Is anyone going to take this upcoming exam in May? I am a bit nervous about doing it on my personal computer. Does anyone have thoughts on whether I should wait for the regular exam or just take the flex version?
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Is anyone going to take this upcoming exam in May? I am a bit nervous about doing it on my personal computer. Does anyone have thoughts on whether I should wait for the regular exam or just take the flex version?
48 comments
MAN IDEK ANYMORE
@rondabeselt579 I would urge you not to make any premature assumptions, as we haven't heard all the details about the LSAT Flex—scoring, weighing, curve/scale, etc. It may sound like an easier LSAT at first glance, but there are caveats to having only three sections, one of them is that you cannot rely on the other LR section to balance a potential bad performance. Additionally, for people for whom LR is their strength, it is a clear disadvantage. You also need to consider the fact that it seems hard for LSAC to have live proctors available to watch people taking such a long test, and this is probably one of the reasons why they have decided to remove two sections. Last but not least, I believe that it is healthier for each of us to try to do our best individually instead of focusing on the negative. We are our own worst enemy, don't waste your energy emailing LSAC—it won't move the needle—but instead make sure to murder this LSAT and go to your dream law school! Trust me; it is a much more productive mindset, my friend!
I really don't like the fact that it is three sections. It makes statistical regression to the mean harder. As the test is set up now, with four scored sections, if I know that I did poorly on one section I know that it isn't the end of the world. If I do well on the other three sections, I can make up for a substandard score on one section. With only three sections it will be a lot harder to come back from one rough section. So one mistake on a logic game would be much more likely to be catastrophic.
Just keep in mind the possibility that the curve will be tighter to account for the more favorable testing conditions.
I'm signed up for April and I think I'm going to do the May flex test. Also it looks like Mr. Killoran agrees with you @danielbrowning20836 and good tip on following him @miriaml807
https://twitter.com/DaveKilloran/status/1247676855815032833?s=20
My main question is, are we better or worse off only having three sections? Less to draining but also less room for error? What do people think?
3 sections vs. 5 sections, written in your own home, at your chosen time, is a huge advantage to the May LSAT FLEX takers, and I voiced my opinions to LSAC. Just having 3 sections limiting the cognitive fatigue is an advantage. Many schools have extended their deadlines until June 1, just in time for these test results to come out. Likely May test takers will have inflated LSAT scores and will take away significant scholarships and spots in law schools that they may not have gotten with a traditional exam.
I need accommodations and am being told I have to wait to a traditional test can be written in my province (which LSAC said June) but that isn't accurate as Alberta is shut down until at least July, but likely September according to our government.
How is this FLEX promoting fairness, equality and integrity to the law school admission process!!!! I am outraged.
Let LSAC know your thoughts by email
LSACinfo@isaacdesanto625.org
I was initially eager to sign up for June hoping for Flex test but now I want to wait and see how the scoring will work out. I have worked really hard on LR and it is far and away my best section. In fact I am often getting less wrong on both LR sections and games combined than I am on Reading Comp so I need to see how this will be scored. If Reading Comp suddenly counts the same as LR it won’t be a good test for me. I am glad LSAT is offering an option for May and for March/ April testers but am surprised they didn’t have answers for a basic question like scoring break down. I think waiting for some of these answers is in the best interest of people considering June/ July tests or even moving away from the May test.
@hinkletwinkle111546 said:
Does anyone know if the LR section will still be more heavily weighted on the LSAT-flex like on normal LSATs?
YES. This is the critical question for me. LR is now underweighted compared to the normal LSAT, unless they are planning to weigh LR more heavily. LR is my best section by far so this is a critical question and seems unfair that LSAT Flex places a different emphasis on sections (more emphasis on RC and LG).
@danielbrowning20836
That's a fair point but I don't think that scores will automatically shoot up because of favorable testing conditions. Most people take PTs in their homes/under favorable conditions and don't always score as high as they want to.
I don't understand why they would want to cut out the second LR section in the first place? I can understand cutting out the experimental because the test would be taken under "unique" conditions so the results of an experimental won't provide advice for future tests.
Does anyone know if the LR section will still be more heavily weighted on the LSAT-flex like on normal LSATs?
https://www.lsac.org/free-webinar-law-school-admission-time-covid-19-apr8
If anyone has questions about Flex and how admissions committees will view the Flex test, LSAC is hosting another Zoom webinar about law school admissions during covid. I went to the last one and they were pretty good about answering questions in the Q&A section during the panel.
Taking the LSAT at the comfort of your own home in less than two hours is undoubtedly a HUGE advantage. However, assuming you’ll preform exactly as you would on a regular LSAT is frankly speculation until the actual scoring data arrives. I agree with @jmarmaduke96714, at least if you have 4 sections you could offset a section in which you underperformed in. Underperforming in a three section LSAT could have catastrophic consequences. But then again, big risk big reward. However, If everyone bombs one section or generally underperforms, aren’t the LSAT scores curved so would it matter anyway?
How are schools going to compare scores of someone who took the remote 3 section LSAT to someone who may be more fatigued and anxious taking the 5 section LSAT at a center in June?
I am going to sign up for June now, I would much prefer a three section test and I think June will end up remote as well.
You should check out Dave Killoran's Twitter. He is one of the founders of Power Score and he always has a lot of great information regarding the LSAT. He just tweeted about this, and is currently addressing a lot of people's questions as best as he can. His Twitter handle is @tcbraney358.
@isaacdesanto625 said:
@ishikawasarah192 said:
At the webinar by LSAC regarding LSAT-flex, they mentioned that LR will not be double scored. They also stated that the questions will not be easier or harder than any other LSAT.
Interesting, I don't totally understand how that will work... did they say anything else about the scoring/weighting?
I'm gonna be honest, it doesn't seem like they're being very transparent about the weighting of the test. I don't see how they can score the test on the same 120-180 scale with three sections. The math doesn't really work out...?
I'll be trying to get in touch with them, so I'll post another update on scoring if/when they get back to me!
At the webinar by LSAC regarding LSAT-flex, they mentioned that LR will not be double scored. They also stated that the questions will not be easier or harder than any other LSAT.
@hinkletwinkle111546 LSAC isn't answering this on the current webinar but they said there will be a future webinar on just the LSAT flex. Hopefully they can answer your question there (or over email)
In order to have a score preview and such.
I'd want to do some demos before the real thing.
@lexxx74569 said:
does anyone think the annotation that it was a flex will hurt in admissions? i dipped from the april test in late march so i am not eligible but i think the june test will count for more
Powerscore CEO says it'll count the same https://twitter.com/DaveKilloran/status/1247675444343660544?s=20
Does anyone know if this LSAT Flex will be available to those international test-takers who had originally signed up for March but cancelled?
@rondabeselt579 Not trying to be nosy but JY's post earlier regarding this said that people who had been granted accommodations would still get them with LSAT Flex? Did you request pencil and paper that they couldn't do or? I am asking because I was in a bad accident and need to request accommodations. I already took the test without it and scored significantly lower due to the pain.