As an aspiring law student, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is one of the major milestones you have to achieve to get yourself into law school. This is why staying updated with the trends and modifications to this exam is important. This way, you ensure that you are maintaining a constructive preparation strategy.
The decision to change the LSAT sections had long been announced by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) since 2023. This change has finally taken effect in August 2024 and continues to reflect through the 2024-2025 testing cycle. This article presents to you details about the reason for this change, the affected section, and its effects on the exam. You will also be enlightened as to how you can adjust your preparation strategies accordingly.
What Changed in the August 2024 LSAT?
The major change in the August 2024 LSAT is the elimination of the Logic Games section (Analytical Reasoning section). This section has now been replaced with an additional Logical Reasoning section.
Therefore, the new LSAT format comprises two Logical Reasoning sections which previously used to be one. The Reading Comprehension, unscored Experimental, and Writing Sample sections remain as they were.
Based on the research conducted to scrutinize this change, the test still holds the capacity to evaluate candidates’ reasoning, reading, and writing skills; the essence of the LSAT itself.
What is the Reason for the August 2024 LSAT Change?
The decision to change the LSAT sections was in a bid to settle a notion that was raised by two blind LSAT candidates in 2019. They believed that the former Logic Games section was not in favor of the visually disabled. This is because it required the use of diagrams to answer questions.
Since this appears to be a sensitive issue, the LSAC had to find a replacement. This replacement needs to still be credible enough to continue to assess the analytical reasoning skills of test takers like the Logic Games section was doing. Most importantly, the replacement will not have diagrams and must maintain fairness among all candidates, visually impaired or not.
Effect of the August 2024 LSAT Change on the Exam?
Test Format
The Analytical Reasoning section has been replaced with another Logical Reasoning Section. The breakdown of this format is seen below:
Sections | Number of Sections and Status |
Logical Reasoning (LR) | 2 and Scored |
Reading Comprehension (RC) | 1 and scored |
Experimental section | 1 and unscored |
Writing Sample | 1 and unscored |
Before now, the LR section used to be one and scored while the Analytical reasoning appeared once and was scored.
Retained Competency and Accuracy
The August 2024 LSAT change is a data and research-driven decision that involved an evaluation of 200,000 test sessions.
This analysis proved that the new format will continue to test the necessary skills needed by aspirants to succeed in Law schools. Moreso, it has no impact on test takers’ overall scores. also achieving the goal of giving everyone the chance to fairly demonstrate their reasoning skills.
Little to No Consequences
Candidates who are retaking the tests will have nothing to worry about as they are already familiar with the Logical Reasoning section. New test takers also now have less scope to cover during their preparation.
New LSAT Preparation Adjustment
Henceforth, your focus should be more on mastering the strategies for tackling Logical Reasoning questions, since this section now appears twice in the LSAT exam.
Prep courses and materials on reading comprehension and logical reasoning will help equip you for your exam. However, this is not the time to neglect the overall tips and strategies for solving LSAT questions.
LawPrep180 is always eager to offer helpful guidance about LSAT and law school admission.
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Conclusion
The August 2024 LSAT change, while significant, does not fundamentally alter the nature of the exam. By replacing the Analytical Reasoning section with an additional Logical Reasoning section, the LSAC has sought to maintain fairness and inclusivity while still assessing the essential skills required for law school admission.
This adjustment presents both challenges and opportunities for aspiring law students. Focusing on mastering Logical Reasoning strategies and using effective prep resources, you can confidently navigate the new LSAT landscape. A new approach to position yourself for success in the exam and your legal career.
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