The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) four times a year. It is used by law schools to assess the critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing skills of prospective students.

Test Duration and Validity Period
The LSAT exam consists of five sections:
- Analytical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing Sample
- Experimental
The Analytical Reasoning and Logical Reasoning sections each have 25 questions and a time limit of 35 minutes. The Reading Comprehension section has four passages with 27 questions and a time limit of 35 minutes. The Writing Sample is an unscored section that requires the test taker to write an essay in 35 minutes. The Experimental section consists of experimental questions that are not scored and may appear in any section of the exam.
LSAT scores are valid for five years from the date the test was taken. This means that law schools will consider your score for admission decisions for up to five years after you take the test.
How to Keep Your Score Valid
To keep your LSAT score valid, you must:
- Take the test again within five years of your original test date.
- Score higher on your retake than you did on your original test.
- Cancel your original score before taking the retake.
If you do not meet these criteria, your original score will expire and you will need to retake the LSAT.
Average LSAT Scores
The average LSAT score is 150. The 25th percentile score is 143, and the 75th percentile score is 157.
LSAT Score Percentiles
The following table shows the LSAT score percentiles:
Score | Percentile |
---|---|
180 | 99th |
175 | 97th |
170 | 95th |
165 | 90th |
160 | 85th |
155 | 75th |
150 | 50th |
145 | 25th |
140 | 10th |
135 | 5th |
LSAT Score Ranges
The following table shows the LSAT score ranges for different law school tiers:
Law School Tier | LSAT Score Range |
---|---|
Top 14 | 165-180 |
Top 25 | 160-175 |
Top 50 | 155-165 |
Top 100 | 150-160 |
All Law Schools | 145-180 |
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Retake the LSAT
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to retake the LSAT:
- Your original LSAT score
- Your target law schools
- Your practice test scores
- Your time constraints
If you scored below your target score, you may want to consider retaking the LSAT. If you are applying to top law schools, you will need a higher LSAT score than if you are applying to lower-ranked schools. If you have been consistently scoring higher on practice tests than you did on your original LSAT, you may also want to consider retaking the test. However, if you are short on time, you may want to focus on other aspects of your law school application, such as your personal statement and letters of recommendation.
Tips for Improving Your LSAT Score
If you decide to retake the LSAT, there are a few things you can do to improve your score:
- Take a prep course.
- Study for the test regularly.
- Take practice tests.
- Analyze your practice test results.
- Get feedback from a tutor.
With hard work and dedication, you can improve your LSAT score and increase your chances of getting into your dream law school.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing for the LSAT:
- Not starting to study early enough.
- Not taking enough practice tests.
- Not analyzing your practice test results.
- Not getting enough sleep the night before the test.
- Not being familiar with the test format.
- Not managing your time wisely during the test.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can increase your chances of success on the LSAT.
Pros and Cons of Retaking the LSAT
There are both pros and cons to retaking the LSAT.
Pros:
- You can improve your score.
- You can increase your chances of getting into your dream law school.
- You can demonstrate your commitment to law school.
Cons:
- It can be expensive.
- It can be time-consuming.
- It can be stressful.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to retake the LSAT is a personal one. You should weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.