1. The LSAT structure
The Law School Admission Test beginning August 2021 LSAT, will consist of 4 sections with multiple choice questions followed by a Writing sample section. There is 1logical reasoning section, 1 Analytical Reasoning(logic games), 1 Reading Comprehension, and an unscored experimental section usually called the variable section. Note that the writing sample comes last, and the other sections can appear in any order. The experimental section can be from any section and is used to ensure that the test is free from biases. The examinee won’t know which section is the unscored experimental section during the exam.
2. What is LSAT-flex?
LSAT-Flex is the online version of LSAT, which consists of 3 sections: Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension with the same multiple-choice questions.
However, starting in August 2021, an unscored experimental section will be included along with the three scored sections. The content and the structure of the test sections and questions are the same as the traditional paper-and-pencil LSAT. The LSAT-Flex doesn’t have breaks for standard test takers.
3. LSAT Scores are Valid for Five Years
The LSAT or LSAT-flex test score is valid for up to five testing years. Before taking or preparing for the LSAT, it is essential to know when to take the exam. If a person already has a particular school or program in mind, they have to schedule their test based on the school’s deadlines. Nevertheless, it is good to keep in mind how long LSAT scores are valid if one is uncertain about when they will apply to schools. The scores usually take 2-3 weeks for LSAT-flex and 3-4 weeks for the LSAT.
4. Unlike other exams, LSAT is not computer-adaptive
Unlike other exams such as GRE or GMAT, which are computer-adaptive, the LSAT doesn’t have that feature. This means that all the questions are weighted the same and don’t change the difficulty of later questions.
5. Maximum score of LSAT
The LSAT score ranges from 120 as the lowest score to 180 as the highest. The writing sample section isn’t scored; however, one needs to have at least one writing sample, even from previously completed exams, on record for the LSAT to be considered complete.
6. Taking a Practice Test Before Starting Preparation for the LSAT Exam
Before starting the preparation for the LSAT exam, it is useful to take an LSAT practice test to find out the baseline, how well prepared one is, and how far off they are from their target score. In this way, the test taker will get familiar with the question types and style and understand the time frame. This method compares the starting point versus the ending when the actual exam is taken.
7. Defining Strengths and Weaknesses
This analysis will help examinees know what they are good at and what they need to improve. First of all, they need to plan a strategy about how they are going to analyse their weaknesses and strengths. It can be done by taking the LSAT practice exam once and then figuring out which areas they felt particularly weak or strong. Another option is to maintain a notebook for a week and markdown the weaknesses and strengths they encounter during their initial studying. This analysis helps to get a sense of whether someone is good at time management and speed. It also helps to identify which question types are the most challenging in each section. It is good to figure out what soft skills the test takers have that might help them during the exam and pinpoint the ones that need improvement. It is good to keep in mind that scoring a 160 or higher on the LSAT isn’t always easy!
8. Designing a Study Plan
After acknowledging strengths and weaknesses, it is vital to design a personalized study plan as a guide throughout the preparation. LSAT tests mental skills and requires training and practice. Schedule your learning format and decide which strategy fits the best with your prep level. There are many options for the study plan, such as self-studying, taking online courses, attending live classes, and of course, private tutoring. Studying with LSAT experts will help to provide guidance during LSAT preparation. Find out more about our LSAT instructors HERE.
9. Keeping Track of Time
When preparing for the LSAT exam, it is essential to keep track of time to allocate it equally to each section. However, this step should be done after identifying what concepts are complicated in order to allocate more time on those topics and train oneself to solve those problems. Time management is critical for completing the LSAT. The worst-case scenario in the LSAT is that sometimes the test takers run out of time towards the end. This is because some of the test takers do not stick with the time and fall behind. Thus, setting and sticking to certain time milestones is vital to finish the exam on time.
10. Retaking LSAT
After taking the LSAT once, some of the test takers consider retaking it because of a variety of factors. It is vital to know that in a single testing year, examinees can take the LSAT only three times (with the testing year starting August 2021 ) and no more than five times during the current and five preceding testing years. (the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools). Finally, taking the LSAT is restricted to 7 times overall during a lifetime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, before preparing for the LSAT exam, first, one has to know about the LSAT exam structure and familiarize themselves with the format, style, and features. It is helpful to take a practice test and determine one’s weaknesses and strengths. After that, test takers should design their study plan and hit the green light! Of course, while practicing for the LSAT exam, keep track of time and concentrate on learning rather than answering all the questions correctly.
By: ApexGMAT
Contributor: Simona Mkhitaryan
Date: July 5, 2021