Aspiring law students are coming to us experiencing mixed emotions in response to the LSAT Exam Changes. That’s why we sat down with expert tutor, Ryan Blodgett, to discuss how important it is to modify your study plan according to these changes, but also, leave you with the confidence that you can do it! Ryan has worked with test takers starting in the top and bottom 1%. You clearly care about your success on the test if you’re reading this blog. So, keep calm and study on. We’re just here to help.
The Different Sections of the LSAT
The LSAT’s sections are designed to evaluate the different aspects of a legal candidate’s abilities:
The Logical Reasoning sections measure how well you can evaluate, analyze, and complete arguments. Here, you’re expected to read short passages and identify assumptions, draw logical inferences, and an evaluate arguments’ strengths and weaknesses.
Analytical Reasoning, or Logic Games, provides complex scenarios and rules and you’re expected to draw conclusions based on the given information. This section is looking at how well you can think logically, manage information, and solve problems under time constraints.
Reading Comprehension evaluates your understanding of complex texts. Test-takers must read passages and answer questions that assess their comprehension, analysis, and synthesis skills.
The Writing Sample, though unscored, gives admissions committees an assessment of your writing abilities. You receive a prompt and are given 35 minutes to construct a persuasive essay supporting one of two positions.
But with the LSAT Exam Changes, what does it mean for these sections?
The June test marked the last administration in its current format. Beginning in August of 2024, test-takers will encounter a revamped version of the LSAT, signaling the end of a familiar structure that has defined the exam for future law students over the past two decades.
One of the most significant changes in the new LSAT format is the elimination of the logic games section. For years, this section has challenged test-takers with difficult puzzles and scenarios that require precise analytical reasoning to solve. While daunting for many, we’ve always told students that the logic games section is the easiest section to learn. However, with its removal, test-takers will need to adapt their prep strategies to accommodate this change.
In place of the logic games section, the LSAT now features an expanded logical reasoning section. Prior to the pandemic, the LSAT included both logic games and reading sections within the logical reasoning portion. However, when the pandemic struck, one of two logical reasoning sections were eliminated. Now, with the logic games section being phased out, the LSAT is returning, at least in one way, to its original format, albeit with a slight increase in the number of questions.
LSAT Essay Scoring
Another change pertains to the LSAT essay, which has traditionally been unscored. Law schools typically don’t assign much weight to the essay. However, most applicants still complete it as part of the exam. Moving forward, the essay prompt will resemble that of the mostly phased out ACT® essay, which requires test-takers to engage with presented opinions on a particular topic and construct an argument accordingly. Despite speculation within the LSAT community, the essay portion being scored in the future is still unlikely. However, there are indications from LSAT officials that scoring may be implemented down the line. Potentially as soon as August of 2025.