LSAT Preparation: Getting Started

You are interested in applying to law school sometime in the next few years, and you know that for competitive programs, a good LSAT score is an important part of your application. While you may not be ready for an intense study program just yet, there are a few simple things you will want to do to orient yourself and get your LSAT study off on the right foot.

Gather and assess your resources

Sometimes, the hand-me-down treasures of friends, family, and even boxes on the street marked “FREE” will include LSAT study guides. Since the test format has changed recently, make sure that your resources are for the newest format of the test, which started in the middle of 2024. Any book that includes mentions of “Logic Games” or the “Analytical Reasoning Section” includes material that is not accurate to the current test, so be careful!

You will want to create a free account for the LSAC, LSAT, and LawHub test prep. Eventually, we’ll go into a deeper discussion of resources– both online platforms and books.

Get Acquainted with the Basics of the LSAT

The LSAT consists of three scored sections and one unscored section. Each section is 35 minutes long and has 25 to 27 questions, or you may be granted extra time if you qualify for an accommodation (most relevant to students who had such accommodations for high school or college tests).

Nothing on this test is about your knowledge of any laws or the legal system! Two of the scored sections concern your ability to analyze reasoning and make inferences, and the other scored section has four high-level reading passages with sets of questions testing your ability to read closely and carefully answer questions about what you read. A fourth multiple choice section will be included but not scored, but you will not be told which one it is on test day.

The real LSAT will also have a separate writing task, but we’ll not worry about that for now. The modern LSAT is given either remotely (with you joining the exam from a controlled, quiet place like your home or a library study room) or in-person at a Prometric test center. Your LSAT score is based on how many questions you get correct out of 75 to 77 scored items, and is converted to a scaled score that ranges from 120 to 180. 

Go Take Practice Test 158 as a “Cold Diagnostic!!!”

Your free LawHub account includes the ability to take a couple of LSAT exams for free. Please do yourself a big favor and take PrepTest 158 as soon as you have a spare two and a half calm hours with your computer.

This first test, commonly called a “cold diagnostic,” sets your baseline for future study and gives you the first chance to engage with the experience of the LSAT. It is best to try this out as soon as you have a basic idea of what the LSAT is, not weeks into studying! There are dozens of other official exams to practice from, so there’s no need to worry that this one is a “waste.”

Your LSAT study program will involve taking regular practice tests with as little concern as possible for being “judged” by your score, so set up this excellent habit right at the beginning. Whether the experience is a pleasant surprise, makes you laugh, or feels overwhelming, it’s the best move to start with this cold diagnostic. We will also be happy to review the details with you!