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The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is the test you need to take if you want admission to a law school in the US or Canada. The test is a great predictor of first-year law school performance. Therefore, the test results are required as part of the university admission process. All ABA-accredited law schools accept the results. International students can also sit for this exam. This blog covers everything you need to know about this exam. You will understand what the LSAT test is, its format, scoring system, registration process, universities accepting the test scores, exam centres, and the difficulty level.
This Blog Includes:
- What Is the LSAT Test?
- What Does the LSAT Test You For?
- What is the Format of the LSAT Exam?
- What is a Good score on the LSAT?
- How Much Does the LSAT Cost in Total?
- 10 Steps for LSAT registration in 2025
- Universities Accepting LSAT Test Scores in the USA
- Universities Accepting LSAT Test Scores in Canada
- At What Time Do LSAT Scores Get Released?
- LSAT Exam Centres 2025
- Is the LSAT Hard?
- Is LSAT Difficult than CLAT?
- 5 Tips to Prepare for the LSAT Exam
- FAQs
What Is the LSAT Test?
The LSAT Test is a standardised graduate entrance exam for law school admission. LSAC conducts the test for admission to universities in the USA or Canada. You can choose whether you want to take the test at home, proctored by a live, remote proctor, or in person at a Prometric digital testing centre. Here are some key details of this examination:
- The LSAT is the only standardised examination for law school admission in the US. It is designed in partnership with law schools to assess your critical reasoning skills, persuasive writing, and reading comprehension.
- All ABA-approved law schools accept the LSAT scores. At times, in the USA, your undergraduate schools can be overlooked if your score on the exam is good.
- In Canada, your overall score in the exam is considered along with your undergraduate GPA, personal statement, and other experiences.
- International students choose to take the remote LSAT paper.
- The examination is conducted four times a year.
What Does the LSAT Test You For?
Now you know what is LSAT test. Let’s understand the key skills that are tested in this paper. The examination tests a candidate on four main skills. They are as follows:
- Strategic reading: The ability to read the structure and stay ahead of the author. This is tested because you need to cut through the complex terms and explain what the passage says as a lawyer. Strategic reading helps in finding key opinions.
- Analysing Arguments: Logical reasoning is required to analyse arguments. It helps in differentiating arguments from conclusions. Assumptions are what allow you to challenge another opinion in court.
- Formal logic: The ability to understand the symbols and rules to represent and analyse arguments is essential. For example, the if/then statements are important in the law as it help in understanding what can or cannot be true in a given situation.
- Deduction-making skill: Your ability to form a conclusion based on the information given is also analysed. You must be able to put the puzzles together.
To learn more about the LSAT, watch this video:
What is the Format of the LSAT Exam?
Wat is the LSAT test format? This is an MCQ paper consisting of 4 main sections. These four sections can appear in any order during the paper. There is logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and an experimental section. Apart from that, you are required to complete a written essay called LSAT Argumentative Writing. The exam format is clearly explained in the table below:
| S.No. | Section / Component | Description | Timing | Scored / Unscored |
| 1 | Logical Reasoning (Scored) | Assesses ability to analyse, critically evaluate, and complete arguments. Two scored sections in the multiple-choice portion. | 35 minutes each | Scored |
| 2 | Reading Comprehension (Scored) | Tests the ability to read and understand long-form, complex materials similar to those in law school. | 35 minutes | Scored |
| 3 | Experimental Section (Unscored) | Can be either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension; used to test new questions for fairness and bias-free standards. | 35 minutes | Unscored |
| 4 | LSAT Argumentative Writing (Unscored) | Online, remotely proctored writing sample; test taker takes a position on a debatable issue and addresses opposing perspectives. Focuses on reasoning, clarity, organisation, and language usage. | 50 minutes total (15 min prewriting + 35 min writing) | Unscored |
| 5 | Intermission | Break between the second and third sections of the multiple-choice portion. | 10 minutes | N/A |
Also Read: What is LNAT? Law National Aptitude Test in the UK [A Guide]
What is a Good score on the LSAT?
What is the LSAT test score you need? Well, the exam is scored on a scale of 120 to 180. Your raw score (questions you have answered correctly) is converted into a scaled score using a formula. The scaled score is then turned into a percentile (percentage of marks you have secured compared to other applicants). A good score in the exam is a score of 165 or above. A score of 170+ is considered competitive.
| S.No. | School Tier | Competitive Score Range | Scope of Admission |
| 1 | T14 Schools (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, etc.) | 170+ (Excellent) | Maximises admission chances; competitive scholarships possible |
| 2 | Upper-Mid Tier (e.g., Boston University, Fordham, UC Davis) | 165–169 (Strong) | Often competitive for admission with a good GPA |
| 3 | Mid-Tier Schools (e.g., University of Denver, Loyola Chicago) | 160–164 (Competitive) | Meets or exceeds median LSAT scores for many schools |
| 4 | Lower-Tier / Regional Schools | 150–159 (Moderate) | May still gain admission with a strong GPA or soft factors |
| 5 | Below 150 | <150 | Admission is possible at some institutions, but limited options for ABA-accredited schools |
How Much Does the LSAT Cost in Total?
To register for this examination, you are required to pay the examination fee. What is the LSAT test fee? The cost of the examination is provided below. It is the same for the first-time and the repeat test takers. You can pay the fees by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit cards. The fee would be charged in USD, and the exchange rates are applicable. The basic fees are:
| S.No. | Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
| 1 | LSAT (includes LSAT Argumentative Writing) | 248 |
| 2 | Credential Assembly Service (CAS) | 215 |
| 3 | CAS Report | 45 |
Apart from the basic fees, additional fees are applicable. The auxiliary fees are provided below:
| S.No. | Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
| 1 | LSAT Score Preview (before first day of testing) | 45 |
| 2 | LSAT Score Preview (after testing period) | 85 |
| 3 | Official Candidate LSAT Score Report | 50 |
| 4 | Score Audit | 150 |
| 5 | Score Audit (with approved fee waiver) | 75 |
| 6 | Test Date Change (before registration deadline) | 0 |
| 7 | Test Date Change (up to 7 days after registration deadline) | 150 |
| 8 | Test Date Change (8 days after deadline to the day before testing) | 248 |
Also Read: What is the Structure of the LNAT Exam in 2025?
10 Steps for LSAT registration in 2025
The LSAT registration process is simple. The registration process for international applicants who are taking the test abroad is provided below. Note that for the registration process, you have to visit the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website. Follow the instructions below to understand the LSAT test registration process.
- Visit the LSAC website, check the date, and go to the page to register
- Create an LSAC account, log in to your account, and sign the Candidate Agreement.
- Fill in the required information, including the fact that you intend to take the exam remotely
- Select the exam centre. The list of the same will be displayed
- Thereafter, pay the registration fee.
- You will also be required to upload your government identification card
- After the registration is complete, an email notification will be received
- Schedule your specific testing day and time through Prometric’s ProScheduler tool.
- Complete the LSAT Writing Section. The exam for this section is conducted separately. Therefore, you need to take this test at least 8 days before the MCQ appears.
- Ensure that you are meeting the technical requirements for remote proctoring. Log in to the Prometric ProProctor tool and take the test on the test day.
Universities Accepting LSAT Test Scores in the USA
The following are the top universities accepting the LSAT scores. The score required typically in these universities are provided below. You can view the scores to understand what is the LSAT test score needed.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 (Overall) | LSAT Score Range (Median) |
| Harvard University | 5 | 174 |
| Stanford University | 3 | 173 |
| Yale University | 21 | 174 |
| University of Chicago | 13 | 173 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 15 | 172 |
| Columbia University | Not in the Top 20 | 173 |
| New York University (NYU) | 55 | 172 |
| University of Michigan—Ann Arbour | 45 | 171 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 17 | 170 |
| Duke University | Not in the Top 20 | 170 |
Universities Accepting LSAT Test Scores in Canada
Several Universities in Canada also accept the LSAT scores. Are you wondering what is LSAT test scores are required in these universities? These are also provided below. We have also explained the QS Ranking of these universities for your reference.
| S.No. | University | QS World University Ranking 2025 for Law & Legal Studies | Median LSAT Score |
| 1 | University of Toronto Faculty of Law | =16 | 167 |
| 2 | McGill University Faculty of Law | 28 | 164 |
| 3 | University of British Columbia (UBC) Peter A. Allard School of Law | 38 | 166 |
| 4 | York University (Osgoode Hall Law School) | 151-200 | 161+ |
| 5 | Queen’s University Faculty of Law | 191 | 157+ |
| 6 | Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law | 251-300 | 161 |
| 7 | Western University Faculty of Law | 151 | 161+ |
At What Time Do LSAT Scores Get Released?
Now that you know what the LSAT test is, you might want to know about the test results. The LSAT scores are declared for all candidates worldwide at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). However, the exam results date varies depending on the exam date. Therefore, both are provided below:
| S.No. | Administration (International) | Primary Test Dates | Score Release |
| 1 | October 2025 | 10/7/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| 2 | January 2026 | 1/9/2026 | 1/28/2026 |
| 3 | April 2026 | 4/10/2026 | 4/29/2026 |
| 4 | June 2026 | 6/5/2026 | 6/24/2026 |
LSAT Exam Centres 2025
The LSAT exam can be taken at a test at home, proctored by a live, remote proctor, or in person at a Prometric digital testing centre. India does not have an exam centre for this exam. Hence, you can take the exam completely online. This means you can take your test at home or any place of your choice. Just ensure that you have a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a microphone.
Is the LSAT Hard?
Yes. The LSAT exam is a challenging exam because it requires high logical reasoning skills and reading comprehension ability to score well. These skills are not always emphasised in undergraduate studies. Moreover, the test does not require any subject matter knowledge. This makes it different from other kinds of exams. However, the difficulty level ways based on the individual skills. Those who prepare for months generally tend to score well. It is considered a very learnable test, a test that you can clear with consistent practice.
Is LSAT Difficult than CLAT?
What is the LSAT test difficulty level compared to CLAT? LSAT in the USA and Canada is a more difficult test compared to CLAT in India. LSAT is a longer exam, and tests your analytical and logical reasoning skills. Reasoning skills are not emphasised that much in the CLAT exam. The key difference between the two exams is provided below:
| S.No. | Key Point | LSAT (U.S and Canada) | CLAT (India) |
| 1 | Primary Focus | Analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension | English, current affairs, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, quantitative techniques |
| 2 | Question Count & Timing | ~92 questions in ~140 minutes | 120 questions in 120 minutes |
| 3 | Marking Scheme | No negative marking | −0.25 for each incorrect answer |
| 4 | Syllabus Breadth | Narrow, reasoning-heavy | Broad, includes multiple knowledge domains |
| 5 | Competition | Fewer test takers; smaller pool of institutions using it | 60,000–80,000 aspirants; intense competition for limited NLU seats |
| 6 | Time Pressure | More time per question | Those strong in reasoning and comprehension, aiming for law schools, using the LSAT |
| 7 | Penalty for Guessing | None | Yes, due to negative marking |
| 8 | Difficulty Perception | Moderate to high, but less competitive | High, due to wide syllabus, time pressure, and competition |
| 9 | Best Suited For | Those strong in reasoning and comprehension, aiming for law schools, usingthe LSAT | Students targeting National Law Universities (NLUs) in India |
5 Tips to Prepare for the LSAT Exam
Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the LSAT exam. These tips are useful for students who are applying for admission to the USA or Canadian universities.
- First of all, understand what is the LSAT test. You need to familiarise yourself with the main sections and the writing unscored sample test so that you know what to expect for the exam.
- Practise the exam questions in a timed manner. You can simulate real testing conditions by dedicating 35 minutes per section to take the test.
- Focus on improving your critical thinking skills, and analytical reasoning skills. You can play logic games, conduct argument analysis, and read complex passages for the same.
- After every practice test, review your answers, understand the mistakes you made, and learn the correct answer.
- Schedule regular mock exams to adapt to the mental demands of the test. This will help you to build accuracy and speed.
The LSAT exam is the exam you need to take to enrol in a graduate law course in the US or Canada. The exam consists of 4 main sections and tests your logical reasoning skills, reading comprehension, argumentation skills, and more. The exam results are, at times, given more importance than the GPA. Hence, it is a very important test. The results are recognised in all ABA-approved universities. You can take this exam remotely in India.
FAQs
To get into Harvard, you need a competitive score. You can aim for a score in the 171-176 range. It is important to know that Harvard University takes into consideration your GPA, personal statement and recommendation letter along with your LSAT score for the admission process.
LSAT scores are more important than your GPA if you want admission to a US or Canadian law school. The universities also consider your GPA, and they determine your eligibility for the course.
You must have completed your undergraduate degree to sit for the LSAT. First-year undergraduate students (completed their studies) can also sit for the exam.
There is no passing score for the LSAT. The LSAT scores are given on a scale between 120-180. Each university has its own score requirement. Generally, the average requirement is 150. However, top-tier universities may ask for a higher score. That is, above 165 or even 170.
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