The LSAT and Admissions

Most Common LSAT-related questions

The LSAT Score Spectrum: Percentiles and Competitiveness

The middle of the pack on the LSAT is a score of about 154, which is the 50th percentile on LSAC’s current percentile table. This means half the test-takers score higher, and the other half score lower. Law schools across Canada typically seek scores in the mid-160s and above, which puts you in roughly the 85th percentile and higher. However, there can be some variation between schools. For instance, schools in major legal markets like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal might have higher LSAT expectations compared to smaller law schools.

So, what’s a “good” LSAT score?

There’s no magic number, but a score in the mid-160s puts you in a competitive range for admission at many schools. Remember, law school admissions are holistic, but a strong LSAT score is a significant advantage, especially in competitive programs like those at UBC in Vancouver or the University of Toronto.

LSAT vs. GPA

What if your LSAT score and GPA don’t exactly match? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. While admissions practices can vary by school, some Canadian law schools put more weight on your GPA than on the LSAT. So, a stellar GPA can potentially offset a weaker LSAT score, particularly at schools that emphasize undergraduate performance. However, the reverse is less common. A high LSAT with a low GPA won’t guarantee admission, though it can help your application stand out at schools that weight the LSAT heavily. Check each school’s admissions page to see how it balances the two.

How long should I study for the LSAT?

The answer depends on your learning style and starting point. Take a cold diagnostic test (a practice test under timed conditions) to assess your strengths and weaknesses in Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Based on your score, Kaplan recommends an average of 150-300 hours of prep. I don’t go quite that far; you can read my recommendation in Choosing Your LSAT Study Timeline. Pacing is key. Start studying early enough to ensure thorough preparation before your application deadlines, especially if you’re targeting competitive programs.

Are there LSAT-optional schools?

There’s one major exception. McGill University’s Faculty of Law doesn’t require the LSAT for its BCL/JD program, though it will consider your score if you’ve written it. The program is transsystemic, meaning you study both civil law and common law, and it’s taught in a bilingual environment: you need to be at least passively bilingual, which means you can read and understand French (or English, if French is your first language). Admissions are highly competitive. For most other Canadian law schools, the LSAT remains a significant factor in the application process. A significantly low score will likely hinder your admission chances, regardless of your target school.

Also, you can pursue a career in law without a JD degree:

• Paralegal programs: In most provinces, paralegals work under the supervision of lawyers, performing a variety of legal tasks like legal research, drafting documents, and assisting with client communication (Ontario also licenses paralegals to provide some legal services on their own). Paralegal training is typically a college diploma program, and it provides the necessary skills and knowledge for this vital legal role.
• Law Clerk programs: Law clerk programs focus on training individuals for specific legal specializations like family law, criminal justice, or corporate law. These programs can be shorter than paralegal programs and equip graduates with the necessary skills to assist lawyers in a particular legal practice area.
• Master of Studies in Law (MSL) programs: If you already hold a non-law degree and want to understand the law in your own field, some Canadian schools, such as the University of Toronto and Western, offer a Master of Studies in Law. These programs require strong academic performance in your previous degree, but they don’t qualify you to practise as a lawyer. (Don’t confuse them with the Master of Laws, or LLM, which is a graduate degree for people who already have a law degree.)

How well does the LSAT actually predict success in law school?

The LSAT is a strong predictor of first-year law school grades, but it’s not the only factor. There’s a reason why law schools also consider your GPA, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and work experience. And many (most?) lawyers agree that the LSAT doesn’t capture all the skills necessary for thriving in law school, much less in their legal practice: research, writing, and client communication to name a few. But it does assess critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical reasoning, which are foundational for legal studies within the narrow confines of law school.

Other LSAT FAQs

Q: I’m retaking the LSAT. Do law schools consider my highest score or the average of all my attempts?

A: Law schools in Canada typically consider your highest LSAT score. However, some schools might request to see score reports from all your attempts. It’s best to check with the specific schools you’re applying to understand their policy on multiple LSAT attempts.

Q: Can I write the LSAT outside of Canada?

A: Yes, the LSAT is administered internationally. You can find your options on the LSAC website.

Q: Is the LSAT offered in French?

A: No, the LSAT is only offered in English. That’s one of the reasons McGill doesn’t require it for its BCL/JD program, which is taught in both English and French.

Q: What are some free resources available to help me prepare for the LSAT?

A: There are several free resources available online and at your local library to help you prepare for the LSAT. These include practice tests, sample questions, and study guides. LSAC’s own LawHub offers free official practice tests and is a good starting point.

Q: What are some myths about the LSAT that I shouldn’t believe?

Myth #1: You need to be a fast reader to excel on the LSAT. While reading comprehension is a tested skill, the LSAT focuses more on critical analysis and reasoning than simply reading speed. Develop strategies to dissect passages efficiently and identify key points.

Myth #2: There’s a secret formula to getting a high LSAT score. The LSAT tests a variety of skills, and the best approach is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the test format, question types, and effective test-taking strategies.

Myth #3: You need expensive prep courses to succeed on the LSAT. While LSAT prep courses can be helpful for some, there are numerous free and affordable resources available to help you prepare effectively. Consistency, dedication, and a strategic approach are key to LSAT success.

Q: I have a criminal record. Will this affect my chances of getting into law school, even with a good LSAT score?

A: While a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from law school, it’s important to be transparent about it in your application. Answer any disclosure questions honestly and completely, and if you have the space, explain the circumstances surrounding the offence. Focus on how you’ve grown or learned from the experience and demonstrate your suitability for a legal career that emphasizes ethical conduct.

Q: I’m not great at standardized tests. Should I give up on my law school dream?

A: Not necessarily! The LSAT is a challenging test, but with dedicated preparation, you can improve your score significantly. Explore different study strategies, consider taking an LSAT prep course, and leverage free resources available online. Remember, law schools consider the entire application package, so a strong personal statement and relevant work experience can balance a lower LSAT score, especially at schools that emphasize a holistic approach.

Q: What’s the future of the LSAT?

A: In August 2024 the LSAT dropped Logic Games and replaced it with a second Logical Reasoning section, with a stated focus on accessibility. Expect the test to keep evolving, so check lsac.org for the current format before you start studying.