How Hard is the LSAT and How to Prepare Yourself

Thinking about law school? Then you probably already know how competitive it is, and the stats agree with that story. In the U.S., based on 198 ABA-accredited law schools, the 2024/2025 acceptance rate was 41.58%. This is based on 414,758 applications and 130,837 acceptances.

Now that I’ve established that law school is hard to get into based on numbers alone—the number of applications and the number of spaces to be filled—let me add another layer. Our initial question. How hard is the LSAT, since the test itself is the other big hurdle you’ll need to get over?

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as quantifiable as “there are x number of seats to fill from y number of applicants.” Having said that, while it can be said that the test is hard, difficult, challenging—pick your adjective—just how hard it will be is largely up to you. If you’re willing to do the work in advance, you’ll make it easier on yourself.

So, how do you prepare for the Law School Admission Test?

Key Takeaways

• The LSAT measures critical thinking and logical reasoning—not memorization. Success depends on your ability to analyze arguments and solve complex problems under pressure.
• Time management is key. Many test takers find the timed format and strict section limits more challenging than the test content itself.
• Prior academic success doesn’t guarantee LSAT performance. A strong GPA or experience with other standardized exams doesn’t necessarily translate to a high LSAT score.
• Substantial preparation is necessary. Most students need at least 3-6 months of dedicated study to reach competitive score levels.
• Top law schools require higher LSAT scores. While the median score is about 150, applicants to top programs typically need scores in the 160s or above to stand out.

Understanding LSAT Difficulty: What Makes This Test Challenging?

The Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT, has an established reputation of being one of the most challenging standardized exams there is—and probably for good reason. The thing is, it’s not testing how much you know; it’s testing how you think. So to understand why so many people find the LSAT tough, it helps to know how the test is structured and what’s expected of you on test day.

The LSAT Format and Structure

You have 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete the test, not including a ten-minute break taken after you complete two sections. Though you take the LSAT writing sample separately, that tacks on another 50 minutes: 15 for prep and pre-writing, and 35 for writing the actual essay.

The LSAT comprises three scored sections, comprising two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section. Then there’s an additional unscored section, which could be either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension. As for the Logical Reasoning (LR) section, it will challenge your ability to break down arguments, pick out the flaws, and then come to valid conclusions. The Reading Comprehension (RC) section is designed to measure your ability to read complex material that is similar to what you might encounter while in law school. And by “complex” I mean dense chunks of text using above-average vocabulary, very sophisticated arguments, and, at times, multiple points of view. I think the word “mindbending” sums it up nicely.

And what are you to do with these chunks of text? You need to determine the main idea, understand the structure, identify all the supporting details, and then come up with a reasonable conclusion—and you need to do all that within a strict time limit of 35 minutes per section. But no pressure! Seriously, though, if you want to succeed in this section, you need to be able to read carefully, pay attention to structure, and have strong analytical skills.

Oh, and there’s one thing I should make clear. If you’re researching beyond this article—I’ll try to provide enough info so that’s not necessary—make sure what you’re reading is up to date. The LSAT format changed in 2024, and things like Logic Games have been phased out.

The Experiment Section & Test Day Experience

Sometimes also referred to as the variable section, test takers also have an unscored section to do. It could be a second Logical Reasoning section or another Reading Comprehension section, but you won’t know which one it is while taking the test. It can show up anywhere, so don’t assume any section is the unscored section and slack off. Treat every single part of the test as if it counts.

Scaled Scoring System

Your LSAT score is reported on a scale from 120 to 180. That may sound simple, but don’t let that clean number fool you—your score is based on how many questions you get right (your raw score), and then converted into your scaled score. Most test-takers land somewhere around a median LSAT score of 152, and if you hit 160, some consider that to be quite competitive. Regardless, the score’s conversion process means that even a few points can make a big difference for law school admissions.

So, how hard is the LSAT? In short, thanks to its structure of unscored and scored sections that you can’t tell apart, and the pressure of a tight scoring curve, all combine to make the test far more challenging than a lot of students expect. However, with some proper preparation, you can help stack the deck in your favor.

Why Some Test-Takers Find the LSAT Hard

As I mentioned above, the sections contain complex reasoning questions, and you only have 35 minutes to complete each section. And if that doesn’t seem so bad at first glance, consider that you really can’t study for this. Prior knowledge, even legal knowledge, won’t help. You’re being tested on how your brain works, not what your brain knows. And the Logical Reasoning section now counts for about 67% of your score.

LSAT vs Other Standardized Tests

Unlike the SAT or GRE, which test a combination of knowledge, vocabulary, and an assortment of quantitative skills, the LSAT is all about reasoning and critical thinking. It doesn’t assume you can—or require you to—recall facts or apply math formulas. It challenges you to analyze complex arguments, find any logical flaws, and understand a whole lot of material under time pressure.

The focus of the LSAT is on how you think, not on what you know, and that can be a tough one, even for people who typically do well on other standardized tests.

Breaking Down the Logical Reasoning (LR) Sections

The current (2025) LSAT includes two score Logical Reasoning sections, and each has about 24 to 26 questions, representing around 67% of your total LSAT score. The section tests your ability to analyze arguments, identify assumptions, find flaws, arrive at logical conclusions, and evaluate reasoning.

Common question types:

• Strengthen/weaken arguments
• Identify assumptions
• Draw inferences
• Flaw identification
• Parallel reasoning
• Method of reasoning

Why it’s Challenging

You have less than a minute and a half—about 80 seconds!—to deconstruct complex arguments and filter out any bait that’s been laid to distract you. The arguments often hinge on very subtle distinctions in logic or wording, meaning you need to be 100% analytical 100% of the time.

Since this section now counts for two-thirds of your score, you need your head in the game, or you will crash and burn.

Success Strategies

Take the time to master and recognize argument structure, how to identify logical gaps, and understand conditional reasoning. Practice with the sample questions LSAT offers, being sure to review their explanations carefully. Do all of this, and you will strengthen your analytical skills.

Reading Comprehension Section

This section comprises approximately 26 to 28 questions and assesses your ability to read, comprehend, and analyze lengthy, complex scenarios. Your goal is to identify the main ideas, draw conclusions or inferences, distinguish varying viewpoints, and assess tone or purpose.

Scenario Structure

There are four sets. Three of them are single passages; one of them is a comparative set with two shorter, related passages.

Topics

Central topics include law, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Each of them will be at graduate-level complexity, and there’s a good chance the subject matter will be something unfamiliar. However, you don’t need to study the subject to get a good score; you need to study the strategy.

Why it’s Challenging

Each passage is a 450 to 550-word wall of text—it’s written densely. And your time is tight. Each set requires you to track arguments across both passages and synthesize their relationships.

Success Strategies

First of all, make sure you use the sample questions LSAT provides ahead of time. It will help you figure out how to extract the structure and arguments quickly. The more complex and unfamiliar your practice material is, the more your retention and comprehension speed will improve.

During your test, use active reading—don’t just passively absorb the words, question and reflect on each one of them, making note of the main points.

What Constitutes a Good LSAT Score?

For top law schools, especially T14 schools, scores of 170 and above are common for students who gain admittance (so, if you want into any of the schools on the list below, shoot for 170+). Without a score of 165, there’s a good chance you won’t even get serious consideration. If you’re aiming for a regional law school, they often admit students who score in the 155 to 160 range, while local or specialty programs may give consideration to someone who scored around 150—especially if you’ve been significantly strong in parts of the exam.

Top U.S. Law Schools

1. Columbia Law School
2. Cornell Law School
3. Duke University School of Law
4. Georgetown University Law Center
5. Harvard Law School
6. New York University School of Law
7. Northwestern University School of Law
8. Stanford Law School
9. University of California, Berkeley School of Law
10. University of Chicago Law School
11. University of Michigan Law School
12. University of Pennsylvania Law School
13. University of Virginia School of Law
14. Yale Law School

It’s important to remember that your score is only one part of the admissions equation, though. Your undergraduate GPA, work experience, recommendations, and personal statement all play a big part as well. So aim for an LSAT score in the target range of the type of school you want to attend, but never neglect the other components of your application. A balanced, well-rounded application will maximize your chances—even if you score a little lower than a program’s median.

How to Prepare for LSAT Success: Create a Study Timeline

To be effective in your LSAT prep, you’ll want to allow for three to six months of consistent effort. That means if you’re a full-time student, you’re looking at 20-25 hours per week, but if you’re balancing work and school, you might only be able to allot 10-15 hours. However much time you have, early in your timeline, take a diagnostic LSAT and time yourself to establish a baseline and identify any strengths or weaknesses.

Study Methods that Work

There are several proven approaches when it comes to preparation. LSAT prep courses provide structure, expert instruction, and accountability, which makes them ideal for many test-takers. Self-study with prep books and online courses—including official LSAC materials—is a cost-effective option, but it’s going to take some strong discipline.

What to Include in Your Preparation

Start off with the diagnostic test and then focus heavily on the Logical Reasoning part, since that’s where the bulk of your score is built.

• Target your section practice, making sure to address any areas that need work.
• Take full-length, timed exams weekly, so you can develop the stamina you’ll need for test day.
• In every practice session, make sure you review and analyze the mistakes you make. This will help you spot recurring patterns and logical errors.

Test Day Preparation

In the weeks before taking the LSAT, simulate your test day by taking timed, full-length practice exams. Do whatever you need to do to help you maintain your focus—deep breathing, mindfulness, stress ball, whatever. And plan your logistics in advance, you don’t want to end up nearly late because you took a wrong turn or didn’t consider parking or transit issues. You don’t need the additional stress of the unknown introducing itself.

Common LSAT Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Well, I think I’ve covered everything you can do to make the LSAT test a little easier, but what are the things you shouldn’t do? Other than a ton of incorrect answers, that is.

• Failing to take the full-length LSAT practice tests with all sections, simulating the actual test day conditions.
• Underestimating the importance of the Logical Reasoning section, which makes up 67% of your raw score, is a key factor in getting admitted to law school.
• Focusing only on weak areas and neglecting to reinforce your strengths across each section.
• Ignoring incorrect answers and missing the opportunity to analyze the patterns of where you went wrong. You miss the chance of improving your reasoning skills.
• Using outdated prep materials that still include the logic game section when it’s no longer part of the exam.
• Feeling overconfident after doing the diagnostic practice test and then underestimating other important prep you need to do to reach your target score.

FAQs