute writing sample is administered at the end of the test. The score scale for the LSAT is 120 to 180. The test is designed to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school.
What is the quickest way to register for the test?
LSAC offers two quick ways to register. You can use our automated phone system by calling 215.968.1001 or register via our online services. (You can also use the registration forms located in the 2000-2001 LSAT/LSDAS Registration & Information Book.)
Am I limited to test centers preselected by LSAC?
If it is impossible for you to travel to a test center that is already listed, you may request the establishment of a nonpublished test center. See page 4 of the 2000-2001 LSAT/LSDAS Registration & Information Book for more information.
If I don’t receive my admission ticket, can I still take the test?
You may gain entry to the test provided you bring proper identification bearing your photo and signature, such as your driver’s license. Your name will be on the roster and you will be permitted to take the test.
How long after the test will I receive my results?
Approximately 5 weeks after the actual test date, you will receive your score in the mail. For a $10 fee, you can receive your score early by telephone using LSAT TelScore at 215.968.1200. Have your S.S/S.I #, credit card number and LSAC PIN handy when you call.
How can I cancel my score?
We must receive a signed fax or overnight letter with your request no later than five working days after the test date. You can also cancel your score at the test center. However, you should use this option only if you are absolutely certain you want to cancel your score.
How can I get a refund?
You are entitled to a partial refund of $39 if you are unable to take the test. Send the completed Refund Request Form located in the Registration & Information Book by the appropriate deadline listed on the inside front cover of the book. If you do not have a Registration & Information Book you may simply send a signed, dated letter requesting a refund by the appropriate deadline date.
Can I change my test date?
Yes. Return your LSAT ticket with the completed Test Date Change form or a signed, dated, written request to change your test date and enclose a $28 payment ($38 CDN plus 7% Goods and Service Tax). Be sure that the request is postmarked by the appropriate date, which can be found in our “Changing News” section of this web site.
If my credit card was denied for the registration fee, can I still take the test?
Yes. You may take the test, however, you cannot receive, nor can your schools receive, your score report until the outstanding balance has been paid.
Should I take the test again?
If you believe that your test score does not reflect your true ability, you should consider taking the test again. Data show that scores for repeat test takers often rise slightly. However, be aware that your scores may drop. You should also notify law schools of any facts relevant to the interpretation of your test results, such as illness or extenuating circumstances. If there is no reason to believe that one score represents a truer estimate of an applicant’s ability, schools are advised that the average score is probably the best estimate of ability; especially if the tests were taken over short period of time. Law Schools must have access to your complete test record, not just the highest score; therefore, LSAC will not honor requests for partial score reports.
How many times can I take the LSAT?
Normally, you may not take the LSAT more than three times in any two-year period. This policy applies even if you cancel your score or it is not otherwise reported. LSAC reserves the right to cancel your registration, rescind your admission ticket, or take any other steps necessary to enforce this policy. However, you may retake the LSAT if a law school to which you are applying requires a more recent score than any you have on record, and you provide written proof of the school’s requirement no later than the last day of registration for the test.
If I take the test more than once, how will my scores be reported?
LSAC will automatically report the results of all LSATs in your file, including cancellations and absences, since June 1, 1995. The scores are averaged and also appear separately. If you wish to have an older score placed on a current file, you may do so by sending a signed, dated request to LSAC.
Can I receive or have a law school receive a copy of my old score?
You can, by sending a signed, dated, written request to LSAC, Box 2600, 661 Penn Street, Newtown, PA 18940-0979 with a $34 check or money order ($47 CDN plus 7% Goods and Service Tax.) Please include the following information:
* Your name as it appeared when you took the test
* Your Social Security number or Canadian Social Insurance number
* Your date of birth
* Your current address or the name and address of all schools to which you want the report sent
* Your most recent test date
Be sure that you check with the school(s) to determine that an LSDAS subscription is not needed.
Can I renew my LSAT file?
If your LSAC file expired less than two years ago, you can renew your LSAT file instead of requesting older score reports. This service covers one year of score reporting to law schools requiring only LSAT scores (Canadian law schools and some non ABA-approved U.S. law schools). The fee is $37 ($51 CDN plus 7% Goods and Service Tax). After you apply to a law school, your score(s) will be reported upon school’s request. You can renew your file by completing the LSAT Renewal Form in the LSAT/LSDAS Information Book or by calling LSAC at 215.968.1001 using a credit card.
What time is the test administered?
The October, December and February administrations of the LSAT begin at 8:30 A.M. Candidates are required to be at the test center no later than 8:00 A.M. for these administrations. The June LSAT is administered at 1:00 P.M. Candidates are required to be at the test center no later than 12:30 P.M. for this test.
What materials do I need to bring?
Bring several No. 2 pencils and a good eraser. Noiseless watches are permitted. However, watches that make noise, cell phones, and beepers are not permitted at the test center.
How can I inquire about a test question?
If, while taking the LSAT, you find what you believe to be an error or ambiguity in a test question that affects your response to the question, report it to the test supervisor as soon as you finish the test and write immediately to: Law School Admission Council, Test Specialists (Psychometrics Group), Box 40, 661 Penn Street Newtown, PA 18940-0040. You may also contact us by e-mail at LSATts@LSAC.org
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