For the 2024-2025 testing cycle, the LSAT will undergo an update to its structure.
Starting with the August 2024 LSAT, the multiple-choice portion of the test will consist of two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored section of either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension.
This change is the result of extensive research and is designed to ensure that every test taker can demonstrate their logical reasoning skills to the best of their abilities.
The LSAT will continue to assess the reasoning, reading, and writing skills that are essential for success in law school and the practice of law.
Please Note: This change will not occur until the August 2024 LSAT; for the remaining tests in the current 2023-2024 testing cycle, up to and including the June 2024 test, the multiple choice portion of the test will continue to include one Logical Reasoning Section, one Reading Comprehension section, and one Analytical Reasoning section, plus one unscored section that could be any of the three section types.
- Test Structure Change: Starting in August 2024, the LSAT will transition to two Logical Reasoning (LR) sections and one Reading Comprehension (RC) section, plus one unscored section of either LR or RC that enables us to test questions for future tests.
- Maintains Integrity and Reliability: The LSAT will continue to measure the reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing skills that are essential for success in law school and the practice of law.
- Data-Driven Decision: The August 2024 update is backed by rigorous research, including analysis of over 200,000 test sessions, ensuring the test's reliability and validity. The research confirms that the revised approach would have virtually no impact on overall scores. The research also confirms that the revised approach will have virtually no impact on the strong correlation between LSAT test scores and first-year law school success.
- Score Range Remains the Same: Because the LSAT’s Logical Reasoning section already includes questions designed to assess deductive reasoning skills, the revised approach will not affect the test’s ability to assess candidates’ reasoning abilities. The current 120-180 score range will continue to be the score range for the revised LSAT, providing continuity for schools and test takers.
- Minimizes Impact: The August 2024 change is designed to have minimal impact on test takers who have already begun to prepare for next year’s LSAT, as students are already very familiar with the Logical Reasoning section. For students who plan to take the LSAT between now and June 2024, there is no change – their test will consist of one Logical Reasoning (LR) section, one Reading Comprehension (RC) section, one Analytical Reasoning (AR) section, plus an unscored section that enables us to test items for future tests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Testing
When will the new format go into effect?
The new format will go into effect starting with the August 2024 LSAT, which is the first test in the 2024-2025 testing year.
When will LSAC provide test prep materials for the new test format?
A series of Official LSAT PrepTests in the new format are currently available in LawHub’s LSAT Prep Library . Choose the August 2024 Admin Test Format option to access these PrepTests. Four full-length practice tests are available for free, and 54 additional full-length practice tests are available through LawHub Advantage
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It’s important to note that the new test format will not include any new question types beyond those in use today.
I’m planning to take the LSAT before August 2024. Does this announcement change anything for me?
No. These changes will not take effect until the August 2024 test. All of the LSATs prior to the August 2024 test will be administered using the current format for the multiple-choice section — three scored sections including one each of Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Analytical Reasoning, plus one unscored section that can be any of the three.
Will LSAC continue to provide test prep materials and practice tests for the existing format?
Yes. We will continue to provide test prep materials and practice tests for the existing format (including Analytical Reasoning) through the conclusion of the June 2024 test administration. Free test prep materials for the existing format will also be available through Khan Academy through June 2024.
Will these changes make the LSAT harder or easier?
Some students really like the Logic Games, and some students do not. Research indicates that the revised approach will have virtually no impact on overall scores. The research also confirms that the revised approach will have virtually no impact on the strong correlation between LSAT test scores and first-year law school success.