The LSAT is Not Playing Games … anymore!

Pre-law students, take note! As we previewed in 2019 and then again in 2023, the logic games (analytical reasoning) section of the LSAT has gone extinct. The Law School Admissions Council has dropped its analytical reasoning section in favor of a second logical reasoning section. With August 2024 as the next administration, all future LSAT takers will now encounter 1) one reading comprehension section, 2) two logical reasoning sections, and 3) one experimental section (either reading or LR). 

What is the upshot for LSAT test-takers? Whether you (like us test nerds!) would prefer to have a logic games section or (like many pre-law students) found them to be the bane of your existence, there’s no doubt preparation for the LSAT now becomes a simpler process because you’re prepping for two question types instead of three.

As you prepare for the latest revision to the LSAT, keep in mind that the logical reasoning question type will now take on an outsized importance, representing nearly ⅔ of the scored questions on the LSAT. Further, since it is widely agreed that logical reasoning is somewhat more “preppable” than reading comprehension (more likely to improve with sustained effort), we recommend that you spend about 75% of your preparation time on logical reasoning. Of course, we’re saying this in a vacuum; if your LR score is already close to your goal and your reading score quite low, then of course you’ll want to adjust that percentage. But it’s a good guideline with which to begin.

Overall, the lessons from the LSAT’s upcoming changes are similar to those surrounding any change to a standardized test: 1) educate yourself about how the test is changing; 2) rather than getting caught up in lament, look for ways in which the test changes may work to your advantage; 3) be flexible, optimistic and determined, knowing that standardized tests will always tend to reward hard work and perseverance. One truth will continue to prevail: you can prepare for the LSAT!