New Tests Forum
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kidkasparov123
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2019 10:58 am
New Tests
Hello. On the "older" tests (90s-early 2000s), I've gotten mid-170s for the past 3 or so PTs. I took PT 87 today, and got a 167. Are the old tests non-predictive, or was this just a bad test? What's the general view on that? The sections for the recent PT didn't seem any different, just the curve.
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HopefulSplitter0000
- Posts: 120
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 8:51 am
Re: New Tests
Having taken almost every test, I believe the older tests and newer tests differ only slightly.
The newer tests include comparative reading passages, science passages that are not science-focused, and more parallel reasoning questions. They also seldom have LR stimuli with two questions attached if I recall correctly, which was a common feature of early exams.
That said, your score should not have dipped dramatically. Obviously the newer tests are more likely to resemble current examinations, but the old tests should not be considered irrelevant or "non-predictive". Try taking another exam or two, and come back if you find your scores are still lower.
The newer tests include comparative reading passages, science passages that are not science-focused, and more parallel reasoning questions. They also seldom have LR stimuli with two questions attached if I recall correctly, which was a common feature of early exams.
That said, your score should not have dipped dramatically. Obviously the newer tests are more likely to resemble current examinations, but the old tests should not be considered irrelevant or "non-predictive". Try taking another exam or two, and come back if you find your scores are still lower.
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Blueprint LSAT
- Posts: 77
- Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2019 5:43 pm
Re: New Tests
From what I can extrapolate, the changes on the LSAT over the years seem geared to closing loopholes and tricks that can be used to circumvent the need to actually understand the logic they want you to be able to understand.
Older tests will have the occasional weird question you wouldn't see today and in some ways they might be harder, but there will also be some things that are easier for people who have learned some basics.
Overall the older tests are perfectly useful as prep for learning the way the test is put together and for practicing your skills. As for their predictive value, honestly I would suggest not worrying about that. Being able to predict your score in advance does zero to change it. Save a few of the newer tests to do in the lead-up to sitting for the exam just so you are primed and ready. Beyond that, focus on improving your score not predicting it.
Older tests will have the occasional weird question you wouldn't see today and in some ways they might be harder, but there will also be some things that are easier for people who have learned some basics.
Overall the older tests are perfectly useful as prep for learning the way the test is put together and for practicing your skills. As for their predictive value, honestly I would suggest not worrying about that. Being able to predict your score in advance does zero to change it. Save a few of the newer tests to do in the lead-up to sitting for the exam just so you are primed and ready. Beyond that, focus on improving your score not predicting it.
