State Bar vs. LSAT: Top 10 Differences

1.  The State Bar requires a significant amount of memorization of substantive law.  The LSAT is a logic-based test that requires virtually no memorization of anything.

2.  The State Bar is primarily in an essay format, whereas the graded portion of the LSAT is entirely multiple-choice.

3.  The State Bar (in California) lasts three days, whereas the LSAT is a half-day test.

4.  The State Bar is purely a Pass-Fail exam – it does you no good to Pass “with flying colors” – the goal is simply to Pass.  In contrast, the LSAT is graded on a 60-point curve from 120-180, and very small differences in one’s LSAT score can have huge implications on law school acceptance and scholarship money.

5.  There is no limit to the number of times you can take the State Bar.  The LSAT can be taken only three times in any two-year period.

6.  The State Bar is offered two times a year (February and July).  The LSAT is offered four times a year (February, June, September/October, and December)

7.  The State Bar is taken after law school, and determines whether or not you will be permitted to practice as a lawyer.  The LSAT is taken before law school, and one’s LSAT score is generally considered the single most important part of your law school application.

8. Each State has its own State Bar, whereas the LSAT is identical for all test-takers.

9,  Passing the State Bar only allows you to practice law in that State (and any other State that offers “reciprocity,” such as Washington D.C.).  One’s LSAT score is valid for all schools nationwide.

10.  LSAT Prep courses with a live instructor typically run around $1000-$1,500.  Bar review courses typically run around $4,000 and generally consist only of video lessons.