Theoretically easier for a skilled LSAT taker to get 99th percentile these days? Forum

[JCDante]

I am committing a logical reasoning no-no, but here me out.

Is it theoretically easier for someone with 99th percentile capabilities to get a 99th percentile on today's LSAT compared to say, LSATs ten years ago?

The curve for a 170 is usually around -12 or -13 today. Ten years ago (or at least, based off the June 2007 test) it was -6.

LSAC is assuming we need more room for error. However, someone capable of getting a 99th percentile score likely has the ability to do exceptionally well no matter what the LSAT throws at them. Because they have an extra cushion that they did not have in the past, it should be easier for them to get a higher score on today's tests than earlier ones.

[nlee10]

The 170 curve was -8 for the June 2007 test. You do realize that test had an unusually small curve? You always have needed around a 88-90ish raw to get a 170. If anything, it's the opposite because TLS users are claiming recent tests have been hard but the curve mildly set at -12.

[hairbear7]

No

[ChillTomG]

I believe that it is substantially harder to obtain nth percentile scores than in the past.

The Flynn and its corollary effects are well documented and even over the course of ten to twenty four years there is a significant enough change to confirm the readily apparent effects on standardized testing such as the LSAT.

Transplant a person who took the LSAT in 1991 and watch his/her reaction.

[appind]

I believe that it is substantially harder to obtain nth percentile scores than in the past.

The Flynn and its corollary effects are well documented and even over the course of ten to twenty four years there is a significant enough change to confirm the readily apparent effects on standardized testing such as the LSAT.

Transplant a person who took the LSAT in 1991 and watch his/her reaction.

this. more difficult to get a higher score now than in the past.

[RZ5646]

No, and looking at the curve won't tell you anything because there's a second variable, the difficulty of the questions.

In fact, the test is probably slightly more difficult now because the average test-taker is better prepared than in the past (more PTs, LSAT prep has become a big business, etc.), and test difficulty is determined by the performance of test-takers on experimental sections ... but that increased difficulty is probably negligible.