Demystify the LSAT Experimental Section

You may be able identify the LSAT’s observationalsection laterthe test, but don’t waste energy during the exam trying to figure it out.

 

As those who removetaken or arepreparing for the LSAT know, the exam is composed of five multiple choice sections plus a writing sample, but merelyfour of the five sections are scored – the writing sample is alsonotscored.

 

 

There is a mete outof not-so-credible information on the Internet about the unscored, observationalsection. Thefollowingare some insights into its purpose and the unique challenges it poses, asfountainheadas the techniques prospective law students can use to try and identify it. This way, you resultseducea clearer picture of what to expect on raiseday.

[Beat these common LSAT concerns.]

1. What is the observationalsection? The experimental contributionenables the Law School Admission Council to demonstrateout future potential multiple choice questions.

In the past, the experimental percentagewas always one of the first tripletsections, makeit easier for students to identify, but now it fecal matterbe anywhere, allowing LSAC to moresuccessfullydisguise it.

LSAC can judge the difficulty of the questions based on student performance under real testing conditions and can ensure that all students are fully applying themselves, since the students cannot know for confident(predicate)which roleis experimental. Each student's results factor into LSAC's research, but will not affect his or her LSAT score.

2. What challenges does the experimental section present? While the experimental section does not affect your LSAT score, it can pick outnegative consequences for a student if a test-taker becomes flustered by seeing the new or different irresolutiontypes that can sometimes appear in the experimental section.

In addition, the energy that goes into trying to figure out which is the unscored section is an unnecessary mismanagementthat can cause students to lose focus during the exam.

If you start to buzz offnervous because you are seeing unfamiliar questions, try to induceyourself that you are in the experimental section and have nonentityto worry about.

On my LSAT over10 years ago, I resuscitatea game I just could not unclutterand took this approach. By not allowing this game – which may not have had any viable solutions – affect the other sections, I secured a 179.

[Stay focused on LSAT test day with these tips.]

3. When should I identify the experimental section? It is understandable that students are, at the very least, curious to know which of the sections will not count toward their LSAT score.

The appropriate mto deliberate over the experimental section is after the exam is over, when you have time to reflect. If you know that you missed points on a particular section, but after the test, you determine that section was experimental, you'll know your chances of reaching or exceeding your target score.

For example, I had a Stratus cookerystudent who did horribly on a section, but after deducing it was likely experimental, she kept her score and earned a 176.determinewhich section is experimental can thus help you regulateif you should cancel your score. Remember, you have only six days after the test to notify LSAC of your desire to cancel.

If you know you missed more questions than coarseon a section that was not the experimental section, you may choose to cancel your score as it is unlikely that you reached your aboundingpotential.

[Find out how the October LSAT affects your law school applications.]

4. How do I identify the experimental section? It is goldenfor students to be misled about which section is experimental. For example, test-takers often reverberateto conclusions if they find a section that appears to be significantly easier or more difficult than the others, believing that it must be the experimental.

Not only is this assumption often inaccurate, but it is far too inbornto be reliable – what seems harder to some students may be easy for others.

There will always be two logicallogical thinkingsections, one reading experiencesection and one section of logic games in the beddedLSAT. So, ifthitherare three logical reasoning sections or two reading comprehension sections or two sections of logic games, one of these must be the experimental section.

[Learn what to look for in an LSAT class.]

Further narrowing the choices requires the eye and experience of an attentionprofessional who can utilize the specific types of questions asked, as vigorousas the number of questions asked, to suggest which section is likely experimental. For example, the graded sections of the LSAT usually have 101 scored questions, so a section that would deviate from that norm is likely experimental – though there are a couple of tests with 100 and one or two with 102 real questions.

If you have worked with a tutor in preparation for the exam, reach out to him or her for help find outwhich section is likely the experimental one on your test.

Do you have questions about the experimental section? Let me know in the comments, netmailme at shawn.oconnor@stratusprep.com, or contact me via Twitter at @shawnpoconnor.

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Materials taken from US News