How many words can you write on the LSAT?

Asked by: Nestor Prohaska  |  Last update: August 31, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (20 votes)

There is no word or space limit for LSAT Argumentative Writing. You are advised not to worry about the length of your writing sample, but instead to concentrate on crafting a response to the prompt that is well-written, cogent, and well-argued.

How serious is LSAT writing?

LSAT writing samples are rarely used to evaluate law school candidates, so no matter how well or poorly you did, this exercise will most likely not affect your admissions chances.

Can I take LSAT writing in my bedroom?

You need a desk area. I know someone who was told by their proctor they could not take the exam on their bed. Additionally, the rules state that you need to show the proctor the areas under your ``desk'', so some sort of table/desk situation is required.

How many paragraphs is LSAT writing?

While your writing sample has no word limit, you should aim to be as clear and concise as possible. Most writing samples on the LSAT are between two and four paragraphs long. Ensure you prioritize quality over quantity.

How long do I have to complete an LSAT writing sample?

Under standard testing conditions, you will have 50 minutes to complete your LSAT Argumentative Writing sample — 15 minutes for prewriting analysis and 35 minutes for essay writing. If you complete your essay before the time limit, make sure to click Submit.

What is LSAT Argumentative Writing? | How To Complete the LSAT Writing Sample

17 related questions found

How many words should the LSAT writing be?

How long should my LSAT writing sample be? While there's no strict word limit, most responses are between 300-500 words, so 1-2 pages long. Your LSAT writing sample should be as longs as necessary to present a clear and persuasive argument in response to the prompt, typically spanning a few well-organized paragraphs.

Can I see my LSAT score without a writing sample?

Test takers must have a complete writing sample in their file in order to see their score or have their score released to schools.

Is the LSAT writing sample proctored?

Likewise, the LSAT Argumentative Writing section has now replaced the LSAT Writing section. This shift is not radical. The section is still required, taken online separately from the LSAT, with a remote proctor.

How long should each LSAT passage take?

You will have a total of 35 minutes to read the four passages and answer the questions about them. That works about to about 8-9 minutes per passage, for both reading and answering the questions.

Can I use scratch paper on the LSAT?

Yes, remote test takers are permitted to have six (6) blank sheets of 8.5”x11” scratch paper. The paper may be lined, unlined, or graphed. For more information, please review Section 14 of the LSAC Candidate Agreement. Please note that scratch paper is not allowed for taking LSAT Argumentative Writing.

Is the LSAT going away in 2025?

The ABA's House of Delegates will vote on the Council's proposed change in February 2023. If the House votes to nix Standard 503, the standardized-test requirement won't go away until 2025. So, the LSAT isn't definitely going away, and it's definitely not going away until 2025.

Can you wear headphones while taking the LSAT?

Don't use your own wired or wireless headsets or earbuds.

In-person LSAT test takers will be assigned noise-reducing earmuffs as part of their equipment and materials. In-person test takers can only use the earmuffs assigned to them.

Can you go to the bathroom during LSAT break?

Between the second and third sections, test takers are provided a 10-minute intermission. The intermission will be your opportunity to take a quick pause, use the restroom, perhaps eat or drink something or stretch your legs, but you must continue to follow the rules and not engage in any prohibited behaviors.

How rare is a 170 LSAT?

170 score: Scoring a 170 on the LSAT is almost always considered a good score — that means you are in the 2-3% of test-takers.

Is a 138 LSAT bad?

“If you have a 2.3 GPA and a 138 LSAT, you — unfortunately — are very unlikely to be able to make it through law school and pass the bar exam after graduation.

Do law schools look at the LSAT writing?

LSAT Writing is not scored. Your writing sample is sent along with your application to the law schools you've chosen, but no score or evaluation is attached. The essay is a supplemental tool that law schools use to evaluate your candidacy if they so choose. A few schools may never look at it, but most do.

What is the hardest portion of the LSAT?

Analytical Reasoning

You'll need various skills to do well here. You'll have to figure out relationships between complex concepts and apply logic even when things seem unclear. The situations presented can be ambiguous and complex, making this section notorious among LSAT takers.

How long does the average person study for the LSAT?

Nonetheless, 250 to 300 hours of LSAT preparation over a period of a few months is a good benchmark. Most students who dedicate significantly less time won't maximize their LSAT scores.

How many questions wrong is a 170 LSAT?

How many questions can be answered incorrectly for a score of 170? The most questions you can answer wrong on the LSAT if your objective is to achieve a score of 170 is 11. You should achieve your goal score of 170 by correctly answering 90 out of the 101 questions.

Is cheating on the LSAT illegal?

The Law School Admission Council has established procedures for dealing with instances of possible candidate misconduct or irregularities on the LSAT or in the law school admission process. Misconduct or irregularity in the admission process is a serious offense with serious consequences.

How many words should LSAT writing be?

Most people can only fit about 250-300 words in the space allotted. You only have 35 minutes; therefore, your introduction paragraph can merely be your thesis statement and your body paragraphs can only be a few sentences. As long as you prove your point, it doesn't matter the length of the essay.

How many times can you take LSAT?

How many times may I take the LSAT? Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2019). A total of seven times over a lifetime.

What LSAT score do I need for Harvard?

So let's take a look at what it actually takes to have a chance of being admitted to the most prestigious and preeminent law school in the world. As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School.

Can I see what questions I missed on the LSAT?

You can look at your score report, analyze the questions you missed, and review it like you would a PrepTest. These are the disclosed LSATs. With a disclosed LSAT, on score release day, you'll get the following from LSAC: Your scaled score (120 – 180)

Do law schools care if you cancel your LSAT score?

The cancellation will still be visible to any schools you apply to, but your score will never be released (not even to you). LSAT scores can be canceled through your LSAC online account or by contacting LSAC directly.