Big changes are coming to the LSAT—again—in August 2027!
As if the return to in-person testing wasn’t enough, LSAC (the Law School Admission Council) has announced another major update to the LSAT format, including eliminating the standalone experimental section, extending the Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning sections, and standardizing the section order for all test takers.
We break down everything you need to know about the new LSAT format, including how to prepare whether you’re testing before or after August 2027.
What’s Changing on the LSAT in August 2027?
1. No More Standalone Experimental Section
Say goodbye to the standalone experimental section!
Currently, the LSAT consists of four sections:
- Two scored Logical Reasoning sections
- One scored Reading Comprehension section
- One unscored experimental section (either another Logical Reasoning section or another Reading Comprehension section)
Under the new LSAT format, there will no longer be a separate experimental section. Instead, the experimental questions will be distributed throughout the Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning sections.
- Reading Comprehension: 27 scored questions and 13 unscored questions.
- Logical Reasoning 1: 25 scored questions and 7 unscored questions.
- Logical Reasoning 2: 25 scored questions and 7 unscored questions.
However, test takers won’t know which questions on their exam are scored and unscored. LSAC says their positions will also vary among test takers. Trying to guess which questions are unscored could cost you valuable points. So, treat every question like it counts.
2. Longer Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning Sections
Here’s where students may notice one of the biggest differences. Although the LSAT is moving from four sections to three, each section will be longer because they’re adding in the unscored questions.
Reading Comprehension: The Reading Comprehension section will increase from 35 minutes to 52 minutes. Instead of four passages, students will encounter six passages containing 40 total questions.
However, only four passages and 27 questions will count toward your score. The remaining two passages, containing 13 questions, will be unscored.
Logical Reasoning: Each Logical Reasoning section will increase from 35 minutes to 45 minutes and contain 32 questions, of which 25 will be scored.
There won’t be new content introduced and the questions won’t necessarily be any harder or easier than they are now. However, you’ll need to get comfortable maintaining focus and managing your time across longer stretches of testing.
3. Two 10-Minute Breaks
With longer testing sections comes more breaks! Currently, the LSAT provides one scheduled 10-minute intermission. Beginning in August 2027, students will receive two 10-minute breaks, one after Reading Comprehension and another between the two Logical Reasoning Sections.
4. Everyone Will Have the Same Section Order
Another significant change? No more guessing which section you’ll encounter first.
Beginning in August 2027, every LSAT test taker will complete sections in this order:
- Reading Comprehension
- Logical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
Under the current format, section order can vary, and where in your testing you encounter the experimental section varies even more. With the new format, students will know exactly what to expect.
The good news is this should make it easier to build a consistent practice routine that mirrors test-day conditions while you’re prepping for the LSAT.
For example, you’ll know that you’ll need to tackle Reading Comprehension first, when you’re hopefully feeling fresh, and then maintain your concentration through two consecutive Logical Reasoning sections.
5. New LSAT Test Day Schedule
Given all the changes, what does the new LSAT test day look like?
| Section (in order of appearance on test day) | Time | Total Questions | Scored Questions |
| Reading Comprehension | 52 minutes | 40 | 27 |
| Break | 10 minutes | — | — |
| Logical Reasoning 1 | 45 minutes | 32 | 25 |
| Break | 10 minutes | — | — |
| Logical Reasoning 2 | 45 minutes | 32 | 25 |
| Total | 162 minutes, including breaks | 104 | 77 |
What’s NOT Changing on the LSAT?
While the new format might sound intimidating, several important things are staying exactly the same.
- The question types aren’t changing. LSAC isn’t introducing new question types as part of this update.
- The number of scored questions isn’t changing. There will still be 77 questions contributing to your LSAT score: 50 Logical Reasoning questions and 27 Reading Comprehension questions. Right now, the LSAT typically features between 99 and 102 total questions, of which about 75 to 78 questions actually contribute to your LSAT score.
- The LSAT scoring scale isn’t changing. Scores will still range from 120 to 180. (Per LSAC, scores earned under the new format will remain comparable to scores from previous testing cycles.)
- Testing policies aren’t being overhauled. LSAC says this format change won’t affect the testing modality, proctoring, or the process for requesting accommodations. However, information about how accommodations will work under the new format is coming soon.
TL;DR? While the structure and test day schedule is changing, the core LSAT skills you’re studying today will still matter in August 2027 and beyond.
Taking the LSAT Between Now and June 2027?
Good news! If you’re planning to take the LSAT anytime between now and June 2027, these changes won’t affect your exam.
You’ll still take the LSAT in its current four-section format, including one standalone experimental section.
That means you should continue preparing with existing practice tests and study materials designed for the current LSAT.
There’s no need to change your pacing strategies or completely overhaul your study schedule in response to the announcement.
💡 Keep in mind: If you’re considering retaking the LSAT in August 2027 or later, your retake could fall under the new format. That doesn’t mean your earlier preparation will go to waste, but you should plan to familiarize yourself with the updated structure and pacing strategies before your next attempt.
Planning to Take the LSAT in August 2027 or Later?
If your target LSAT date is August 2027 or later, you might be wondering whether you should hold off on studying until new prep materials become available.
The short answer? You don’t have to wait.
Although the testing experience will look different than it does now, the fundamental skills tested on the LSAT aren’t changing. You can start on your LSAT prep today to build that foundation and start mastering concepts before you start worrying about speed and endurance.
According to LSAC, updated practice tests reflecting the August 2027 format will become available through LawHub in February 2027. Use them to familiarize yourself with longer sections, embedded experimental questions, the fixed section order, and the new break schedule. Until then, you can continue building your underlying LSAT skills with existing materials.
Final Thoughts
LSAT keeps cranking out the changes and we’re going to keep staying on top of them! The August 2027 LSAT changes represent a significant shift in how students will experience the test, but they aren’t a complete reinvention of the exam.
The biggest adjustment will be how you practice and manage your time, particularly across longer sections. We’ll continue to share updated strategies to help students testing in August 2027 or beyond in the coming months. For now, start building your LSAT foundations and plan to incorporate the new format into your preparation once updated practice tests become available.
Blueprint LSAT has helped students navigate LSAT changes since the days when you had to bring your own #2 pencil to the test center—that’s over 20 years of LSAT experience! Although the test might look different starting in 2027, our commitment to helping students achieve their goal scores isn’t going anywhere. We’ll continue adapting our courses, study materials, and strategies to reflect the latest LSAT changes so you can focus on what matters most: getting into your dream law school.
No matter when you’re testing, your LSAT journey starts with knowing where you stand and having a plan to reach your goal score.
Not sure where to start? Take a free LSAT diagnostic test to assess your starting benchmark, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and get a personalized study plan to help you make the most of your prep time.
Frequently Asked Questions About the August 2027 LSAT Changes
What’s changing on the LSAT in 2027?
Beginning with the August 2027 LSAT, LSAC is introducing several changes to the test format. The biggest change is the elimination of the standalone experimental section. Instead, unscored experimental questions will be integrated into the three scored sections. The updated LSAT will also feature longer sections, with 52 minutes for Reading Comprehension and 45 minutes for each Logical Reasoning section, a standardized section order for all test takers, and two 10-minute breaks.
Is the LSAT getting harder in August 2027?
Not necessarily. Although sections will be longer and experimental questions will be integrated into scored sections, LSAC isn’t changing the question types, number of scored questions, or average time per question.
However, students may need to adjust to longer periods of testing time. Practicing under the updated testing conditions will be important to build endurance and focus.
Will the LSAT still have experimental questions?
Yes! The LSAT will still include 27 unscored experimental questions. Instead of appearing in a separate section, they’ll be distributed throughout the Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning sections.
Will I know which LSAT questions are experimental?
No. LSAC will not identify which questions are scored and which are unscored, and their positions will vary among test takers. You should approach every question as though it counts.
Will the August 2027 LSAT have a different scoring scale?
No. The LSAT will continue using the 120–180 scoring scale. LSAC says scores will remain comparable across testing cycles.
When will practice tests for the new LSAT format be available?
LSAC plans to release new-format practice tests in LawHub in February 2027. The current format will remain available through the June 2027 LSAT.
Should I wait until February 2027 to start studying?
No. Since the Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension question types aren’t changing, you can begin strengthening your skills now and transition to updated full-length practice tests when they become available.
