Tunde was just like many young Africans, full of dreams, but unsure where to start. He had always wanted to become a lawyer, not just in Nigeria, but on a global scale. When he heard about law schools in the USA and Canada, his excitement grew. But then he stumbled upon something called the LSAT — and panic set in.
“I didn’t even know what LSAT stood for,” he admits. “I thought you just applied to law school with your transcripts.”
If you’re like Tunde, don’t worry. This is your simple guide, the same one Tunde wishes he had when he first began.
2. What the LSAT Really Is
The LSAT stands for the Law School Admission Test. It’s a standardized exam required by most law schools in the United States and Canada. Think of it like JAMB or WAEC, but for international law programs.
Tunde soon learned that the LSAT doesn’t test law knowledge. Instead, it checks how well you think, read, and analyze arguments, all skills a great lawyer needs.
Once he understood the real purpose of the LSAT, it stopped feeling like a monster. “I realized it’s not about being perfect, it’s about preparing smart,” he says.
3. Key Things Tunde Learned Before Taking the LSAT
The LSAT has four main parts:
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Logical Reasoning – tests your ability to understand and break down arguments
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Reading Comprehension – long passages that you must read and answer questions on
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Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) – like puzzles that require careful thinking
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LSAT Writing – a short essay that law schools read, even though it’s not scored
Each section is timed. The whole test lasts about 3 hours, and the scoring scale ranges from 120 to 180. Top schools often look for scores above 160, but many accept lower with strong applications.
4. How He Prepared Smartly
Tunde didn’t pay for expensive tutors. Instead, he used:
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Khan Academy’s free LSAT prep
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The official LSAC prep books
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YouTube videos and online forums
He made a 3-month study plan, reading for 2 to 3 hours every day after school. Each weekend, he did a full practice test and reviewed his mistakes.
“I wasn’t perfect. I got tired sometimes. But I kept going,” he says.
5. Mistakes Tunde Avoided (And You Should Too)
Tunde was smart not just in his study — but in what he didn’t do:
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He didn’t register late. He gave himself time to prepare.
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He didn’t skip full mock exams. They helped him understand the pressure of test day.
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He didn’t rely on ‘smart guesses’. He learned to understand why answers were correct.
“The LSAT isn’t about memory,” he says. “It’s about knowing how to think under pressure.”
6. Exam Day Tips He Swears By
Here are Tunde’s best test-day tips:
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Sleep well the night before
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Arrive early and stay calm
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Manage your time per section — don’t get stuck on one question
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Trust your prep
“These small things added up and made a big difference,” he says.
7. What Happened After the Exam
Tunde applied to five law schools in Canada. He prepared:
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A personal statement
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Two recommendation letters
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His LSAT score report
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Academic transcripts
He learned about financial aid, student visas, and even got shortlisted for an entrance scholarship.
“I couldn’t believe how far I’d come — from confused to confident,” he smiles.
8. Conclusion
Tunde’s story is proof that you don’t have to be a genius or come from money to conquer the LSAT.
You just need:
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A clear plan
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Consistent effort
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The belief that your dream is valid
“You don’t have to be the smartest — just the most prepared.”
Start where you are. Use what you have. The journey to law school begins with one bold step.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Beginners
Q: Can I take the LSAT in Africa?
Yes. LSAT test centers are available in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and more. You can also take it remotely in some cases.
Q: What’s a good LSAT score?
160+ is considered competitive. Top schools may ask for 165+, but many accept scores around 150–155 with strong applications.
Q: How long should I study for the LSAT?
Plan for 3 to 6 months of regular study, especially if you’re balancing school or work.
Q: Do Canadian schools accept LSAT scores?
Yes! Most Canadian law schools require the LSAT. Examples include the University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall, and McGill.
