While many prospective law school students might approach the LSAT with fear, trepidation and anxiety, there are advantages to the exam that are often overlooked or underrepresented. Curious to read about the benefits of the LSAT and why we love it as a standardized testing experience?
Read on to find out—hopefully, you’ll feel the same way we do!
1. These skills translate into the real world of law.
It may be easy to write the LSAT off as an extraneous aspect of applying to law school, but the truth of the matter is the skills tested on the test directly apply to life as an attorney. For example, in the reading comprehension section, it asks you to draw connections and relationships between texts, often within the very dense material.
Naturally, reading is a major component of life as a lawyer with all the briefs and legal documents you must sift through, so between drawing relationships amongst texts and applying new facts to passages, the reading alone will help you years after graduation from law school. Additionally, the analytical reasoning found on the LSAT is structured to mimic that of a statute or contract, drawing a direct link to logical games and deductive reasoning. Long story short—the sections on this exam will help you not only in law school but after, so know your hard work will be put to use for years to come, not just on test day!
2. The LSAT is beneficial, but so is the CAS.
While a top LSAT score can open many doors for you as it relates to elite law schools, a service equally valuable is the CAS. The Credit Assembly Service is a standardized report that is given to each of the law schools to which you apply. Included in this report is the undergraduate school you attended, your transcript, your LSAT scores and copies of letters of recommendation. The CAS is an additional fee, but well worth the investment if you’re able to afford it, as it helps admissions committees assess candidates on a broader spectrum. In the end, your score counts, but this service also shows you’re more than just your score—you’re a three-dimensional person with impressive accomplishments.
3. Changes, updates, and revisions to the exam.
2017 marked a turning point for the LSAT, as the LSAC announced some significant changes to the exam. First, more test dates were announced, making it easier and more convenient to sign up and take the test. This benefits students with varying schedules and also accommodates more flexible study plans. Additionally, LSAC announced an end to the test cap. In the past, you could not take the LSAT more than three times; however, in 2017, this policy was lifted, further adding to the newfound flexibility of the testing and retesting process.
Finally, announcements were made for an upcoming “digital LSAT.” Pilots began in March of 2017 and while not available yet, it’s soon to be a reality. All of these changes, updates, and revisions add to our love of the LSAT in that it understands the importance of changing with the times, enhancing flexibility for students, and continuing to accommodate their needs.
As you can see, there is really a lot to like about the LSAT, whether it’s through its up-to-date alterations, the advantages of CAS, or the applicable real-world skills tested. Get started on your LSAT prep today and begin reaping the benefits and planning your exciting future in law.
I have been a professional content writer since 2011.
