August 2024 marked a significant shift in the LSAT landscape as the test debuted its new format, omitting the longstanding Logic Games Section, and replacing it with another Logical Reasoning Section. This change has prompted a range of reactions from test takers. Now that scores have been released, several trends and observations are emerging.
Was the 2024 August LSAT Harder?
Since the LSAT is a standardized, pattern-based test whose scores are valid for 5 years, LSAC has gone to great lengths to ensure that the score curve for the new format is comparable to the one that included Logic Games. The data shows that the median LSAT score (151) remains unchanged, while the mean differs by just a hundredth of a point.
Still, one of the most common reports from test takers who took the 2024 August LSAT was the difficulty level of one particular Reading Comprehension passage, which required deeper analysis and comprehension than the other passages. However, this is consistent with the LSAT Reading Comprehension sections of previous tests. One passage is often designed to be more formidable than the others.
Some students also reported encountering a few tricky Sufficient & Necessary questions with particularly deceptive answer choices in the Logical Reasoning section. These questions often involve subtle nuances designed to test not only your understanding of the stimulus, but also the ability to discern between closely related logical concepts of guaranteeing an argument and simply allowing it to be possible.
These reports indicate that while Logic Games are gone, the remaining sections certainly maintain the overall rigor of the LSAT.
TL;DR The LSAT did not get easier.
When the LSAT had Logic Games, test takers often saw huge gains because they started with a blank slate. They likely had little to no experience with games of logic, much less in a standardized testing setting. On the other hand, despite knowing how to read for most of your life, the style of reading the LSAT demands of you in its Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning sections is quite different than how you normally read. So, it takes extra time and effort to change your existing habits to align with the patterns of the LSAT.
Think about the process of building muscle. The first gains come quickly. However, as you get stronger, each additional pound of muscle takes exponentially more effort and discipline, coupled with a detailed plan and some expert guidance. In this case, that’s an LSAT study plan and expert LSAT instruction.
August LSAT Scores Initial Feedback
Some students reported scores lower than their practice test results, leading to more concerns about the test’s overall difficulty. However, as mentioned above, the score curve remains unchanged and is comparable to LSATs of the Logic Games era.
And, since practice tests are largely released LSATs, they would certainly be representative of what students can expect to see on LSAT test day. So what could account for these reports of lower-than-expected LSAT scores?
First, consider self-selection bias. Test takers whose final scores are aligned with their expected scores are probably less likely to share their experience on the interwebs. Much like the restaurant patron who felt the food and atmosphere met their expectations isn’t dying to write a review, we won’t hear from the overwhelming majority of the 22,000+ August test takers.
Furthermore, without the Logic Games Section, test takers find it more challenging to assess their performance during the LSAT. In Logic Games, a well-executed setup typically makes the correct answers clear. Any errors in setup or deductions quickly become apparent as you struggle with the questions. This immediate feedback helps you gauge how well you did with pretty reliable accuracy.
In contrast, the Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections lack this direct feedback loop. A student might misinterpret the main idea of the text or fall for misleading answer choices, leading to a false sense of confidence about their performance.
The Bottom Line
Registrations for the 2024 August and September LSAT test dates were up significantly from the same time last year. It’s possible many test takers were waiting on the sidelines until Logic Games were removed. Maybe they believed the LSAT would be easier without them. However, LSAC delivered on its promise that this would not be the case.
As you prepare for your law school journey, consider that applications are up almost 6% compared to last year, creating stiff competition for limited seats for the next crop of aspiring lawyers.
You can imagine how it’s more important now than ever for you to have an advantage over your competition as you prep for the LSAT in a non-LG world. This will require devoting more attention to Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension to fill the void that Logic Games left on the test and in our LSAT nerd hearts.
That’s why we redesigned our Blueprint LSAT classes to help you crush the new LSAT with 40% more Reading Comprehension content and 20% more Logical Reasoning content. Whether you want the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course or prefer to navigate the LSAT with instructors in a Live Course or private tutoring, we have the study method that fits your learning style.
Start today by creating a Blueprint LSAT account to access tons of free LSAT prep resources!
