The LSAT

The test consists of four sections plus a 35 minute writing sample. The writing sample is not scored, but copies are sent to law schools. The window for completing the writing sample is eight days before the test, or sometime afterward; your scores will not be released to law schools without a writing sample. 

The four multiple-choice sections are comprised of:

• Two Logical Reasoning Sections in which you read a short passage and answer questions about the arguments presented. Questions test ability to identify assumptions, analyze the structure of arguments and draw logical conclusions.
• Reading Comprehension in which you read complex essays on a variety of topics. Questions test understanding of the texts. You may be asked to identify themes and to draw inferences about facts and theories presented.
• Experimental Section. May be either of the above. Results on this section do not affect your score; you are not told which section is experimental.

How long should I study?

• Assess yourself – familiarize yourself with the LSAT by taking the exam without timing it. Then do a timed practice exam and score it. There are a handful of free practice online exams on the LSAC website at www.lsac.org/lsat/prep. 
• Given the unusual nature of this test—it is a test of skills rather than knowledge of substance—it is not atypical to need 6-8 months, or even a year of study to reach maximum potential score on the test if you have not prepped for standardized testing in the past. Some students find that they don’t improve significantly on practice tests until after 120 hours of studying. Do not be discouraged! Remember that just because an LSAT class lasts for 3 months does not mean that is all the practice you need to maximize your score.
• Not enough time to study? This can be true if you work and are in school and/or have family obligations. Consider postponing until you complete school so you can achieve your best score! Many students do this and at the same time take jobs in fields that can affirm or support career plans.

The key approach: Take practice exams (but only on actual LSAT questions)

• Whatever the method of study you choose, (see study options on the next tab) you should take timed practice tests as much as possible. As suggested above, practice tests are available for free through LSAC’s LawHub. To have full access to LawHub requires a one year subscription; it is critical subscribe and to practice on LawHub since these tests are in the same interface as the exam that you will take. Do timed sections and full practice tests.
• Spend time going over the exams that you take and understand your errors. You will improve not by just doing the exams, but by reviewing your answers. This can be a tedious process, but it is the only way to determine what you are doing wrong, so that you can figure out how to avoid mistakes on the next test. Be sure that you practice unter timed conditions.
• Avoid practicing on simulated questions; with so many released exams, it is not a challenge to locate actual tests.

Where can I find sample tests?

• Complete sample tests on LawHub.
• Some test preparation companies (Princeton Review and Kaplan) offer free scored and timed practice tests for anyone who would like to sit for them.

Can I take this test more than once?

• Ideally you want to take the LSAT one time, when you are ready.
• Within one year: Students may take the exam three (3) times in a single testing year (the testing year goes from June 1 to May 31).
• Within five years: Students may take the exam five (5) times within a five year window (the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools).
• Multiple scores are provided to law schools.
• Do take the LSAT again if you are not pleased with your score and think you can do better -- particularly if you were feeling ill during the test. However, if you prepared appropriately for the first exam, realize that most students do not significantly increase their scores through subsequent testing.
• If you are able to do substantially better on a second exam, you will greatly improve your prospects of admission.
• Never take a reported, "live" test for practice.

Classroom Courses
Classroom courses structure study allow feedback from teachers and provide a community of colleagues. Students who take a classroom course often like the automatic discipline that a live course can create, by imposing external demands. Classroom courses generally cost more than a virtual course.

• • There is a specially-designed, subsidized on-campus course offered through Hunter's LSAT Diversity Initiative to students and alumni each year, that runs through spring and summer. The course is taught by Carolyn Nelson. Having seen Carolyn's success at Hunter, she has since been hired by LatinoJustice and CUNYPipeline for their initiatives. Speak with the Pre-Law Advisor (and keep an eye on the listserv and screens on campus for announcements about recruitment for this course).
  • 7Sage offers a fellowship summer, with intensive LSAT prep, supplemental coaching, and a stipend.
  • TRIALS, a partnership between NYU and Harvard Law, is another summer fellowship program.
  • Other LSAT prep prep opportunities are listed on our Diversity page.
  • A variety of commercial courses are available, widely ranging in price. Shop around – compare prices, amount of class-time, out-of class resources, number of simulated exams administered, and level of feedback from teachers. Be sure to attend Hunter's LSAT introduction sessions with various providers to get an inside view of their teaching styles. What matters most is WHO is in the classroom, as opposed to a particular "brand." Try to get student reviews of the particular instructor who will be teaching your class.
    

Web-Based Courses
Web-based courses offer the convenience of "attending" class from home, while still benefitting from instruction. Whether this approach is right for you, however, will depend on your level of diligence. As well, recognize that the virtual classroom lacks the immediacy of in-person interaction. Your ability to ask questions and receive a prompt, individualized response may be limited. Nevertheless, for students who cannot otherwise attend class due to work or family obligations, this type of approach can sometimes be helpful, depending on circumstances.

• Khan Academy, in partnership with LSAC, offers a free online course. See details at www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/lsat-prep.

Self-Study
There are a number of websites that offer helpful, free limited materials and resources. Please note that the Pre-Law Program does not "endorse" any of the following providers. 

• LSAC's LawHub (limited number of free practice tests - again, it is essential to subscribe to LawHub to gain access to all old tests)
• 7 Sage
• Velocity LSAT
• LSAT Hacks
• Thinking LSAT
• Blueprint Prep
• Kaplan
• PowerScore
• Some websites also provide free explanations—not just the answers but explanations—for all parts of the exam. Having access to explanations that help you understand your mistakes is the most important part of self-study. You quickly understand the questions you get right, but it can be hard to figure out the ones you do not.
  • LSAT Hacks
  • Manhattan Prep

Tutoring
Tutoring can be very expensive but does allow for extensive, personalized feedback. Sometimes a few tutoring sessions in an area of difficulty can be very useful. Most commercial providers, as well as the LSAT prep websites, offer tutoring services.

In general, you will get the most "bang for the buck" with tutoring if you have first familiarized yourself with the test, and have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to reach out to a tutor in an informed way, and to make the most of the time you are paying for.

Study Groups
Look for friends to study with. This can make the process more fun and help structure your studying. In particular, reach out on the Facebook page of the Hunter Pre-Law Society and see who might be interested in creating a group. Be sure to clarify expectations regarding meeting times and duration for all participants.