PhiLSAT Coverage
Note: PhiLSAT is no longer required. Please inquire directly from the law schools regarding their admission policies. Most law schools have their own Law Aptitude Examination (LAE).
To help you with your LAE prep, we have Online LAE Review Courses and a LAE Reviewer. These are applicable to the entrance tests of UP and other law schools.
PhiLSAT Coverage: Passing Rate
The Philippine Law School Admission Test, which is more popularly known as PhiLSAT, is a standardized exam to measure an applicant’s fitness to enter law school. It is an aptitude test which is composed of 200 questions in multiple-choice format and which must be answered in four hours.
You need at least 55% (or such other rating prescribed by the Legal Education Board) to pass. Some law schools, however, may require a higher score in the test to qualify. Before hitting the books, familiarize yourself with the PhiLSAT coverage so you will know exactly what to study.
PhiLSAT Coverage: Subjects
Compared to other aptitude tests, the PhiLSAT is relatively easier because it excludes the Sciences (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) and the more advanced topics in Mathematics (Trigonometry and Calculus). Calculators are not allowed because the applicants are not expected to solve complicated math problems.
According to the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM), the PhiLSAT includes:
COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY. This subtest measures the ability to recognize grammar and usage errors and determine the appropriateness of words and phrases in given sentences. This subtest consists of three question types—sentence completion, identifying sentence error, and improving sentences.
CRITICAL THINKING. This subtest measures the ability to analyze and evaluate reasoning in written materials and to draw conclusions about given propositions. This subtest consists of two question types—logical reasoning and analytical reasoning.
VERBAL REASONING. This subtest measures the ability to understand written materials and make conclusions based on their content. This subtest consists of reading passages followed by questions about the passage.
QUANTITATIVE REASONING. This subtest measures the ability to apply basic mathematical skills to the analysis and interpretation of real-world numerical information to draw conclusions. This subtest consists of three question types—pattern recognition, data interpretation, and data sufficiency. The items in this subtest involve basic mathematical concepts and the four fundamental operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The items do not require difficult computations hence the use of a calculator is not needed. Some questions can be answered more quickly by reasoning and estimating.
Based on the above information, the test has four parts:
- Communications and Language Proficiency (English)
- Critical Thinking (Logic)
- Verbal Reasoning (English)
- Quantitative Reasoning (Mathematics)
While the questions change regularly, the basic concepts in English, Logic, and Mathematics do not. Given the wide range of topics per subject however, you need to know the common types of questions that usually appear in the exam. CEM has an official PhiLSAT practice test that can be downloaded in its website. If you need more materials to work on, our LAE& PhiLSAT Prepper is a UP LAE Reviewer & PhiLSAT Reviewer in one. It has PhiLSAT sample questions, exercises, practice tests, and detailed study guides that can help you in your PhiLSAT prep.
PhiLSAT Coverage: Types of Questions, Number of Items, and Time Allotted
A summary of the various sections of the exam as well as the number of items, the time allotted, and the common types of questions are provided below.
Communication and Language Proficiency
Number of Items: 50 items
Time Allotted: 50 minutes
Types of Questions: Sentence Completion, Identifying Sentence Error, and Improving Sentences
Critical Thinking
Number of Items: 50 items
Time Allotted: 65 minutes
Types of Questions: Logical Reasoning and Analytical Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
Number of Items: 50 items
Time Allotted: 60 minutes
Types of Questions: Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning
Number of Items: 50 items
Time Allotted: 65 minutes
Types of Questions: Pattern Recognition, Data Interpretation, and Data Sufficiency
Sources
LEB Facebook post
PhilSAT Bulletin of Information
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