Today’s LSAT advice comes from our friends at Blueprint LSAT Prep. Blueprint offers live LSAT prep classes throughout the country, as well as an online LSAT course for those who prefer to study in their pajamas.
With February LSAT deadlines abound, you’re running out of time to start studying for the next administration. One reason you might still be unsure about whether or not to take the February LSAT is the fact that, well, the February LSAT is kind of weird.
That’s because most LSAT administrations feature only one experimental section. On the February LSAT, however, the whole thing is kind of “experimental.”
Here’s what we mean:
First, LSAC uses the February LSAT to try out new concepts. They’ve got to keep LSAT test-takers on their toes, after all. Because of this, some content on the February LSAT can come off as unusual. It can be as simple as a Logic Game with a confusing intro, but in some instances, you may not even recognize the question type. Fortunately, you won’t be the only person in your LSAT testing center dealing with it, and the LSAT score “curve” should reflect any questions that tripped up a large number of test-takers.
Second, once your February LSAT score comes out you won’t know what mistakes you made because LSAC does not release the February LSAT questions. It is the only non-accommodated LSAT that is not disclosed. Obviously, if you thought you did well on the exam and then received an LSAT score that showed otherwise, this can cause quite a headache. Then again, if you studied correctly, you should clearly know your weak points heading into test day from your most recent practice LSAT scores.
Unless your law school does not accept February LSAT scores (some don’t, so make sure you check), taking the February exam can actually be advantageous for anyone hoping to apply in the 2015 law school application cycle. If you earn the LSAT score you want, you’ll have the rest of the year to dedicate to your law school applications—which would include getting letters of recommendation from your professors and getting started on all those admission essays.
As you know, getting your law school applications in early gives you the best chance at admission. Check out your target schools’ policy regarding early decision. Most law schools accept students on a rolling basis, so your application is often evaluated as soon as it arrives. With the current law school admissions landscape, it’s only to your advantage to get your apps in as soon as you can.
Just make sure you’ve got a good LSAT score to go with it.
If you’re discouraged, remember: The LSAT is the kind of test you can study for. You can improve your LSAT score. Even though the February LSAT can be viewed as quirky, it’s still an LSAT. Do not sit for it (or any LSAT) unless you are confident about how you will perform. For the best LSAT score/law school admissions results, it’s always best to begin on your terms, not the law schools’.
For more information on The Blueprint for LSAT Logic Games, visit Blueprint’s LSAT book page.
