I hope you all enjoyed spring break! I have some (more!) LSAT updates for you this week.
2024-2025 Test Dates
It took longer than anticipated, but the 2024-2025 LSAT test dates have been released. As you know, the first exam without Logic Games will be the August administration. Additionally, the August test will be the first one using the new LSAT Writing format (see below).
Please use the link below to see all of the upcoming dates through June 2025.
Changes to LSAT Writing
LSAC recently announced a major change to the LSAT Writing section, beginning with the August 2024 exam. It will now consist of an argumentative essay, which test-takers will write after being given a prompt with a description of a “debatable issue” and several different perspectives on that issue. Instead of the current 35 minutes to review the prompt, write notes, create an outline, and write your essay, test-takers will have 50 minutes total; 15 minutes of “pre-writing” to read the prompt and jot down notes and outline your response, and then 35 minutes of actual writing.
The LSAT Writing will remain unscored (for now), but law schools will receive applicants’ essays. As many of you have heard me mention at workshops and events, law schools are starting to take the LSAT Writing more seriously and review them all, in order to compare them to an applicant’s personal statement and other application essays. Most law schools strictly prohibit the use of AI (i.e. ChatGPT) when writing personal statements and application essays, and comparing the writing styles of those documents to an LSAT Argumentative Essay (which is so locked down it is impossible to cheat, use AI, etc.) helps law schools detect AI usage. Thus, all applicants should make sure you understand the LSAT Writing and practice it at least once before taking it.
The link below describes the new LSAT Writing section and provides an example. The free LSAT prep resources contained in LawHub also provide at least one sample prompt, with more to come, so you can practice.
I am happy to try and answer any questions you may have about the changes coming to the LSAT this August. Just let me know!
Have a great week!
Kyla
Kyla Stepp, Ph.D., J.D. (she/her) Associate Professor | School of Politics, Society, Justice & Public Service University Pre-Law Advisor | Director | Pre-Law Center 203 Anspach | Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 989-774-3259 | kyla.stepp@cmich.edu |
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