The LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day, standardized test administered several times each year at designated testing centers throughout the world.

All American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools require applicants to take the LSAT as part of their admission process. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants.

Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier—in June or September—is often advised.

Students can register to take the LSAT on the Law School Admission Council’s website. The Elmhurst University pre-law program highly recommends that spend a significant amount of time preparing for the LSAT. There are many ways to prepare for the LSAT, including traditional courses provided by test-review companies, a free online course through Khan Academy offered in partnership with LSAC, test-review books, practice exams, and private tutoring.  When you meet with the pre-law advisor, you should discuss which option is right for you.