The LSAT is a huge test, and may be the most important one in your life thus far. There is a lot of information to know, so I’ve made an LSAT guide. Whether you are a complete beginner or know a lot about the test, this guide is useful as an overview.
I’m Graeme Blake, founded LSATHacks, scored a 177, and have 15+ years of experience teaching the LSAT.
If you have any comments or anything you’d like to see added, feel free to leave a comment below. Good luck and welcome to the LSAT!
Table of Contents
- What is the LSAT?
- When can you take the LSAT? – Administrative Matters
- How do I study for the LSAT? – Resources and Study Tools
- LSAT Logical Reasoning
- LSAT Reading Comprehension
What is the LSAT?
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized exam used by law schools in North America. The LSAT is administered by the LSAC (Law School Admissions Council). You should become familiar with their website, as that is where you will register for the LSAT, see your score, and apply to law school.
The LSAT is designed to assess skills that are considered essential for success in law school. It does not require any prior legal knowledge but instead evaluates how well you can understand and analyze arguments and passages.
Sections
The test is composed of:
- 2 Logical Reasoning sections
- 1 Reading Comprehension section
- 1 Experimental unscored section (it can be either LR or RC). You will not know which sections are scored and which one is unscored/experimental.
I will address Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension in greater detail later on in this guide. Logic Games (Analytical Reasoning) used to be one of the core LSAT sections, but it was officially removed from the test in 2024 after a settlement with blind test-takers. If you’re using older study materials or reading forums, you might see references to Logic Games – but rest assured, they are no longer part of the LSAT you will take.
Eight days prior to your test date, a 35-minute LSAT writing sample will open up. If it is your first test, you must complete this before you can receive your test score. The writing sample is not scored, but law schools do receive a copy. It usually doesn’t make or break applications, but some schools read it to assess your writing under timed conditions.
Law School Admissions
Your LSAT score is one of the most important parts of your law school application. Admissions committees use your LSAT score, along with GPA and other application materials, to make admissions decisions. Schools report their 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile scores to the ABA and U.S. News. Hitting or exceeding a school’s median score can increase your admission chances and even qualify you for scholarships. That’s why many students take the test more than once to reach their full potential.
The test is scored from 120 to 180. To see the different percentiles from 2021 to 2024, click here. You should also look at the U.S. News Law School Rankings to see different schools’ rankings and median LSAT scores.
You can also check out the LSATHacks Instagram for general informative posts about the LSAT, including “what’s a good LSAT score?”.
When can you take the LSAT? – Administrative Matters
You are allowed to take the LSAT up to five times within 5 years. Since most students will not want to wait 5 years to reset their allowed takes, this effectively means you have 5 official chances to take the LSAT. While most students won’t need all five, it’s common to take the test at least twice to maximize your score.
To give yourself flexibility, plan your study schedule and application timeline so that you have enough time to take the test 2-4 times if needed. The LSAT is typically offered eight times per year – roughly once a month, excluding March, May, July, and December (though international test day may vary). For the most up-to-date schedule, refer to the LSAC’s official test dates.
Most students require 3 to 6 months of focused study to reach their target score, so it’s wise to begin preparing about a year before you plan to apply. This ensures you have time for multiple attempts if needed and can apply with your strongest possible scores. Most law schools will only consider your highest LSAT score, but some may average your scores from all your tests.
I’ve also written detailed articles on LSAT logistics that you may want to review to help you prepare:
- LSAT Deadlines
- LSAT Score Preview
- Taking the LSAT remote vs. in-person
- What do I need for LSAT Test Day? (In-Person)
- What do I need for LSAT Test Day (Remote)
How do I study for the LSAT? – Resources and Study Tools
One of the most overwhelming parts of LSAT planning and prep is deciding what study tools to use. With so many resources available – books, courses, online lessons, tutors, and more – it can be hard to know where to start. To make things easier, I’ve compiled a list of recommended tools and materials below.
LSAC LawHub Advantage
In my opinion, this is a non-negotiable for any LSAT student. While creating a basic LSAC LawHub account is free, upgrading to LawHub Advantage gives you access to the full library of official LSAT PrepTests. The subscription costs $120 per year, though students with LSAC fee waivers may qualify for discounted or free access.
Practicing on LawHub is especially important because it uses the exact same digital interface you’ll see on test day, whether you’re testing remotely or in-person. Familiarity with this platform allows you to build comfort with the tools, navigation, and timing layout of the real exam.
Note: This recommendation applies to most students. But if you have approved pen-and-paper accommodations, you won’t be using the digital interface on test day. In that case, physical PrepTest books may be more appropriate for your preparation.
LSAT Prep Books
There’s no shortage of LSAT prep books out there. Some students find book-based methods helpful for building a strong foundation, while others may find them too theoretical or abstract. I’ve written an article on the best books to help you choose. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other students to see which books align with your learning style and needs.
Online Courses
Similarly, there’s many companies that offer LSAT courses. Options include 7Sage, Blueprint, PowerScore, and LSATHacks (that’s us!). Such programs and courses may vary widely in price, structure, and teaching style, so it’s important to research your options carefully. LSAT courses are a significant investment of both time and money, and the right fit can make a big difference in your prep and score.
At LSATHacks, I have created three targeted courses: the LSAT Intro Course, Logical Reasoning Mastery Seminar, and Reading Comprehension Mastery Seminar. Each course includes hours of in-depth video lessons, live question walkthroughs, strategy guides, and tools to help you master every question type. Members also get access to resources on law school admissions, effective drilling techniques, and additional study tools.
Free LSAT PrepTest Explanations
I have spent thousands of hours writing free LSAT PrepTest explanations on LSATHacks. A strong study strategy should always revolve around drilling real LSAT questions and completing full timed practice tests. Whenever you’re unsure about a question, reviewing the explanation on LSATHacks is a great way to check your reasoning and deepen your understanding.
Many students have told me that these explanations helped them reach a new level of insight – and the best part is, they’re completely free.
Note: The vast majority of explanations on LSATHacks are free to access. Some are reserved for members only due to third-party licensing agreements.
Tutoring
Finally, the most expensive investment in LSAT studying is tutoring. Many companies and private tutors offer 1-on-1 tutoring for a variety of prices. Generally, the more experience someone has, the more expensive it’ll be. Some students like to purchase just a couple of tutoring lessons to really refine their strategy, while others might need full support and guidance throughout their LSAT journey. You should research your tutors, their experience, and their teaching style before following through! And remember that a good score doesn’t mean that they’re good at teaching the LSAT to others.
Finally, the most significant investment in LSAT prep is private tutoring. Many companies and individual tutors offer 1-on-1 sessions at varying price points. Typically, the more experienced the tutor, the higher the cost. Some students benefit from just a few sessions to fine-tune their strategy, while others may want or need ongoing support through their entire journey. It’s important to research a tutor’s experience, approach, and teaching style before investing lots of money. And remember: a high LSAT score doesn’t always translate into effective teaching.
I offer private tutoring myself, and LSATHacks also has trained tutoring assistants. You can book a free consult to determine whether it’s a good fit and makes sense for you.
LSAT Logical Reasoning
The LSAT consists of four sections, with a minimum of two and up to three dedicated to Logical Reasoning (LR). These questions are designed to test your ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate arguments. Because LR makes up the majority of your scored test, strengthening this section can significantly boost your overall performance.
Each LR question is composed of two parts. First, a stimulus which usually presents a short, often flawed, argument. Second, the question stem, which asks you to do something with that argument – e.g. identify the flaw, strengthen the reasoning, or draw a conclusion.
If you’re just getting started, I recommend signing up for my free LSAT email course, which includes an intro to LR. The section includes a variety of question types, and I’ve written a comprehensive guide to every LR question type – covering what each looks like, how common they are, and the best strategies for solving them.
You may also find these articles I’ve written helpful to deepen your LR skills:
- How to Draw Logical Reasoning Diagrams
- Conditional Reasoning on the LSAT
- Negations on the LSAT
- Absolute vs. Relative on the LSAT
- How to Go Faster on Logical Reasoning
LSAT Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension (RC) makes up minimum one, and up to two, of the four sections on the LSAT. Each RC section includes four passages, typically 3-4 paragraphs long, followed by 5-8 questions per passage. These questions test your ability to understand, analyze, and synthesize complex information. Topics range widely, including law, science, history, and the humanities. You’ll be asked to identify main ideas, analyze passage structure, evaluate arguments, and interpret tone and perspective.
Unlike Logical Reasoning, RC requires sustained concentration over longer texts. You’ll need to track multiple viewpoints and details without losing sight of the overall structure. Many students struggle not because of the content, but due to time pressure and information overload. Unfamiliar topics, like science-heavy passages, can feel intimidating. While no prior knowledge is ever required, being well-read and comfortable with academic material can help you move faster and more confidently.
RC is also often considered harder to improve on. That’s because it relies heavily on your existing reading skills, which can be more challenging to develop more quickly. That said, I’ve developed strategies that may help you improve more effectively. My free LSAT email course introduces you to the basics of RC, and is a great place to start if you’re new to the test.
I have also written the following helpful articles on RC:
Hi,
I am having some trouble with Principle above question types. I have looked at your explanation for pt 80 question 21 and still feel a little off. I get the answer but am uncertain I can replicate it under pressure. would love some help here if you don’t mind.