Spring semester is here and that means another round of upcoming LSAT exams. Spring LSAT exams are a busy time for test takers who are wrapping up their application efforts, and for test-takers looking to obtain scores for future application cycles. Below is some helpful information for those planning on sitting for an upcoming LSAT this spring or summer.
The State of the Exam:
Due to the restrictions created by the COVID-19 pandemic, LSAC created a remote, online version of the LSAT – the LSAT-Flex. The LSAT-Flex is a three-section multi-choice question exam. The three 35-minute sections are comprised of one section each of the Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning questions. The exam is offered on a remote basis, on multiple dates and times. In addition to the multiple choice section, students are also required to separately complete the LSAT Writing. To learn more about the LSAT-Flex visit our prior blog postings, or visit the LSAC website.
Currently, the only available format for the LSAT is the LSAT-Flex. The LSAT-Flex will be offered for both the February 2021 and April 2021 administrations. LSAC has not yet released details regarding future test dates or future test formats, however, we have compiled a list of a few key things you should know:
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- Preparation efforts for the exam should remain fundamentally the same in terms of content, time, and effort.
- While sitting for a remote, online exam can present challenges, initial analysis suggests that individuals are scoring at the same, or higher, levels as compared to performance levels on the traditional five-section, in-person format.
- Although test dates and registration is not yet open for 2021 administrations later than April, LSAC has confirmed their intention to offer exams at the approximately same time and at the same frequency as the current testing cycle. For those hoping to sit for a summer exam, we fully anticipate multiple test dates during the summer 2021 months, and additional dates in the fall semester.
- We are here to help! As additional information about the upcoming 2021 administrations is made available we will keep you informed. If you are considering sitting for an upcoming LSAT exam in the next testing cycle, we highly encourage you to attend our upcoming LSAT Bootcamp on Monday, February 8. See additional details below!
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LSAT Resources
There are many exceptional LSAT resources available to students free of charge! Below is a highlight of resources available this semester through LSAC and the PLAS office!
LSAT Bootcamp
Join Illinois pre-law students and alumni to learn more about the LSAT exam, LSAC resources, and LSAT study methods and plans at the annual LSAT Bootcamp on February 8th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. This year’s Bootcamp will feature presentations by LSAC and KAPLAN. This event is for any Illini considering attending law school or sitting for the LSAT exam in the upcoming months.
To learn more about the Bootcamp and to register, please visit the PLAS website. Be sure to also complete the Kaplan event form for complimentary resources and to submit questions in advance!
Sign-up by midnight. Friday, February 5: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/47155402
LSAT Test Space
Having difficulty identifying a quiet place to take the LSAT? Pre-Law Advising Services has arranged for a limited number of testing rooms on campus for the upcoming February LSAT-Flex administration. We will do our best accommodate as many students as possible, however, these rooms are available on a first come, first served basis and are limited to current UIUC students due to on-campus COVID-19 testing requirements.
If you are interested in reserving a test space, please fill out this survey by Sunday February 14th at 5:00 pm. To review helpful tips about the LSAT flex, including identifying test space, please visit our “Where to take the LSAT-Flex” blog post from this fall.
LSAT Study Groups
Pre-Law Advising Services is once again helping students form study groups for the April (and summer) LSAT. If you are interested in connecting with a group for April and possible future exams, please complete this survey by 5:00 pm on Sunday February 14th . We will provide guidance and tips for your study group, after which the group may be self-managed. These study groups can begin as early as February 22nd.
Any questions regarding the rooms or groups can be directed to PLAS Graduate Assistant Courtney Koenig at ckoenig3@illinois.edu.
LSAC Test Prep Resources
LSAC provides a wide-variety of free and affordable study prep resources. Below are links to currently available opportunities:
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- LSAT Prep: There is a free and $99 version. The free version provides four online practice tests!
- Kahn Academy: Free interactive lessons, timed practice tests, strategies, tips, and more…
- LSAT Test Books: These are self-study books available at low cost. Some books may also be purchased used!
- Official LSAT Content Licensees: A collection of test prep companies that have licensed official LSAT content. There is a wide-variety of programs offered by these companies. We do not recommend any particular company, but do encourage you to work with an option from this list if you do decide to purchase a study program/course.
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Financial Concerns? Applying to law school requires a significant financial investment. To assist students who have financial needs, LSAC offers the Fee Waiver program. This program includes the cost of two LSAT exam registrations, free prep resources, and much more! To learn more about the LSAC Fee Waiver program click here.