The LSAT is one of the most popular entrance exams to law schools around the world. It is given in all 50 states in the US, and over 90 countries internationally. Its official website notes that over 500,000 tests are taken every year, and over 200,000 students around the world successfully complete the LSAT each year.
If you’re curious about how long it takes to take the LSAT, the answer is 50 to 60 minutes for the entire exam. While not exactly a lengthy process, if you want to get the most out of the test, you should plan to spend at least a few hours (and often far more) reviewing the instructions and filling in the bubbles.
The Rise in Popularity
If you’re interested in law, you’ll most likely have heard of the LSAT. And if you’re taking English as a second language, you’ll be relieved to know that the LSAT has an available listening section. Nowadays, more and more people are taking language barriers into consideration when applying to law schools. According to NYU’s Center for Law and Social Policy, over 15% of law school applications are now from international students. This figure is expected to jump to over 20% in the near future.
Not only is the LSAT a popular choice among law schools and students, but it has also become commonplace for employers to seek out graduates of top tier law schools. In fact, according to the National Association for Law Placement, employers are now more likely to ask about past experience on a job application rather than just a law degree. This is a complete turnaround from just a few years ago, when a law degree was all that was required to land a legal job.
Taking The Exams Is A Family Affair
The LSAT is typically taken by students in groups of two to four. While some students may take the test alone, scores are often submitted in combination with a partner. It is a common practice among law students to team-up on a test, especially when dealing with longer or more complex questions. According to the ABA, the LSAT is one of the most popular exams that families can get involved in together. Perhaps this is because it’s a test that can be studied and reviewed together as a family, in the same way that students may be studying for a final exam in high school. This feature makes it easier for families to monitor and encourage their children’s progress throughout the year.
50 Minutes Is a Charm
If you’re curious about how long the LSAT takes, the answer is 50 to 60 minutes. As noted, the entire exam can be completed in one sitting. However, some specific questions may take more time. The good news is that if you’re having trouble with any particular question, there is usually a short cut that can be taken. The general guideline is to guess what the answer is, and then check if you’re right. If so, then you may be able to skip the question without necessarily having to go back and try a different one. Alternatively, you may want to consult the score guide that is provided at the end of the test, to see what score you may need to achieve for the next phase of your law school application.
Scoring Difficulties Can Be Overcome
The LSAT is heavily weighted towards multiple choice questions, with only one writing section. This means that even if you have scoring difficulties in another area of the test, you may be able to overcome them in the writing section. This is good news for applicants with weak writing skills, as they can often get a higher score in the writing section than in a previous round of testing. Because of this, the LSAT is often described as a “coupon” or “discount” for applicants who struggle with writing. Even if you’re doing well on the LSAT overall, you should consider taking the exam again in 2018. The more you complete, the more you’ll be able to negotiate a great score and a generous discount on your law school application.
As noted, the LSAT is one of the most popular entrance exams for law school. It is a great choice for students looking to break into the legal field, and those who are just gaining a general knowledge of the law. Additionally, with over 500,000 tests being taken each year, it is likely that there will always be someone willing to help students overcome their scoring difficulties. The good news is that with careful planning and studying, any score on the LSAT can be achieved.