Showing posts with label practice tests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label practice tests. Show all posts

Chances of Same Answer Choice in a Row on the LSAT

LSAT Blog Same Answer Choice Row ChancesLooking through the LSAT PrepTest answer keys, I found only 9 instances in modern LSAT history (June 1991-December 2009) where the same answer choice appeared 4 times in a row.

2 of these instances occurred in the same LSAT section.

Now, you might have thought LSAC artificially increases the number of 4-in-a-rows to throw test-takers off - to make them second-guess themselves. However, it appears that LSAC artificially decreases the number of 4-in-a-rows. (I've explained the math supporting this below.)

First, why am I even talking about this?

1. To remind you that it's possible to have 4 of the same answer choice in a row - even for it to happen more than once in the same section.

2. To tell you that if you have 3 of the same answer choice in a row and have to randomly guess on the next question, you may want to consider guessing something other than that letter simply because LSAC appears to purposely avoid 4-in-a-row.

Of course, focus on the content of the exam above all else. Patterns and probabilities should always come second to content. However, it's still useful to be aware of them for random guessing purposes.

Note: Since the cat's now out of the bag, it's possible that LSAC may change its strategy. Don't blame me if your exam's answer key has a 4 in a row or two, but if the 64 released PrepTests are any indication, there probably won't be a single 4-in-a-row.

Cases of same letter 4-in-a-row:

PrepTest 8 (June 1993), LR1, Q4-7 - answer C
PrepTest 12 (October 1994), LR1, Q11-14- answer D
PrepTest 14 (February 1995), LG, Q13-16 - answer D
PrepTest 19 (June 1996), LR2, Q18-21 - answer C
PrepTest 22 (June 1997), LG, Q6-9 - answer B
PrepTest 22 (June 1997), LG, Q20-23 - answer E
PrepTest 24 (December 1997), LG, Q18-21 - answer E
PrepTest 36 (December 01), LR2, Q18-21 - answer B
PrepTest 45 (December 04), LG, Q7-10 - answer A


If anyone's interested in the math behind all this:

Actual occurrences where a section contained at least one sequence of 4 in a row in the 64 released LSATs = 8

Chances of (at least) one 4-in-a-row in any particular section = ~16.2%

# of sections one would expect to contain (at least) one 4-in-a-row in the 64 released LSATs = 41.472
(4 sections per exam * 64 exams) * 16.2% = 256 * 16.2% = 41.472, which is over 5 times the actual number of occurrences.

The odds of finding 4 questions in a row with the same answer is (1/5)^3

This is because, given some answer for a question, the odds that the next question will have that same answer is 1/5. Then the odds that the 3rd question will also have that answer is 1/5 and finally the odds that the 4th question will too have the same answer is also 1/5. By multiplying, you find that for a set of 4 questions each with 5 possible answers, the odds of them having the same answer is 1/5 * 1/5 * 1/5 = (1/5)^3

Statistically, 1 out of every 125 sets of 4 questions (if the answers were truly random) would have 4-in-a-row of the same answer choice.

Thus, the odds of a set of 4 questions NOT having the same answers is: 124/125

Because there are 22 sets of 4 questions in an LSAT section (questions 1-4, 2-5, 3-6…22-25), we calculate the odds that for all of those sets of 4 questions, no set share the same answers: (124/125)^22 = 83.802464%

This means that the odds of at least one of those sets of 4 questions having all the same answer is 1-.83802464 = 16.197536%

There have been 256 individual sections of the modern LSAT given. In theory, approximately 16.2% of those sections should have contained at least one string of 4 questions with the same answers. 256 * .162 = 41.472, we’ll round that down to 41 sections that should have contained a string of at least 4 questions with the same answers (statistically speaking of course).

(I said above that there are 22 sets of 4 questions in an LSAT section because there are 22 possible sequences of 4 in a section of 25 questions. Sure, there are many sections that have a greater or lesser number of questions per section, but let's assume those differences cancel each other out.)

Bottom line: There appears to be a conspiracy to decrease the number of 4-in-a-rows.

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Discussion of the two 4-in-a-rows in PrepTest 22's Logic Games section:

If you've done a few Logic Games, you may have noticed that LSAC often presents the content of answer choices in either alphabetical or numerical order.

I find it curious that in PT22, LG, Q20, the answer choices are presented in reverse alphabetical order, leading to a 4-in-a-row sequence of Es.

Call me crazy, but I'm entertaining the possibility that this exception to the traditional alphabetical presentation of choices was intentional in order to create 2 sequences of 4-in-a-row in the same section.

There have been 256 LSAT sections, so it's not that unlikely that we'd see a case of 2 4-in-a-row sequences in the same section by now. However, given the sketchiness of the reverse alphabetical ordering in PT22, LG, Q20, I'm calling foul play.

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Cases where girls named Becca were likely to freak out:

PrepTest 16 (September 1995), LR2, Q13-17 - BECCA
PrepTest 44 (October 2004), LR1, Q1-5 - BECCA
PrepTest 57 (June 2009), RC, Q12-16 - BECCA


Actual occurrences where a section contained at least one sequence of BECCA in the 64 released LSATs = 3

Chances of at least one BECCA in any particular section = .67%

# of sections one would expect to contain (at least) one BECCA in the 64 released LSATs = 1.7152
(4 sections per exam * 64 exams) * .67% = 256 * .67% = 1.7152, which is pretty close to the number of actual occurrences


The odds of finding a particular 5-letter sequence is (1/5) ^ 5 = 1/3125

Statistically, 1 out of every 3125 sets of 5 questions (if the answers were truly random) would have a particular 5-letter sequence.

Thus, the odds of a set of 5 questions NOT containing a particular sequence is: 3124/3125

Because there are 21 sets of 5 questions in an LSAT section (questions 1-4, 2-5, 3-6…22-25), we calculate the odds that for all of those sets of 5 questions, no set contains a particular 5-letter sequence: (3124/3125)^21 = 99.330146%

This means that the odds of at least one of those sets of 4 questions having all the same answer is 1-.99330146 = .669854%

There have been 256 individual sections of the modern LSAT given. In theory, approximately .67% of those sections should have contained at least one particular 5-letter sequence the same answers. 256 * .67% = 1.7152, we’ll round that up to 2 instances where sections that statistically should have contained a string of at least one instance of BECCA.


(I multiply by 21 because there are 21 possible sequences of 5 in a section of 25 questions. Sure, there are many sections that have a greater or lesser number of questions per section, but let's assume those differences cancel each other out.)

# of sections containing (at least) one particular 5-in-a-row sequence one would expect over the course of 64 LSATs = (4 sections per exam * 64 exams) * .67% = 256 * .67% = 1.7152. Round that to the nearest whole number, and we get 2, which is 1 fewer than the actual number of occurrences. Nothing shocking or scary about that.

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Bottom line: If the answer choices spell your name, don't freak out. If the answer choices spell the word "DEAD," don't freak out. This sort of thing can, and does, happen.

Photo by unloveable / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Self-Control: Smoking, Eating, and LSAT Prep

fried twinkieStudying for the LSAT is exhausting and time-consuming.

Why are some people able to study for hours on end while others can't stand more than a half-hour at a time?

The answer may lie somewhere in the concept of "ego depletion."

Basically, the idea is that you only have a limited amount of energy for focusing on something you don't enjoy.

This suggests some people who (productively) study for the LSAT are probably spending most/all of their "self-control" energy on the LSAT.

People who can't focus on the LSAT for too long may be dividing their self-control energy among multiple tasks that require self-control.


Let's say you're trying to get your life in order, so your New Year's resolutions were to:

1. quit smoking
2. lose weight
3. study for the LSAT


You really want to do all these things ASAP, so you attempt to fulfill all 3 of these resolutions at the same time.

However, what you love more than anything is:

1. smoking menthols
2. sitting on your ass and eating fried Twinkies
3. watching the Kardashians


According to the researchers in the article linked above, you only have a limited amount of energy to invest in each of these acts:

1. chewing gum/your pencil, biting your nails, and doing anything instead of smoking those menthols

2. eating "healthy foods" instead of fried Twinkies (despite what the "American Twinkie Fryers Association" claims, they're not actually healthy)

3. sleeping with your LSAT books under your pillow...er...I mean...actually staring at the pages of those books


If you spread your limited willpower around and attempt to quit smoking, lose weight, study for the LSAT simultaneously, you're not likely to successfully achieve any of these goals.

You're better off tackling one goal at a time and focusing all your willpower on it.


So which one should you attempt first?

My take - focus on the LSAT and don't stress too much about the other stuff.

You can get healthy when you're a lawyer.

(Your doctor would probably feel differently.)

Whatever you decide, focus your self-control on one thing at a time.

The alternative to all this, of course, is to "brainwash" yourself into enjoying the LSAT. In that case, the above would be irrelevant.

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Cigarettes are both physically and psychologically addictive, while fried Twinkies and the Kardashians are only psychologically addictive (as far as I know). The smokers out there might be concerned that they won't be able to smoke during the LSAT.


For this reason, a few thoughts on...

Quitting Smoking

Everything above suggests you shouldn't try to quit smoking while you're studying for the LSAT. At least, you shouldn't try to quit cold-turkey.

Some folks might feel differently, but this is my opinion based on the information above.

Your health is probably more important than your LSAT score, so if you're going to quit cold turkey, do it before you start serious LSAT preparation. Otherwise, you'll probably find it difficult to focus on the LSAT.

I'm not a smoker, and your smoking habits are none of my business.

However, if you're a smoker who wants to quit, the LSAT might be the push you need to actually make it happen.

If I were a smoker who was studying for the LSAT and wanted to quit, I'd *gradually* decrease the number of cigarettes I smoked each week.

I'd start the process now and continue straight through until the exam (and beyond).

Also, I'd try to avoid smoking during the time of day at which I'll take the exam.

The June exam starts at 1PM, while the February, September/October, and December exams start at 9AM.

LSAC doesn't officially let you leave the building for smoking breaks (enforcement varies). The LSAT is over 4 hours, and that's assuming everything goes well.

One last thing: this should go without saying, but don't smoke while you're taking full-length practice tests, since you won't be able to on Test Day.

You can still keep watching the Kardashians, though. I'd never take that away from you.

***

Also see: Are Cigarettes, Coffee, and Gum Allowed on LSAT Test Day?

Photo by santos / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Simugator LSAT Proctor DVD Review

Simugator LSAT Proctor DVD Review*Update: Free LSAT Proctor mp3 Available*

No matter how much I write about preparing for LSAT Test Day, people still want tips and strategies for dealing with Test Day nerves.

And there are companies that make products to help people deal with those nerves.

No, I'm not talking about the pharmaceutical industry.

I'm talking about the Simugator LSAT Proctor DVD (alternate link / other alternate link).

The DVD simulates what it's like to take the LSAT on Test Day. It contains a video of a classroom where a bunch of people pretend to take the LSAT, and someone attractive pretends to proctor it. It's meant to help you get used to the distractions of taking the LSAT around other people - the proctors and other test-takers. (Perhaps having a hot proctor is intended to be part of the distraction.)

You pop it into your computer or DVD player when you're ready to take a timed full-length practice exam (or section).

The videocamera's set up so that you're facing the proctor and are surrounded by fellow test-takers. The proctor on the DVD gives a 5-minute warning and moves from one section to another without a break, just like the real thing. (Of course, you still get a 15-minute break between sections 3 and 4.)

The DVD has a "Distractions Mode" setting where they increase the annoyingness of the other "test-takers" and "proctor" to help you get used to what you might face on Test Day.

Just like a fighter pilot might use a simulator to practice, this DVD allows you to simulate the Test Day experience.

Does this DVD give you anything you can't get from a friend or a public place? At first glance, not really, but it does have some unique benefits - primarily, the fact that it offers test proctoring "on-demand."


Alternatives to the LSAT Proctor DVD:

Friend
You can have a friend proctor you, and it might be a little more real, but your friend might not always be available, and he/she probably isn't going to proctor dozens of PrepTests without asking for favors in return. Or maybe you don't have any friends.


Library / Starbucks
You can take your practice tests in a slightly distracting and noisy setting like a library or Starbucks, but maybe you're too lazy or those settings are too distracting and noisy. Or maybe you live in a part of the U.S. / the world that doesn't have places like libraries or Starbucks. However, even if you do live near a library or Starbucks, they're not open 24/7, and they don't always have seating available. A librarian or barista isn't likely to proctor your exam and call out a 5-minute warning.


Free LSAT Diagnostic Tests From Prep Companies
Many prep companies offer a free LSAT diagnostic test in a crowded room. This is as close as you can get to an actual LSAT experience. I recommend going to as many of these as possible in the month leading up to your test date. You can bring your own PrepTest and take it instead of using the one they give out. The prep companies don't mind. The downside of this option is that the diagnostics may not be offered frequently enough, and they may not be on your schedule.


So, should you get the LSAT Proctor DVD?
This DVD isn't for everyone. However, it might help you feel like you've been through the "experience" of taking several practice LSATs under test-like conditions.

Coming soon:

For $1000, your future LSAT proctor will come to your house and proctor a practice LSAT for you. He/she will also bring 20 friends to make noise and seduce you while you take your practice tests.

Creating an LSAT Test Day Playlist | Songs and mp3

LSAT Blog Test Day Playlist Songs mp3One way to reduce Test Day stress is to listen to music that will PUMP. YOU. UP.

Listen to these before taking a practice test, and listen to them on the way to your test center, if you like.

Besides, creating a playlist isn't procrastinating if it helps you do well on the LSAT, right?

If you're too lazy to create your own playlist, or you don't know what an mp3 is, Jock Jams works well. If you're really short on time, I highly recommend the 3-minute Jock Jam Megamix (wiki). I guess you could always just listen to that on repeat, but you'd probably get sick of it before long.

These sites are good if you'd rather just have some white noise:

http://www.rainymood.com/
http://simplynoise.com/

A few weeks ago on the LSAT Blog Fan Page, blog reader Justin suggested the following songs for "getting you pumped before a practice test":

1. CAKE - "The Distance"
2. Survivor - Eye of the Tiger (Rocky 3)
3. Paul Engemann - Push it to the Limit (Scarface) (1983)
4. Europe - The Final Countdown (also see this, Arrested Development fans)

I agree - these are all great choices. I'd like to add anything by Rage Against the Machine, particularly "Wake Up" and "Vietnow," A-Trak's remix of Stronger by Kanye West, I Run This by Birdman, and Planisphere by Justice. I could go on and on, but I'll let you make your own playlist.

Tip - only listen to the songs on your playlist before taking each practice test and on Test Day. You want to train yourself to associate these songs with rocking the LSAT.

I'd love to hear your recommendations. What songs will you include in your LSAT playlist?

Photo by 41636321@N00

LSAT Test Center Problems | How To Prepare For The Worst

Tip: Take practice LSATs at your LSAT test center.

How? Well, LSAT test centers are often within your local college, university, or law school. This means that they're often fairly easy to walk right inside, so many of you will be able to go there and take practice tests before your exam. I'd recommend doing this for at least a few Saturday mornings leading up to your test date, if you can.

Ideally, you'll be able to take it in the very room where you'll take the real thing. If not, at least try to get a look at the room so that you'll be able to take your practice tests in a similar environment.

Now going to the effort to take it in the same room seems like a lot of work (and a little weird).

Why would you want to go to all that effort?

Because rooms often have little quirks of their own. You'll hear noises in some when the heating turns on/off (especially for December / February test-takers living in parts of the world with seasons). Think about all the noises that boilers and pipes make (hissing, etc.). Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that you'll get extra time just because there's a disruption.

So do June and September test-takers have an advantage? Are you better off taking the LSAT in one of those months instead?

No, they don't get a free pass either. Some rooms might be over-air-conditioned and feel like walk-in refrigerators. Others might have no AC at all, feeling like an NYC subway platform in the summertime (trust me - it's like a furnace).

One test-taker recently wrote to me with the following:
I live in Cairo, Egypt, and I took the LSAT here in June...A woman randomly walked into the room while the exam was being administered and just started chatting with the proctor. They were whispering, but it was still audible and very distracting. Also, the electricity in the building went off for around the length of a section, so we resumed taking the exam in the dark with no AC (in Cairo in June...). Needless to say, I canceled my score on the spot.
Of course, electricity can go out anywhere, and the best you can hope for is a free retake a few months later with the original test removed from your record entirely. However, there's a very good chance that LSAC might give you nothing at all for your trouble.

Unfortunately, an uncomfortable room isn't the only obstacle you might face.

The Most Common LSAT Test Center Problems:

Time
-proctors not giving enough time per section or for the break (proctors giving too much time is not a common complaint, although it happens from time to time)
-proctors failing to give a 5-minute warning

Noise
-proctors talking to each other or talking on their phones
-proctors' cell phones ringing or beeping
-other test-takers passing out or leaving in the middle
-other test-takers making too much noise while writing
-room being too noisy
-noise from the hallway or outside

Room
-room being too hot or cold
-desks being too small

Miscellaneous
-other test-takers talking about how much they studied before the test or during the break
-proctors forcing you to eat a live spider before the start of each section

Kidding about that last one - this isn't Fear Factor.


Why I am telling you all this? Do I get a kick out of scaring already-nervous test-takers?

Nah, I'll leave that to LSAC.

I just want you to be prepared ahead of time in case any of the above happen to you on Test Day.

What's the cautious test-taker to do?

Prepare for the worst. Just about anyone would retake if the lights went out, a tornado hit, or a terrorist took everyone hostage, so I'm not going to recommend that anyone take a practice test under those conditions.


How To Prepare For The Worst

Time
-Confirm with the proctor beforehand that you'll get 35 minutes per section, a 5-minute warning before the end of each section, and a 15-minute break between the 3rd and 4th sections.

(Be very polite about this. Proctors are the police / dictators of the room. Their word is law, so respect their authority. However, this doesn't mean you can't say something if they're cutting you short on time.)

Anecdotal evidence (reports from students and blog readers) indicates that LSAC generally does nothing for people shorted on time or not given a 5-minute warning. Of course, most test-takers probably don't experience this problem, but if it happens to you, it'll be a big deal.

Noise
-Do at least one or two practice tests in somewhat noisy environments. A coffee shop or library is good for this.

Room
-Practice at least once or twice on a small desk.
-Bring layers in case the room is too hot or cold.
-Practice in rooms where the temperature is slightly uncomfortable.
-Again, try to take a few practice tests in the very room where you'll take the real thing.

Miscellaneous
-Don't talk to anyone during the break - unless you want to.

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Check out all LSAT Test Day Tips.

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Anything I didn't cover? Those of you who've taken the LSAT already, did any of the above happen to you? What are your tips on preparing for Test Day, and what do you wish you'd done differently?

LSAT PrepTests and Dates Administered

LSAT PrepTest List
This LSAT Blog post is an easy reference to help you determine the number of every PrepTest from the date and year it was administered, and vice-versa, as well as how to get just about every single LSAT PrepTest ever.

I recommend getting all your other LSAT PrepTests from Amazon if you want them in books.

Alternatively, you can get most exams online in the digital format as part of Official LSAT Prep Plus (inside your LSAC account).

LSAT PrepTest List:

LSAT PrepTest 93+ (in LawHub)
LSAT PrepTest 92+ (in LawHub)
LSAT PrepTest 91+ (in LawHub)
LSAT PrepTest 90+ (in LawHub)
LSAT PrepTest 89
LSAT PrepTest 88
LSAT PrepTest 87
LSAT PrepTest 86
LSAT PrepTest 85
LSAT PrepTest 84
LSAT PrepTest 83
LSAT PrepTest 82
LSAT PrepTests 72-81
LSAT PrepTests 62-71
LSAT PrepTests 52-61
LSAT PrepTests 42-51
LSAT PrepTests 29-38
LSAT PrepTests 19-28
LSAT PrepTests 7-18
LSAT SuperPrep (A, B, C)
LSAT SuperPrep 2 (62, 63, and LSAT PrepTest C2)
Official LSAT PrepTest (Feb 1997)
June 2007 LSAT

LSAC doesn't provide explanations for any of the numbered LSAT PrepTests. The PrepTests linked above are just the questions.

So, if you want to know why a particular answer choice is wrong, you need to get the explanations separately.

If you already have LSAT PrepTests and would like explanations, see:


-Logic Games explanations for the newest PrepTests
-Logic Games explanations for PrepTests 72-81
-Logic Games explanations for PrepTests 62-71
-Logic Games explanations for PrepTests 52-61
-Logic Games explanations for PrepTests 29-38
-Logic Games explanations for PrepTests 19-28

-Logical Reasoning explanations for the newest PrepTests
-Logical Reasoning explanations for PrepTests 72-81
-Logical Reasoning explanations for PrepTests 62-71
-Logical Reasoning explanations for PrepTests 52-61
-Logical Reasoning explanations for PrepTests 44-51
-Logical Reasoning explanations for PrepTests 29-38
-Logical Reasoning explanations for PrepTests 19-28

-Reading Comprehension explanations for the newest PrepTests
-Reading Comprehension explanations for PrepTests 72-81
-Reading Comprehension explanations for PrepTests 62-71
-Reading Comprehension explanations for PrepTests 52-61
-Reading Comprehension explanations for PrepTests 44-51
-Reading Comprehension explanations for PrepTests 29-38
-Reading Comprehension explanations for PrepTests 19-28


LSAT PrepTests and explanations alone aren't enough to ensure success on the LSAT. Make sure you also get the best LSAT prep books.

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More info below this huge list.


LSAT PrepTest # - Month / Year - Book

LSAT PrepTest A - February 1996 LSAT - Official LSAT SuperPrep
LSAT PrepTest B - February 1999 LSAT - Official LSAT SuperPrep
LSAT PrepTest C - February 2000 LSAT - Official LSAT SuperPrep
Official LSAT PT - February 1997 LSAT - Official LSAT PrepTest w/ Explanations

LSAT PrepTest 1 - June 1991 LSAT -
LSAT PrepTest 2 - October 1991 LSAT - TriplePrep, Vol. 1, 1, 2
LSAT PrepTest 3 - December 1991
LSAT - TriplePrep, V. 2, 1, 2, 3
LSAT PrepTest 4 - February 1992 LSAT - TriplePrep, Vol. 1
LSAT PrepTest 5 - June 1992
LSAT - TriplePrep, Vol. 1
LSAT PrepTest 6 - October 1992
LSAT - TriplePrep, Vol. 2, 1, 2, 3
LSAT PrepTest 7 - February 1993 LSAT - 10 Actual / LSAT TriplePrep, Vol. 2, alts 1, 2, + 3
LSAT PrepTest 8 - June 1993 LSAT - TriplePrep, Vol. 3 
LSAT PrepTest 9 - October 1993
LSAT - 10 Actual / LSAT TriplePrep, Vol. 3
LSAT PrepTest 10 - February 1994 LSAT - 10 Actual / LSAT TriplePrep, Vol. 3
LSAT PrepTest 11 - June 1994 LSAT - 10 Actual / LSAT TriplePrep Plus with Explanations
LSAT PrepTest 12 - October 1994 LSAT - 10 Actual / LSAT TriplePrep Plus with Explanations
LSAT PrepTest 13 - December 1994 LSAT - 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 14 - February 1995 LSAT - 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 15 - June 1995 LSAT - 10 Actual Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 16 - September 1995 LSAT- 10 Actual Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 17 - December 1995 LSAT -
LSAT PrepTest 18 - December 1992 LSAT- 10 Actual Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 19 - June 1996 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 20 - October 1996 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 21 - December 1996 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 22 - June 1997 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 23 - October 1997 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 24 - December 1997 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 25 - June 1998 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 26 - September 1998 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 27 - December 1998 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 28 - June 1999 LSAT - 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 29 - October 1999 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 30 - December 1999 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 31 - June 2000 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 32 - October 2000 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 33 - December 2000 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 34 - June 2001 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 35 - October 2001 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 36 - December 2001 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 37 - June 2002 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 38 - October 2002 LSAT - Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
LSAT PrepTest 39 - December 2002 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 40 - June 2003 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 41 - October 2003 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 42 - December 2003 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 43 - June 2004 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 44 - October 2004 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 45 - December 2004 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 46 - June 2005 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 47 - October 2005 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 48 - December 2005 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 49 - June 2006 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 50 - September 2006 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 51 - December 2006 LSAT - Individual 
"LSAT PrepTest 51.5" - June 2007 LSAT - Free LSAT on LawHub

LSAT PrepTest 52 - September 2007 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 53 - December 2007 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 54 - June 2008 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 55 - October 2008 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 56 - December 2008 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 57 - June 2009 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 58 - September 2009 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 59 - December 2009 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 60 - June 2010 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 61 - October 2010 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 62 - December 2010 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 63 - June 2011 LSAT - Individual

LSAT PrepTest 64 - October 2011 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 65 - December 2011 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 66 - June 2012 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 67 - October 2012 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 68 - December 2012 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 69 - June 2013 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 70 - October 2013 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 71 - December 2013 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 72 - June 2014 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 73 - September 2014 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 74 - December 2014 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 75 - June 2015 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 76 - October 2015 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 77 - December 2015 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest C2 - January 2016 LSAT - SuperPrep 2
LSAT PrepTest 78 - June 2016 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 79 - September 2016 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 80 - December 2016 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 81 - June 2017 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 82 - September 2017 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 83 - December 2017 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 84 - June 2018 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 85 - September 2018 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 86 - November 2018 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 87 - June 2019 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 88 - September 2019 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 89 - November 2019 LSAT - Individual
LSAT PrepTest 90+ - May 2020 LSAT - LawHub
LSAT PrepTest 91+ - May 2020 LSAT - LawHub
LSAT PrepTest 92+ - June 2020 LSAT - LawHub
LSAT PrepTest 93+ - June 2020 LSAT - LawHub


(There are multiple test forms for each online LSAT administration, which is why both PT90+ and 91+ are from May 2020 and both PT92+ and PT93+ are from June 2020.)






Among other things, the below contains some details on the various books containing older LSAT PrepTests.

Here's a summarized list of all available LSAT PrepTests:

Numbered PrepTests 1-present

Some of the older PrepTests can be difficult to find, but you can get them in the books below.

Official LSAT TriplePrep, Volume 1 (out-of-print, available used) contains PrepTests 2 (October 1991), 4 (February 1992), and 5 (June 1992). Also try this and this to get it on Amazon.

Official LSAT TriplePrep, Volume 2 (out-of-print, available used) contains PrepTests 3 (December 1991), 6 (October 1992), and 7 (February 1993). Also try thisthis, and this to get it on Amazon.

Official LSAT TriplePrep, Vol.3 (out-of-print, available used) contains PrepTests 8, 9, and 10.

Grouped by Game Type
 contains every Logic Game in PrepTests 1-20.

Grouped by Question Type
 contains every Logical Reasoning question in PrepTests 1-20.

Grouped by Passage Type contains every Reading Comprehension Passage in PrepTests 1-20


Lettered PrepTests

The Official LSAT SuperPrep (PrepTests A, B, and C) = 3
This book contains the previously-undisclosed February 1996, February 1999, and February 2000 exams. It explains all answer choices.

The Official LSAT SuperPrep 2 (PrepTests 62, 63, and C2) = 1
This book contains PrepTest 62, PrepTest 63, and PrepTest C2. It explains all answer choices.


Unnumbered and Unlettered PrepTests

Free Sample June 2007 PrepTest = 1

Official LSAT PrepTest With Explanations (out of print - available used) = 1
Fun LSAT trivia: This is the stolen February 1997 LSAT exam with complete explanations written by LSAC.

May 2020 LSAT-Flex Sample PrepTest  = 1


Free LSAT PrepTests

Free Sample June 2007 PrepTest = 1

Digital LSAT PrepTest 71 (in LawHub, aka LSAC's Official LSAT Prep) = 1

Digital LSAT PrepTest 73 (in LawHub, aka LSAC's Official LSAT Prep) = 1


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Free LSAT Diagnostic Tests | The Shocking Truth

LSAT Blog Diagnostic Test Bubble SheetMany prep companies offer free proctored LSAT diagnostic tests. At first, this seems like a good idea. You take a free LSAT PrepTest under test-like conditions, and your test score lets you know where you stand before doing any prep.

In exchange, prep companies get all your contact info and the opportunity to market their prep courses to you at the end of the exam (and via email and phone, unless you give them a fake email address and phone number).

So what's my problem with free LSAT diagnostics? After all, sitting through a sales pitch in exchange for free stuff is a time-honored tradition.

However, free LSAT diagnostics aren't as useful as they might sound. Most people take them before doing any studying at all. As I wrote in the LSAT Blog Manifesto, diagnostic results are misleading. Everyone improves with some exposure to the exam, whether it's through self-studying, tutoring, or a prep course.

Because most people don't use LSAT-style thinking in everyday life, seeing the LSAT for the first time at the diagnostic is like taking a diagnostic in a language you've never spoken. The diagnostic doesn't come close to measuring your ability - it just demonstrates what you already know -- that you haven't learned the language yet.

Suppose you wanted to learn French, but you only knew a few random words of French. Would you take a diagnostic to see where you needed to focus? Of course not. With virtually no knowledge of the language, there wouldn't be any point - the results would be meaningless.

Same goes for the LSAT. Although the LSAT isn't actually a foreign language, it can seem like one the first time around. "Logic Made Easy" (interview) demonstrates several ways we're less logical in everyday life than you might think.

Logic is learnable, but it requires practice.

Taking a timed LSAT diagnostic before learning any strategies is like being sent off to war without any training, supplies, or body armor. Sure, it's a wake-up call, but is it really necessary?

After discussing these diagnostics with many of you, it sounds like you find it frustrating to sit through a full exam before learning any strategies - with no systematic approach to Logical Reasoning, no idea of how to attack Reading Comprehension passages, no diagramming techniques for Logic Games...

Not only can it be discouraging, but it actually wastes a recent exam you could've used to gauge your ability after learning the strategies. Being able to take that exam later in your prep would've actually yielded meaningful results.

So what should you do about the free LSAT diagnostics offered by the major companies? If you don't mind the sales pitch, take one at the end of your prep, and use the experience to simulate test-like conditions. You can even bring your own PrepTest if you don't want to use theirs.

***
What do you think? Are LSAT diagnostics taken at the beginning of your prep worthwhile, or are they a waste?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section!

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How to Challenge a Flawed or Unfair LSAT Question

LSAT Blog Challenge Flawed Unfair QuestionEven the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) makes mistakes.

Occasionally, a flawed LSAT question (a question that has no clearly correct answer) slips through the cracks and makes it onto a scored section of an actual administered LSAT exam.

Fortunately, like any bureaucracy worth its salt, LSAC has a set of rules in place just in case a clever (or stubborn) test-taker decides that his/her logic surpasses LSAC's. You can find these rules in "Policies and Procedures Governing Challenges to Law School Admission Test Questions."

Blog reader Jamie recently emailed me about "withdrawn" LSAT questions (questions that students have successfully challenged). Because LSAC doesn't want to confuse students with ambiguous or poorly-written questions in the published versions of its exams (and because it doesn't want its mistakes to live on in published form), these questions are not reprinted. Instead, the space where they appear is simply noted as "withdrawn."

Jamie writes:
I sometimes come across a "withdrawn" question on a released test: you know, "withdrawn from scoring." I imagine a number of different situations: LSAC scores the exams and realizes that a certain question threw off the difficulty of the test, or two angry LSAC philosophers break into arm wrestling match over a question only to realize there are multiple acceptable solutions as presented, or perhaps a heroic test candidate catches a flaw the LSAC glossed over, reports it to Newtown (Ed: the town in Pennsylvania where LSAC's headquarters are located - Steve), gets a 181 and a ticker-tape parade.

Whatever the cause, what are the implications? If LSAC withdraws a question, and your answer was the credited answer, do you lose out on a point? If you're certain that a test question has an error, do you have a recourse? I just wonder if it's detrimental to note "withdrawn" on the released test, since the released version is no longer an accurate specimen of what you would have sat through for that particular test.
LSAC calculates the scale (translation of raw scores to scores out of 180) before each administration, and it pre-tests questions in previous exams' experimental sections. For this reason, it's not due to the exam's difficulty. (LSAC occasionally recalibrates the scale if an exam turns out to be harder or easier than expected. However, it doesn't withdraw questions for this reason.)

It's also not the philosophers' arm-wrestling match, as amusing as that would be. LSAC philosophers do all their arm-wrestling before the exam is ever administered.

Withdrawn questions only result from the efforts of heroic flaw-catching test candidates.

Yes, if they withdraw a question, but you answered it "correctly," you lose out on the point.

If you're certain that a question is wrong, you can email LSAC afterwards. If they decide in your favor, they'll withdraw the question.

However, under test day pressure, it's better to attempt every question than to puzzle over one you believe to be poorly-written. While you'd live on in the test-takers' hall of fame for your efforts, it's to your advantage to prioritize the other questions instead of getting bogged-down.

If you take a practice exam that contains a withdrawn question, your experience won't be perfectly similar to that of the people who actually took that test, but it'll be pretty darn close, just one fewer question out of approximately 100 questions. It's negligible in the larger scheme of things.

LSAC recalibrates the scale when this happens, so you'll still get an accurate result.

***
Read on for Withdrawn LSAT Questions | Item Removed From Scoring.

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Withdrawn LSAT Questions | Item Removed from Scoring

LSAT Blog Withdrawn Questions Item Removed From ScoringAfter answering Jamie's question in How to Challenge a Flawed or Unfair LSAT Question, I became curious and looked through every PrepTest to determine how many questions have been withdrawn in LSAT history.

I've listed below all the withdrawn questions I found. If you flip to the appropriate page, all you'll see is a blank space with the words "Item Removed From Scoring" or "Question withheld from scoring." In the answer key, you'll see an asterisk (*) where the credited response would've been listed. As I said, LSAC doesn't publish withdrawn questions.

-PrepTest 23 (October 1997), Section 3, Question 1 (page 164 in 10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests) - Logical Reasoning

-PrepTest 32 (October 2000), Section 4, Question 22 (page 144 in The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests) - Logical Reasoning

- PrepTest 38 (October 2002), Section 4, Question 12 (page 345 in The Next 10...) - Logical Reasoning

- PrepTest 45 (December 2004), Section 1, Question 5 - Logical Reasoning

- PrepTest 46 (June 2005), Section 1, Question 9 - Reading Comprehension

- PrepTest 52 (September 2007), Section 4, Question 15 - Reading Comprehension

- PrepTest 60 (June 2010), Section 1, Question 19 - Logical Reasoning

Admittedly, it's difficult to make any predictions with a sample size of only 7 questions. However, if the distribution of flawed questions on previous exams is an indication of where future flawed questions will appear, then flawed questions may be more likely to appear on September / October exams in the future.

I'm only speculating, but I suspect that as LSAC has tried to include more difficult questions in recent years, it has become increasingly likely to "cross the line" by including questions that had no correct answer, which were later removed from scoring.

The fact that recent years are the first time we've seen Reading Comprehension questions withdrawn is an indication that the Reading Comprehension section is becoming more difficult.

If you spot any withdrawn questions in your PrepTests that I missed, please email me with your additions to the list above. Thanks!

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Preparing for the June 2011 LSAT Experimental Section

Preparing LSAT Experimental SectionIn my LSAT study schedules, I recommend that you include extra sections in your practice exams. Why would I recommend such a cruel and difficult task?

Because LSAC uses test-takers as lab rats (like many organizations that administer standardized exams - think back to the SAT). LSAC includes an unscored experimental section on the LSAT and doesn't tell you which one it is. If you knew which one it was, you'd probably take a nap to recuperate between the sections you care about - the scored ones.

To LSAC's credit, this practice increases the validity of the scored sections of future LSATs. The experimental section allows LSAC to pre-test questions with several thousand applicants, helping LSAC determine which questions deserve to make it into future scored sections.

On the other hand, not knowing which section is the experimental can make it difficult to decide whether or not to cancel your score. If you bomb the experimental section, it may affect your performance on the other sections. Additionally, being forced to "donate" 35 minutes of free research for LSAC after paying to take the LSAT hardly seems fair.

Regardless, because you'll see a 5-section exam on test day, rather than the 4 you're used to seeing in your books of PrepTests, it's essential to prepare.

I decided to write this post after blog reader Katie wrote to me this week with the following question:
I have been taking 4 section timed tests for a while now but am starting to take 5 and 6 section timed tests as you suggest. I have two questions:

1. I assume that the type of "extra" section(s) I include should vary from test to test. For example, on one day, I would add a logic games section and the next day either a reading comprehension or a logical reasoning section. Is this what you would recommend?

2. What is the best way to score these tests? Which section do I omit? I took a test last night and did an extra logical reasoning section. The scoring for the test I took the extra section from was very different from the full test I was taking - does this make sense? I want to make sure I'm getting an accurate read of my performance.

Varying extra sections
There are two main approaches I'd recommend:

-You can rotate the type of "extra" section(s) that you use.
-You can make the extra section(s) the one that you like the least.

For most people, a combination of the two is probably ideal. Figure out which type of section you dread the most, and include it more often than the others.


Which section to omit
This makes perfect sense, Katie. To get the most accurate score reading, omit the section(s) that are not from the original exam. Different exams have different scales.


Another tip on preparing for the experimental section:

Mix up sections.
As I said earlier, on test day, you won't know which section is the experimental. For this reason, you may want to lay out the sections from each PrepTest beforehand. Take two from the "scored" exam and one "unscored" experimental, and mix them together.

This way, you won't know which ones are scored and which ones aren't, and you'll be forced to put the same effort into each.

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How to Speed Up on Timed Practice LSAT Exams

LSAT Blog Speed Up on Timed Practice ExamsIn the final month of your LSAT preparation, you should take full, timed, practice exams.

Some of you have difficulty transitioning from untimed sections to timed ones. With the added pressure of timed 35-minute sections, sometimes you lose track of the fundamentals. This post will help you stick to them.

Once you already have a strong foundation in the various sections of the LSAT, most of your mistakes will be careless.

This means you missed the key words in the stimulus or answer choices.

That one word you skip or neglect can totally change the meaning.

Of course, it all comes down to being careful, but sometimes that isn't enough.

Taking PrepTest sections untimed is kind of like riding a bike with training wheels. It may look similar to riding a two-wheeler bike, but it's a very different experience from the real thing.

Finding your center of gravity was a gradual process with a patient parent or older sibling slowly letting go.

Leading us to...

2 tips for students scoring below 165

1. Adjust to the 35-minute limit
Adjusting to timed sections may be difficult, so gradually cut down the time you allow yourself per section.

If you've only been doing untimed sections, consider giving yourself 40 minutes/section in your next practice exam, then decrease 1 minute/section on each of your next exams: 39, 38, 37, etc...down to 34 or 33. You want to have a small cushion to review anything of which you were unsure. Don't forget to leave time to bubble your answers!

2. Consider not answering every question
If you're struggling to make it into the 150s, it may not be realistic for you to answer every question.

If this describes you, and if you're okay with admitting that you may not get in the 160s or 170s on Test Day, consider the following tips:

On Logical Reasoning, consider taking more time for the easier questions (the earlier ones in each Logical Reasoning section).

On Logic Games, consider skipping the hardest Logic Game. (It could be any of the games, but generally not the 1st. It also varies from person to person and from exam to exam).

On Reading Comprehension, consider skipping the passage's topic you dislike the most. Topics typically include: Humanities, Law, Natural Science, and Social Science. (Although, as I've always said, the topic shouldn't matter!) Alternatively, you might consider skipping the Comparative Reading passage.


A tip for students scoring around or above 165
Even if you're not expecting to get 165+, this tip may help you, but use it at your own risk.

-Answer the first 10 Logical Reasoning questions in 10 minutes.
Another trick many students use is to complete the first 10 Logical Reasoning questions in 10 minutes.

The benefit: the first 10 LR questions tend to be the easiest in the section. Getting through them quickly gives you more time for the more difficult questions towards the end.


Along those lines...

Remember that the average time per game or passage is not your actual limit.
Remember 8 mins and 45 secs (35 mins divided by 4 games or passages) is just the average amount of time you have for each Logic Game and Reading Comprehension passage. You'll find some LG and RC easier than others. Believe it or not, some games and passages are solvable in less than 6 minutes. For this reason, don't force yourself to complete each in the average allotted time. You can use the time you save on the easier ones for the harder ones.

Reviewing the fundamentals
However, you might still find timed sections unbearably frustrating even after you've already eased yourself into doing them. If this describes you, it may simply be that you lack a strong foundation in certain question types. Take a few days to slowly analyze your approach to the question types that give you difficulty. Don't be afraid to spend even 5-10 minutes looking at a question that you answered incorrectly or were unsure about.

As you begin to acquire the LSAT mindset, you'll adjust to the timing aspect of the exam.

If I haven't yet answered your pressing question, leave a comment!

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