To law schools, the LSAT is more than just another standardized test standing in the way of you and your goals. Rather, law schools use the LSAT as an important part of determining whether or not a candidate is qualified for the rigor of instruction associated with a legal education. The LSAT provides admissions committees with an evaluation of your analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills– skills you’ll need if you hope to succeed in law school and practice law.
However, as you may or may not have heard, the LSAT is introducing a new format, and we’ve heard test takers across the country are experiencing mixed emotions. While we know it’s nothing that you can’t handle, we still wanted to write this blog to discuss some of the changes to the LSAT and highlight ways you can modify your study plans to not let it send you for a loop on test day.
Still have questions by the end of this article? Contact a Marks Education tutor to discuss ways we can help you prepare for and excel on the new LSAT exam.
The Different Sections of the LSAT
As you may already know, the LSAT consists of four sections, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a legal candidate’s ability level:
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 end of an era.. Beginning in August, test-takers will encounter a revamped version of the LSAT, marking the end of the structure that has defined the exam for the past two decades.
One of the most significant changes 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 surely daunting, we’ve always told test takers that the logic games section is the easiest section to learn. However, with its removal, test-takers have to adapt their prep strategies to meet the needs of the test.
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. 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 has to do with 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 details on a particular topic and construct an argument accordingly.
Lastly, 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.