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Pursue a law degree is no simple task. With high standards and long hours, the legal field certainly isn’t for everyone. But if document analysis and making and defending arguments appeal to you, then going to law school may be the perfect fit. Once you’ve decided on this path, the first step to achieving your goals is taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
If you’ve reached this point you’re likely wondering, when is the best time to take the LSAT? The answer to this question comes down to how you strategize your law school application process. To determine when the best time to take the LSAT is for you, keep reading!
Is it Possible to Just Take the LSAT and Get into a Good School?
If you think that law school is only for recent grads, it might surprise you to know that many people end up applying to and getting into the law school of their choice years after they graduate finished undergrad. In fact, a survey conducted in 2009 revealed that nearly 20 percent of law school applicants were age 29 or over.
Thus, age shouldn’t be a concern when applying to law schools. When you submit your application, the schools assess your undergraduate GPA and your LSAT score. So, even if you have years of professional success, you still need to have done well as an undergraduate. In case you haven’t, you will have to make up for it with a higher LSAT score and impressive work experience.
Most law schools require the LSAT as part of the admissions process. Your test scores can be a determining factor in where you’re accepted and where you’re not. Held nine times a year (every month except May, August, and December), students can take LSAT at the most convenient time for them.
What is on the LSAT?
The LSAT consists of 99 to 102 multiple-choice questions that are distributed across five sections: Logical Reasoning (two sections), Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and an unscored Variable Section.
At the end of the test, you will have to complete a writing sample, which won’t be scored but will be sent to all the law schools where you apply. It tests your ability to form and support arguments based on the facts given.
Before you take the LSAT, you should understand that every question in the exam is worth the same regardless of the level of difficulty. Never spend an immense lot of time trying to figure out the answer to a single question. This strategy will cost you time and allow you to work through the exam more efficiently.
Furthermore, there is no penalty for wrong answer choices on the LSAT. You can always make guesses if you are running low on time or can’t find the answer to a tough question. Just bubble in a solution and move on.
When should I take the LSAT?
Once you decide to take the test, you should be aware of the LSAT dates for registration deadlines, test days and score release.
It usually takes around two weeks for the LSAT scores to be released. Thus, the best time to take the test would be a full year before you plan to start school. A good reason for taking the test so early is because the score will be available by the time you have to apply to various law schools.
Law schools with a very competitive application process go on a first-come-first-serve basis. Thus, the earlier you apply, the less likely it is that all the slots will be filled. Also, when you take the test sooner, you will still have sufficient time if you need to retake the test to get a higher score.
It’s Always Worth the Effort You Put In
Becoming a lawyer isn’t something you decide overnight. You have to spend a lot of time studying, training and committing to the profession. This entire process begins with the LSAT. So, decide the best time to take the LSAT and begin your preparation. Then you’ll be well on your way to reaching your goals.