LSAT Writing Recap and Final Tips

Here’s a recap of what we’ve covered so far:

  • LSAT Writing is a thirty-five-minute, unscored persuasive essay exam. You’ll take it on a computer. It’s available eight days before and up to a year after your LSAT. You can retake it if you retake the LSAT.
  • This section matters. A bad essay can easily hurt your chances; a good essay might just help.
  • You’ll get two choices—e.g., “pizza or tacos”—two criteria by which to choose, and two paragraphs of facts, one for each choice.
  • Commit to a choice quickly and don’t try to get fancy.
  • Try to spend about five minutes reading and planning, twenty-five minutes writing, and five minutes revising, though your mileage will vary.
  • Stick to a simple structure:
    • A one-sentence intro, a one-paragraph argument for your choice, a one-paragraph argument against the other side (in which you’ll probably acknowledge a point in its favor), and a conclusion.
  • Practice LSAT Writing at least three times, ideally with LSAC’s Getting Acquainted with LSAT Writing

Finally, I’ll leave you with a few practical tips for test day:

  • Turn off notifications on your computer.
  • Put a sign on the door of your room if there’s any chance someone will knock; put a sign on your front door if there’s any chance someone will ring.
  • Turn off your phone.
  • Go over your plan, if you have one, or think about the lessons of your practice tests before you take the real thing.

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