August 2024: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
As LSAT watchers know, the August 2024 LSAT is the first test under our new format — two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, with an additional unscored section of LR or RC.
Because this was the first test without an Analytical Reasoning section, we know people will be wondering whether there was any impact on scores. The short answer is no — scores for the August 2024 LSAT are very much in line with August scores in recent years.
Our psychometrics team has reviewed the August test results from multiple angles — first-time test takers and repeat test takers, racial and ethnic diversity, gender diversity, and more. By every measure, the August 2024 scores are squarely within normal ranges. Obviously, this is just one test, and we will continue to review the scoring trends after each new administration.
By every measure, the August 2024 scores are squarely within normal ranges.
We always see small variations in scoring from one year to another, and within each year, too. The mean score for the August 2024 August test is slightly higher than the mean score for two of the last four August administrations and slightly lower than the other two.
We saw a very high number of first-time test takers for the August test, and the mean score for August 2024 first-time test takers is virtually indistinguishable from the mean score for August 2023 first-time test takers — just four one-hundredths of a point higher.
The August test was a large test, similar to the largest tests we’ve administered over the past several years of online and hybrid testing. A total of 22,448 people took the test over four testing dates, a number similar to June 2024, January 2024, November 2023, and several other recent large tests. The August test experience was smooth, with the lowest rate of test taker technical issues that we’ve seen since online testing began in May 2020.
Beyond the August test, we continue to see very strong LSAT volume numbers. Test takers for the 2023-24 testing cycle were up 18% over the previous year, and that trend has continued into the new testing cycle. Registrations for the August and September 2024 tests were up 18% compared to the 2023 tests. While it’s too early to make predictions, we are off to a strong start for the new testing and admission cycle.
