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Understanding and Preparing for the LSAT


The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is unlike other standardized tests, and should be approached very differently from any other test you have ever taken or read about.  It is NOT a test of any of your previous knowlege or intelligence, so it really does not matter what you majored in or how well you've performed on tests in the past.  As UNH Professor and Prelaw Advisor Nick Smith is fond of saying, "It's a test of how badly you want to go to law school."

Here is some basic information for those considering taking the LSAT:
  • Official LSAT TestsBefore diving in:  Many students make the mistake of diving into LSAT prep, without taking the time to understand the LSAT first.   Understand what the three sections are, how the test is scored, and what your score means.  Up until very recently, LSAC required that law schools see all of your scores, and average them.  Since 2006, schools have the ability to accept only your higher score, and are not forced to accept the average of all scores.  Law Schools will still see a report of each score.  FIND OUT what the policy is at each school to which you wish to apply.  UNH Prelaw Advising still recommends that you take the LSAT once and only once.  Retakes are only advisable if you realistically believe that you can increase your score by at least ten points, and will do something dramatically different in your test prep before the second attempt.
  • Your study plan:  Develop a plan or schedule that works for you and stick to it, being realistic about your ability to structure and follow through.  Do not rely on your past success with standarized test to pull you through.  Treat the LSAT like an athletic event to be trained for, not an exam to be studied for.  You need to improve your speed and build up stamina.  Plan to take as many full, timed tests, mimicking test taking conditions, as possible.  Including a "test" section, like the real LSAT does, can help you with your endurance and ability to focus.  Practice in noisy places, to increase your ability to block out distraction.  Be sure to take the most recently retired OFFICIAL tests, as the  LSAT has evolved over time.  How many should you take?  At the very minimum two or three practice tests per week for the eight weeks leading up to the test. 
  • Should you take a test prep course?  This is a very personal decision.  You can do well on the LSAT without one if you are good at creating and following your own structure.  Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses.  Classes can be expensive, but you can easily make that investment back in merit-based aid, application fee waivers, and improved employment options that come with a very strong score.  Be sure to inquire abou the prep company's cancellation policy, especially if you are planning to take the class in Durham.  Lastly, if you think you will walk into the room on test day and be wondering "Did everyone else here take a class?" then take one!  UNH Prelaw Advising recommends PowerScore for test prep materials and affordable classes. 
  • Prior to the Test:  Stress levels can be high.  This is a test to see how you perform under stress, so manage your stress in a healthy and productive way.  Read the LSAC's guidelines well before you take the exam.  Make sure you've checked out parking, the exam room, and all the restrictions on what you are allowed to bring.  Allow extra time for traffic and weather, and the inevitable unexpected delays.
  • After the test:  The days after an LSAT are full of second-guessing, with many testers wondering if they should cancel their score.  You have six calendar days to cancel your score.  This is a very individual decision, and it is recommended that you discuss your options with an advisor before acting.
PLEASE NOTE:
One item in the registration for the LSDAS/LSAT authorizes LSAC to release your LSAT, biographical, academic, and application information to your “home institution.” That’s us, the UNH Prelaw Advising Office. Please check yes! This numerical data is extremely helpful to us in advising future students applying to law school. LSAC produces reports for Prelaw Advisors that help us assist other UNH law school applicants to assess their prospects of getting admitted to the school of their choice. The data from these reports are only available in the aggregate, and your personal information will never be released by the Prelaw Advising Office.
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