Is the LSAT writing timed?
Asked by: Miguel Kassulke | Last update: August 16, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (21 votes)
Most test takers will have a total of 50 minutes — 15 minutes for prewriting analysis and 35 minutes for essay writing. If you do not have a writing sample on file, we encourage you to complete LSAT Argumentative Writing as soon as you can.
Is the LSAT writing sample timed?
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 the LSAT writing portion like?
You will be given a detailed prompt that lays out a scenario or problem. The prompt will feature two options or solutions to choose from. There is no right answer.
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.
Can you use first person in LSAT writing?
Since you are asked to write an explanatory essay, an occasional self-reference may be appropriate. Use it sparingly and only when there is no other way to explain what you mean. You may call yourself “I” as long as you keep the number of first-person pronouns to a minimum.
5 Tips to Ace the LSAT Writing Sample
Can I take my LSAT writing at any time?
To help test takers complete their writing sample, LSAT Argumentative Writing opens eight (8) days prior to each test administration and can be completed at any time. If you already have a reportable writing sample on file, you do not need to complete LSAT Argumentative Writing.
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.
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.
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.
Can you retake LSAT writing?
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.
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 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 you have scratch paper for LSAT writing?
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.
What is the hardest LSAT date?
Using that data, you'll find that the December exam consistently has the easiest "curve," and the June exam consistently has the hardest.
What makes a good LSAT writing sample?
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 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.
How rare is a 160 on the LSAT?
A student scoring a 180 is in the 99.9 percentile because the student scored better than 99.9% of test-takers. A student scoring a 160 is in the 74.8 percentile because the student scored better than 74.8% of test-takers. You can hover over the blue outline to see a tooltip for all each LSAT/percentile combinations.
How bad is a 145 on the LSAT?
A 144-145 is generally considered to be the lowest acceptable score to attend law school. The median LSAT score is around 151-152, so 144-145 is significantly lower than this. As such, the majority of law schools will not accept scores below this.
How rare is a 180 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 a 170 LSAT attainable?
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. Still, it won't guarantee you admission at a top law school. Other parts of your application are still a factor.
Did Harvard get rid of LSAT?
Harvard Law School accepts either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). We do not have a preference for either exam. Similarly, a candidate is not considered more committed by taking both exams or disadvantaged by taking the same exam multiple times.
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.
How much does LSAT cost?
It costs $222 to take the LSAT and receive one free score report. In addition, subscription to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is required for application for most law schools. This subscription costs $200 and includes on score report for $45. Additional score reports cost $45.
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 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.