"LSAT 2025

Test Structure

From logic to law school—understand the exam that defines your legal journey.

What is the LSAT?

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam conducted by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and is a critical requirement for admission to most law schools in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. It is specifically designed to assess the skills considered essential for success in law school and, ultimately, in the legal profession. These skills include logical reasoning, which evaluates a test taker’s ability to analyze and draw valid conclusions from arguments; analytical thinking, which measures the ability to understand and organize complex information; reading comprehension, which tests the ability to read dense, scholarly texts and understand their structure and meaning; and argument evaluation, which involves identifying strengths and weaknesses in different lines of reasoning. Unlike exams that focus on rote memorization, the LSAT emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are integral to legal studies and practice. The test is offered multiple times throughout the year, providing students with the opportunity to select a date that fits their academic or personal schedule. To accommodate a wide range of candidates, the LSAT is available both remotely (online) and at approved in-person testing centers, making it accessible to individuals regardless of their geographic location or personal circumstances. Its results are used by law school admissions committees to predict a candidate’s ability to succeed in rigorous legal education programs, and thus, it plays a significant role in shaping the future careers of aspiring lawyers. Preparing for the LSAT often involves months of study and practice, as a high score can significantly enhance a candidate’s chances of being admitted to competitive law schools and may also qualify them for scholarships or other forms of financial aid.

How to Prepare

Why Take the LSAT?

Despite some law schools adopting test-optional policies, the LSAT still matters. Here's why:

Required for ABA-accredited law schools

Helps demonstrate academic readiness

Can qualify you for scholarships and merit-based aid

Boosts your application in competitive law school programs

LSAT Test Structure (2025 Onward)

The LSAT is a standardized exam required for admission into most law schools in the U.S., Canada, and some other countries. It is designed to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school, like critical thinking, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

Total Sections:

3 Scored Multiple-Choice Sections

1 Unscored Experimental Section

1 Unscored LSAT Writing Sample

1. Logical Reasoning 

Duration: 35 minutes

Questions: Around 24–26

Focus: Analyze and evaluate arguments, recognize logical flaws, draw conclusions

Skills Tested: Critical thinking, reasoning, argument analysis

2. Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) 

Duration: 35 minutes

Questions: Around 23

Focus: Solve puzzles based on rules and relationships

Skills Tested: Deductive reasoning, grouping, sequencing, matching

3. Reading Comprehension

Duration: 35 minutes

Questions: Around 27

Focus: Read and analyze dense passages, often from law, science, philosophy, or social science

Skills Tested: Reading for structure, main ideas, inferences, author’s tone, and detail

4. Experimental Section (Unscored)

Duration: 35 minutes

Focus: Can be any of the three multiple-choice section types

Purpose: LSAC uses this section to test future questions

Note: You won’t know which section is experimental during the test

5. LSAT Writing (Unscored but Mandatory)

Format: A 35-minute writing sample

When Taken: Separate from the main LSAT (usually online at home)

Focus: Write an argumentative essay based on a given prompt with two opposing choices

Sent to Law Schools: Along with your LSAT score

Total Duration: Around 2 hours 45 minutes (plus optional breaks and writing sample time)

Scoring:

Scale: 120 to 180

Only the 3 scored sections count toward your LSAT score

Writing and Experimental are not scored but still required

Key LSAT Prep Tips

Start studying 3–6 months in advance

Use official LSAC prep resources and free practice tests

Create a realistic study schedule

Join online study groups or enroll in LSAT prep courses

Important Dates

• Upcoming LSAT Test Dates (2025–2026)

  Here's the official schedule for the LSAT test cycle in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands:

  
  

  August 2025 LSAT

  Test Dates: August 6 (Wed), 7 (Thu), 8 (Fri), 9 (Sat)

  Score Release Date: August 27, 2025

  Testing Region: U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

  
  

  September 2025 LSAT

  Test Dates: September 3 (Wed), 4 (Thu), 5 (Fri), 6 (Sat)

  Score Release Date: September 24, 2025

  Testing Region: U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

  
  

  October 2025 LSAT

  Test Dates: October 3 (Fri), 4 (Sat), 6 (Mon), 7 (Tue)

  Score Release Date: October 24, 2025

  Testing Region: All global locations (International test available)

  
  

  November 2025 LSAT

  Test Dates: November 5 (Wed), 6 (Thu), 7 (Fri), 8 (Sat)

  Score Release Date: November 26, 2025

  Testing Region: U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

  
  

  How to Register for the LSAT (Step-by-Step)

  Follow these steps to register correctly and avoid common mistakes:

  1. Create an LSAC Account

  Visit LSAC.org

  Set up a free account to access registration, law school applications, and score reports

  
  

  2. Choose Your LSAT Test Date

  Select a test date and region that matches your law school deadlines

  Note: October LSAT is available internationally; others are region-specific

  
  

  3. Fill-Out Registration Form

  Enter your legal name exactly as shown on your government-issued ID

  Choose your preferred test format (in-person or remote)

  Request accommodations if needed (e.g., extended time, private room)

  
  

  4. Submit Payment

  Standard LSAT Fee: ~$200 (subject to change)

  Fee Waivers available for eligible low-income students—apply early

  
  

  5. Download Your Admission Ticket

  Admission tickets are available in your LSAC account

  Bring a printed copy and a valid photo ID on test day

  
  

  LSAT Registration Fees 2025–2026

  
  

  Fee Type & Cost

  LSAT Registration Fee: $200

  Score Reports (per school): $45 (after first 6)

  Test Date Charge or Cancellation: Varies by deadline

  Fee Waivers: Available for eligible U.S. and Canadian students

  
  

  LSAT Test Day Checklist

  Make sure you’re fully prepared. Here’s what to bring:

  Printed LSAT Admission Ticket

  Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

  Any approved accommodations or materials

  Quiet testing space (for online LSAT) with a reliable internet connection

  
  

  LSAT Retake Policy

  You can take the LSAT up to 3 times per testing year (June–May)

  5 times in the current and 5 past years combined

  7 times total in a lifetime

  Always check the LSAC Candidate Agreement for updated retake policies and limitations.

  
  

Important Links

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Frequently Asked Questions