Your Guide to LSAT Prep in
BAKERSFIELD
Bakersfield, located in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, is a city known for its vibrant agricultural industry, rich cultural heritage, and close-knit community. The city offers a peaceful yet stimulating environment for LSAT preparation, with access to educational resources, including LSAT prep courses, LSAT tutoring, and LSAT practice tests. Bakersfield’s combination of affordable living and a growing professional landscape makes it an ideal location for aspiring law students to focus on refining their skills and achieving their best scores on the LSAT.
Overview of the LSAT
The LSAT is a standardized test used as part of the law school admission process in the United States and Canada. It measures reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills. The test is typically administered eight times a year at various locations worldwide.
The LSAT has been described as one of the most difficult tests an individual can take. It is administered in two parts. The first part includes three scored sections: two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section, along with an unscored experimental section, which may be either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension. This experimental section helps test-makers assess potential questions for future exams and does not affect your score.
The second part of the LSAT is an unscored argumentative writing essay, which is taken separately online. This essay can be completed as early as eight days before your LSAT test day and up to a year afterward.
The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120-180, with the average score being 152. Therefore, a score of 170 or above is considered an elite score, and a score of 180 is the highest possible score.
Requirements, Scores, etc.
You do not need a degree in a particular field to take the LSAT, and while most applicants have a bachelor’s degree, there is no formal requirement to have completed one to register for the test. However, law schools typically require a bachelor’s degree for admission.
The LSAT is now offered multiple times throughout the year, with flexible scheduling options. Candidates can choose to take the exam either at a Prometric testing center or online with a live remote proctor. Registration deadlines are usually around a month before the test date.
The LSAT score is valid for five years. If you retake the LSAT, law schools will generally see all your scores from the past five years. Some schools use your highest score, while others might consider an average or your most recent score depending on their individual policies.
The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120-180, with the average score being 152. Therefore, a score of 170 or above is considered an elite score, and a score of 180 is the highest possible score.
Law Schools in Bakersfield and Nearby
Bakersfield is home to Kern County College of Law, with several other prominent law schools located nearby in California, offering excellent opportunities for aspiring legal professionals:
- Kern County College of Law (KCCL) (Bakersfield, CA): A branch of Monterey College of Law, KCCL offers a part-time evening program.
- California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) – Pre-Law Program (Bakersfield, CA): Offers a pre-law program to prepare students for law school.
- San Joaquin College of Law (Fresno, CA): Located a reasonable distance from Bakersfield, offering another option for law school.
- Loyola Law School (Los Angeles, CA): A well-regarded law school in Southern California.
Why Bakersfield is Great
Bakersfield is a city known for its agricultural and oil industries, as well as its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The city’s strong community ties and affordable living make it a great place for focused study without the distractions of larger cities. Bakersfield’s sunny climate and proximity to natural attractions like Sequoia National Park offer the perfect balance of relaxation and inspiration while preparing for the LSAT.
Popular spots in Bakersfield include the Kern County Museum, the Fox Theater, and the Bakersfield College campus. The city’s welcoming environment and growing arts and music scene create a lively atmosphere for residents and students alike.
Famous people associated with Bakersfield include:
- Buck Owens – country music legend
- Merle Haggard – iconic country singer
- Kerry King – guitarist for Slayer
Bakersfield offers various LSAT prep courses and tutoring resources, making it an excellent place to prepare for the LSAT. With the right preparation, you’ll be set to achieve a great score and pursue the law school of your dreams!