How to Study for the LSAT: Complete Guide and Study Plan
Plan to prepare for the LSAT over 12 to 16 weeks at 10 to 15 hours per week. Since August 2024 the test has two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, so most of your time should go to argument analysis, followed by passage structure and then timed 35-minute sections.
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What is the LSAT?
The LSAT is the law school admission test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), and it is the only admission test accepted by all ABA-approved law schools. It takes about 3 hours for standard test takers: four 35-minute multiple-choice sections with a 10-minute intermission after the second. Two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section are scored, and one variable section is unscored. Scores are scaled from 120 to 180. LSAT Argumentative Writing is a separate, unscored essay taken online.
Who it is for
The LSAT is for law school applicants. It suits anyone applying to ABA-approved law schools, since all of them accept it. It rewards careful reading and precise logic.
LSAT at a glance
| Administered by | Law School Admission Council (LSAC) |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | Law school applicants; it is the only admission test accepted by all ABA-approved law schools. |
| Delivery | Live online remote proctoring or in person at a Prometric digital testing center. LSAT Argumentative Writing is taken separately online (remotely proctored, available 24/7). |
| Total time | About 3 hours for standard test takers: four 35-minute sections with a 10-minute intermission after the second section. |
| Sections | Two scored Logical Reasoning sections, one scored Reading Comprehension section, and one unscored variable section (LR or RC), 35 minutes each. |
| Question types | Multiple choice (Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension), plus an unscored Argumentative Writing essay: 15 min prewriting analysis + 35 min writing. |
| Scoring | Scaled 120-180; percentile rank based on the previous three testing years. Score released only after an approved writing sample is on file. |
| Fee | US$253 for the 2026-2027 testing year (August 2026-June 2027); includes Argumentative Writing. |
| When offered | Multiple administrations per testing year (e.g., August, September, January, February, April, June); registration open through June 2027. |
| Retakes | 5 times within the current reportable score period and 7 times lifetime; no retake after scoring 180 in the current period. Canceled scores count; absences and withdrawals do not. |
| Score validity | Scores are reported for the current reportable score period (currently scores since July 2021). |
| Recent changes | Since August 2024, Analytical Reasoning (logic games) was removed; the test now has two scored LR sections and one scored RC section. |
Source: Law School Admission Council (LSAC), checked October 21, 2026. Fees and policies change: confirm with the official site before you register.
What is tested
- Logical Reasoning: Short arguments followed by multiple-choice questions, such as finding an assumption or a flaw, or what strengthens or weakens the argument. The key skill is breaking an argument into conclusion and support and spotting the gap between them.
- Reading Comprehension: Dense passages followed by multiple-choice questions on main point, author attitude, structure and inference. The key skill is tracking viewpoints and the passage's structure while reading actively.
LSAT study plan: 14 weeks, 10 to 15 hours a week
1. Baseline and diagnosis (week 1)
- Take a timed practice test in the current format with two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section.
- Tag every miss by question type and by cause: misread, wrong logic, or time.
- Set a weekly schedule that gives Logical Reasoning about two thirds of your study time.
2. Logical Reasoning foundations (weeks 2 to 6)
- Learn to identify conclusion, premises and the gap in every argument.
- Study one question family at a time: assumption, flaw, strengthen, weaken, inference, principle and parallel reasoning.
- Learn conditional logic, including contrapositives and the difference between necessary and sufficient conditions.
- Drill untimed sets and read every explanation.
3. Reading Comprehension and timing (weeks 7 to 10)
- Practice mapping each paragraph's role and the author's viewpoint as you read.
- Begin timed 35-minute sections for both Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
4. Full tests and polish (weeks 11 to 14)
- Take one or two full timed practice tests per week, including a 10-minute intermission after the second section.
- Review each test the next day and update your error log.
- Write a practice Argumentative Writing essay under the 15-minute prewriting and 35-minute writing limits.
- Taper in the final days with light review only.
How to practice
- Before reading the answer choices, predict what the correct answer must do.
- Translate conditional statements into simple if-then form and practice their contrapositives until they are automatic.
- Review every question, including correct ones, to confirm your reasoning and not just your result.
- Build Reading Comprehension stamina with daily passages instead of cramming them at the end.
- Practice under the real 35-minute section limit once fundamentals are stable.
- Keep an error log grouped by question type and revisit your weakest type each week.
Common mistakes
- Spending prep time on logic games, which were removed from the LSAT in August 2024.
- Choosing answers that are true in the real world but not supported by the stimulus.
- Confusing necessary and sufficient conditions in conditional reasoning.
- Reading passages passively for details instead of tracking structure and viewpoint.
- Taking practice test after practice test without reviewing them.
- Leaving the Argumentative Writing sample until the last minute, which delays your score release.
Free LSAT practice by topic
- Logical Reasoning: 691 free questions
- Reading Comprehension: 371 free questions
How long should I study for the LSAT?
A realistic plan is 12 to 16 weeks at about 10 to 15 hours per week. If you need a large score increase, plan for longer. Consistent, reviewed practice matters more than total hours.
What is on the LSAT now?
Since August 2024, the LSAT has two scored Logical Reasoning sections, one scored Reading Comprehension section and one unscored variable section, each 35 minutes long. Analytical Reasoning, also called logic games, was removed. LSAT Argumentative Writing is a separate, unscored essay.
How is the LSAT scored?
The LSAT is scored on a scale from 120 to 180, with a percentile rank based on the previous three testing years. Your score is released only after an approved writing sample is on file.
How much does the LSAT cost?
The LSAT costs US$253 for the 2026-2027 testing year, which runs from August 2026 to June 2027. The fee includes LSAT Argumentative Writing.
How many times can you take the LSAT?
You can take the LSAT 5 times within the current reportable score period and 7 times over your lifetime. You cannot retake it after scoring 180 in the current period. Canceled scores count toward the limits, but absences and withdrawals do not.
Can I take the LSAT online?
Yes. You can take the LSAT with live online remote proctoring or in person at a Prometric digital testing center. LSAT Argumentative Writing is taken separately online, is remotely proctored and is available 24/7.
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Sources: LSAC: About the LSAT, LSAC: LSAT frequently asked questions, LSAC: LSAT scoring, LSAC: Limits on repeating the LSAT.