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The Impact of LSAT Test Changes

This year, the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) announced changes to the LSAT.
One of the biggest changes announced, according to LSAC, is that there will “no longer be any limitations on the number of times a test taker can take the LSAT in a two-year period.”
Julie Ketover, a contributor for U.S. News & World Report, recently wrote an article about recent LSAT changes and how they will affect applicants. Ketover says applicants should be cautious about taking the LSAT multiple times, even with the new change of no re-take limitations.
“While it’s true that law school admissions committees only need to hone in on your highest LSAT score, they are privy to all of your results,” she writes. “Research how all the schools to which you intend to apply handle multiple test scores, since they can vary in their approaches.”
STILL BEST TO TAKE LSAT ONLY ONCE
Ketover says inconsistent and varying LSAT scores portray a poor candidate. “Take as few LSATs as possible. Ideally, take it only once, perform to the best of your ability and leave zero doubt regarding your aptitude,” she writes.
Another change announced by LSAC: an increase in the number of times the LSAT will be administered. By mid-2018, the LSAT will be offered six times a year, rather than the four.
Susan Krinsky, chair of LSAC’s board of trustees and associate dean for students at the University of Maryland’s Francis King Carey School of Law, says the “additional test dates are an important part of LSAC’s continuing efforts to reduce barriers to entry into legal education.”
Despite having more opportunities to take the LSAT, Ketover advises applicants to take the LSAT as soon as possible. “Keep in mind that most law schools continue to accept students on a rolling basis — and it remains in your best interest to submit your application, complete with any and all LSAT scores, as early as possible in the admissions cycle,” she writes.
GUIDELINES FOR TAKING THE LSAT
For a general approach to the new LSAT changes, Ketover advises applicants to consider these general guidelines:
1. Take as few LSATs as possible. Ideally, take it only once, perform to the best of your ability and leave zero doubt regarding your aptitude.
2. Only take the LSAT when you are fully prepared and ready.
3. Retake the exam only in the event of some aberration.
4. Take the test only two to three times at most.
For more on the recent LSAT changes, click here.
Sources: U.S. News, Law School Admission Council

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