I don’t make New Year resolutions any more because, well, I’m perfect. But while I’m actually a big fan of the LSAT as far as standardized tests go, there’s always room for improvement. LSAC’s been pretty busy grading the December LSAT, so they probably haven’t had time to come up with resolutions on their own. Luckily for them, I’ve got nothing but time, so here are my recommended 2014 Resolutions for LSAC!
1) Grade faster.
We all know that there’s a lot more to grading the LSAT than sticking a bunch of Scantrons in a machine, but still – a whole month to score the December LSAT?! Of course, scoring the LSAT will never be a speedy process because they have to allot a certain amount of time for challenges to individual questions, retakes for canceled tests, etc. But I’ll bet that if they apply themselves, they can get those scores out a little sooner.
2) Get rid of the writing section.
The writing section is, in my book, cruel and unusual punishment. “Oh, you just finished taking one of the most difficult tests of your life? Now take another 35 minutes to write an essay that it’s unlikely anyone will ever read.” The writing section is a negligible part of the admissions process, and it’s not like anyone will miss it, so let’s just admit that it’s largely pointless and get rid of the darn thing.
3) Don’t change too much.
For all my griping about the LSAT, I have a huge amount of respect for it. It’s predictable (in that it always tests the same skills; it just varies how you’re asked to use them), and LSAC’s own tests have shown that it’s a pretty solid predictor of law school performance (PDF). Sure, I’ve suggested a few small tweaks (and you probably have some ideas of your own), but overall the LSAT is a pretty darn good test. So don’t go overboard on your changes, LSAC. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
On a more serious note, Happy New Year from all of us at Blueprint. May the coming year bring you successes on the LSAT and in real life (and for those who like to plan ahead, LSAC has released a revised schedule for the LSAT administration dates over the next few years!). See you all in 2014!