How many words should the LSAT writing sample be?

Asked by: Mrs. Aiyana Nikolaus  |  Last update: August 16, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (67 votes)

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

How long does the LSAT writing sample have to be?

The LSAT Writing Sample is a 35-minute ungraded essay with an assigned topic. That's right—the essay section has absolutely no effect on your overall LSAT score.

What is a good word count for LSAT writing?

There is no word or space limit for LSAT 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 long should your LSAT writing essay 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.

Does the LSAT writing sample count?

LSAT Writing samples are not scored, but LSAT Writing is a required part of the LSAT. Your LSAT score cannot be released to you or to law schools if you haven't completed an LSAT Writing sample.

5 Tips to Ace the LSAT Writing Sample

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How long should a law school writing sample be?

The legal writing sample is an integral part of the hiring process for lawyers. Here are tips for preparing the best sample of your legal writing skills. The writing sample should be five to ten pages in length, unless otherwise indicated by a particular employer.

How to write the LSAT writing sample?

LSAT Writing Sample: How to Approach It
  1. Step 1: Brainstorm and Make an Outline. ...
  2. Step 2: Begin Writing & Briefly Summarize Your Choice. ...
  3. Step 3: Make Your Choice and Give Support. ...
  4. Step 4: Acknowledge the Other Option's Pros and Cons. ...
  5. Step 5: Reiterate Why Your Choice Is the Best and Summarize Your Argument.

How many paragraphs should the LSAT writing sample be?

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

Can you retake LSAT writing?

If you have already completed an LSAT writing sample, you do not need to complete LSAT Writing again. However, if you would like to retake LSAT Writing as well, please contact LSAC's Candidate Services team at LSACinfo@LSAC.org or 1.800. 336.3982.

What do LSAT writing prompts look like?

All LSAT Writing prompts ask you to make an argument for one of two options—e.g., “Should Flo order tacos or pizza?” You'll get two criteria for making your choice—say, “Flo wants to enjoy the meal”; “Flo wants to be heart-healthy.” Finally, you'll get two short paragraphs of facts that illuminate how the options may ...

Is 140 bad for LSAT?

The below table shows the schools that accept the lowest LSAT scores. This shows that the lowest acceptable LSAT score is 139. Typically, a good rule of thumb is that you want to at least break 140 to make taking on the cost of law school economically feasible. You can get into a law school with a 140 LSAT score.

Is 157 a bad LSAT score?

The typical LSAT score for 2022 law school enrollees was about 159, but top programs require scores in the 170-175 range.

Is a 153 LSAT bad?

Now that you have some background regarding the LSAT, you might be thinking that a score between 145-153 is actually pretty good. To be fair, a score in that range actually isn't bad, but if you are looking to get into a top-ranked law school, you'll need something better.

How long is LSAT without writing?

How long is the LSAT? The LSAT is composed of four 35-minute test sections. There is a 10-minute intermission between the second and third sections. The test takes approximately 3 hours for standard test takers.

How long should an LSAT personal statement be?

Most law schools require personal statements that are two to two-and-a-half pages, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and 12 point font. Follow application instructions about the personal statement very closely; don't exceed the length requested by the law school.

Is the LSAT curved?

The LSAT is graded on a “curve” so that even if a test was relatively easy or difficult, a 160 on any given test is equivalent to a 160 on any other test. This means that not all tests are exactly the same level of difficulty.

Do most people retake the LSAT?

Thus, when you go to the test center for the first time, the majority of people around you are also there for the first time. What about people repeating the test? The average percentage of second-time test takers is 26%, and the average percentage of third-time test takers is 5% (percentages rounded).

Is it worth taking the LSAT twice?

Most students who take the LSAT more than once will typically only score one to two points better on their retake. Because of this, it might not be worth all the extra work that goes into the LSAT.

Should I retake a 166 LSAT?

Are you looking to crash the gates at Yale? If so, 166 won't do it, and you've got to take it again. But for most schools, 166 makes you a shoo-in, and it's a competitive score at most top-20 schools, although that also depends on your GPA, too. I'd suggest taking a look at our Law School Compass .

Can you use Grammarly in LSAT writing?

If you haven't heard, the LSAT is going digital and with it comes the new LSAT Writing section. You'll now be able to write the essay at home on your computer after you complete the test. You can start improving your writing skills now with a free Grammarly account.

How can I do well on the writing section of the LSAT?

Follow these five simple LSAT writing sample tips in order to put your best foot forward and make your law school application shine.
  1. Know what you are up against. ...
  2. Pick a side, and go with it. ...
  3. Lead with your conclusion, and then stay organized. ...
  4. Be honest by addressing the weaknesses with your argument.

How do you format a writing sample for law school?

Select a sample that is sufficiently recent to demonstrate your current writing and analysis skills.
  1. Attach a cover memo that spells out context for the sample. ...
  2. Consider omitting portions of the sample to keep it in the 8 – 12 page range. ...
  3. Make sure your formatting is reader-friendly and professional.

What qualifies as a legal writing sample?

Share your best legal writing.

Examples could include: moot court brief; upper year seminar paper or research project; memo, letter, administrative comments, or advocacy piece from an internship or externship; clinic work sample; or journal note. o Remember that your sample should (usually!) be only 5-10 pages.

What is good to submit for a writing sample?

Choose a writing sample that is relevant for the job you're applying for. Here are some examples you may want to consider: Research papers from a job or class. Narrative papers from a job or class.

Should I redact my writing sample?

If permission is granted, be careful to redact any confidential or privileged information or revise your writing sample to eliminate identifying information. Length: Review the job posting for specific writing sample requirements. Typically, writing samples should be between 8 and 10 pages in length.