List Of 2011 LSAT Dates

Saturday, February 12, 2011 8:30 AM
Monday, February 14, 2011 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM

Monday, June 6, 2011 12:30 PM
Sunday, June 26, 2011 (Asia/Australia/New Zealand) 8:30 AM

Saturday, October 1, 2011 8:30 AM
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM

Saturday, December 3, 2011 8:30 AM
Monday, December 5, 2011 (Saturday Sabbath Observers) 8:30 AM

• Make sure you have received your LSAT admission ticket from Law Services. Double-check the information on the admission ticket for accuracy.
• Since backpacks are not allowed in the testing center, put together a plastic Zip-Lock bag with everything you plan to bring (see the list below).
• On the day before the LSAT we recommend that you study very little, if at all. Typically the best approach for most students is to simply relax as much as possible. Read a book, go see a movie, or play a round of golf. If you feel you must study, we recommend that you only briefly review each of the concepts covered in the course.
• If you are not familiar with your test center, drive by the test center and examine the testing room and parking situation. This will alleviate any anxiety or confusion on the day of the test.
• If your testing room contains only seats with flip-up desktops (usually found in large auditoriums) you have the option of bringing a flat board to the test center. The board can be placed on top of the flip-up desktop in order to provide you with more space. We know you might feel a bit ridiculous carrying a board into the LSAT, but the advantage you get from the extra room will more than compensate. The board should be approximately 18 inches by 24 inches. Please note that Law Services policy allows you to bring the board; however, the test supervisors may not allow you to use the board if they feel it will cause a disturbance to another test taker. We think it’s better to bring the board and not be able to use it than it is to need the board and not have it.
• Eat only bland or neutral foods (such as lightly sauced pasta) the night before the test and try to get the best sleep possible (at least 8 hours is ideal). Do not drink alcohol.
• Try not to worry about the next day’s test! You’ve learned the techniques, and you’re ready to attack the LSAT!

The Morning of the Test

• Follow your normal routine when you wake up. For example, if you do not regularly drink coffee, do not start on the morning of the LSAT. Constancy in your routine will allow you to focus on your primary objective: performing well on the test.
• Do a few Logical Reasoning questions if time allows. This will essentially provide an opportunity for you to “warm up” before beginning the exam. Three or four questions should be enough to get you mentally prepared for the test taking experience.
• Eat breakfast (see our discussion of Brain Food for more information on what to eat).
• Dress in layers, so you will be warm if the test center is cold, but also be able to shed clothes if the test center is hot. Note: effective June 2007 no hats or hoods are allowed (except items of religious apparel).
• Leave early for the testing center—even if you arrive an hour ahead of time, you can sit in your car and read or relax. It’s better than getting caught in traffic and having to rush to arrive on time!
• We strongly believe that performing well on the LSAT requires you to believe that you can perform well. As you prepare to leave for the test center, run through the test in your head, visualizing an exceptional performance. Imagine how you will react to each logic game, reading passage, and logical reasoning question. Many athletes use this same technique to achieve optimal performance in sporting events.

The Law School Admission Test. This standardized test is required for admission to any American Bar Association approved law school. According to Law Services, the producers of the test, the LSAT is designed “to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: the reading and comprehension of complete texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it; the ability to reason critically; and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and argument of others.” The LSAT consists of the following five sections:

• 2 Sections of Logical Reasoning (short arguments, 24-26 total questions)
• 1 Section of Reading Comprehension (3 long reading passages, plus one set of short Comparative Reading passages)
• 1 Section of Analytical Reasoning (4 logic games, 22-24 total questions)
• 1 Experimental Section of one of the above three section types

You are given 35 minutes to complete each section. The experimental section is unscored and is not returned to the test taker. A break of 10 to 15 minutes is given between the 3rd and 4th sections.

The five-section test is followed by a 35 minute writing sample. Students are assigned a Decision Prompt Writing Sample Topic, which follows the following scenario: a choice between two options is introduced, two criteria to be considered in making the decision are stated, and then the two possible courses of action are detailed. The writing sample is not scored, but a copy is sent to all the law schools to which a student applies.

How is the LSAT scored?

On a scale of 120 to 180, with 120 being the lowest score and 180 the highest score. The median score is approximately 151. Only about 2% of all test takers receive a score in the 170’s, and almost 70% of all test takers fall into the 140 to 160 score range.

What does it cost to take the LSAT and what is the registration deadline?

The current fee to register for the LSAT is $123. Typically, mailed registration forms must be received about one month prior to a given LSAT test date. The same deadline is given for telephone and on-line registration. Late registration usually closes about three weeks prior to the LSAT. The late registration fee is an additional $62.

What is LSDAS?

The Law School Data Assembly Service. LSDAS prepares and provides a standardized report that is given to each law school to which you apply. The report contains some of the information law schools will need to make a decision on your application, such as the school you attended for your undergraduate degree, your transcript, your LSAT scores, and copies of letters of recommendation processed by Law Services. To apply to an ABA-approved law school you must sign up for LSDAS, which costs $113. Each LSDAS subscription lasts for 12 months. There is a $10 fee for each law school report you request with your initial subscription, and a $12 fee for each law school report you request at a later date.

How do I sign up for the LSAT and LSDAS?

All registration must be done through Law Services. The most efficient way to register is online at www.lsac.org. By registering online, you will be able to print out your LSAT ticket instead of waiting for it to be mailed. You will also be able to get your LSAT score early via email and can keep track of your entire file in your online account. If you are not able to apply online, you may also register via the telephone at 215-968-1001, or by mail. Either way, we recommend that you order or download the “LSAT and LSDAS Registration and Information Book,” which is provided free of charge. The handbook can be ordered by phone at (215) 968-1001 or on the web at www.lsac.org. The handbook contains general information on both the LSAT and LSDAS, lists all available test centers, and outlines relevant Law Services testing policies and fees. The handbook also contains a complete copy of a previous LSAT.

The June LSAT:

Many prelaw advisors recommend taking the June LSAT because it will allow you to submit your applications at the beginning of the admission period. Most law schools use a “rolling admissions” process and applying early gives you a slight advantage. In the rolling admission system, applicants are considered as they “roll in,” and thus by applying early you have the least amount of competition for the greatest number of spaces. Applying late can be a disadvantage because you have a greater amount of competition for a smaller number of remaining spaces. However, that is only a generalization-if you apply late with outstanding credentials, you will still get into many law schools. All things being equal, though, applying early is better.

Taking the June LSAT also gives you more time to work on your résumé, your personal statement, and your law school applications. By completing these items early and then reviewing them over the ensuing months, you can create the very best application possible.

Also, if you do not feel prepared for the June test, or if you do poorly on the June test, you can re-take the exam in October.

The October LSAT:

October is the most popular test date of the year, in part because the test falls at the start of the application cycle. October is also popular because the test comes at the end of summer, convenient for many college students who can use part of the summer to do their test preparation. An important consideration for all test takers is to take an LSAT that allows a plentiful amount of preparation time, because more preparation time usually translates into a higher score.

Many students also like the October test because they have the December LSAT to fall back on if October does not go well. Just make sure you sign up early-the October test tends to fill up early!

The December LSAT:

Every single law school accepts the results of the December LSAT. Equally important, December is the last exam that you can take to meet the deadlines of the top law schools. However, the downside of the December LSAT is that your results come in later than other applicants, pushing you back in the rolling admissions cycle. The December LSAT can also be tough on college students since the test date often coincides with final exams.

Students sometimes ask if it is better to take the October LSAT over the December LSAT simply because the October LSAT returns earlier results. Despite the earlier results, we feel your final score is a more important consideration. Given the choice of taking the October LSAT or taking the December LSAT and scoring three points higher, we would opt for the December exam.

The February LSAT:

Although many schools accept the results of the February LSAT, not every school does, and so you must check application deadlines before deciding on this exam. The February test can be a lifesaver for applicants applying to schools that accept the results of this test, and this exam is also a great option for students planning ahead and preparing to apply for the following year admission.

One final note: contrary to internet rumors, no particular LSAT is necessarily harder or easier than other LSATs. For example, some people say that the June LSAT is the hardest test every year. In our experience, some June LSATs are difficult and some June LSATs are easy (relatively speaking, of course!). Law Services works incredibly hard to equate each LSAT and no particular monthly LSAT administration is consistently harder or easier.