LSAT
All applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
General Information
Test Preparation
The LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) is a standardized, multiple-choice test offered four times a year by LSAC (Law School Admissions Council). It is required for admission to law school. You are not alone if you are worried about the LSAT, but it should not deter you from applying to law school. Developing a strategy for succeeding on the LSAT (one that considers both how you will prepare for the test and how you will manage any stress you feel) is a critical part of preparing to apply to law school.
Notice that we talk about preparing for the LSAT and not studying for it. The LSAT is unlike other standardized tests in that it doesn't test specific knowledge. You can't memorize vocabulary words or formulas and do well on the LSAT. Rather, you should research the parts of the test through LSAC and practice the skills and strategies you will use to master those parts.
When evaluating LSAT scores, the law school considers whether similar tests have under-predicted the applicant's academic performance in the past. If applicants can document that they have received high undergraduate grades but have performed badly on other standardized tests (e.g., by sending the Admissions Office a copy of their SAT scores), this factor may be taken into account in evaluating their potential to succeed in law school.
Create a Testing Timeline
You first need to find out when the LSAT is offered (typically test dates are in February, June, September, and December) and to register early. This will help you get the date you want and a testing location near your home or school. It will also set your timeline - if the test is three months from when you register, you know how long you have to get ready. If you wait until the last minute and register three weeks before the test, you will only have three weeks to get ready. That short period of time will limit your ability to prepare and also probably increase your stress level rather than reduce it. Plan ahead, and pick a test date that works for your schedule.
The last test administration we will accept is the December exam of the year before you intend to begin your J.D. For example, if you plan to apply to begin Berkeley Law in fall 2010, the last LSAT we will accept is the December 2009 test. People sometimes think that because our application deadline is in February we accept February LSAT scores. We do - but not for that fall's class! We accept test scores that (at the time of application) are no more than five years old. You can take the LSAT and not immediately apply to law school, just be aware of the five-year limit.
Some people choose to enroll in a commercial test-preparation program, while others do not. It's up to you to decide if a prep program is right for you - if it fits with your schedule, your learning style, your level of discipline, and your budget. Berkeley Law does not recommend nor endorse any commercial test-preparation program.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Take practice tests, preferably in a "test-like" environment. Get a feel for the length of the timed sections. Make the LSAT familiar to you and you will not only get better and faster at the test, but you will reduce your stress and allow yourself to perform to the best of your ability.
Multiple Test Scores
Students often wonder if they should take the LSAT again if they are unhappy with their score. In general, that is not the best plan. Don't go into the LSAT thinking: "If I don't do well, I can just take it again." There are times when re-taking the test is a good idea. If you were sick or something unexpected occurred before or during the test that you think significantly affected your performance, you might want to re-test. We won't penalize you for canceling scores in accordance with what LSAC permits. We will see all of your scores on your LSDAS report, so make it your goal to prepare thoroughly and only to take the LSAT once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the LSAT?
LSAT applications and information are available online at http://www.lsac.org/ or from the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book, which may be obtained at:
LSAC
Box 2000, 661 Penn Street
Newtown, PA 18940-0998
Phone: 215-968-1001
E-mail: lsacinfo@lsac.org
Website: http://www.lsac.org/
The book is also available in the Berkeley Law Admissions Office as well as at other law schools.
Your LSAT registration must be postmarked 30 days before the test date to guarantee acceptance for testing and avoid an additional late registration fee.
How long are my scores good?
About 5 years. If you will apply to law school in fall 2009, test scores from between December 2004 and December 2009 need not take it again. However, don't forget to request that LSAC send your scores to Berkeley Law.
Can I get a Fee Waiver for the LSAT?
Waivers for the LSAT fees are available on a financial-need basis directly from LSAC. You should act early by applying for the LSAC fee waiver online.
GRE
Some of Berkeley Law's advanced and concurrent degree programs require applicants to provide scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Please check with the programs and departments where you are applying to determine if you need to take the GRE. For more information about taking the test, visit the GRE website.
