The LSAT is a skills-based exam, which is designed to test the critical reading and analytical thinking skills crucial for success in law school. The LSAT is the only test accepted by all ABA-accredited law schools and Canadian common-law schools.
Beginning in 2019, the LSAT changed from a paper-and-pencil test to a digital, tablet-based test. The writing sample is taken separately via the LSAC website.
LSAT 2020-2021 Test Dates & Registration deadlines
LSAT registration requires that you sign up at least one month prior to the LSAT test date. Registration can be done online with your LSAC.org account or over the phone at (215) 968-1001.
| LSAT Test Date (US & Canada) | LSAT Registration Deadline | LSAT Scores Released |
| Monday, January 13, 2020 | Tuesday, December 3, 2019 | Thursday, February 6, 2020 |
| Saturday, February 22, 2020 | Tuesday, January 7, 2020 | Tuesday, March 17, 2020 |
| Monday, March 30, 2020 - Canceled | Monday, February 11, 2020 | n/a |
| Saturday, April 25, 2020 - Canceled | Tuesday, March 10, 2020 | n/a |
| Week of May 18, 2020 (May LSAT-Flex) | April registrants | Friday, June 5, 2020 |
| Week of June 14, 2020 (June LSAT-Flex) | June registrants | Tuesday, June 30, 2020 |
| Week of July 11, 2020 (July LSAT-Flex) | Monday, June 1, 2020 | TBD |
| Week of August 29, 2020 (August LSAT-Flex) | Wednesday, July 15, 2020 | TBD |
| Saturday, October 3, 2020 | Friday, August 21, 2020 | TBD |
| Saturday, November 14, 2020 | Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | TBD |
| Saturday, January 16, 2021 | Wednesday, December 2, 2020 | TBD |
| Saturday, February 20, 2021 | Wednesday, January 6, 2021 | TBD |
| Saturday, April 10, 2021 | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | TBD |
LSAT Test Duration
The LSAT has two parts. The first part is the multiple-choice portion of the exam and consists of five 35-minute sections. The second part of the LSAT is a 35-minute, unscored writing sample. The total LSAT is 3 ½ hours long.
FORMAT OF THE LSAT
| LSAT Section | Time | Number of Questions | Score Weight |
| Logical Reasoning (2 sections) | 35 mins each | 24-26 each | 50% |
| Analytical Reasoning | 35 min | 22-24 | 23% |
| Reading Comprehension | 35 min | 26-28 | 27% |
| Experimental Section | 35 min | 22-28 | Unscored |
| Writing Sample | 35 min | 1 essay | Unscored |
LSAT Test Cost
2020-2021 Fees (in U.S. dollars)
| Item | Fee |
| LSAT (includes LSAT Writing) | $200 |
| Credential Assembly Service (CAS) | $195 |
| Law School Report | $45 |
| Test Center Change | $125 |
| Test Date Change | $125 |
| Nonpublished Test Center | Domestic: $295 International: $390 |
| Handscoring | $100 |
LSAT Test Locations
The LSAT has test locations in most major cities all over the world. To find a location nearest you, check HERE .
When is it best to take the LSAT?
Most law schools require that applicants take the LSAT by December for future fall admission. However, it's best to schedule your first exam earlier if you need to increase your score.
How long should you prepare for the LSAT?
The LSAT is completely different than other standardized tests you have taken in high school and college, as it does not test what you know. It tests how you think. You’ll want to spend a lot of time getting to know the test format, the types of questions that will be asked, and practicing the skills, you’ll need to succeed on the exam.
Plan to spend 200–300 hours on LSAT prep over 2-3 months. That’s about 20–25 hours per week. Most students will use an LSAT prep course to study - see our review of the best LSAT prep courses to help you choose.
Last Updated: 1/7/2021
