The American Bar Association emphasizes that there is no single path for a legal education. Law schools accept students with a broad array of academic backgrounds. Some law students enter law school directly from undergraduate studies, while others begin their legal education later in life.
As such, The American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any specific undergraduate majors to prepare for a legal education. Students are accepted to law school from nearly every academic discipline.
The ABA recommends selecting a major that interests and challenges you and develops your research and writing skills. Any rigorous course of study in which you develop skills and knowledge in the following areas will prepare you for law school: problem solving, writing and editing, oral communication, research, organization and management, public service and promotion of justice, relationship-building and collaboration, and exposure to law.
As a prospective law student, you should read widely. This will help you to become well informed and more aware of style and expression. You should also take courses that are sufficiently difficult to help you develop the discipline essential for success in law school. An understanding of political institutions, economics, and historical and philosophical perspectives are also important.
Preparing for the LSAT
The LSAT is a skills-based test, and these skills can be developed through study and practice. There is no one-size-fits-all way to prepare for the LSAT. Some students find it helpful to study on their own using online resources and books, while others prefer preparatory classes. It's important to find a format that works for your learning style. You should definitely work through previously administered LSAT tests. You can purchase access to additional online tests through LawHub or you can buy books of hard copy tests. If you feel like you need the structure and external accountability provided by a LSAT prep course, there are many options available. Since these courses are generally costly, you should research options carefully and choose the format that works best for you. If you're unsure about how to begin, connect with an advisor.
Scoring
Scores range between 120 and 180. The median score is about 152. The LSAT exam score and academic record (GPA) are key factors in law school admissions decisions and in the allocation of merit aid. Plan to prepare well and ideally take the LSAT once. If you feel your score does not represent your abilities and you can improve your score, then it makes sense to take the LSAT a second (and perhaps even a third) time. Most law schools focus on your highest score when making admissions decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The LSAT is offered numerous times a year. The specific dates for tests and registration deadlines are listed on the LSAC website.
Taking the LSAT exam before your senior year (e.g., in the summer before your senior year) or as early in your senior year as possible is preferable. It is important, though, to be well prepared the first time your take the exam. Do not choose an earlier test date if you are not ready.
For the testing year 2021-22, it costs $200 to take the LSAT. There are additional fees to change your test date less than two weeks before the scheduled date and for score preview (available only to first-time test takers). Students with high financial need can apply for a fee waiver for the LSAT and the Credential Assembly Service.
