Debunking 5 Common LSAT Myths

The LSAT is one of the most competitive and challenging tests in the United States. Thousands of students spend countless hours preparing to take the test each year, and the preparation process itself can be incredibly intense.

For this reason, it definitely doesn’t help to find yourself stressed by the sheer amount of myths and misinformation that surround the exam. Stress and anxiety are never good for test-taking. That’s why it’s essential to separate the facts from the fiction and debunk some of the most common myths that you might encounter during your prep.  

LSAT Basics

Before debunking any specific myths, it’s important to understand the basics of the exam. The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam to judge a candidate’s suitability for admissions into law programs accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). It is one of the most competitive exams in the country, with most top law schools consistently requiring LSAT scores in the top percentiles for admissions.

The LSAT comprises two parts. The first is a set of multiple-choice questions across three 35-minute long sections: reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. The second part of the LSAT includes an unscored essay writing section.

Myth #1: You Should Just Ignore Your Worst Section and Study for the Others

Many aspiring law students tend to ignore the test areas they struggle with most and focus all their study time on the test areas they already feel confident about. Although this might be a semi-reasonable plan if you’re short on time, it is always a good idea to work on your weaknesses to ensure that you get the maximum score out of your attempt. Here are some tips to help you do the same:

• Identify Your Weaknesses- Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and this is also true when it comes to the LSAT. Take some time to identify and analyze which sections you have consistently failed to perform well on and work out a schedule to address those shortcomings.
• Ask For Help- If you find yourself unable to overcome your weaknesses, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your friends or others in a study group. 
• Use Solid Study Materials- High-quality, comprehensive prep materials are essential when you’re trying to truly master concepts. Thus you should make sure to find the best books to help you study for the LSAT.

Myth #2: Nobody On the Law School Admissions Board Will Read Your Writing

Sample, So It Doesn’t Matter

The LSAT writing sample is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to produce the kinds of meaningful arguments that would be expected of you in law school. While it is true that the essay is unscored, this does not mean no admissions officer will ever read them. The officers receive them from each applicant, and you never know when they’ll choose to take a look.

Thus, to avoid unnecessary roadblocks in your admissions, you should be sure not to neglect the essay and instead approach it with the mindset to impress whoever does end up reading your writing. If you’re worried or having trouble getting in the right mindset, you can browse online for some common essay topics and practice writing about them as part of your study process. Remember, you can never be too prepared for the LSAT. 

Myth #3: The LSAT Is Only Used For Admissions Decisions

The primary purpose of the LSAT might be to measure a candidate’s potential performance in law school. However, many people don’t know that the LSAT can often also used to determine a student’s eligibility for things like: 

• Scholarships and Fee Waivers- A high LSAT score and a strong essay will increase your chances of securing scholarships for various law programs.

• Integrated Programs- Many law schools offer integrated programs like JD-MBA and JD-MPA to apply for using your LSAT. Most such programs will require you to apply to both the degree-awarding schools independently. 
• Allied Programs- You can also potentially use your LSAT scores to strengthen your admission application to allied programs like journalism, mass communication, public policy, and so on.

Myth #4: If You Don’t Know the Answer, You Should Leave a Question Blank

Since the LSAT doesn’t penalize candidates for incorrect responses, you should always do your best to answer every question asked. Getting a question wrong can’t hurt you, and there’s always a chance that you’ll get it right, even if you’re guessing. 

Myth #5: You Can Take the LSAT As Many Times As You Want

As is the case for most competitive standardized tests in the US, candidates can take the LSAT multiple times. Simply knowing that you can retake the test is a great way to reduce stress and allows you to plan out your preparation accordingly.

However, you cannot retake the exam as many times as you want. According to the Law Schools Admissions Council (LSAC), you can take the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year, five times over the current and the past five testing years, and up to a maximum of seven times in a lifetime. 

Do keep in mind that every attempt will set you back by more than $200. Apart from that, law schools will still see your canceled scores, and a significant disparity between them might adversely affect your admission prospects.  

Trust But Verify

Because of the sheer number of people who take the LSAT, you will have absolutely no problem finding information regarding the test all over the internet and your social circles. However, LSAT regulations are constantly changing, and many sources might be outdated or straight-up incorrect. Therefore, to avoid falling prey to myths and rumors, you should always verify all your information from official sources and focus your time on preparing for your attempt the best you can.