THE LSAT: A GREAT PREDICTOR OF LAW SCHOOL PERFORMANCE. "The LSAT is the only standardized measure that law schools have to predict law school performance. Every student's undergraduate record is different, even when students have the same major and attend the same undergraduate school. In fact, studies have shown that the LSAT is the best single predictor of first-year law school performance, while the best overall predictor of law school performance is a combination of the LSAT and undergraduate UGPA." University of Kentucky
IMPORTANCE OF THE LSAT. A high LSAT score and a good UGPA will, at most law schools, give an applicant a greater chances of admission to law school than a good LSAT and a high UGPA. The same applies to most merit-based financial aid.
AN ADDED BENEFIT OF PREPARING FOR THE LSAT. The LSAT involves thinking logically. Because of this, whether you go to law school or not, the material learned in studying for the LSAT will serve you well in life.
HOW SERIOUS IS THE LSAT. The LSAT test is much more difficult and involves more logical thinking than the SAT, GRE, or GMAT. If you did not do well on a least one of SAT, GRE, or GMAT, you definitely must maximizing your effort on the LSAT.
LSAT PRACTICE TESTS. Previously administered LSATs, all with an answer key, writing sample, and LSAT score-conversion table, are available from LSAC. Also available from LSAC is an online option, LSAT ItemWise, that not only gives the correct answers, but also provides explanations as to why your answers are correct or incorrect; note that LSAT is a paper-and-pencil test. Publishers, other than LSAC, have LSAT practice tests or LSAT sample tests, some with solutions; these are readily available at book stores.
LSAT PREPARATION. Since the LSAT does not test knowledge of a particular subject, the goal of studying for the LSAT is to become familiar with the LSAT test format and to develop methods to answer LSAT test questions with efficiency and accuracy. The best prepare for the LSAT is directly from going previous LSATs for which you have the answers and, ideally, the solutions
HOW OFTEN SHOULD ONE TAKE THE LSAT? (Answer. Ideally exactly one time) With the LSAT, do not plan on doubling your pleasure. When you walk in to take the LSAT, you should have the expectation of a score that you can be proud of based on your performance on actual, previously administered LSATs. As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, and the Great Gatsby demonstrated, There is no second act in American life. This is not quite true for the LSAT but unless your LSAT score is significantly below your score on actual, previously administered LSATs or you intend to change your way of studying, do not take the LSAT a second time. Nationally nearly one in five will take the LSAT a second time. Most law schools average multiple LSAT scores. Do not take the LSAT unless you are ready (No LSAT before its time).
LSAT SCORE AND PERCENTILE RANK REPORTED TO LAW SCHOOLS. "Along with your numerical score, Law Services also reports a percentile rank, reflecting the percentage of candidates scoring below your reported test score.
TIME LIMITATION OF LSAT SCORES. "Law Services reports scores for five years. Scores for all LSAT exams taken in the five years prior to your application to law school will therefore be reported to the law schools you designate. Multiple scores will be averaged by Law Services in its report to law schools. Copies of your writing samples for those tests will be included, up to a maximum of three samples. Some law schools will not accept a score earned more than three years prior to an application (so, yes, you will have to take the exam again if [you apply to such a law school and] your score is more than three years old). Check the [law school] catalogs to determine if you need a more recent score." Notre Dame Prelaw
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