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So, you want to be a lawyer. You've worked hard in college to keep your GPA high, and you've carefully researched law schools to find the one you'd like to attend. There's only one thing left standing in your way before you can complete your applications: the LSAT. But what is the LSAT, and why does it instill fear and dread in so many students? The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test given to all law school applicants. It's similar to the SAT exam you took in high school but is aimed at those looking to enter the legal profession. The test is developed and administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), and it can play a major role in getting into law school. All ABA-accredited law schools in the United States, Canada and Australia require applicants to submit LSAT scores as part of the admissions process. These scores not only determine whether you'll get into the law school of your choice, but can also have an impact on future ABA membership as well as career opportunities.
Contrary to popular belief, the LSAT doesn't measure a person's legal knowledge. It's a test of logic and reasoning, as well as reading comprehension and critical thinking. It indicates the candidate's ability to succeed in law school, as well as in the legal profession. If this test isn't about all the legal knowledge you've gained in your pre-law classes, how are you supposed to prepare for the LSAT? Read on to the next section to learn about the different study options that are available for test-takers and where you can find official practice tests. With so much weight placed on LSAT scores, it's important to take the time to prepare yourself for the exam before you register. The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) recommends studying for the exam using resources found on the organization's Web site. You'll find practice tests, study guides and a complete overview of the test so you'll know what to expect. Of course, there are also countless private resources available to help you prepare for the LSAT.
Private and group tutoring sessions can be found online and in the classroom. Study guides and test prep books are also available and can help you get used to the material that you'll be tested on. These resources suggest test-taking tips that may help calm anxious applicants. You can do this by working on logic puzzles, which can be found in books similar to crossword or sudoku puzzles. You may also wish to take a logics class to brush up on your analytical and reasoning skills. One of the best ways to prepare for the LSAT is by taking official practice tests issued by the LSAC. The company always offers at least one test posted on its Web site. This test is an official LSAT from a previous year and is completely free to download. Applicants can choose to purchase additional practice tests from previous years on the LSAC Web site.
Each time the LSAT is administered, the test is given a unique identifying number. Test No. 1 is from June 1991, and each subsequent test is numbered in order. This will help you to distinguish different practice tests from one another and figure out which ones you've already completed. When taking an LSAT practice test, it's a good idea to follow the time restrictions used in the actual exam. Give yourself 35 minutes for each section, and try to complete the entire exam in one sitting. This way, you'll be used to focusing on the test for a full three and a half hours, and you'll be less likely to become fatigued during the actual LSAT. What if you don't have the time to study, or you feel confident that you can do well without studying? This in itself may spur some test-takers to buckle down and study. For others, it will simply offer insight into the test format, which can help settle nerves before the big day.
The first step is to register for the test. Applicants can register by phone or mail, though the easiest method is to register through the LSAC Web site. Most LSAT testing dates require test-takers to sign up at least a month before the exam, though cut-off dates may vary. As of January 2010, applicants had to pay $132 in the United States or $137 in Canada upon registering for the LSAT. The LSAT is administered at testing centers throughout the world. These include colleges, dedicated testing sites, military bases and many other types of facilities. While testing centers are fairly widespread, applicants aren't allowed to choose their preferred location when registering. Instead, LSAC will attempt to assign each registrant a testing center close to his or her preferred location. The earlier you register, the more likely it is that you'll be able to take the test close to home. This policy was put in place after a few test-takers hired others to sit for the LSAT in their place.
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