I just got a good question about the predicted snow on Saturday.
It is possible that LSAC would cancel the test if it snowed too much, but that would be on a site-by-site basis. If that happens, they would contact you after the fact and probably reschedule you for sometime in the next two weeks; that's what they've done in the past.
That said, I would recommend not planning on this. When I took my test, I had to drive through 7 inches of snow that had fallen the night before. And not only was the test still taking place, I was the last one to arrive. They're not going to cancel the test unless it's impossible for them to hold it.
If you think your test might be canceled, I would check your lsac.org account to see if they've posted any updates either before you go to bed on Friday or when you wake up on Saturday. They might call or email you, but I wouldn't count on it.
In the meantime, make sure to give yourself double or even triple the time it would normally take you to get to your testing site.
How many questions can I miss on the LSAT?
It's easy to get hung up on one or two problems while you're taking an LSAT only to feel that you've ruined your score. But what does a missed question actually do to your score anyway?
Most people would agree that a 170 is a really high score. Does that mean that you have to be perfect to score a 170? Not at all. In fact, on most tests you can miss 10 questions and still score a 170. That's two whole games!
Now let's see what you need to get a 160. As it turns out, you can miss about 25 questions on average and still get a 160. That's an entire section! You can miss one in every four questions and still get a 160.
The key here is figuring out how many questions you need to answer correctly to get what you want. If your goal is a 160, then trying to push yourself to get a 180 is likely to cause more harm than good.
This isn't to say that you have to sell yourself short. Pick a score that you think you can get, and if you reach it, then it's time to push yourself further. But don't let an unrealistic goal stress you out and get in the way of a great goal. Besides, once you reach your goal, you can always reassess and set a higher goal. Just don't worry about that until you get there.
In the meantime, pull out a score conversion chart from a modern test (ideally PrepTests 54+). Find the score that you want. What's the raw score you need to get that LSAT score? Subtract that from 100. That number is the number of questions you can miss and still get your goal. Divide that number by 4 to see how many questions you can miss in each section. By seeing how many questions you can miss, many students start to feel more relaxed, which helps them do better on the other questions. Find a score that seems doable but that pushes you a little. Once you get that score, reassess and try again.
Keep it up, and you'll do awesome!
....
Related:
LSAT Anxiety Release Program
Most people would agree that a 170 is a really high score. Does that mean that you have to be perfect to score a 170? Not at all. In fact, on most tests you can miss 10 questions and still score a 170. That's two whole games!
Now let's see what you need to get a 160. As it turns out, you can miss about 25 questions on average and still get a 160. That's an entire section! You can miss one in every four questions and still get a 160.
The key here is figuring out how many questions you need to answer correctly to get what you want. If your goal is a 160, then trying to push yourself to get a 180 is likely to cause more harm than good.
This isn't to say that you have to sell yourself short. Pick a score that you think you can get, and if you reach it, then it's time to push yourself further. But don't let an unrealistic goal stress you out and get in the way of a great goal. Besides, once you reach your goal, you can always reassess and set a higher goal. Just don't worry about that until you get there.
In the meantime, pull out a score conversion chart from a modern test (ideally PrepTests 54+). Find the score that you want. What's the raw score you need to get that LSAT score? Subtract that from 100. That number is the number of questions you can miss and still get your goal. Divide that number by 4 to see how many questions you can miss in each section. By seeing how many questions you can miss, many students start to feel more relaxed, which helps them do better on the other questions. Find a score that seems doable but that pushes you a little. Once you get that score, reassess and try again.
Keep it up, and you'll do awesome!
....
Related:
LSAT Anxiety Release Program
List of Official LSAT PrepTests
| LSAT | PrepTest | Published in | |
| 1991 | June | 1 | |
| October | 2 | TriplePrep 1 | |
| December | 3 | TriplePrep 2 | |
| 1992 | February | 4 | TriplePrep 1 |
| June | 5 | TriplePrep 1 | |
| October | 6 | TriplePrep 2 | |
| December | 18 | 10 Actual | |
| 1993 | February | 7 | 10 Actual |
| June | 8 | TriplePrep 3 | |
| October | 9 | 10 Actual | |
| December | Released as 16 | ||
| 1994 | February | 10 | 10 Actual |
| June | 11 | 10 Actual | |
| October | 12 | 10 Actual | |
| December | 13 | 10 Actual | |
| 1995 | February | 14 | 10 Actual |
| June | 15 | 10 Actual | |
| September | 16 | 10 Actual | |
| December | 17 | ||
| 1996 | February | A | SuperPrep |
| June | 19 | 10 More | |
| October | 20 | 10 More | |
| December | 21 | 10 More | |
| 1997 | February | No number | |
| June | 22 | 10 More | |
| October | 23 | 10 More | |
| December | 24 | 10 More | |
| 1998 | February | Not released | |
| June | 25 | 10 More | |
| September | 26 | 10 More | |
| December | 27 | 10 More | |
| 1999 | February | B | SuperPrep |
| June | 28 | 10 More | |
| October | 29 | The Next 10 | |
| December | 30 | The Next 10 | |
| 2000 | February | C | SuperPrep |
| June | 31 | The Next 10 | |
| October | 32 | The Next 10 | |
| December | 33 | The Next 10 | |
| 2001 | February | Not released | |
| June | 34 | The Next 10 | |
| October | 35 | The Next 10 | |
| December | 36 | The Next 10 | |
| 2002 | February | Not released | |
| June | 37 | The Next 10 |
|
| October | 38 | The Next 10 |
|
| December | 39 | PrepTest 39 | |
| 2003 | February | Not released | |
| June | 40 | PrepTest 40 | |
| October | 41 | PrepTest 41 | |
| December | 42 | PrepTest 42 | |
| 2004 | February | Not released | |
| June | 43 | PrepTest 43 | |
| October | 44 | PrepTest 44 | |
| December | 45 | PrepTest 45 | |
| 2005 | February | Not released | |
| June | 46 | PrepTest 46 | |
| October | 47 | PrepTest 47 | |
| December | 48 | PrepTest 48 | |
| 2006 | February | Not released | |
| June | 49 | PrepTest 49 | |
| September | 50 | PrepTest 50 | |
| December | 51 | PrepTest 51 | |
| 2007 | February | Not released | |
| June | No number | Official Sample | |
| September | 52 | PrepTest 52 | |
| December | 53 | PrepTest 53 | |
| 2008 | February | Not released | |
| June | 54 | PrepTest 54 | |
| October | 55 | PrepTest 55 | |
| December | 56 | PrepTest 56 | |
| 2009 | February | Not released | |
| June | 57 | PrepTest 57 | |
| September | 58 | PrepTest 58 | |
| December | 59 | PrepTest 59 | |
| 2010 | February | Not released | |
| June | 60 | PrepTest 60 | |
| October | 61 | PrepTest 61 | |
| December | 62 | PrepTest 62 |
Key
- 10 Actual — 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
- 10 More — 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
- The Next 10 — The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
- SuperPrep — The Official LSAT SuperPrep
- TriplePrep — LSAT TriplePrep, Volumes 1-3
- PrepTest — Individual PrepTests
Should I retake the LSAT?
If you think you can increase your score by 3 or more points, you should seriously consider retaking the LSAT. Even though schools no longer “need” to average your scores, they can if they want. Yale, Chicago, Cornell, and some other schools have said they won’t, for example, while NYU, Duke, Georgetown, and some others have said they will.
For most schools, however, whether they average depends largely on how well you do when you retake it. Consider these two students:
Vijay gets a 158 and then a 164.
Otto gets a 160 and then a 162.
The average for both Vijay and Otto is 161, but which average is better?
Most schools would likely peg Otto at a 161 and peg Vijay at a 164. Given the difference between Vijay’s first score and his second, his first score was probably a fluke or premature. Yet Otto’s 162 almost reaffirms his 160. The test makers themselves concede that the test has a margin of error of 3 points. So maybe Otto preformed exactly the same on each test but got a different result simply because the test is imperfect.
Vijay, on the other hand, might have gotten lucky, but probably not that lucky. His second score means something and should be given more weight than his first.
This example brings us back to our first sentence: If you’re likely to up by 3 or more points, you should seriously consider retaking. Granted, the more you go up, the better. By going up 6 points, for instance, Vijay made it easy for schools to disregard his first score. But even a 3-point leap can make a difference.
Just make sure you’re ready to make the leap!
For most schools, however, whether they average depends largely on how well you do when you retake it. Consider these two students:
Vijay gets a 158 and then a 164.
Otto gets a 160 and then a 162.
The average for both Vijay and Otto is 161, but which average is better?
Most schools would likely peg Otto at a 161 and peg Vijay at a 164. Given the difference between Vijay’s first score and his second, his first score was probably a fluke or premature. Yet Otto’s 162 almost reaffirms his 160. The test makers themselves concede that the test has a margin of error of 3 points. So maybe Otto preformed exactly the same on each test but got a different result simply because the test is imperfect.
Vijay, on the other hand, might have gotten lucky, but probably not that lucky. His second score means something and should be given more weight than his first.
This example brings us back to our first sentence: If you’re likely to up by 3 or more points, you should seriously consider retaking. Granted, the more you go up, the better. By going up 6 points, for instance, Vijay made it easy for schools to disregard his first score. But even a 3-point leap can make a difference.
Just make sure you’re ready to make the leap!
Last Proctored Exams for September 2009 LSAT
There are still six proctored LSATs left between now and the September 26, 2009 LSAT:
Sign Up Online to reserve your seat
(It's FREE if it's your first time taking a test with us.)
Looking ahead to the December LSAT?
Here are a few more proctored exams:
- Thu, Sep 17, 2009 - 6:00 PM
- Sat, Sep 19, 2009 - 9:00 AM
- Sat, Sep 19, 2009 - 2:00 PM
- Tue, Sep 22, 2009 - 6:00 PM
- Wed, Sep 23, 2009 - 6:00 PM
- Thu, Sep 24, 2009 - 6:00 PM
Sign Up Online to reserve your seat
(It's FREE if it's your first time taking a test with us.)
Looking ahead to the December LSAT?
Here are a few more proctored exams:
- Sat, Sep 26, 2009 - 10:00 AM
- Tue, Sep 29, 2009 - 6:00 PM
Most Common FAQ about LSAT
Here are many of the most common questions about the LSAT. All answers quote directly from LSAC’s website:
How many times can I take the LSAT?
Normally, you may not take the LSAT more than three times in any two-year period. This policy applies even if you cancel your score or it is not otherwise reported.
However, you may retake the LSAT if a law school to which you are applying requires a more recent score than any you have on record, or approves your retaking the test, and the school provides LSAC with written proof of its requirement no later than the last day of registration for the test.
How will my scores be reported?
LSAC will automatically report the results of all LSATs in your file, including cancellations and absences, since June 1, 2004. The scores are averaged and also appear separately.
If you wish to have older scores obtained between June 1, 2000, and June 1, 2004, placed on a current file, you may do so by sending a signed, dated request to LSAC.
How can I cancel my score?
There are two ways you can cancel your score:
How long after the test will I receive my results?
LSAT takers who have LSAC.org accounts will automatically receive their LSAT scores by e-mail approximately three weeks after taking the test. This is the quickest way to obtain your LSAT score, and there is no additional charge.
More LSAT Answers
How many times can I take the LSAT?
Normally, you may not take the LSAT more than three times in any two-year period. This policy applies even if you cancel your score or it is not otherwise reported.
However, you may retake the LSAT if a law school to which you are applying requires a more recent score than any you have on record, or approves your retaking the test, and the school provides LSAC with written proof of its requirement no later than the last day of registration for the test.
How will my scores be reported?
LSAC will automatically report the results of all LSATs in your file, including cancellations and absences, since June 1, 2004. The scores are averaged and also appear separately.
If you wish to have older scores obtained between June 1, 2000, and June 1, 2004, placed on a current file, you may do so by sending a signed, dated request to LSAC.
How can I cancel my score?
There are two ways you can cancel your score:
- Complete the score cancellation section on the LSAT answer sheet at the test center. (You must blacken both bubbles in the score cancellation section.) Sign your full name and date for the certifying statement.
- Send a written cancellation request to LSAC after the test. Your written cancellation must be in the form of a signed fax; overnight letter; or expedited, mailed score cancellation form, which you can access on this website immediately following your test administration. Your request must be received within six calendar days of the test. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt of your request within four calendar days after your request was submitted, contact LSAC immediately. If your request has not been processed, you may submit proof that your request was received at LSAC within the required period. Documentation of proof of receipt will not be accepted beyond 14 calendar days after the test.
How long after the test will I receive my results?
LSAT takers who have LSAC.org accounts will automatically receive their LSAT scores by e-mail approximately three weeks after taking the test. This is the quickest way to obtain your LSAT score, and there is no additional charge.
More LSAT Answers
How long should my law school personal statement be?
Every law school has a different requirement. Some schools don't limit your length, while others cap it at a certain number of pages or words.
Most schools limit the length to 2 pages, double spaced, or about 500 words.
One strategy: Look at all the schools you're applying to, and pick the school with the shortest limit. Write your essay within that limit.
Granted, the more you can customize your statement for each school, the greater impact it will have on each admissions committee. But writing your statement within the shortest limit will allow you to use it for any school you apply to.
Here are some sample limits:
Georgetown
There is no minimum or maximum length. We do not feel that an applicant's personal statement should be limited. Please send in your personal statement with your application.
George Washington
Please try to keep your personal statement to 500 words – two pages, double spaced.
American
The average length is 2-3 pages. Reviewers appreciate it if you could keep the font size legible (at least 11 point) and double spaced.
George Mason
The application requires submission of a personal statement not to exceed 500 words, double-spaced.
Harvard
We ask that you limit your statement to two pages, double spaced, using a font size that is comfortable to read (not less than 11 point).
Stanford
Enclose a statement of about two pages describing important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application.
NYU
Because people and their interests vary, we leave the content and length of your statement to your discretion. You may wish to complete or clarify your responses to items on the application form, bring to our attention additional information you feel should be considered, describe important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, or tell us what led you to apply to NYU School of Law.
Most schools limit the length to 2 pages, double spaced, or about 500 words.
One strategy: Look at all the schools you're applying to, and pick the school with the shortest limit. Write your essay within that limit.
Granted, the more you can customize your statement for each school, the greater impact it will have on each admissions committee. But writing your statement within the shortest limit will allow you to use it for any school you apply to.
Here are some sample limits:
Georgetown
There is no minimum or maximum length. We do not feel that an applicant's personal statement should be limited. Please send in your personal statement with your application.
George Washington
Please try to keep your personal statement to 500 words – two pages, double spaced.
American
The average length is 2-3 pages. Reviewers appreciate it if you could keep the font size legible (at least 11 point) and double spaced.
George Mason
The application requires submission of a personal statement not to exceed 500 words, double-spaced.
Harvard
We ask that you limit your statement to two pages, double spaced, using a font size that is comfortable to read (not less than 11 point).
Stanford
Enclose a statement of about two pages describing important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application.
NYU
Because people and their interests vary, we leave the content and length of your statement to your discretion. You may wish to complete or clarify your responses to items on the application form, bring to our attention additional information you feel should be considered, describe important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, or tell us what led you to apply to NYU School of Law.
