The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a notorious exam that all students who are enrolling in law school need to take. Many individuals study for several months to ensure they are fully prepared to score highly on this test, though recently announced changes to the format of the LSAT may leave some confused about what to expect when they sit for this exam.
Our article tells you what you need to know about changes to the LSAT and the loss of the logic games section.
What Are the LSAT Logic Games?
The LSAT logic games (technically called “analytical reasoning”) are one of the most well-known sections on the LSAT exam due to their use of a specific type of logic and the difficulty that many individuals have when it comes to improving their scores on this section. The logic games test the individual’s ability to understand the nature of relationships between things and how to draw logical conclusions about those relationships.
Typically, students will need to draw diagrams and charts to properly answer logic game questions, which is where the name ‘logic games’ comes from. On average, there are between 22 and 24 multiple-choice questions within the logic games section. The LSAT consists of a logic games section, a logical reasoning section, and a reading comprehension section in addition to one repeated section of the previous three that is unscored and used to test new questions.
LSAT Logic Games in the News
The LSAT’s logic games section has been in the news throughout the years, as it was the subject of a lawsuit that alleged the logic games discriminated against individuals who are blind. The lawsuit stated that test takers were expected to draw diagrams to properly answer the questions on the logic games section, but that this was impossible for individuals with vision impairments, regardless of which accommodations were offered.
In 2019, the lawsuit was concluded in favor of the plaintiff who reached a settlement with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). The LSAC then announced a change in the format of the LSAT, stating that the logic games section of the test would be phased out and replaced by something else.
It wasn’t until October of 2023 that the LSAC officially announced its planned dates to have the LSAT completely changed and exactly how the format of the LSAT will be changing.
When Will the Logic Games Be Removed?
As of October 2023, the LSAC has determined that the logic games section will be removed from future administration of the LSAT, starting in August 2024. Instead of testing analytical reasoning with the logic games section, test takers will now be taking another logical reasoning section.
More information about the new section of the LSAT is expected to be received before the total overhaul of the LSAT’s format in August of 2024.
How Can I Prepare for the LSAT?
With this most recent news of the logic games being removed from the LSAT, many individuals are wondering how to properly prepare for the LSAT and if they should be hurrying to take the exam while the logic games section is still included. However, when you take the LSAT is a very situation-specific decision, and it depends heavily on your law school goals and where you are in the studying process for this exam.
If you believe that you would do best with a logic games section, you may want to adjust your studying timeline so you can take this exam before August of 2024. If you think that you would do better without taking the logic games section, you can adjust your law school plans to take the LSAT after this change has taken effect.
The best way to properly prepare for the LSAT is to set your target goals and have a studying plan that helps you reach these goals – an LSAT tutor is often the best way to diagnose your weaknesses and strengths on this exam so you can improve your overall score, no matter the LSAT format.
Making the Most of Your LSAT Attempt
When it comes to taking the LSAT, many individuals are overwhelmed by this exam and the many sections included in it. Recent changes to the LSAT’s format have left people wondering whether or not they should be taking this exam with the logic games section included or not. However, this is a personal decision, and you should take into account your LSAT goals and law school timeline before registering for the LSAT.
Make sure you make the most of your LSAT attempt by staying up to date with news about changes to this important exam and enlisting the help of a tutor when necessary.