Test Curves? Forum

[emoney8907]

I know this question is not answerable because the curve depends on everyone who takes a given exam, but I couldn't help noticing that the later PTs have much tougher curves than the earlier PTs. The earlier PTs, you could get 12 or even 14 wrong and still get 170, on many of the exams, but on the later PTs, even getting 9 wrong could still be a recipe for a 169.
Anyone else notice this trend? Is it just how things are or is there actually an explanation for this?
I just want to know so that I'm not so uneasy after taking an older PT, get 12 wrong for a 170, but realize that 12 wrong on a more recent PT is like a 166.

[beachbum]

The most recent tests have had more forgiving curves; I believe PT60 (last June) had a -12. But then, you'll never know what kind of curve your test is going to have. Do your best and let the chips fall where they may.

[gdane]

There are a lot of reasons for this. One reason is that test takers are better prepared now than they were 10 or 15 years ago. The abundance of test prep companies that offer classes, books and advice allows students to better prepare for the LSAT. So since more people are getting more questions correct, the test naturally has to tighten its curve.

[Hedwig]

I think I went through and looked at what my average raw score/goal score (about 93) would translate into in the curves on the newer tests. The range was pretty close, actually, mostly evening out to a 173 or so, sometimes higher, sometimes a bit lower. Obviously don't plan on getting a specific curve - just do your best.