Is the LSAT writing sample mandatory?
Asked by: Erna Wyman | Last update: September 10, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (64 votes)
Test takers are required to have a completed writing sample in their file in order to see their test score or have their score released to law schools.
Do you have to take the writing portion of the LSAT?
LSAT Argumentative Writing ® is a required part of the LSAT, but you don't need to take LSAT Argumentative Writing on the same day that you take the multiple-choice portion of the test. LSAT Argumentative Writing will become available through your LSAC JD Account eight (8) days prior to your LSAT administration.
Do law schools ask for a writing sample?
Most law schools require a writing sample as an integral part of their admission decision, and therefore, you should complete a writing sample to meet schools' application deadlines. Your writing sample will be shared with the law schools to which you have applied once it's approved and your score is released.
Can you retake the LSAT writing sample?
If you have already completed an LSAT Writing or LSAT Argumentative Writing sample, you do not need to complete LSAT Argumentative Writing again. However, if you would like to retake LSAT Argumentative Writing as well, please contact LSAC's Candidate Services team at LSACinfo@LSAC.org or 1.800. 336.3982.
Does Harvard law look at LSAT writing?
The CAS report includes any LSAT scores as well as copies of your academic transcripts, LSAT writing sample, and a summary of your undergraduate grades.
Does the LSAT Writing Sample Matter?
Is the LSAT writing sample required?
Test takers are required to have a completed writing sample in their file in order to see their test score or have their score released to law schools.
How hard is it to get a 175 on the LSAT?
The LSAT is scored on a bell curve, ranging from 120 to 180. On recent tests, the hump of the curve has centered around 153. Percentiles vary slightly between tests, but generally around 25% of test-takers score 160 or higher, 5% score 170 or higher, and 1% score 175 or higher. Only one in 1,000 test-takers scores 180.
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 I take the LSAT writing in my bedroom?
If testing remotely, make sure you'll have access to a quiet, well-lit, private, enclosed room for the entire time you're taking the test. You cannot move testing areas after you complete the room scan and begin the LSAT.
Are you allowed to scratch paper on the LSAT?
Candidates who test in a center will be provided three (3) blank, unlined, colored scratch paper booklets. Each booklet contains two pages. You will also be provided two (2) pencils. Candidates who test in a center are NOT permitted to bring their own scratch paper or writing instruments.
Does LSAT writing actually matter?
Is LSAT Writing used in law school admissions? Not really. There's a chance that your LSAT essay just may go totally unread. 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.
What counts 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.
Should I stress about the LSAT writing?
Don't stress about this unscored part of the LSAT, but take it seriously. Aug. 19, 2024, at 12:26 p.m. You should approach the LSAT writing sample as a test of clear, logically organized writing.
How many times can you do LSAT writing?
Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2019). A total of seven times over a lifetime.
What is a good LSAT score?
According to U.S. News, law school admissions experts recommend striving for at least a 150; however, for a top-ranking law school, you should aim for a 160 or better. For a Top 10 law school, a 170 or more is desired. Of course, this all depends on which schools you are applying to.
How hard is the LSAT?
This process is not only time-consuming but can be very expensive as well. So yes, the LSAT is hard, and it is designed that way. It's not so much a test that requires a student to remember random facts, but instead, it is a test that showcases a student's thought process.
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 long should my LSAT writing sample 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.
How early should I arrive for LSAT?
Arrive up to 30 minutes before your scheduled time. You will need a valid photo ID. For more information about acceptable IDs, visit Identification Accepted for LSAT Admission.
Can I get into law school without LSAT?
While many law schools still require potential students to take the LSAT and submit their scores, there is a growing trend away from this requirement. Today there are several highly respected law schools that no longer require this specific type of test, and more schools are following suit each year.
Has the LSAT gotten harder over time?
Short answer: No. The only difference across practice tests over time is that early Logic Games are harder, so if anything, the LSAT has gotten easier.
What is the average LSAT score over the years?
Mean LSAT scores by year are as follows: 156.63 in 2008, 156.44 in 2009, 156.55 in 2010, 156.71 in 2011, 156.76 in 2012, 156.45 in 2013, 155.81 in 2014, 155.30 in 2015, 154.60 in 2016, and 154.18 in 2017.
What was Obama's LSAT score?
The easiest to predict, by far, is Barack Obama's score, mostly because we have some data. Based on admissions records, we can deduce — somewhat reliably — that Barry-O scored between the 94th and 98th percentile on his LSAT. Using today's grading system, that would place him somewhere around a 170.
How rare is a 180 LSAT?
How Hard Is It To Get A Perfect Score On The LSAT? According to LSAC, only 119 test-takers out of nearly 60,000 achieved this in 2022. So when you ask, “How many people get a 180 on the LSAT?” the answer highlights the rarity and difficulty of this achievement.
What score did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?
Elle Woods, a fictional character portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the movie Legally Blonde, is known for her remarkable LSAT score—179 out of 180. Portrayed as a stereotypical "valley girl," she embarks on a journey to Harvard Law School in the movie that has since become a cult favorite.