LSAT Writing Guide

LSAT Writing Guide

In our LSAT Writing guide, we’ll discuss the format of this writing test and give you a couple practical tips for your essay.

LSAT Writing Overview

This 35-minute section used to be thrown in with the rest of the test, but now you’ll do it at a separate time, from the comfort of your home. You’ll be given a prompt and then type your response out. That’s right, you no longer have to scribble it out like an ancient scribe.

You can take the LSAT Writing test as soon as eight days before your LSAT is scheduled. It’s good to do this early, because LSAC won’t release your score until they have an approved LSAT Writing section on hand.

The LSAT Writing section is not scored—to repeat, it has no impact on your 120-180 score. Admissions staff may take a brief look at your writing section, but it’s not nearly as important as your numerical score.

Numerical scores simplify applications, potentially boost law schools’ academic reputations, and make for an easy way to decide on acceptance and scholarships. LSAT Writing is nothing more than a writing sample.

Your application essay(s) will be a more important part of your application. For LSAT Writing, you just want to make sure not to bomb it.

You can take LSAT Writing as early as eight days before your test date, and it’s good to get it out of the way early so that your writing sample is approved early. If you prefer to take LSAT Writing soon after your test, it will likely still be approved in time.

The Test

Now, on to the actual test. Make sure you have an appropriate room to test in. Once you’re good to go, LSAT Writing will start with a prompt, a scenario in which there are two decisions, with reasons for and against both. 

For example, let’s say Anthony is deciding between medical law and business law. The prompt will tell you a little about Anthony and the choices, and you can write in support of either one. There will always be two criteria that Anthony is considering.

For the essay, state your opinion on what Anthony should do in the first paragraph. In the next paragraphs you’ll support your choice, using only the facts found in the prompt. Make sure to cover the two different criteria that Anthony is judging the decisions by (again, found in the prompt). Finally, close out your essay with a paragraph restating your opinion. This will look very similar to your intro paragraph.

As far as the actual content, try to avoid grammatical and spelling errors as much as possible. If you don’t remember how to spell boulevard, just say street.

Lastly, remember not to make the most important LSAT Writing mistake: studying for it when you could be studying for the actual LSAT.

If you enjoyed this LSAT Writing guide, check out our other articles on the LSAT:

Answering Your LSAT Questions

Create Your LSAT Study Plan

General LSAT Strategies

LSAT Logic Games Tips

LSAT Logical Reasoning Tips

LSAT Reading Comprehension Tips

Preparing for Your LSAT Test Day

LSAT Scores and the LSAT-Flex