Planning Ahead for the LSAT

Are you taking the LSAT this year? Try to plan ahead!

  • Make a Schedule
    1. When will you take the LSAT?
      1. The LSAT is only offered FOUR times a year. This is different than many other graduate school exams. Here are the months when the LSAT is offered:
        1. February
        2. June
        3. September/October
        4. December
          1. For more information on the specific dates the tests are offered, please visit the LSAC website.
        5. Keep in mind that you want to give yourself enough time to apply, write your personal statements, and double check your applications. Doing all this all at the last minute is not a good idea. There are a lot of different components that go into an application.
  • Figure Out Your Study Plan and Resources
    1. How will you study? What resources will you use? Some students buy books and study on their own while other students choose to take a LSAT prep course.
    2. Come learn more about different test prep companies and their courses! Find the best one for you! The LSAT PREP FAIR is Wednesday February 1st from 2:00PM-4:00PM in Illini Union Rooms B&C.
    3. June LSAT takers – keep an eye out for sign-ups for our June 2017 LSAT on-campus study groups. Sign-ups will be coming out in the next few weeks.
  • Carve Out Enough Time to Study
    1. Make sure you are studying for the LSAT when you have time to commit to it.
    2. If studying during the school year, try to be reasonable with the classes you are taking. You do not want to be taking the hardest classes of college and study for the LSAT at the same time.
    3. If you plan to study over the summer, make a schedule early so you know how to balance summer break with LSAT studying in a productive way.
  • Sign Up For the LSAT Early
    1. Some testing centers fill up quicker than others. Sign up early so you can test at your preferred location.
    2. If you are taking the June 2017 LSAT, sign up early! Typically, this test fills up by spring break.
  • Location: Decide Where You Want to Take the LSAT
    1. Some students decide to go home to take the LSAT, but some students feel more comfortable taking the LSAT on campus. Pick your preferred location for test day.
  • Cost
    1. The LSAT is not a cheap test. Currently, the cost for the LSAT is $180 per test. Late registration adds $90 to the base cost. Signing up early is important.
    2. Some students are eligible for fee waivers. For more information to go to the LSAC website.
      1. The basic criterion for receiving a waiver is the absolute inability to pay. Because the cost of these services is only a fraction of the cost of a legal education, the need criterion is considerably more stringent than for other financial aid processes. Only those with extreme need should apply.

Planning ahead is the best way to prepare for LSAT!