The LSAT is changing—again—and these changes are sticking around for a few years.

After weeks of speculation and rumors flying rampant on Reddit, LSAC finally released new LSAT dates for the rest of 2021 and the first half of 2022. What’s notably missing from this year’s lineup is a July LSAT and a September LSAT. On the other hand, it’s not too surprising that there isn’t a December LSAT this year, as there wasn’t one last year either.

Registration for the June 2021 LSAT-Flex opens up February 22. You can start registering for the other test dates in mid-May. However, don’t wait until you register for your exam to start prepping! Check out our schedule to find an LSAT class that works around your life.

Now for the million-dollar question: Will the LSAT-Flex stay? And the answer is yes, but no! There is a big change coming to the length and sections of the LSAT. 

When the LSAT became the LSAT-Flex, LSAC cut one of the Logical Reasoning sections and the unscored experimental section, allowing for a shorter two-hour exam with only three sections. Reusing questions from previous LSAT exams would have worked well if the LSAT-Flex was a temporary solution in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

However, now that it’s a permanent fixture (at least for the next year), LSAC is reintroducing the experimental section to the exam. This change will allow LSAC to try new test questions for future use and ensure they are “free from any form of bias.” It’s important to remember that the experimental section is unscored, which means that although the exam might be longer, your LSAT-Flex score will still be determined by your performance on the three main sections (one Logical Reasoning section, one Logic Games/Analytical Reasoning section, and one Reading Comprehension section) and scored on the same scale of 120-180. The methodology, question types, and length of sections. will remain the same.

Note: The LSAT-Flex has now been replaced by a permanent, three-section LSAT. This LSAT does not have Logic Games. Learn more about the LSAT format here.

The second change is the addition of a small break in between sections. This news might be a little too late for some students that had accidents during their exams, but it’s a relief for everyone else. Test takers will be allowed a short break between the second and third sections of the LSAT. If you leave your seat you will need to complete a new security check before resuming your test. Sounds pretty reasonable. 

The experimental section and new break will not go into effect until the August 2021 LSAT. LSAC has stated they will keep this four-section format for the next 2-3 years. This means the 2021 June LSAT-Flex will be the final short exam, as in it will be the last LSAT with only three sections.  Beginning in August, the four-section test will simply be called the new LSAT. For test-takers who were excited about the short two-hour LSAT, this means you better make sure you sign-up for the June LSAT-Flex when registration opens next week. Sure, there are reasons why the June LSAT is notoriously a popular date, but not having an experimental section definitely adds to the appeal this year.

If you’re wondering how long do most students prep for the LSAT, it’s usually 2-3 months. If you are thinking about taking the June LSAT-Flex because it’s shorter, you should start prepping now. LSAT classes for the June LSAT-Flex are starting now and will sell out fast due to the high demand for this specific test date. Alternatively, you can prep on your own with the on-demand Self-Paced LSAT course. If you’re not sure which LSAT you should take and consequently when you should start prepping, schedule a free consultation with our LSAT Advisors to help point you in the right direction!

Recap: New LSAT Dates and New LSAT-Flex Format

1. 1. LSAC released new dates from June 2021-June 2022. For a listing of LSAT test dates, score release dates, deadlines, and general information on how to register for the LSAT, check out this page. 
2. 2. Starting in August 2021, the LSAT-Flex will have a new experimental section added to it. The new LSAT will now have four sections instead of three on test day. We can’t forget about the Writing section, but that can be completed before or after test day.
3. 3. The addition of the experimental section will not change the methodology, scoring range, or length of individual sections. 
4. 4. A break will be added between the second and third sections of the LSAT in August 2021 as a result of the longer format.
5. 5. LSAC will keep this four-section format for the next 2-3 years.
6. 6. The 2021 June LSAT-Flex is the last “short” exam with only three sections. We predict this will the June test very popular this year.