Practice Makes Perfect -- or at Least Way Better!
Every applicant should plan to take at least 10 practice tests, over a period of at least three months -- six months if you're a poor test-taker. You can download a practice test and find information on ordering released LSATs to use as extra practice materials. You can also buy them faster and perhaps less expensive at my favorite web site -- Amazon.
The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTest
10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
all sell for $20 here, but for $30 at LSAC!
Should I Take a Prep Course?
Many people's first instinct is to shell out a thousand bucks or more for preparation. If you need an outside hand to provide structure and direction, that may not be a bad idea. But if you know that you're a well-motivated person who can prepare and follow through on a study plan on your own, you may only need to spend $100 or so on prep books. If you want to consider prepping on your own, look here.
"They Don't Read the Writing Sample"Usually I have to debunk these fables spread by LSAT prep courses that are unwilling to teach this portion of the test. This time, however, LSAC did it for me. The following survey, taken in the fall of 2006, is linked through lsacnet.org According to a 2006 LSAC survey of 157 United States and Canadian law schools, almost all utilize the unscored LSAT writing sample in evaluating some applications for admission. Here is the question on the survey and the tabulation of responses:How often do you use the current writing sample to evaluate a candidate’s qualifications for law school? Always 16 Frequently 41 Occasionally
53 http://www.lsac.org/LSAC.asp?url=/lsac/changing-news.asp#Writing_Sample_Survey_Result That means 110 use the writing sample at least occasionally, while only 52 report using it rarely. Those of you taking an LSAT course that teaches "They don't read the writing sample," take note. |
How Do I Register?
To register for the LSAT, you need to click on "LSAT" on the LSAC web page.
All you HAVE to do is click on the blue "Register Here" bar. However, you might want to get a free sample test, buy some materials, or apply for a fee waiver if you haven't yet.
Since the system already knows your address, it will suggest test centers near you.
When should I register?
Generally you must register thirty days before you plan to take the exam. You can register closer to the test date, but you will pay a late fee in addition to the regular fee. Note on the sample above that my fee waiver will get me past he $136 LSAT fee, but not past the $68 late fee.
I always ask my students to register a month earlier than that, since ever-more registrants are closed out of the center they request as LSAC cannot plan enough new centers to make up for the test retaker demand. In the example above, 2 of the 3 local centers are closed. In the last several years, some of my students were forced to take the exam as far as eighty miles away!
Requests for fee waivers, special accommodations or private test centers must be made in advance. There may be extra forms to complete for these services, so get an early start if you need any special accommodations.
How Much Does It Cost?
The fee for the LSAT rises every year; all I can say for sure is that in 2010 it was $136, as you can see above. There is no extra charge for handicap accommodations, while private test centers cost an extra $200 or more, depending on where you are requesting to take the exam.
Special Accommodations
If you have any type of disability you may be entitled to special testing conditions. People with reading disabilities are often entitled to readers or transcribers; in addition, you may be given extra time. People with any physical disability may be entitled to extra time, either for the test itself or for breaks. People in wheelchairs are often accommodated in private rooms, and extra break time is given to allow the test-taker to use rest rooms and soda machines.
If you take the test under special circumstances, Law Services will notify the law schools receiving your score. They will not provide the reason why this was done unless you authorize them to do so. In general, I believe that it helps to include a statement outlining the reason you needed special circumstances and what accommodations were made. It helps the admissions committee evaluate your score, and (should they accept you) gives them time to begin planning to meet your needs once you enroll.
We've received a number of calls from people with learning disabilities who had Law Services deny their requests for testing accommodation -- extra time, special materials, etc. -- because the applicant didn't include sufficient documentation. Then, when the applicant gets the documentation to them, the deadline has passed, and Law Services denies the request.
Law Services is very conservative in handing out LSAT accommodations. Exceptions happen once in a blue moon. So if you're expecting to get accommodations of any sort for your LSAT start way, way in advance to find out what documentation and testing they require.