What do they look for on the LSAT writing?
Asked by: Liliana Lemke | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 5/5 (32 votes)
The LSAT essay shows how coherent you can be when you're under pressure and have only your own mind to work with. It's a better measure of raw writing talent as well as your own logic and argument skills. To succeed in law school, you need to be prepared to write lots of essays, including some timed essay exams.
What does a good LSAT writing sample look like?
Many LSAT test-takers write their sample in a series of short or only two paragraphs—one detailing the advantages of their chosen side and another detailing the disadvantages of the opposing side. You should choose a structure you feel most comfortable with. Your first paragraph should state your stance.
How do they score 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.
Do law schools look at your LSAT writing sample?
To a busy admissions officer, your LSAT writing sample is worth little more than a glance. It will go unnoticed unless it is so incoherent, inappropriate or incompetent that it casts doubt on the authenticity of your application or your suitability for law school.
Does LSAT writing have spell check?
Additionally, misspellings in the LSAT Argumentative Writing essay are underlined in accordance with the web browser's spell-check feature. However, alternate spelling suggestions are not available within the test environment.
What is LSAT Argumentative Writing? | How To Complete the LSAT Writing Sample
Is the LSAT predictive?
The LSAT is designed to assist in the admission process by predicting success at the end of the first year of law school (1L). For many decades, LSAT scores consistently have been shown to be the single best predictor of 1L grade point average, even more highly predictive than undergraduate grade point average.
Can I take the LSAT writing in my bedroom?
You can take LSAT Argumentative Writing at home, or in another quiet, well-lit, private space. and supervised by Meazure Learning (ProctorU). This portion of the LSAT can be taken on-demand and is only administered online using secure proctoring software that you'll install on your computer.
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 are they looking for in LSAT writing?
As of July 30, 2024, LSAT Argumentative Writing replaced the LSAT Writing prompt that was part of the LSAT since 1982. This new approach to the writing assessment aims to assess a test taker's ability to construct a cogent argument based on a variety of evidentiary sources.
What should a law school writing sample look like?
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 LSAT score did Elle Woods get?
When she applied to this school, she had a 4.0 GPA with a 179 on the LSAT, the two most important things when applying to law school. The average LSAT score for students applying to Harvard is 174, meaning she got above the average.
How many questions can you miss on LSAT to get 160?
You don't have to be perfect to do well on the LSAT. On a typical LSAT, you can still get around 18–19 questions wrong and still end up in the 160s—or around 10–12 wrong and get a 167, which is a 90th percentile score. Even a perfect score of 180 often allows you to miss a question or two.
Is 172 a good LSAT score?
On the other end of the spectrum we can consider an LSAT score of 172. An LSAT score of 172 means the student scored better than about 99% of applicants.
Do you get scratch paper on LSAT writing?
Scratch paper and writing utensils are not permitted during the LSAT Argumentative Writing exam. They do, however, provide you with a digital note-taking section available within the LSAT Writing module. You can use this to digitally type rough notes and an outline during the pre-writing time.
How many paragraphs is LSAT writing?
Your outline should include your introduction paragraph, at least three body paragraphs, and your conclusion paragraph. The introduction paragraph should include a clear thesis statement. Each paragraph should have a clear main topic with 2-3 supporting details or examples.
Can I retake the 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.
How many times can I take the 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 should I look for in an LSAT tutor?
Obviously, any LSAT tutor worth your time and money needs to be an LSAT expert. They should provide uniformly sound strategic advice to you. They should be able to construct a reliable study plan for you.
What is the average LSAT score?
The highest LSAT score is 180. The average LSAT score is about 152. A "good" LSAT score depends on the law schools you are considering. Compare your LSAT scores to the score ranges for admitted students at law schools on your list.
Can I get my LSAT score without writing?
If you are a first-time test taker, you must complete LSAT Argumentative Writing, and have it approved, before your score can be released. To help meet this requirement, LSAT Argumentative Writing is available in test takers' LSAC accounts eight days prior to each test administration.
Does LSAT writing get graded?
The changes we are announcing today will make the writing sample even more useful to schools in their evaluation and admission processes. For the 2024-2025 testing cycle, LSAT Writing will remain an unscored part of the LSAT.
Do you have to be smart to do well on the LSAT?
It is a mistake to assume that you will do well on the LSAT because you are bright and know a lot. The LSAT measures formal logic not general knowledge or practical experience. You cannot rely on your accumulated knowledge (or background information or life experience or common sense) to answer LSAT questions.
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 talk out loud during the LSAT?
For test security reasons, you are not allowed to read aloud any portion of the LSAT questions or responses while taking your test unless you have received an approved testing accommodation that allows this.
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.