All applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), administered nationwide by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), administered by ETS. These exam scores help STCL Houston determine your readiness to apply the necessary skills for success in the first year of school. Only one of the exams is required. If you have already taken the LSAT or GRE and have questions about qualifying or taking another exam, get in touch with an admissions team member at jd-info@stcl.edu or 713-913-4598.
We want you to succeed on the LSAT.
Here’s what you need to know to get started:
Format
The LSAT consists of three scored sections (logical reasoning, analytical reasoning and reading comprehension) and a fourth unscored variable section (which allows LSAC to validate new test questions for future use and ensure they are free from any form of bias).
The LSAT consists of equally weighted multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours. There is a 10-minute break between the second and third sections. In response to the COVID pandemic, the LSAT format currently is offered in an online, live remote-proctored format — at least through June 2022.
Test-takers who do not have a writing sample on file with LSAC will also need to take LSAT Writing, a proctored, on-demand writing exam administered online. LSAT Writing can be completed separately from the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT, at a convenient time and place of the individual’s choosing. LSAT Writing becomes available in candidates’ online accounts eight days before their test administration.
Registering
The LSAT is typically scheduled seven times per year. Keep in mind, however, that the registration date is generally four to five weeks in advance of administration. It is very important to be prepared and register for your LSAT as early as possible so your scores will be available by the law school application deadline. This becomes especially important if you need an opportunity to retake the LSAT if you are not happy with your score. You should receive your score roughly three weeks after the test. View upcoming LSAT dates and registration deadlines here. South Texas College of Law Houston’s school code is 6654.
Preparation
Most test-takers prepare for the LSAT for three or more months and establish a study schedule of around 20 hours per week. LSAC provides free LSAT prep materials, such as practice tests and tutorial videos. There also are various LSAT prep courses, books and materials for purchase from top LSAT preparation companies.
Cost
The price to take the LSAT is $200, which includes one free score report. The score report is the report that LSAC will send on your behalf to a law school of your choice. In addition, a $195 subscription to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is required to apply for STCL Houston. However, waiver forms for the LSAT and CAS fees are available through LSAC and can be downloaded here.
Score
The LSAT is scored based on the number of questions answered correctly. The score is then converted to a scale ranging from 120 to 180, with 120 being the lowest possible LSAT score and 180 being the highest. Your score is released only to you and the law schools to which you have applied. South Texas College of Law Houston’s fall 2021 cohort had a median score of 152.
Retesting
If you don’t believe your score accurately reflects your skills, you may consider retaking the LSAT. According to LSAC, test takers on average increase their scores 2 to 3 points when taking their second test in the same testing year. The increase may be bolstered by the use of additional study materials or programs. You may retake the LSAT three times in a single testing year, five times within the five past testing years or a total of seven times over a lifetime.
Application
If you plan to apply to South Texas College of Law Houston but do not have your score available yet, we recommend you complete your application now. Your application will have a final review when your score is available.
Taking the GRE instead?
Here’s what you need to know to get started:
The GRE Test is a computer-delivered test that measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills — skills not related to a specific field of study but skills needed to succeed in today’s graduate school programs.
The GRE is offered year-round at test centers. Find available test centers and dates here. The GRE may also be available at home if you meet the Equipment and Environment Requirements. When selecting a test date, make sure your scores will be reported in time for your application deadlines. Score reports are sent approximately 10–15 days after your test date. South Texas College of Law Houston’s school code is 2749.
The standard test admission fee in the U.S. is $205 but may be subject to change. In addition, a $195 subscription to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is required to apply for STCL Houston. However, waiver forms for CAS fees are available through LSAC and can be downloaded here.
ETS offers official test prep materials to help you practice with sample questions and an understanding of scores and a free preparation webinar including information about question types and test-taking strategies, what to expect on test day, scores and score reporting tools.
