LSAT Exam Help Master Guide

A) LSAT Overview

What the LSAT is (and is not)

What it is

• The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized, skills-based admissions exam used by many law schools to help assess readiness for law study.
• The scored portion is multiple choice and consists of three scored sections plus one unscored (experimental) section, each 35 minutes.
• There is also a separate, unscored LSAT Argumentative Writing sample administered online.

What it is not

• Not a test of legal knowledge, memorization, or “pre-law content.”
• Not a math test.
• Not (any longer) a “logic games” test: the current LSAT measures skills through Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension in the multiple-choice portion.

What it measures (skills, not knowledge)

LSAC describes the LSAT as measuring skills considered essential for law school success, including:

• Reading and comprehension of complex texts
• Managing information and drawing reasonable inferences
• Critical thinking
• Analyzing and evaluating reasoning and arguments

Who requires it (law schools, exceptions)

This splits into (1) accreditation rules, (2) individual school policy, and (3) your jurisdiction/career plan.

• ABA accreditation baseline (general rule): Under ABA Standard 503, ABA-approved schools generally require a valid and reliable admission test as part of admissions assessment. Schools may choose which tests they accept; some can receive variances for alternatives (details vary).
• Law-school policy (what you actually face): Some schools require the LSAT; many accept LSAT and other tests (commonly GRE; sometimes JD-Next where permitted). You must check each school. Example: Fordham lists LSAT, GRE, and (with conditions) JD-Next.
• Exceptions / fast-changing landscape: The ABA has created pathways for variances from Standard 503 for some schools; this is evolving and must be verified for the exact school and year.

LSAT vs GRE vs other law-school pathways

• LSAT: Designed specifically for legal reasoning/reading demands; universally understood in law admissions.
• GRE: Accepted by some law schools; policies vary; reporting and evaluation can differ by school.
• JD-Next: A specific pathway accepted at certain schools (and/or under certain ABA variance conditions); availability and recognition are not universal.
• “No test” / alternative admissions: Some schools may have variances or pilots; this is highly school-specific.

Common misconceptions

• “I need formal logic terms like ‘ad hominem’.” → LSAC explicitly notes you do not need specialized logical terminology.
• “The experimental section doesn’t matter.” → You won’t know which section is experimental; treat every section as scored.
• “Canceling looks worse than a low score.” → Schools vary; cancellation rules are specific and strategic (see Section E).
• “Remote is easier/harder.” → Content is the same; environment and risk profile differ (see Section D).

Comparison table (required)

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B) Eligibility & Requirements (Location-Specific)

Age limits (if any)

• LSAC policy: LSAC publishes eligibility rules in the LSAC Candidate Agreement. Always read the version covering your testing year.
• Practical takeaway: If you are under 18 or have an unusual situation, verify directly in the Candidate Agreement and/or with LSAC support before registering.

Residency rules

• LSAC policy: LSAT registration is not generally “residency restricted,” but modality availability (remote vs test center) and logistical requirements vary by region/administration.
• What to do: Use your administration’s “dates and deadlines” page and modality pages to confirm availability. Example: June 2026 lists regions and modality options.

Education status (undergrad requirements)

• LSAC policy: Registration is not framed as requiring a completed bachelor’s degree.
• Law-school discretion: Many law schools expect a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by enrollment; some programs are exceptions (e.g., certain accelerated pathways). Verify per school.

ID requirements (acceptable vs rejected IDs)

LSAC policy (high stakes):

• You must present a physical, valid:

• International passport, or

• Government-issued photo ID issued by the U.S./U.S. territories/Canada

• ID must be current (or expired within 3 months of test date) and include:

• recent recognizable photo

• first name
• last name
• date of birth

Name-matching rule (strict):

• The first and last name on your ID must exactly match the legal first and last name in your LSAC JD Account.

Explicitly rejected IDs (examples LSAC lists):

• student ID, employee ID, photocopied ID, birth certificate, etc.
• U.S. military IDs cannot be used for online testing because they can’t be photographed.

Accommodations

Types (examples)

• Extended time (various levels)
• Additional breaks
• Assistive technology compatibility needs
• Readers, etc. (specifics depend on documentation and LSAC policies)

Application process (step-by-step)

LSAC policy: accommodations requests are submitted online via your LSAC JD Account.

1. Register for the LSAT administration first (you generally can’t start the request until registered).
2. In your LSAC JD Account, use “Request or Modify Accommodations.”
3. Upload required documentation in accepted formats (LSAC lists file types and limits).
4. Submit by the accommodation request deadline for that test administration.

Documentation (what commonly fails)

LSAC lists common reasons documentation is deemed insufficient, including:

• not from a qualified professional
• lack of rationale linking disability → need for the accommodation
• recency criteria issues (e.g., certain evaluations older than specified thresholds)
• illegible/non-English documentation
• requesting more than certain additional-time thresholds without adequate support

Timelines and approval risks

• Deadlines are administration-specific (see each test’s “dates and deadlines” page).
• Modality constraints: Some accommodations are best administered in a specific modality; LSAC notes some approvals may require remote vs test-center testing absent special circumstances.
• Hardship requests (modality exceptions): LSAC describes a short window tied to scheduling opening for certain hardship-based requests.

Special cases

• International test takers: You can use an international passport for ID.
• Name changes: Update the legal name in your LSAC account to match ID; LSAC points to biographical change instructions.
• Remote vs test-center candidates: Your environment and required materials differ (see Section D).

Requirements table (required)

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C) Exam Sections & Content Blueprint (LSAT-Correct)

The multiple-choice LSAT is 4 sections × 35 minutes: 1 Reading Comprehension, 2 Logical Reasoning, and 1 unscored (experimental) section that is either LR or RC.

Logical Reasoning (LR)

Skills tested (LSAC framing):

• Analyze and critically evaluate arguments in ordinary language
• Identify argument parts and relationships
• Detect assumptions, flaws, alternative explanations
• Evaluate how new evidence affects an argument, and more

Question archetypes you must master (representative)

• Strengthen / Weaken
• Necessary / Sufficient assumption
• Flaw (reasoning error)
• Inference / Must be true
• Method of reasoning
• Resolve / Explain
• Principle / Apply a rule
• Parallel reasoning (structure match)

Difficulty scaling (how to think about it)

• Expect a mix: some “direct” questions, some that punish sloppy inference.
• Your score comes from total correct; there is no penalty for wrong answers.

Trap patterns

• Answers that restate premises but don’t affect the conclusion
• “Extreme language” when the argument is modest
• Causal claims without eliminating alternatives
• Conditional mix-ups (necessary vs sufficient)

High-yield reasoning flaws (a starter set)

• Correlation vs causation
• Sampling/representativeness
• Confusing necessary with sufficient
• Equivocation (term shift)
• Ignoring base rates / alternative explanations
• False dilemma
• Circular reasoning

Reading Comprehension (RC)

What it measures

• Ability to read complex texts accurately, identify structure, and draw reasonable inferences similar to law-school reading tasks.

Section composition (LSAC specifics)

• Four sets of reading questions
• Each set is a passage (single) or paired “comparative reading”
• Each set has 5 to 8 questions
• A section includes either 3 or 4 single passages, and either one or no comparative passage

Common question archetypes

• Main idea / primary purpose
• Author attitude / tone
• “Explicitly stated” detail
• Inference
• Function of a line/paragraph
• Organization/structure
• Apply principle/idea to new context
• Effect of new information

Trap patterns

• “Sounds right” but contradicts scope or viewpoint
• Detail answers that are true in isolation but don’t answer the asked question
• Comparative: mixing which author said what

Experimental section (unscored)

• The LSAT includes one unscored section used to validate new questions.
• It can be LR or RC and can appear anywhere in the test.
• It is not labeled.

Strategic consequence: treat every section as scored.

LSAT Writing (LSAT Argumentative Writing)

• Unscored writing sample administered online with secure proctoring software (not at test centers).
• You receive a debatable issue with 3–4 perspectives and write an argumentative essay taking a position while engaging other views.
• Time: 50 minutes total (15 min prewriting + 35 min writing).
• Schools evaluate reasoning, clarity, organization, mechanics, etc.

Section blueprint table (required)

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D) Exam Format, Timing & Delivery

Digital LSAT format

• The multiple-choice LSAT is delivered digitally through LawHub (LSAC’s platform) and administered either:

• remotely (live, online proctored), or

• in-person at a Prometric digital testing center (for most test takers).
• LSAC encourages you to practice in LawHub to learn the interface (highlighting, eliminating answers, screen preferences).

Section order randomness

• 4 sections total; the unscored section can appear at any point and is not labeled.

Exact timing per section

• 35 minutes per section × 4 sections (multiple-choice).

Break structure

• 10-minute intermission between section 2 and section 3.

Intermission rules (LSAC policy highlights)

• Notify proctor and wait for acknowledgment before leaving.
• No electronics during break (unless explicitly accommodated).
• Don’t discuss the test.
• Don’t work on scratch paper.
• You must complete a check-in to resume.

Prometric test-center vs remote testing

Remote

• You need a compatible laptop/desktop, webcam, microphone, and latest Chrome, plus a quiet private room and stable internet.

Test center

• You test at a Prometric center; LSAC describes arriving early and being assigned a station with needed materials.

Check-in process (high-level)

Scheduling (must do):

• After registration, you must schedule your testing time through Prometric.

Remote check-in:

• ID verification + environment/security checks (room scan expectations are detailed in LSAC checklists and proctor instructions).

Test center check-in:

• ID check + security procedures; you’ll store prohibited items and be seated.

What happens minute-by-minute on test day (typical flow)

This is a practical “map”; exact sequencing is proctor-dependent.

1. Pre-arrival (30–60 min buffer)

2. Eat, hydrate, finalize allowed items, power down prohibited devices.

3. Check-in window

4. Remote: log in early enough to handle ID + environment checks.

5. Test center: arrive early; check-in and locker procedures.

6. Section 1 → Section 2

7. 35 min each

8. Intermission (10 minutes)

9. Follow intermission rules; re-check-in to resume.

10. Section 3 → Section 4

11. 35 min each

12. End of test

13. Follow proctor’s completion instructions.

Technical requirements for remote testing (minimums you must plan around)

• Working webcam + microphone
• Stable internet
• Chrome browser (latest)
• Quiet, private, well-lit room with desk/table and chair

Common failure points + fixes

• ID mismatch → update LSAC account name early; don’t assume “close enough.”
• Unstable internet → use wired connection if possible; reduce bandwidth use; test setup.
• Electronics during break → don’t touch your phone; it can terminate your session.
• Scheduling mistakes (wrong time zone, missed window) → schedule as soon as your window opens; confirm time zone in Prometric scheduling flow.

Delivery table (required)

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E) Scoring System & Interpretation

120–180 scale

• The LSAT score scale runs from 120 to 180.

Raw → scaled conversion logic

• Your “raw score” is the number correct; all questions are weighted the same; no penalty for wrong answers.
• Raw scores are converted to the scaled score to allow comparison across different administrations.

Percentiles explained

• LSAC reports a percentile rank indicating the percentage of test takers scoring lower than you over the previous three testing years, and LSAC updates percentiles annually by end of July.

Score bands and admissions meaning

• LSAC provides a score band on the score report (a statistical precision indicator).

What scores mean for T14 / T50 / regional schools

Do not use generic “cutoffs.” The defensible, high-accuracy method is:

1. For each school, find the median (50th) and 25th/75th percentiles for enrolled students (often in ABA 509 disclosures).

2. Interpret your score relative to that distribution:

3. Below 25th → uphill

4. Around median → competitive
5. Above 75th → strong LSAT positioning (still not a guarantee)

Law-school discretion: schools can weigh GPA, work history, essays, recommendations, and mission priorities differently.

How law schools actually evaluate scores (what’s reliable to say)

• Schools see your reportable LSAT results via LSAC reporting (through CAS for most applicants).
• Policies on highest vs most recent vs average vary. Many schools publicly suggest they consider the highest score strongly, but you must verify per school.

Score cancellation rules

• You can cancel your LSAT score, but deadline rules differ depending on whether you have Score Preview:

• Without Score Preview: LSAC states you must cancel within 6 calendar days of your test date.

• With Score Preview: you see your score first and then have 6 calendar days after score release to decide to keep/cancel.

Score preview (if applicable)

• Score Preview is available to all test takers.
• Cost: $45 before the first day of testing for that administration; $85 during the specified after-testing period.
• If you do nothing, the score is released after the 6-day window.

Retake rules and lifetime limits

• LSAC retake limits:

• Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2020)

• Seven times over a lifetime
• Canceled scores count against limits; absences/withdrawals don’t.
• You can’t retake if you already scored 180 within the current reportable score period.

Score reporting window (“score expiration”)

• LSAT results are reportable for up to five testing years after the testing year in which the score is earned; LSAT testing years run July 1–June 30.
• LSAC also notes LSAT scores earned prior to June 2020 are not considered valid for law school admission and are not included in your score report.

Scoring table (required)

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F) Registration & Scheduling (Step-by-Step)

LSAC account creation

• You’ll register and manage your LSAT through your LSAC JD Account (JD Services).

Choosing test dates strategically

High-accuracy rule: choose dates based on:

• your application cycle timing
• writing sample processing time (can take up to three weeks after completion)
• score release date for your administration (posted by LSAC per test)

Registering for remote vs test center

• Most test takers can choose remote or in-person; LSAC continues to offer both modalities for the testing cycle referenced on its pages.

Scheduling rules (Prometric)

Critical step:

• Registering is not enough; LSAC states you must schedule a testing time through Prometric.

Scheduling paths (LSAC describes two)

1. From your LSAC JD Account → link out to Prometric ProScheduler
2. Directly via ProScheduler (select LSAC as sponsor)

Rescheduling rules

• “Test Date Change” fees depend on timing relative to the administration’s registration deadline (see Section G for exact fees).

Deadlines that cost money (how to avoid)

• Administration pages list receipt deadlines (typically 11:59 p.m. ET) and warn LSAC may not extend deadlines for after-hours technical issues.
• Scheduling windows open later than registration deadlines; schedule early when your window opens.

Common registration errors (and prevention)

• Wrong legal name in LSAC account → fix before test day.
• Missing accommodations deadline → register early and submit request by that same deadline when required.
• Assuming you’re “scheduled” after registering → you still must schedule with Prometric.

Registration & scheduling table (required)

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G) Costs, Fees & Budgeting

Core fees (LSAC-published)

• LSAT (includes LSAT Argumentative Writing): $248
• Credential Assembly Service (CAS): $215
• CAS Report: $45 each (sent to each school)

Additional LSAT-related fees (examples LSAC publishes)

• Score Preview: $45 (before first day of testing) or $85 (afterward window)
• Official Candidate LSAT Score Report (includes nonreportable scores): $50
• Score Audit: $150 ($75 if preapproved fee waiver)
• Test Date Change: $0 through registration deadline; then $150; then $248 depending on timing windows

Fee waivers

• LSAC offers a fee waiver program for financially under-resourced prospective U.S. and Canadian law students; LSAC describes a two-tier benefit structure and an application process.
• Score Preview is free for approved fee waiver recipients.

Hidden costs candidates miss

• Travel + lodging (if test center)
• Quiet private space rental (if remote)
• Prep materials (if not using only free resources)
• Application fees (school-specific; some waive with LSAC fee waiver, but verify)

Budgeting table (required)

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H) Preparation Strategy (Beginner → Elite)

Diagnostic process (the right way)

1. Take a true baseline using official-style material in LawHub, timed, with realistic conditions. LSAC explicitly recommends previously administered LSATs as best prep, and encourages using LawHub practice tests.

2. Record:

3. section-level accuracy

4. time pressure points

5. question archetype weaknesses

6. Build a plan that prioritizes high-yield error categories.

Baseline score interpretation

• Treat your diagnostic as:

• a skills map, not your “destined score”

• a tool to identify the biggest score leaks

Study plans (1w / 2w / 4w / 8w / 12+w)

1 week (emergency)

• Goal: reduce catastrophic errors + stabilize pacing
• Daily: 1 timed section + deep review + targeted drills

2 weeks

• Goal: improve consistency; build repeatable method
• Cadence: 4–6 timed sections/week + 2–3 full PT components

4 weeks

• Goal: establish fundamentals + targeted weakness attack
• Cadence: 1–2 full PTs/week + daily drills + heavy review

8 weeks

• Goal: large score movement possible with structured review
• Cadence: 2 PTs/week (or 1 PT + 2 section days) + daily drills

12+ weeks

• Goal: push to elite performance via refinement + endurance
• Cadence: consistent PT schedule + error log + method polishing

Daily schedules (30 / 60 / 120 minutes)

30 minutes/day

• 10 min: micro-drill (single archetype)
• 15 min: review yesterday’s errors (why wrong, why tempting)
• 5 min: flash review of recurring rules (conditional, quantifiers, etc.)

60 minutes/day

• 20 min: targeted drill set
• 25 min: deep review (write explanations)
• 15 min: timed mini-set (to build speed)

120 minutes/day

• 35 min: timed section
• 60 min: blind review + error log
• 25 min: targeted remediation drills

Practice-test cadence (evidence-based logic)

• You improve most when you review deliberately, not when you simply “take more tests.”
• LSAC emphasizes practicing with official tests via LawHub; use that as your anchor.

Review methodology (the “error log engine”)

For every missed or uncertain question, record:

• Section / passage / Q#
• Question archetype
• Your initial reasoning
• The trap that pulled you
• The correct reasoning
• A “prevent next time” rule

Error-log template

• Symptom: picked answer (B) because it “matched the topic”
• Cause: didn’t identify conclusion / task
• Fix rule: “Underline conclusion; prephrase required effect before reading answers”

Plateau-breaking strategies

Plateaus usually come from one of these:

• Speed ceiling (you understand, but too slow)
• Method gap (recurring flaw family or RC structure weakness)
• Review weakness (you’re not extracting lessons from misses)
• Endurance (accuracy drop section 3/4)

Realistic pacing math (seconds per question)

You always have 2,100 seconds per section (35 minutes). Because question counts vary, use ranges:

• If a section has 24 questions: 2,100 ÷ 24 ≈ 87.5 sec/Q
• If a section has 26 questions: 2,100 ÷ 26 ≈ 80.8 sec/Q

• If RC has 4 sets of 5–8 Q (20–32 Q):

• 2,100 ÷ 20 = 105 sec/Q

• 2,100 ÷ 32 = 65.6 sec/Q

How to use this: set internal “checkpoints” (see Section K) rather than obsess over per-question timing.

Prep strategy table (required)

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I) Section-by-Section High-ROI Strategies

Logical Reasoning

Flaw families (high ROI)

• Causation errors
• Necessary vs sufficient confusion
• Sampling/generalization
• Comparisons/analogy
• Circularity
• Scope shifts

Argument structure (always)

• Conclusion
• Premises
• Assumptions (gap)
• Counterpoints (if present) LSAC frames LR as evaluating arguments in ordinary language and recognizing relationships/assumptions/flaws.

Conditional logic (core skill)

• Learn to translate:

• “Only if” → necessary

• “Unless” → conditional rewrite
• “Without” → necessary condition
• Drill sufficient vs necessary until automatic

Common traps

• Right topic, wrong task (strengthen vs explain)
• “Half-right” answers (fix one premise but ignore conclusion)
• Extreme quantifiers (all/none) in soft arguments

Reading Comprehension

Passage mapping (highest ROI)

• 15–30 second “map” after reading:

• thesis/purpose

• paragraph roles
• viewpoints + who believes what
• any pivot (“however,” “but,” “yet”)

LSAC explicitly describes RC as requiring careful reading, structure recognition, inference, and author attitude/tone tracking.

Viewpoint tracking

• Tag speakers: Author, Group A, Group B, Critics, Researchers
• Comparative: build a 2-column map (Passage A vs Passage B)

Comparative passages

• Identify relationship type: point/counterpoint, principle/application, etc.
• Do NOT merge viewpoints; keep provenance.

Time-saving heuristics

• If a question asks “primary purpose,” re-read only intro + conclusion + map notes.
• For detail questions, re-locate lines; don’t rely on memory.

Writing Sample

Purpose

• Demonstrate persuasive writing under time constraint; it is unscored but sent to schools.

Evaluation criteria

• Reasoning, clarity, organization, mechanics (LSAC description).

Template strategy (safe and effective)

4-paragraph model

1. Position + roadmap
2. Best reason #1 + address a counterpoint
3. Best reason #2 + address a counterpoint
4. Synthesis + why your position best fits the facts/values

What law schools actually look for

• Coherent reasoning, professional tone, basic mechanics
• No need for outside facts; focus on argument quality

Top 25 LSAT mistakes (and fixes)

1. Not identifying conclusion (LR) → underline conclusion first.
2. Pre-reading answers (LR) → prephrase job before choices.
3. Confusing sufficient/necessary → translate and check direction.
4. Treating correlation as causation → ask “what else could explain?”
5. Falling for extreme language → match force to stimulus.
6. Ignoring quantifiers (some/most/all) → track exact scope.
7. Answering a different question (LR) → restate task in your own words.
8. Over-diagramming simple claims → diagram only when it clarifies.
9. Under-diagramming conditional chains → diagram when multiple conditionals appear.
10. Taking “could be true” as “must be true” → distinguish possibility vs necessity.
11. In RC, reading without a purpose → read for structure + thesis.
12. In RC, failing to track viewpoints → label who believes what.
13. In RC, relying on memory for details → re-find line support.
14. In RC, missing pivots (“however”) → pivot = testable.
15. In comparative, merging passages → keep separate maps.
16. Speeding early and crashing late → use checkpoints.
17. Spending 4 minutes on one LR question → skip and return.
18. Reviewing only wrong answers → review “lucky guesses” too.
19. No error log → you repeat the same mistakes.
20. PT binge without review → score plateaus.
21. Not practicing in LawHub interface → test-day friction.
22. Touching phone during break → can end session.
23. ID mismatch surprise → fix legal name early.
24. Waiting too long for writing sample → score release can be delayed.
25. Treating experimental as “free” → it’s unlabeled.

High-ROI strategies table (required)

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J) Practice Tests & Official Resources

LSAC LawHub

• LSAC administers the LSAT through LawHub and recommends familiarizing yourself with the interface via official practice tests.
• RC and LR drill sets are available in LawHub, and LSAC notes they include explanations/hints.

Official PrepTests

• LSAC states that taking previously administered LSATs is the best way to prepare for test day.

Writing sample practice

• Practice with the same constraints: 15 minutes prewrite + 35 minutes write.

Recommended books & platforms (how to choose safely)

Rule: Prefer providers that license official LSAT content; LSAC explicitly tells candidates to choose licensed providers.

How to identify outdated or misleading prep

• Material that emphasizes sections not on the current LSAT
• “Secret shortcuts” that don’t match LSAC task types
• “Guaranteed score increases” without diagnostic + review method

Red flags in prep companies

• Little to no error-review system
• Overemphasis on gimmicks instead of reasoning
• Doesn’t use official-style digital interface practice

Official resources table (required)

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K) Test-Day Strategy & Anxiety Control

Sleep and nutrition science (practical, non-gimmicky)

• Do not attempt a “new routine” on test day.
• Eat what you already know sits well.
• Hydrate, but avoid over-hydration that forces bathroom urgency.

Pacing rules

Use checkpoints rather than per-question panic.

LR checkpoint example

• At ~17–18 minutes remaining, you want to be ~halfway through the section (adjust based on difficulty).

RC checkpoint example

• Target ~8–9 minutes per passage set (including questions), then adjust.

Guessing strategy

Because there’s no penalty for incorrect answers, guessing is a rational last resort.

• Use elimination first.
• If stuck, guess and move; don’t donate 4 minutes to one question.

When to skip and return

Skip when:

• You can’t paraphrase the task
• You’re torn between 2+ answers without a decisive text/logic reason
• You’ve sunk your time budget

Psychological resets

• 2 breaths + re-read the question stem
• “Job first” mantra: What is this question asking me to do?

What to do if tech fails (remote)

• Follow proctor instructions; don’t improvise fixes that violate rules.
• Keep your workspace compliant (no prohibited devices).

What to do if performance collapses mid-test

• Narrow goal: “next 5 questions clean”
• Use the intermission to reset—without using electronics.

Test-day table (required)

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L) After the LSAT: Admissions Strategy

CAS reports (what they are and why they matter)

• CAS simplifies applications: you send transcripts, letters, and documents once to LSAC, which then compiles reports for schools.
• CAS Reports include an academic summary and can include LSAT scores/writing sample(s) as required.

Score submission timing

• Scores are released on the administration’s score release date if you have an approved writing sample and no holds.
• Writing approval can take up to three weeks, so complete writing as early as it becomes available (LSAC makes it available 8 days prior to the multiple-choice test).

Retake decision framework (high-accuracy)

Retake tends to help when:

• Your PT average is meaningfully above your official score
• You had a clear disruption (illness, tech issue)
• You have time before your target deadlines and retake limits allow it

Retake can hurt when:

• You’re at/near your plateau with no identified fix
• You’re out of realistic prep time
• Your cancellation strategy would create a pattern

Application timing (early vs late)

• Rolling admissions and scholarship timing vary by school.
• The defensible approach: confirm each school’s timeline and compare to your score release date.

Scholarships and leverage

• Scholarship outcomes correlate with how your numbers compare to a school’s enrolled-student distribution (ABA 509 data is a common reference point).

Resume and personal statement alignment

• Align your written materials with the story your numbers tell:

• If LSAT is a strength: highlight academic intensity and analytical work.

• If LSAT is below median: emphasize trajectory, resilience, and evidence of success in demanding reading/writing environments.

After-LSAT strategy table (required)

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Below is a fully sourced, policy-accurate, “don’t-skip-anything” LSAT FAQ master set (your original 80 plus 10 required extras on accommodations, JAG/military, character & fitness, and misconduct). Every rule-based claim is tied back to LSAC / Prometric / other primary sources (and clearly labeled when something is law-school discretion).

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Research-backed LSAT quick-reference tables

Table 1 — Core rules you must know (policy-anchored)

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Table 2 — Fastest “verify it yourself” checklist (what to check before you act)

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M) Comprehensive LSAT FAQs (90 total, detailed, none skipped)

Admissions and “Do I even need the LSAT?”

1) Is the LSAT required for all law schools?

Not universally. Many JD programs still require the LSAT, but a growing number accept other tests (most commonly the GRE, sometimes other pathways). This is law-school discretion, not a universal LSAC rule.

What to do:

• Make a shortlist of schools, then verify each school’s current “Standardized Test” policy on its admissions site.
• If you’re applying broadly, the LSAT usually gives the widest coverage because it’s the most standard JD test (but not the only one).

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2) Which law schools accept the GRE instead of the LSAT?

There isn’t one “official LSAC master list” because acceptance is set by schools, and policies change. A strong starting point is ETS’s list of law schools that say they accept the GRE—but you must still confirm on the school’s admissions page (because timelines, restrictions, and “if you have an LSAT we will use it” rules can apply).

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3) Does taking the GRE hurt scholarship chances?

It depends on the school. Scholarship awarding is law-school discretion. Some schools may treat GRE and LSAT similarly for admission decisions; others may informally weight LSAT more in scholarship modeling.

Practical strategy:

• If a school publishes scholarship criteria, follow that.
• Otherwise, assume LSAT gives the clearest scholarship leverage because it is the most standardized input across JD admissions.
• Use each school’s ABA-required disclosures (509) to see how admitted classes look—and how scholarships are distributed (school-by-school reality check).

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4) Should I take the LSAT if I’m unsure about law school?

Take a low-cost diagnostic first (timed sections or a timed practice test in LawHub “Exam Mode”), then decide.

A smart decision rule:

• If the diagnostic feels intellectually engaging and you can plausibly reach your target score with realistic effort → continue.
• If the diagnostic feels miserable, and the career path is uncertain → explore informational interviews / other graduate pathways first.

(Your “should I” decision is personal; the test is just a measurement tool.)

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5) Can I take the LSAT before finishing undergrad?

Generally yes in the sense that LSAC’s LSAT rules focus on candidate eligibility and policies, not “must have a completed bachelor’s degree” as a test-registration prerequisite. But JD admissions typically require a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) before enrollment, and schools control that.

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6) Is there a minimum age to take the LSAT?

Yes. LSAC’s Candidate Agreement states you must be at least 18 years old at the time you register, with limited exceptions described by LSAC.

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Identity, eligibility, and international testing

7) What IDs are accepted (passport, driver’s license, national ID)?

LSAC’s “Acceptable ID” policy is strict:

• A physical, valid international passport is accepted.
• Certain U.S./U.S. territory/Canadian government-issued photo IDs are accepted.
• A local/national ID from many other countries (without being a passport) is typically not on the accepted list.

Bottom line: if you’re outside the U.S./Canada, plan on using a passport.

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8) My LSAC name doesn’t match my ID—what do I do?

Treat this as a high-risk, fix-it-early issue.

• LSAC requires your name in your account to match your identification requirements for admission.
• If you recently changed your name, follow LSAC’s instructions for updating your profile and documentation well before test day.
• Do not assume a proctor can “override” a mismatch.

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9) Can I take the LSAT outside the U.S./Canada?

Yes, but you must register correctly:

• If you’re physically outside the U.S./Canada (and listed territories), LSAC requires you to register as an International Test Candidate and choose an administration available for your location.

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10) Do I need CAS to take the LSAT?

No. CAS (Credential Assembly Service) is for applications/reporting to schools, not a prerequisite to sit for the LSAT.

But many applicants eventually need CAS to apply to most U.S. law schools, so budget and timeline for it.

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What’s on the LSAT (sections, timing, experimental, writing)

11) What sections are on the LSAT now (no Logic Games)?

LSAC describes the current multiple-choice LSAT as having four 35-minute sections, built from Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, plus an unscored writing sample called LSAT Argumentative Writing.

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12) How long is each section?

Each multiple-choice section is 35 minutes.

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13) How many sections are scored?

Of the four multiple-choice sections, three are scored and one is unscored (experimental/variable). LSAC confirms one unscored section is included within the four-section multiple-choice test.

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14) What is the experimental section and how does it affect score?

The experimental (unscored) section:

• Is used by LSAC to test new questions for future forms.
• Does not count toward your raw score/scaled score.

The critical practical point: you must treat every section as scored, because you won’t reliably know which is unscored.

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15) Can I identify the experimental section?

Assume no.

• LSAC does not provide a label on test day that says “this is experimental.”
• Even if a section “feels weird” or “hard,” that does not reliably indicate it is unscored.

Best policy: execute the same pacing plan on all sections.

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16) Is LSAT Writing required?

LSAT Argumentative Writing is unscored, but it can still be required for score release in key cases:

• LSAC states that scores are released only if you have an approved writing sample on file (and no account holds).
• First-time test takers must complete it (unless they already have a valid writing sample on file within the relevant period).

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17) How long is LSAT Argumentative Writing?

LSAC states the total session is 50 minutes: 15 minutes of prewriting + 35 minutes of writing.

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18) When can I take Writing relative to multiple choice?

It opens before your multiple-choice administration (LSAC posts the specific “Writing opens” date per administration). You can (and usually should) complete it as soon as it becomes available, because LSAC notes processing/approval can take time and your score won’t release until you have an approved sample.

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19) Can I use scratch paper on Writing?

No. LSAC explicitly states scratch paper is permitted for the multiple-choice LSAT but not for LSAT Argumentative Writing; you instead have a digital notetaking area in the writing module.

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20) Can I take the LSAT on paper?

As a standard-format test taker, the LSAT is administered digitally through LawHub. Paper-and-pencil formats exist as testing accommodations (not as the default). LSAC’s specifications page and Prometric’s LSAC page confirm paper-based formats are tied to accommodations and handled in test centers.

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Remote vs test center (and which you should choose)

21) Is the LSAT still offered remotely?

Yes—LSAC continues to offer a remote testing option, and also offers in-person testing at Prometric centers for many administrations. (Always confirm for your specific administration.)

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22) Is in-person LSAT different from remote?

Content and timing are the same; the difference is the delivery environment:

• Both use LawHub as the testing platform and are proctored by Prometric (remote proctor vs center staff).
• The “risk profile” changes: at home you manage tech and room compliance; at a center you manage travel and center conditions.

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23) Which is safer: remote or in-person?

There is no universally correct choice; choose based on which risk you can control best:

Remote tends to be “safer” if you can guarantee:

• Stable internet + compliant room + correct equipment setup.

In-person tends to be “safer” if you:

• Don’t trust your home internet/equipment or can’t secure a compliant private room.

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Breaks, food, phones, and what you can do mid-test

24) What is the break structure?

LSAC provides one 10-minute intermission after Section 2. The Candidate Agreement governs what you can do, and it’s stricter than most people assume.

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25) Can I eat during intermission?

Yes, but with strict conditions.

• In-person: food/beverages are permitted only during intermission; not at your workspace during the test; water in a clear container is the exception.
• Remote: follow the Candidate Agreement and proctor instructions; don’t access prohibited items.

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26) Can I use my phone during intermission?

No. LSAC’s Candidate Agreement treats phone access as a serious violation:

• In-person: phones are stored and may not be accessed during the test process (including intermission).
• Remote: the only permitted phone use is to contact LSAC/Prometric for a problem, and it must be done in view of the camera; otherwise it’s prohibited (including intermission).

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Tech failures and “what happens if…”

27) What happens if my internet drops mid-section?

From a policy/operations standpoint:

• The proctoring session may be interrupted and your test may be flagged for review.
• You should follow Prometric/LSAC troubleshooting instructions immediately and document what happened (timestamps, screenshots if possible).

The safest move is prevention: run Prometric system checks, use stable internet, and minimize network load.

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28) What happens if ProProctor crashes?

Prometric provides the ProProctor application and user guidance; crashes typically trigger:

• Reconnect/relaunch steps, potentially a re-check of your room/ID.
• Possible session flagging for LSAC review if integrity can’t be confirmed.

You should know the ProProctor user guide procedures cold before test day.

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29) Can I pause the test?

Not in the normal way people mean.

• The LSAT is timed by section.
• Leaving the camera view/seat outside the intermission (or approved breaks as accommodations) can be treated as an unauthorized break, with serious consequences and the clock continues to run.

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Remote equipment rules (this is where most avoidable disasters happen)

30) What browser/computer do I need for remote LSAT?

At minimum, you must meet both LSAC’s and Prometric’s requirements:

• Candidate Agreement: remote test requires a desktop or laptop (no tablets/Chromebooks/mobile devices unless LSAC issued).
• Prometric ProProctor: Chrome-only compatibility is explicitly stated in Prometric’s system requirements help article.

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31) Are dual monitors allowed?

No.

• LSAC Candidate Agreement prohibits additional monitors in the test room (remote).
• Prometric remote rules also restrict monitor setups (see the ProProctor user guide for permitted configurations).

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32) Can I use an external webcam/microphone?

Usually, yes—often you must:

• LSAC requires an external camera if using a desktop computer.
• Prometric’s ProProctor guide explains camera requirements and practical constraints.

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33) Can I use earbuds/noise-cancelling headphones?

Generally no (unless you have an accommodation).

• LSAC allows generic foam earplugs (non-electronic, no cord/band, no string) but prohibits headphones/earbuds/noise-reducing earmuffs without accommodations.
• In person, you generally use test-center-provided headphones; personal headphones aren’t permitted.

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What you can have on your desk/workspace

34) What items are allowed on desk?

Remote is governed by the Candidate Agreement:

• Prometric pre-approved items plus LSAC’s explicitly allowed extras (scratch paper, ID, writing utensils, etc.). In-person:
• Prometric pre-approved items; LSAC provides scratch paper booklets; other items are locked away.

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35) How many sheets of scratch paper?

• Remote: exactly six (6) blank sheets (size limits apply).
• In-person: LSAC provides three (3) scratch paper booklets.

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36) Can I use mechanical pencil?

Yes for remote:

• LSAC explicitly includes “standard pencils, mechanical pencils, or ink pens” as permitted writing utensils (remote). In person, follow the test center’s procedures (often they provide materials or restrict what comes in).

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Digital test interface features

37) Can I highlight/underline on the digital LSAT?

Yes. LSAC’s own LawHub guidance emphasizes practicing in the authentic interface, including features like highlighting and interface tools you can use on test day.

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38) Can I eliminate answer choices in the interface?

Yes. LSAC explicitly notes you can practice “eliminating/ruling out answers” in LawHub in the same way you can during the real test.

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Scoring, percentiles, and score meaning

39) How is LSAT scored (raw to 120–180)?

LSAC’s scoring logic:

• Your score is based on # correct (raw score).
• All questions are weighted the same.
• No deduction for incorrect answers.
• Raw score converts to a scaled score 120–180 to compare across administrations.

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40) What is a score band?

A score band is LSAC’s estimate of a reasonable range around your reported score (accounting for measurement error). It’s designed to reflect that a single test has some statistical variability.

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41) How are percentiles calculated? Do they change?

LSAC percentiles:

• Are based on the previous three testing years of test takers.
• Are updated yearly (by end of July) for all reported scores.

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42) What is a “good” LSAT score?

There is no universal “good”—it depends on:

• Your target schools’ medians (LSAT + GPA distributions)
• Your scholarship goals
• Your personal constraints (time, cost, diminishing returns)

A rigorous definition:

• “Good” = at/above a target school’s median (strong competitiveness)
• “Scholarship-strong” often = near/above 75th percentile for that school (not guaranteed; school discretion)

Use ABA 509 disclosures as your scoreboard.

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43) What LSAT score do I need for T14/T50?

No honest advisor should give a single number without your exact school list and cycle context.

A defensible method:

1. Pull each school’s ABA 509 (LSAT 25th/50th/75th).

2. Decide your goal:

3. Admission safety: target ≥ median

4. Scholarship leverage: target ≥ 75th (where feasible)
5. Build a “target score range” across your list.

This is law-school discretion (not an LSAC rule).

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44) Do law schools average multiple LSAT scores?

Schools receive all reportable scores and can evaluate applications holistically (school discretion). Because LSAC reports multiple results (including cancellations/absences), you should assume every reportable administration can matter.

Practical strategy:

• Plan retakes only when you have a credible improvement plan.
• Expect schools to notice large score swings and be prepared to explain them (briefly, if asked or appropriate).

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45) Do law schools see canceled scores?

Yes. Cancellations are shown as a cancellation notation (not a numeric score), and LSAC includes cancellations among reported LSAT results.

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46) Should I cancel a score?

This is a high-stakes decision and should be rare.

A conservative decision framework:

• Do not cancel if the score is within striking distance of your target medians (even if it’s not your dream score).

• Consider canceling only if:

• The score is far below your demonstrated practice range and

• You have a clear explanation (illness, severe tech disruption) and
• You are confident your next attempt will be meaningfully higher.

Remember: a cancellation still counts toward retake limits.

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47) What is Score Preview and is it worth it?

LSAC policy: Score Preview lets you see your score and then choose to keep/cancel it within a defined window.

Worth it if:

• This is your first LSAT and you’re anxious about a “shock score.”
• You believe there’s a meaningful chance you’ll want to cancel after seeing the number.

Not worth it if:

• You already know you won’t cancel (because cancellations count against limits and can raise questions).

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48) How much does Score Preview cost?

LSAC lists:

• $45 if purchased prior to the first day of testing for the administration
• $85 if purchased during the specified post-testing period

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49) Can I retake LSAT Writing to replace a weak one?

Generally, you only need one writing sample on file for your LSAT to be “complete,” and if you already have a writing sample, you typically do not need to do it again. If you want to retake writing anyway, LSAC instructs you to contact Candidate Services.

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Retakes, score validity, absences, withdrawals

50) How many times can I take the LSAT?

LSAC’s retake limits:

• Five times within the current reportable score period (since June 2020)
• Seven times over a lifetime

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51) How long are scores valid?

LSAC reports scores earned in:

• The current testing year, and
• The prior five testing years (testing years are July 1–June 30)

LSAC also states scores prior to June 2020 are not considered valid for law school admission and aren’t included in the score report (though you can order an official candidate report for personal records).

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52) Does an absence count as an attempt?

LSAC policy for limits:

• Absences do not count against the retake numerical limits. But absences can appear on your score report as an “Absent” designation (LSAC describes absentee notations as not being a score of zero).

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53) If I withdrew, does it show up?

Two separate issues:

1. Retake-limit counting: withdrawals do not count against LSAC’s numerical limits.
2. Reporting: LSAC’s score report language emphasizes reporting scores, cancellations, and absences; withdrawals are treated as a registration action, and you should confirm how your account reflects it (because policies can be administration-specific).

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54) What’s the difference between withdrawal and cancellation?

• Withdrawal: you do not take the test (or your registration is withdrawn under certain conditions); no numeric score is produced. Missing certain procedural requirements can have consequences (e.g., not scheduling can trigger automatic withdrawal without refund).
• Cancellation: you took the test, but you choose (or LSAC decides) not to keep/release a numeric score; it appears as a cancellation notation and counts toward retake limits.

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55) Can I appeal retake limits?

Yes. LSAC provides an official appeals process requiring:

• Email to TTL@LSAC.org
• A detailed explanation + documentation
• A submission deadline tied to the registration deadline

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Registration, timing, scheduling, and avoiding costly mistakes

56) How do I register for the LSAT?

High-level steps:

1. Create/enter your LSAC JD account
2. Register for a specific administration
3. Schedule your exact test appointment through Prometric within the scheduling window (this step is mandatory)

LSAC emphasizes the Prometric scheduling step, and Prometric/LSAC provide contact channels for scheduling help.

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57) How far in advance should I register?

As early as possible within the published window, because:

• Administration deadlines are firm (ET).
• You also want the earliest possible access to scheduling options (time slots/test centers fill).

Your gold-standard source is the LSAC dates/deadlines page for your intended administration.

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58) How do I choose a test date?

A high-ROI method:

• Start from your application deadlines and work backward:

• Ensure score release happens early enough for the cycle you want.

• Leave room for a retake if needed (within LSAC retake limits).
• Confirm your administration’s actual score release date on LSAC’s schedule page.

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59) Can I change from remote to in-person after registering?

Often, yes (but availability and deadlines matter).

• LSAC’s LSAT FAQs note you can usually reschedule through Prometric’s ProScheduler tool if you decide to switch modalities after scheduling.

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60) What happens if I miss the scheduling window with Prometric?

This is a critical, non-obvious rule:

• LSAC states that if you did not schedule a testing time through Prometric by the scheduling deadline, your registration will be automatically withdrawn, without a refund. Prometric also indicates scheduling deadlines and suggests test date changes if you can’t schedule by the deadline.

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Costs, CAS, and fee waivers

61) What is the LSAT registration fee?

LSAC lists the LSAT (including LSAT Argumentative Writing) at $248.

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62) What is the CAS fee and what does it cover?

CAS is LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service used to compile and transmit application materials to schools (school-by-school reporting).

• LSAC lists CAS at $215.

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63) How much are CAS reports per school?

LSAC lists each CAS Report at $45.

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64) Are fee waivers available?

Yes. LSAC has a two-tier fee waiver program for financially under-resourced prospective U.S./Canadian law students, with specific benefit structures and tasks required to unlock benefits.

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65) Does a fee waiver cover CAS reports?

Yes, depending on tier and completion of required tasks:

• Tier 1 includes CAS subscription + 6 CAS reports
• Tier 2 includes CAS subscription + 3 CAS reports

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66) Do prep courses require LawHub Advantage?

Many prep providers recommend it because it’s the official interface and source of official PrepTests.

LSAC’s position:

• Practicing in LawHub lets you use the same kinds of tools you’ll have on test day (highlighting, eliminating answers, interface familiarity).

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Prep resources, “what’s legit,” and practice testing

67) What are the best official resources?

Official/highest-fidelity resources:

• LSAC LawHub practice in the authentic interface and official PrepTests (free + paid options).
• LSAC tutorial materials in LawHub and LSAC guidance on getting ready.

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68) Are old PrepTests still useful?

Yes—with a big caveat:

• Older tests can still build LR/RC skills.
• But for “full-test realism,” prioritize the most current-format resources and practice in LawHub’s authentic interface so your timing and navigation match test day.

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69) How do I know a prep company is legit?

A rigorous screening checklist:

• Do they base drilling/analytics on official LSAC content and the current format?
• Do they teach strategy without “inventing rules” that contradict LSAC policy (e.g., wrong timing/section structure)?
• Do they encourage practicing in LawHub to match the real interface?

If a company’s claims conflict with LSAC policy pages, trust LSAC.

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70) How many practice tests should I take?

There’s no universal number; what matters is quality of review and whether each PT is generating actionable fixes.

A high-ROI heuristic:

• Take enough PTs to see consistent performance patterns (strengths/weaknesses) and to build stamina under the 4×35 structure.
• If review quality is low, more PTs can make you “confidently wrong.”

Use LawHub “Exam Mode” for realism.

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71) How often should I take full PTs?

Frequency should match your phase:

• Early phase: fewer full PTs, more targeted drilling + deep review
• Mid/late phase: regular full PTs to simulate test-day stamina and pacing

Always simulate the official structure and conditions.

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72) How should I review?

A research-aligned review workflow:

1. Blind review or “untimed second look” before checking answers (to separate knowledge gaps from timing errors).
2. Identify the exact failure mode: misread stimulus, wrong inference, trap answer, time panic, etc.
3. Write a rule for next time (“If I see X, I will do Y”).

Keep review tied to the actual interface and official question style.

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73) What is an error log and how do I maintain it?

An error log is your personal dataset of:

• Question type + why you missed it + what would have prevented it
• A “next time” trigger/action rule
• A spaced-review schedule (retest after 2–7–14 days)

The goal is behavior change, not just explanation. (This is prep methodology; not an LSAC policy.)

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74) Why am I plateauing?

Common plateau causes:

• You’re taking too many PTs without deep review.
• Your mistakes are coming from the same 2–3 patterns (timing triage, conditional logic slips, assumption traps).
• You’re not training the decision to move on under time pressure.

Plateau fix = diagnose which mistake family is dominant, then drill that family with strict review rules.

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Retake strategy and admissions timing

75) Should I retake if my score is lower?

Usually, no immediate panic:

• Schools will see multiple results; one lower score isn’t automatically fatal, but big swings can raise questions.
• Retake only if you can credibly outperform the lower score with a better preparation block or resolved test-day issue.

Remember: retakes are limited and cancellations count.

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76) Can schools see all attempts?

Schools receive LSAC score reports containing all reportable LSAT results (including absences and cancellations) up to the reporting limit rules.

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77) When should I apply after taking the LSAT?

Admissions timing is law-school discretion, but your hard constraints are:

• Score release dates (and the rule that scores won’t release without an approved writing sample and no holds).
• Your application readiness (personal statement, letters, transcript, CAS processing).

Aim to submit when you have your best score and a complete application package.

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78) How does rolling admission affect LSAT timing?

Many schools review applications as they come in (rolling), so earlier complete applications can help—but this varies.

The non-negotiable LSAT timing constraints remain:

• Published score release dates
• Writing approval requirement for score release (where applicable)

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79) How do scholarships work with LSAT?

Scholarships are law-school discretion, but the common reality is:

• LSAT and GPA are major drivers of merit awards (because they correlate with admissions competitiveness).
• Your leverage improves when you’re above a school’s median/75th (school-by-school).

Use ABA 509s to ground expectations and to avoid “forum mythology.”

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80) Can high GPA offset a low LSAT?

Sometimes—but not reliably.

• Many schools use holistic review, but LSAT is still a major standardized metric.
• A very high GPA can help, but if your LSAT is far below a school’s typical range, admission and scholarship odds usually drop.

The most accurate way to answer this is by comparing you to each school’s published 509 percentiles.

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REQUIRED additional FAQs (accommodations, cutoffs, JAG, character & fitness, misconduct)

81) Will law schools know if I tested with accommodations?

Generally, no “flag” or annotation is used on score reports for accommodated testing (this is widely reported after LSAC ended score-flagging). LSAC itself focuses on how scores are reported, and third-party summaries of LSAC policy state schools are not informed that you had accommodations.

Practical implications:

• You should not avoid legitimate accommodations out of fear of “marking.”
• You will still need to request accommodations separately in law school if needed (different process). (Primary reporting on end of flagging + reputable prep summaries.)

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82) What types of LSAT accommodations exist?

LSAC provides a non-exhaustive list and evaluates requests case-by-case. Common categories include:

• Extended time
• Additional/stop-start breaks
• Modality/format changes (including certain alternative formats)
• Assistive technology approvals (as applicable)

Key point: inclusion in the list does not guarantee approval; it depends on documentation and LSAC policy.

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83) What are accommodations timelines/deadlines and documentation basics?

LSAC requires your request to be submitted by the accommodation request deadline associated with your test date (deadlines are administration-specific). You must plan early because approvals and scheduling (especially multi-day or special format) can require coordination.

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84) If I was previously approved for accommodations, do I need to reapply?

Often, LSAC provides automatic approval for the “same or substantially similar” accommodations previously granted—but there are important exceptions, and LSAC explicitly notes some categories may require a new request (policy details are posted by LSAC/LawHub).

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85) Are paper-and-pencil or braille tests available?

Yes—as accommodations, not as the default.

• LSAC states alternative formats (like paper-and-pencil, braille) are available as testing accommodations.
• Paper-based accommodated tests are provided in Prometric test centers and are tied to accommodated testing policies.

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86) What is an ABA 509 report and how do I use it for LSAT targets and scholarships?

ABA-required 509 disclosures are standardized school-by-school reports that include:

• LSAT and GPA percentiles for entering classes
• Scholarship information and other consumer disclosures

How to use:

• Build targets: aim near/above a school’s 50th (median) for competitiveness; near/above 75th for leverage.
• Sanity-check scholarship expectations using the school’s published scholarship distribution data.

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87) Do law schools have strict LSAT cutoffs?

Some schools may have informal floors, but hard cutoffs are not universal and are always school discretion. Many schools use holistic review; however, if your score is far below a school’s typical 509 range, chances drop.

How to verify:

• Read each school’s admissions FAQ (some state minimums; many do not).
• Use ABA 509 percentiles as the most defensible proxy for “real-world” competitiveness.

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88) Military/JAG pathways: Do I need the LSAT?

Usually, if you’re going to law school first (the most common JAG path), you still follow standard JD admissions requirements (LSAT/GRE/etc. depending on the law school).

Important nuance:

• JAG eligibility is controlled by the branch (Army/Navy/Air Force, etc.), not LSAC.
• You must follow both sets of requirements: (1) law school admissions + (2) military commissioning/JAG program requirements.

Start with official branch guidance for your program.

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89) Character & fitness: will arrests/discipline automatically ruin admissions?

Not automatically—but hiding or minimizing issues can.

• Law schools and later bar admissions processes ask for disclosures.
• The safest approach is: disclose accurately, take responsibility, show rehabilitation, and keep the explanation factual and concise.

Action steps:

• Keep copies of records (court dispositions, school discipline outcomes).
• Draft a disclosure addendum that is consistent across applications.
• When in doubt, consult the specific school’s instructions and (later) bar requirements.

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90) What behavior gets an LSAT score canceled/held, and what are the consequences?

LSAC can place holds, investigate irregularities, and cancel scores based on security and rule violations (including prohibited devices, unauthorized breaks, room-entry issues, etc.). The Candidate Agreement makes clear that violations can trigger flagging, review, cancellation, and other consequences.

“Best” LSAT tutor = the one that matches your current score, your target score, your timeline, and how you learn. So instead of naming one winner (which is usually wrong), here’s a research-backed short list of reputable tutoring options with transparent policies/pricing, plus a hard checklist to help you pick the right tutor and avoid expensive duds.

Before we start: make sure any tutor is teaching the current LSAT (no Logic Games): the standard LSAT is four 35-minute sections (2 scored LR + 1 scored RC + 1 unscored “variable” LR/RC) plus separate writing.

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The most reputable LSAT tutoring options (with published details)

Table 1 — High-quality providers (what they’re best for, and what they cost)

Important baseline: You should practice and review using official LSAT PrepTests in LawHub (4 free; more with LawHub Advantage) regardless of which tutor you choose.

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How to choose “the best tutor” for you (non-negotiable criteria)

Table 2 — Tutor selection checklist (use this like a contract)

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The 15-minute “trial consult” script that exposes bad tutors fast

Use this exact sequence with any tutor/company:

1. “Here’s a question I missed. Teach it to me.”

2. Good tutor: asks what you were thinking, identifies the trap, gives a reusable rule.

3. Bad tutor: lectures the correct answer with no diagnosis.

4. “What are the top 3 mistake types you expect I’ll make based on my score range?”

5. Good: specific, test-realistic categories (argument core, assumption gaps, RC viewpoint shifts, etc.).

6. Bad: vague motivation talk.

7. “Show me how you handle timing on the current 4×35 format.” (Because the current LSAT is four 35-minute sections.)

8. “What do you assign between sessions, and how do you review it?”

9. If they don’t assign structured homework + review, you’re paying for vibes.

10. “If we’re not a good fit after 1–2 sessions, what happens?”

11. You want an easy path to switch tutors.

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Quick decision guide: which option is usually best by situation

Table 3 — “Best fit” map (practical, not hype)

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Two “don’t waste money” rules (seriously)

1. Do not pay for tutoring until you’ve done a timed diagnostic in official conditions. You want to know whether you need fundamentals, timing, or advanced refinement. (And you should be using official PrepTests in LawHub.)

2. Do not buy large hour bundles unless you’ve done 1–2 sessions and the tutor has shown:

3. clear diagnosis,

4. a written plan, and
5. measurable homework expectations.

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