How Important is the LSAT? (Featuring Hey Future Lawyer)

At GradMissions, we’ve seen it all: late-night panic texts about test prep and day-of-jitters, students questioning whether law school is even worth it, and those quiet victories when a practice score jumps five points. The LSAT can feel like a gatekeeper, and in many ways, it is.

In a recent GradMissions Office Hours Podcast featuring guest Ben Parker (from Hey Future Lawyer) our team discussed the importance of the LSAT. Here’s what you need to know to about why the LSAT is important, and more importantly, how to conquer it.

The LSAT Isn’t Everything (But Honestly, It’s a Lot)

The LSAT is a means to an end. It’s not your identity, and it’s not the only piece of your law school application, but it does matter.

Why?

Admissions: It’s a key factor in how law schools assess your potential. A high LSAT score can compensate for a weaker GPA or limited work experience.

Scholarships: One point can be worth $10,000–$15,000 in scholarship dollars. Seriously.

Rankings: Schools live and die by the U.S. News rankings. LSAT scores (and GPAs) feed directly into those calculations. Translation? Your score helps schools, so they reward you for it.

First-Year Performance: Reading comprehension is a large part of the LSAT and a large part of your first-year law classes and ahem…the Bar Exam. Securing confidence and specific strategy in these areas goes far beyond the LSAT.

Strategy Beats Raw Talent

One of the biggest mistakes students make is thinking more study time automatically means a better score. But strategy beats effort every time.

We’ve worked with students who studied for months and still felt unprepared. Why? Because they followed a generic prep path. What works instead is a plan that matches your learning style, schedule, and needs.

Big-box test prep companies don’t always deliver on that. Hey Future Lawyer does and you can read more about their offerings here. 

Yes, “Cursive” Still Matters (Kind Of)

In one unforgettable moment during an LSAT exam, a test-taker froze—not because of the questions, but because they couldn’t remember how to write in cursive for the test’s honor code.

Sounds funny, but it highlights how easy it is for anxiety to throw you off.

Takeaway: Simulate test-day conditions when you study. It’s not just about mastering logic games—it’s about preparing your mind and body for the pressure.

Self-Study Works (If It’s Personalized)

Tutoring isn’t a must for everyone. What works best is accessible, flexible prep that adapts to you. That’s why Hey Future Lawyer offers subscription-based LSAT prep with personalized feedback built in.

It’s just-right support without the $300/hour price tag.

Final Advice: Retake if You Need To

Here’s the truth:
If you score low and don’t retake, you’re likely limiting your law school options. Another letter of recommendation or an addition to your resume will not replace a necessary LSAT score.

Where to Go From Here

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But with the right tools, strategy, and support, you can absolutely master the LSAT.

GradMissions and Hey Future Lawyer can help.
Hey Future Lawyer's LSAT subscription platform is affordable, adaptable, and designed with real students in mind. Want personalized guidance? 

Pair this with an admissions package from GradMissions, where we offer strategic admissions coaching to help you ace every part of your application—from test prep to interview day. 

You can listen to the entire podcast episode here (or on Spotify/Apple Podcasts).

📅 Book a free 20-minute strategy call with us here!

Let the LSAT be a stepping stone—not a stumbling block.
We’ve got your back and look forward to working with you every step of the way!