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If you have made the important decision to attend law school, one of the first steps to obtaining a legal education is taking the LSAT. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all ABA-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many non-ABA-approved law schools. This test will measure your reading and verbal reasoning skills, and law schools will use this assessment as one of several factors in the evaluation process of applicants. The LSAT is administered four times a year at hundreds of locations around the world.
If you are planning to attend law school, do not delay in registering to take the LSAT. Many law schools require that this test be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, it is advised that students take the test earlier, instead of waiting for the last minute. The registration fee for the LSAT is $115. Under certain circumstances, you may qualify for a fee waiver. If you register late, there is an additional $58 charge.
Preparing for the LSAT can be stressful. However, there are tools available to help you be successful and maximize your score. A great way to start preparing for the LSAT is to take a sample test under simulated conditions. You may also be able to purchase previously administered tests for practice. LSAT preparation books are also available to purchase. This will give you a good idea of the subjects and skills you will need to master in order to score high on this exam. You should use all of your available resources and spend a considerable amount of time preparing for this. Doing well on this test may help you secure admission to the law school of your choice, so do not cram at the last minute and hope to retain enough information to get you by. Use effective study methods to ensure you are truly learning the necessary material. You may also want to find out if there are any LSAT prep courses offered in your area.
On the day of your LSAT, there are some testing tips to remember. The best tip for doing well is to be sure you are prepared. This will boost your confidence. Besides being prepared, follow these tips to do your very best:
- Get plenty of sleep the night before. Do not stay up late cramming for your test. You will find that your brain functions better when you have had sufficient rest.
- Have your supplies ready, including pencils, calculator, and anything else you may need while taking your test. Also, take a sweater or jacket in case the temperature in the testing center is cool.
- Watch your time. If you get stumped, move onto the next question. Don't spend too much time on one question.
- If you must guess, eliminate the answers you know are wrong and try to make an educated guess from the remaining options.
- Pack a light lunch or a high-protein snack. If you start to tire, use your break time to refuel your brainpower with something nutritious.
After you complete your LSAT, you will be able to continue with the application process for the law school of your choice. You should carefully consider each law school you are interested in attending and research their programs, requirements, costs, etc. The best source of information will be the law schools themselves, and you should weigh the pros and cons of each school before making your decision.
Deciding to attend law school is a major choice in preparing for your future. If handled properly, this will surely have a positive effect on the rest of your life. Taking the LSAT is only one step in the law school application process. However, by effectively preparing and maximizing your score, you will be sure your options are not limited. Through careful planning and a lot of studying, you will surely be successful.
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