LSAT Argumentative Writing: the online essay

What’s the LSAT writing prompt like?

You get a debatable issue and three or four short perspectives on it. You take a position and respond to some of the other views. The prompt is picked at random, and it’s one you haven’t seen in an earlier sitting.

There’s no word limit. LSAC says to aim for a well-written, well-argued response rather than a long one.

When to take it

• It opens in JD Services at 12 a.m. Eastern Time, eight days before your LSAT. You don’t have to take it on the same day as the multiple-choice test.
• You can move on from the 15-minute prewriting part after 5 minutes. When time runs out, the essay is submitted automatically.
• Processing often takes about a week, but LSAC says to allow up to three weeks before it shows in your CAS report. Take it early if a school deadline is close.
• If you’re not applying this cycle, you have up to a year to complete it.

What you need at home

• A Windows or Mac computer (Mac needs macOS Sequoia 15.0 or later) with the latest Google Chrome, a webcam, a microphone and a strong, stable internet connection. Chromebooks, Linux and phones aren’t supported.
• Admin rights on the computer, so you can install the ProctorU proctoring software. Remove the Proctorio extension first, because the two clash.
• A quiet, well-lit, private room that’s fully enclosed, with no glass walls or doors, and a clear desk.
• A physical government photo ID whose first and last name match your LSAC account. A blurry ID image cancels your session.
• Allowed on the desk: tissues, water in a clear container with the label removed, and foam earplugs. Not allowed: phones, watches, scratch paper or pens. You type notes in a built-in scratch pad instead.

Writing rules

• Grammarly, Microsoft Editor and other grammar or AI tools aren’t allowed. Chrome’s spell check underlines mistakes but won’t suggest fixes.
• You can read your essay when you finish, but don’t take photos or screenshots of it or of the completion screen. That can cancel your session and lead to a misconduct report.
• If a technical problem stops you finishing, call the 24/7 line at 1.855.772.8678. You can then retest with a different prompt.

Do you have to write it again?

Usually not. One approved sample is enough, and one from the current reportable score period, back to July 2021, stays valid. Your first LSAT registration includes one sitting. If you want to write it again for the 2026-2027 testing year, contact LSAC.

How to practice

A free LawHub account has one official sample prompt, and LawHub Advantage has more. Write it under the real timing, 15 minutes to plan and 35 to write, so the clock isn’t a surprise.